Coney Beach Kitesurfing

The go-to alternative when the wind is offshore at Rest Bay. A south-easterly that blows off the land there is cross-shore here, which makes Coney the beach to head for.

Skill level
Intermediate and up
Riding
Freeride · Wave riding
Best wind
SE, ESE, E, S
Live conditions

Wind direction

Works in an east to south wind: the very directions that shut Rest Bay down. Anything with west in it arrives gusty over the town.

Best: SE, ESE, E, S

Cross-shore conditions. Position near the left rocks when the wind is easterly.

Caution: SSW

Can work, but it starts to get gusty as the wind comes over the town.

Avoid: W, NW, N, NE

Westerlies are extremely gusty coming over the town. Head to Rest Bay instead.

Hazards and restrictions

The harbour wall is the one to respect. Set up at the eastern end, away from the funfair crowds.

  • Stay well clear of the harbour wall. Currents can push you towards it and the rocks are dangerous.
  • Set up at the eastern end of the beach, away from beach users and the funfair area.
  • Sea wall and rocks on both edges of the beach. Keep a safe distance when riding.
  • Very busy in summer with tourists visiting the funfair and amusements. Give way to swimmers.
  • Westerly winds are extremely gusty and dangerous here; they arrive turbulent over the town buildings.

Location

East of Porthcawl harbour, beside the funfair. Follow the town centre signs from M4 junction 37; the beach is by the Hi-Tide Inn.

Access and facilities

A town beach: car park by the Hi-Tide Inn, pubs, cafes, toilets and chip shops all within a short walk.

Getting there

M4 Junction 37 towards Porthcawl. Follow signs to the town centre and funfair. The beach is near the Hi-Tide Inn.

Parking

Car park near the Hi-Tide Inn overlooking the beach. Street parking is also available in the surrounding roads.

Facilities

  • Pubs and cafes nearby
  • Public toilets
  • Funfair and amusements
  • Fish & chip shops
  • Easy town centre access

Local tips

When the wind swings south-east and Rest Bay goes offshore, this is where you come.

Rest Bay faces west, so when the wind swings to the south-east it blows straight off the land there and the beach is unflyable. That same south-easterly is cross-shore at Coney, giving clean conditions and good wave riding when there is swell. Position yourself near the left rocks when the wind is from the east to make the most of your downwind run. Check the live wind direction before deciding where to go.

Live webcam

Porthcawl Pier's webcam looks across the harbour towards this beach.

Porthcawl Pier webcam
Live view towards Coney Beach and the harbour Open on Windy ↗ (opens in new tab)

Frequently asked questions

When should I kitesurf at Coney Beach instead of Rest Bay?

Head to Coney Beach when the wind is from the east or southeast. These winds blow offshore at Rest Bay (making it dangerous), but are cross-shore at Coney Beach, giving clean rideable conditions. Check the live wind direction on the dashboard before deciding.

What skill level do I need for Coney Beach?

Coney Beach is best suited to intermediate and advanced kitesurfers. The beach is narrower than Rest Bay with hazards including the harbour wall and rocky outcrops on both sides. You need to be confident at riding upwind and self-rescuing. Beginners should start at Rest Bay instead.

Is Coney Beach good for wave riding?

Yes, Coney Beach can be excellent for wave riding. When the swell is up and the wind is from the SE, you get clean waves with cross-shore wind: perfect for kite wave riding. Position yourself near the left rocks to maximise your downwind wave run.

What are the main hazards at Coney Beach?

The biggest hazard is the harbour wall: currents can push you towards it and the rocks are dangerous. There are also rocky outcrops on both edges of the beach. Westerly winds are extremely gusty and turbulent here because they pass over the town buildings. Always set up at the eastern end, away from beach users and the funfair area.