Wing Foiling at Y Foryd – Hidden Gem on the Menai Strait
Tucked just west of Caernarfon, Y Foryd (also known as Foryd Bay) is a quiet, scenic inlet off the Menai Strait that offers a unique flat-water wing foiling experience – but timing and tide are everything.
What Makes It Special?
When the tide is high – and the higher, the better – Y Foryd transforms into a sheltered, glassy lagoon perfect for foiling. The water remains remarkably flat, ideal for those looking to dial in freestyle moves or enjoy a chill cruise without chop or swell. The wind typically blows offshore from the launch, technically aiming toward the opposite shore rather than directly out to sea, so it’s a bit safer than your usual offshore scenario. Still, caution and local knowledge are a must.
Tides & Timing
Y Foryd is extremely tide-dependent. It’s a shallow spot, so your session window is tight – usually an hour or so either side of high tide, particularly on spring tides. On neap tides, the foilable window gets even narrower, and it may not be rideable at all.
As the tide starts to ebb, keep an eye out for standing waves up at the north end of the bay, where the water funnels out into the Menai Strait. These can get a bit gnarly, but they’re easy to avoid – stick to the middle section, launching from the main car park.
Conditions Overview
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Wind Direction: Best with southerly winds (offshore but manageable)
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Water State: Flatwater heaven at high tide
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Ideal Tides: Springs – an hour either side of high
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Skill Level: Intermediate+ (due to tide timing and offshore-ish winds)
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Hazards: Tidal flow, limited depth, standing waves at the north end on the drop
Launch Spot Info
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📍 Grid Reference: SH 4560 6060
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🚗 Main launch is from the car park near Foryd Bay Boat Club (a gravel area used by locals)
Links & Resources
Y Foryd isn’t a spot you stumble across – it’s one of those tucked-away locations that rewards the rider who shows up on the right day, at the right time. For local wing foilers in North Wales, it’s a little-known flatwater paradise when it lines up. Just be sure to get in, get your session, and get out before the tide disappears beneath you.