The Bitches
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 The Bitches in 2007, with Ramsey Island beyond | |
  The Bitches | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | St Brides Bay |
| Coordinates | 51°51′42″N 5°20′34″W / 51.86167°N 5.34278°W |
| Administration | |
Wales | |
| County | Pembrokeshire |
The Bitches (also known as Bitches and Whelps) are a tidal race and set of rocks between Ramsey Island and the west Welsh coastline near St Davids. They are a popular tourist destination and a playspot for extreme waterboarding enthusiasts such as whitewater kayakers and surfers.[1][2]
Formation
Water between Ramsey Island and the Welsh coastline is squeezed over a sea bed that changes height dramatically. During the change of tides this causes the water to flow at a rate of up to 7 knots (13 km/h). A set of rocks further constricts the water, especially during higher tides, and this causes hydraulics to form in the shape of glassy standing waves and broken waves (also known as stoppers).
