Marwick surf guide

Marwick is a surf spot located in the Orkney Islands, accessible by a short ferry trip from Gills Bay to Stromness on Mainland. This area features some interesting wave formations, breaking over slabs of slate and sedimentary rock. The waves here can pick up Northwest Atlantic swells as well as Southwest and North swells, although some spots remain unsurfed. It often has strong and consistent winds, so finding the right Southeast winds can take a bit of patience. The scenery is typical of the Orkney landscape, with rugged coastlines and rocky outcrops.

When it comes to surfing at Marwick, the waves can be pretty solid, especially for intermediates looking to improve their skills. The optimal swell direction is Northwest, and it can handle swell sizes starting from around 2 feet (about 0.6 meters). The waves here come mainly from rock ledges and form both left and right waves. For the best session, aim for low to mid-tide or even high tide as it works well across various tide levels.

While Marwick has some known spots, there’s a lot of potential in the area. It's not just about the popular breaks; the moody slab reefs to the north can really amplify swell. If you're willing to explore a little, you might find uncrowded waves and different setup options that appeal to what you like to ride. Just be ready for a bit of a trek to some of these spots, as they can be off the beaten path.