Surf Forecast  Melvich

Melvich surfspot characteristics

More about Melvich surfspot

Short, fun, high tide left reef into the rivermouth, doesn't handle much size. Reasonable river groomed sandbars at lower tide but closes out when overhead. Offshore at west end in SW.

General: At the eastern end of the dune-backed bay, the tannin brown river feeds a sandbar that has built up over a stoney patch of reef, producing long, walling rights and shorter lefts. Consistently good waves can be found here, breaking from 2ft through to epic head-high surf. There can also be peaks along the beach. Needs a slightly bigger swell to wrap in. Can be checked from the road, there's parking behind the dunes. Melvich is the first of Sutherland's river-fed sand bays, a clear demarcation from the reef-fringed topography of Caithness. Can be quiet out of peak season. Tides: Breaks through the tides. Size: Thigh high to overhead. Wind: S Swell: NW/N Bottom: Sand and rock patches Paddling: Rips by the river and on beach when bigger. Spot Rating: Some fun, quality waves here with both long rights and short lefts.

Waves suitable for all when small, but remoteness and rips mean best left to experienced when a surf picks up.

Car park just behind the dunes or also by the Bighouse and over the foot bridge.

Best in clean Autumnal swells September – November.

Crowd Factor: Mostly quiet but can be busy during peak season. Local Vibe: Friendly.

Park in car park on west side behind dunes, short walk in. Strong rips on dropping tide.

Clean.

Rips and rocks.