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ride the waves!

Bodyboarding has a much shallower learning curve than stand-up surfing, and is physically less demanding, partly because you remain prone on the board, rather than needing to 'pop up' into a surfing stance and balance on a moving wave.

[ Your safety comes first... ]

Please be aware that all watersports carry some risk, so Splash! Wales take their safety responsibilities and duty of care to all customers very seriously.

As a consequence, thorough risk assessments are carried out on each activity, and constantly reviewed according to changing weather, wind and sea conditions.

All Splash! Wales' Instructors, Coaches and Paddleboard Guides are qualified through the ASI (Associatiuon of Surfing Instructors) with the SLSA (Surf Lifesaving Association of Wales) or Royal Lifesaving Society, as lifeguards.  Plus;  all Splash! personnel are first aid trained in accordance with the requirements of the National Governing Body for each sport.

Splash! Wales watersports work to AALA (Adventure Activities Licensing Authority) protocols, covering staff qualifications, risk assessments and method statements.  All equipment is regularly inspected and the firm carries full Public Liability insurance.

For safe supervision, surfing & bodyboarding is limited to a maximum of ten participants in the water per instructor or guide.  All must be comfortable in the water and able to swim 25 metres without bouyancy aids.

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bodyboarding

Far more than just the little brother to stand up surfing, riding a body board (often called a 'boogie board' ) is an exciting discipline in its own right. . .  and probably the most fun you can have in, or out, of a wetsuit!

[ Some advantages of bodyboarding ]

There are several reasons why bodyboarding is a popular alternative to surfing, and is often how most people discover the excitement of riding the power of waves!

Accessibility:  Bodyboarding or 'Boogie Boarding' can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.

Ease of learning:  Bodyboarding is far less physically demanding than traditional surfing, as you lie prone on the board, rather than trying to stand up.

Mobility:  Bodyboards are smaller, lighter and easier to carry. . . . especially on a wide open beach with a stiff breeze!

Cost:  Bodyboards are inexpensive, both to hire from Splash! Wales or to purchase before your visit.

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Boogie boarding is the perfect introduction to all forms of wave riding!

[ PRICE GUIDE & BOOKING ]

All participants must be at least 8 years of age and be able to swim 25 metres unaided.

2 hour experience:  Per person £39  ( . . .  please ask about reduced group rates for four or more persons!)

Prices INCLUDE all equipment hire, including wetsuit and bouyancy aid (if required), expert instruction and in-water supervision.

The preferred method of payment is by bank transfer (BACS) or Debit / Credit card in advance.  Although Splash! Wales do offer card payment facilities on the beach, this is subject to the availability of a mobile signal, which can be patchy in more remote locations (just call and ask Peter for advice). . .  but cash is always acceptable!

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. . .call  07971 271 673

surfing

Splash! Wales offer a fun 'try out' session for complete novices, learning basic skills like paddling, popping up and then maintaining balance on the board. . .  plus, of course, a safety and surfing etiquette briefing.

First-timers will start with a larger surfboard, and practice in a safe environment. . .  like small swells, or the whitewater created by a breaking wave.

[ Open a season by season wave calendar ]

Spring (March, April & May):  Newgale, in particular, is known for its consistent waves in Spring, with conditions often being ideal for surfers of all levels.

Summer (June, July & August):  Fortunately for our visitors, the main summer season tends to bring smaller, less challenging waves. . .  making it a great time for beginners just learning to surf, and bodyboard riders of all ages.

Autumn (September, October & November):  With similar conditions to spring (but with far warmer waters!), the autumn months are the most popular with intermediate surfers looking to improve their skills.

Winter (December, January & February):  Don't write the winters off!  Yes, the water has cooled and requires a thicker wetsuit, but these months bring larger, more powerful and exciting waves.  The challenging conditions make surfing in winter unsuitable for novices, but ideal for serious, experienced, surfers.

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[ PRICE GUIDE & BOOKING ]

Fun in the surf try-out:  2 hours £39

Learn to surf:  3 hours (half day) £55

Follow up coached practice:  2 hours £39

Prices INCLUDE all necessary equipment, including wetsuit and bouyancy aid (if required), expert instruction and in-water supervision.  All participants must be at least 8 years of age and be able to swim 25 metres unaided.

Although payment can be made by bank transfer (BACS) or Debit / Credit card in advance, Splash! Wales can offer card payment facilities on the beach, but this is subject to the availability of a mobile signal, which can be hit and miss in some of the more remote locations (just call and ask Peter for advice). . .  and cash is always acceptable!

