With four different locations to launch from, all facing different directions, you are likely to find a good sailing spot in Swansea Bay whatever the weather. The first beach is S facing near the County Hall where you can sail here at most times but low tide can involve a walk of 500 metres through sand and mud. The best conditions are W winds, which produce some good wave sailing or flat water blasting depending on the conditions. Dangers include large shorebreak and the outlet of Swansea sewer, which is marked by a post in the centre of the bay.

The second beach is SE facing and located near Sketty Lane. It is only possible to sail two hours either side of high tide here because the water disappears to the horizon. This is definitely a good place to practice waterstarts as the water is shallow for 500 metres one hour either side of high tide. Best conditions are NE or SW, which give ideal cross-shore winds and fairly flat water which is ideal for beginners.

The third spot is a SE – E facing beach about 2 miles N of Mumbles. Sailing is limited to one hour either side of high tide, but this beach is ideal for beginners as the water is shallow for 500 metres. Best conditions are from N to S and these winds produce some good flat water sailing with very few waves. The main danger is that offshore winds can pick up when you get out of the wind shadow of the beach so beginners might have problems when they go out too far, apart from that, this is a very safe beach.

The fourth location is a NE facing beach near Mumbles. It is possible to sail in all tides here but low water springs can mean a walk of up to 30 metres through mud and rocks. Best conditions are NW to SE but avoid E winds because nasty 2 – 3ft chop is created. Dangers here are mainly tidal problems as the bay fills from the N and empties from the S. Also watch out for numerous obstacles in the water.