Crab Island
Crab Island is one of the Gower's quality reef setups, breaking off a rocky platform in Langland Bay. It needs proper size to wrap around the Bristol Channel.
Crab Island surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 270°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m - 2.7m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
Water temp
13°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
4/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Crab Island?
Crab Island is a reef break in Langland, Gower, UK, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Crab Island?
Crab Island picks up swell from the SSW round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 1.8m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 2.3 to 2.7m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 11s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Crab Island?
A N wind is dead offshore at Crab Island, and anything from the NW round to the NE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Crab Island?
Crab Island is at its best around the mid to high tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Crab Island?
The most reliable run of swell at Crab Island comes Oct to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Sep too.
How cold is the water at Crab Island?
The water at Crab Island averages around 13°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Crab Island good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Sharp reef, booties essential. Strong currents around headland.
How do I get to Crab Island?
The nearest airport on our list is BRS, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Crab Island?
The closest breaks we track are Pete's Reef (0.3 km), Three Peaks (2.0 km) and Rest Bay (20 km), handy when Crab Island isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Pete's Reef
Gower's shallow reef - Low tide specialist - Sharp and technical
Three Peaks
Gower's powerful reef - A-frame peaks - Best at high tide
Rest Bay
Porthcawl's most consistent - All abilities - Rapidly changing tides
Llangennith
Gower's workhorse - Infamous paddle out - Welsh surf heartland
Rhossili Bay
One of UK's most beautiful - Softer Gower waves - Worm's Head views
Porthcawl Point
South Wales' most popular - High tide specialist - Sea wall barrels