Foryd Bay is a large bay off the southern side of the Menai Straits. A popular place for birdwatchers as it is home to many rare birds and a pleasant place to while away the days. It is also an excellent venue for windsurfing in relative safety. In lighter winds it is the ideal spot for beginners with shallow flat water, easy access and a quiet, relaxed feel. In stronger winds it provides good choppy blasting conditions for more competent sailors in most wind directions. It is only sailable two hours either side of high tide and as long as you stay within the bay the currents are fairly gentle. The less experienced should however stay away from the mouth of the bay where the currents can become very confused. It is possible to sail from here across the Menai Straits to Anglesey, but beware of the currents. The best place to launch from is the picnic site on the eastern edge of the bay where there is plenty of free parking and a nice area of grass to rig on. You park a few yards from the waters edge allowing non-participating partners to site in the van/car and watch. A really nice spot for a mellow days windsurfing. Sports Suitability Surf Conditions at Foryd Bay are Not Good Buggying Conditions at Foryd Bay are Not Good Windsurfing Conditions at Foryd Bay can be Good Kitesurfing Conditions at Foryd Bay can be Good
Foryd Bay. This horseshoe bay has very strong rip tides but is also a good location to practice carve gybes if you are competent with water starts. It is only possible to sail two hours either side of high tide because the water in the bay disappears and sailing while the tide is going out isn’t really suitable, unless you are an experienced sailor.
Getting there: Head S on the A487 from Caernarfon. The bay is then signposted
Parking: Parking available in picnic area
Ideal Wind: S – SW
Accomodation: Hotels and B&B’s in Caernarfon
Amenities: None
Water Quality: Not tested
Suitable for: Intermediate except in strong tides
