Gills Bay surf guide
Surf: Heavy, hollow, sectioning point that fires on big NW swells only, since N is blocked by the Orkneys. Best at mid tide when the long sections may link up. Experts only.
Environment: Rarely crowded because it rarely works well. Park by the pier or park on main road and walk over headland.
Surf: General: This long, green headland is home to a reeling left-hand pointbreak that some liken to those found around the Indonesian archipelago. A haven in huge westerly swells accompanied by westerly winds. This break really shines in any big swell, producing heavy, barreling lines that roll along the rocky, slab-stone bottom. As the tide drops out, rocks and boulders can appear and it can section. Usually a quiet spot, its a long walk to an exposed and challenging wave. A good place to see killer whales.
Tides: Mid tide.
Size: Head high to double overhead.
Wind: S to W
Swell: NW, WNW
Bottom: Slab-stone point.
Paddling: Pentland Firth is world famous for its huge currents, rips can be bad.
Spot Rating: Long, heavy, sometimes hollow walls breaking over rock on this exposed headland. You'll probably want company.
Access: Tricky parking - its a long walk from the harbour.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Quiet.
Local Vibe: Friendly.
Environment: Clean.
Hazards: Rocks, rippy, size, access and exit.
Season: September - February as needs the bigger swells.