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<\/a><\/p>\nHeading Out<\/h5>\n
Launch from Porthdafarch beach at low water and paddle the 1.2 nm in a westerly direction to Penrhyn Mawr (keep land on your right!).<\/p>\n
Pass Mackerel Rock after 0.4nm, be aware that this is a popular fishing location \u2013 avoid the flying lead weights by keeping out of casting distance, approx 200m.<\/p>\n
Continue to Gull Island (0.7nm from beach), a small rocky islet 10m off the first major headland. This small rock will give you a good indication of conditions to come.<\/p>\n
By now, you\u2019ll probably feel the pull of the tide sweeping you towards Penrhyn Mawr which lies around the corner.<\/p>\n
Choices<\/h5>\n
Now is decision time \u2013 the overfalls are 0.5 nm ahead, approx. 5 mins away. Paddlers experienced at Penrhyn Mawr may press on and commit to the Main Channel (left of the off-lying rock) and drop straight into the waves. More prudent paddlers will opt for a safer and gentler introduction by hugging the coastline and approach via the Inside Channels. The intermediate option would be to drop through the Small Channel and break-out immediate right into the large eddy behind the rocky islet. Beware of the short shallow reefs guarding the sides of this channel \u2013 they can be particularly tricky during a large swell. <\/span><\/p>\n Best play conditions at Penrhyn Mawr happen between low water and mid-tide \u2013 at these heights, the streams and eddies are well defined, and refuge may be sought downstream\/behind rocks. Between mid-tide and high tide, the streams become less defined, and the eddies \u2018more boily\u2019 \u2013 eventually, at high tide most of the rocks cover up. <\/span><\/p>\n The area called the Inner Channels can be used for ferrygliding and general practice for moving water skills. <\/span><\/p>\n The Small Channel is surfable when in good condition \u2013 it has a safe and defined eddy on the shoreward side, the outer eddy can be a little confused. This Small Channel is approx. 20m wide and can be ferryglided quickly \u2013 a short wave train moves upstream against the flow of water. The waves here can be relatively steep when there\u2019s swell. The Small Channel provides plenty of challenge when conditions are heavy or too intimidating in the Outside and Main Channel areas.<\/span><\/p>\n The best surfing conditions are often found in the Main Channel. This Main Channel flow is over 100m wide, and during ideal conditions the waves span the width of the channel. Again, waves travel upstream against the flow of water \u2013 a paddler would position themselves downstream and surf their way up to the head of the wave train, then drift back on the tide and repeat the process. <\/span><\/p>\n Staying out mid channel will test the endurance of any paddler, rest may be sought in the eddies to the side of the flow. The cleanest surf waves are found at the top of the wave train, closest to the approaching flow of water \u2013 it is advisable\/desirable to stay in this top area to maintain short clean surfing runs. <\/span><\/p>\n Alternatively, if a paddler slips back too far down the flow and out of the best waves, the shoreward eddies can be used to regain lost ground.<\/span><\/p>\nConditions<\/h5>\n
Options<\/h5>\n
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