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. . .call  07971 271 673

not a newbie?

Not all Pembrokeshire surfers are absolute beginners.  If you've surfed before, or consider yourself an 'intermediate' or even 'advanced' surfer, personal coaching up to Olympic competition standard can be delivered by Splash! Wales principal, Peter Bounds.

[ Peter Bounds professional resumé ]

Please take a moment to read through this highly abridged CV for the principal of Splash! Wales, Peter Bounds. . .  an international surfing champion and leading professional watersports trainer, coach and safety adviser with over 45 years of watersports and marine safety training experience.

Lifeguarding:  In 1964, Peter joined Llantwit Major SLSC and qualified as a surf lifeguard, spending four summers patrolling the beach and training at the RAF and Atlantic College pools.

In this role, Peter dealt with many emergency incidents and, indeed, was awarded a Royal Humane Society Commendation in 1978.

Surfing:  Peter was the UK team captain and UK surf champion in his age group, the Welsh champion many times, and was consistently in the top three of European surfers.  As a regular GB team member, Peter competed internationally in Australia, South Africa and France, winning the Smirnoff Ireland Pro-Am event. . .  and was a six-time Irish Open Surf Champion.

West Wales Wind, Surf & Sailing: In 1984, Peter established a multi-disciplinary watersports centre in Dale, the first of its kind in West Wales.  WWW quickly became a recognised Centre of Excellence.  Peter went on to serve as the Welsh national team's surfing & windsurfing coach, and an RYA watersports centre inspector.

Windsurfing:  With his existing surf skills, Peter progressed rapidly to achieve the highest RYA instructor qualifications (level 5).  As a trainer, Peter qualified around 400 student instructors in water safety and instructional techniques.

Powerboat operation:  During 20 years of driving powerboats commercially, Peter provided adventure training for the Royal Marine Commandos and was regularly called upon to operate camera boats and provide water safety coverage for film and television.

First Aid:  Peter has 35 years of hands-on experience as an FFAW trained and RYA certified first aid instructor for outdoor marine activities.

Event organisation:  With his wealth of professional experience, Peter has organised many national and international level events, which encompassed seven Welsh Windsurfing Championships and the Celtic Watersports Festival.  He has also hosted National UK Series events at Dale including;  IMCO Nationals (Olympic), Seavets, Hobie Traveller, WYA national youth squad training weekends and a WSF National Senior Surf team training programme.

more recently. . .

1996 - 2000:  As Commodore of the Dale Yacht Club, Peter was responsible for internal Health and Safety, Training and Quality Assurance operations.

2007 to date:  Peter was engaged by SOAS Safety Boats in Pembrokeshire, becoming H & S and Quality Assurance Manager for a fleet of safety / rescue / crew transfer boats.  In this role he developed, and delivered, staff induction and training programmes for a crewlist of 100.

At SOAS, Peter also acted as Marine Safety Advisor to contracting Companies on major civil enginreering, oil and gas installation, nuclear power station and bridge construction projects. . .  reporting directly to the MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch).

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[ PRICE GUIDE & BOOKING ]

Coached practice session:  2 hours £39

Improvers' course:  (half day) 3 hours £55

Advanced skill coaching:  2 hours £98

Prices INCLUDE all necessary equipment, expert coaching and in-water supervision.

Payment can be made in advance by bank transfer (BACS) or Debit / Credit card.  Although Splash! Wales can offer card payment facilities on the beach, this is subject to the availability of a mobile signal, which can be hit and miss in some of the more remote locations. . .  but cash is always acceptable!

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[ Some tips for experienced surfers ]

However experienced you are in the surf, Splash! Wales offers the following safety tips;

  • Check the forecast:  Pay attention to swell direction and wind conditions, as they significantly impact wave quality and surfability.
  • Consider the tide:  Many Pembrokeshire beaches change dramatically with the tide, so research the best time to surf based on your chosen location.  You'll find links to tide times at each Splash! location in the Beach Guide
  • Choose the perfect beach:  Pembrokeshire's beaches offer a variety of breaks, so it's important to select one that suits your skill level. . .  and the current conditions.
  • Be aware of hazards:  Submerged rocks and rips are potential hazards at some locations, so listen to your Coach's safety briefing, stay vigilant, and always be aware of your surroundings.

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Most important of all, enjoy the experience!  Pembrokeshire offers stunning scenery, wildlife, and friendly locals, so take time to appreciate the unique qualities of this coastal area.

. . .call  07971 271 673