Canoe Wales is the national governing body for paddle sport in Wales. We:

  • Manage the National White Water Centre which is located on the river Tryweryn in Bala, North Wales
  • Represent the interests of our club and individual members
  • Advocate on behalf of the interests of the sport in Wales
  • Provide coaching and development programmes from local to international level
  • Stage national and international competitions.

Anglesey / Ynys Mon

Access Officer: Nigel Dennis, NDK, Newry Beach Rd, Holyhead LL65 1YD 01407 762525

6-day tide forecast for Liverpool

Stanley Embankment Afon Nodwydd Menai Strait Sketch map of Anglesey - Stanley Embankment and Menai Strait

Stanley Embankment

Stanley Embankment is the causeway connecting Anglesey and Holy island. As the tide rises the flow through the tunnel forms a standing wave suitable for learning the basics of surfing as well as a reliable venue for playboating.

The wave begins to form roughly 3.5 hours before high tide at Liverpool - and is usually at its best about 2 hours before high tide. The wave is best paddled above high tides of 8.5m, below this it is not particularly retentive or worth the effort. Don’t forget that tide times are given in GMT all year round!

The best parking for the embankment is on the outskirts of Valley, GR289796, opposite the police station, and walking down the pavement, crossing the railway, under the A55 and paddling along the edge of the embankment to the wave. It is not recommended that you paddle through the tunnel from the Northern side, as at certain states of the tide this can form a boxed in hole of doom, from which rescue would be extremely difficult.

Avoid parking at the ATS garage, this will cause needless friction with them. There is no longer a permit system in place. Similarly, avoid walking on or near the railway, this is illegal, will almost certainly cause problems, and might well get you killed

Anglesey Image

Menai Straits

The Menai Strait divides Anglesey from the mainland. The strait provides the feel of river canoeing but with guaranteed water flow. White water is found during the middle hours of both ebb and flood tides at Menai Bridge GR556714 and at the Swellies (a group of small islands and rocks between the Menai Bridge and the Britannia Bridge). Conditions vary, but expect the equivalent of grade II river conditions during spring tides, when the speed of the tide reaches 7-8 knots. At the Swellies, slack water occurs approximately one and a half hours before high and low water (two hours before Liverpool). Slack water at the Swellies lasts for a short time only. The remainder of the Menai Strait provides excellent touring water, but be prepared for fast tidal streams and large waves particularly in the exposed areas towards Caernarfon.

The classic swellies wave is alas no more, kelp or perhaps sea monsters have reduced it to a glorified ripple. However there a number of treats tucked away throughout the straits for the eager playboater, cuising tourer or soulful squirt boaters; large whirlpools, stable mystery spots and jagged cartwheely holes have all been reported in these fickle waters.

Afon Nodwydd

Tidal Distance 0.5km

This section is of limited interests to canoeists, but at certain states of the tide it is used to gain access to the surf in Red Wharf Bay. Access from public car parks in the area and from the parking area on the seafront GR529809.