The Best Places To Go Paddle Boarding In Wales

I’ve had the pleasure of paddle boarding in some amazing spots in Wales over the years and now I thought I’d share a few of them.

I hope you get to enjoy them as much as I have.

1. New Quay, Cardigan Bay
2. The Gower, Swansea
3. The Blue Lagoon Abereiddy, Pembrokeshire
4. Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire
5. Llanberis, Snowdonia
6. Rhosneigr, Anglesey
7. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
8. Lower stretch of the River Teifi, Cardigan
9. Bala Lake, North Wales
10. Shell Island, North Cardigan Bay
11. Llangollen Canal, North East Wales
12. Cardiff Bay, Cardiff

NEW QUAY, CARDIGAN BAY

Known for its beautiful coastline and picturesque harbour, New Quay is one of the best locations for paddle boarding in Wales and the UK.

It’s perfect for paddle boarding beginners, as the area of sea around the harbour is sheltered from the weather and is flat most of the year.

It’s also great for the more experienced paddle boarder as there are some amazing beaches and spots along the coastline to explore too.

New Quay is teaming with marine sea life such as bottlenose dolphins and atlantic grey seals and a good place to spot sea birds feeding and nesting in the area.

GOWER PENINSULAR, SWANSEA

Popular paddle board destinations in the Gower include Pwlldu bay, Caswell bay, Langland, Limeslade and the Mumbles.

For surfers, Llangennith has probably the most reliable waves, Langland is also recommended.

THE BLUE LAGOON ABEREIDDY, PEMBROKESHIRE

The Blue Lagoon used to be a slate mine but it flooded when the channel between it and the sea was blasted.

It’s now one of the most iconic places in Wales for all kinds of watersports including paddle boarding.

FRESHWATER WEST, PEMBROKESHIRE

Freshwater West is a sandy, picturesque beach near Castlemartin flanked by dunes.

It’s very popular with surfers due to its consistent swell and waves, so is probably one for the more experienced paddle boarder.

LLANBERIS, SNOWDONIA

Notable for its rugged beauty, the village of Llanberis sits at the foot of the highest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon.

Close to Llanberis are the twin lakes of Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, both of which are perfect for paddle boarding.

RHOSNEIGR, ANGLESEY

Rhosneigr is a small village situated on the south-west coast on the island of Anglesey.

Traeth Crigyll and Traeth Llydan are two popular beaches for paddle boarders and surfers.

The nearby lake, Llyn Maelog, is great for fishing, walking and spotting wildlife too.

TENBY, PEMBROKESHIRE

Tenby is a beautiful harbour town in south-west Wales famous for its castle, fishing, lovely beaches and stunning walks.

Head to the North Beach to enjoy the best paddle boarding.

LOWER STRETCH OF THE RIVER TEIFI, CARDIGAN

The river Teifi flows from the Cambrian mountains to its estuary at Cardigan town.

It’s at the lower stretches near Cardigan where it’s possible to paddle board.

BALA LAKE, NORTH WALES

Bala Lake or Llyn Tegid is situated next to the market town of Bala in Gwynedd.

With the river Dee flowing into it and out of it, it’s a great spot for canoeing, sailing and paddle boarding.

SHELL ISLAND, NORTH CARDIGAN BAY

Shell Island is near Harlech, a seaside resort in the north of Cardigan Bay.

Shell Island is essentially 450-acres of unspoilt countryside within which is a huge, 300-acre campsite.

Making it a good base to explore paddle boarding opportunities nearby.

LLANGOLLEN CANAL, NORTH WALES

The Llangollen canal crosses the border of Wales and England linking the town of Llangollen in Denbighshire with Hurleston in south Cheshire, via Shropshire.

It has many great opportunities for paddle boarding along the way.

CARDIFF BAY, CARDIFF

In the capital city of Wales, Cardiff Bay is becoming increasingly popular for paddle boarding as more and more city dwellers take up the sport.