Surf Forecast  Thurso East

Thurso East surfspot characteristics

More about Thurso East surfspot

Scotland’s premier righthand reefbreak and a world-class barrel on its day. In NW swells at mid tide a relatively simple drop leads into one of the longest, hollowest rides in Europe. Even the biggest W swells won’t get in without a touch of N; WNW swells are hollowest and the more N in the swell the mellower the wave as it tapers off to the shoulder. SW winds blow into the barrel and bump it up but it can still be fun in an onshore. Only moderate consistency and the smallish take-off zone quickly fills at the ideal mid tide.

General: The highlight of Scotland's "Norse Shore," this reeling right-hander nestled in the shadow of brooding battlements, is a Celtic case-study in topographic perfection. The smooth, kelp covered slab-stone reef at the mouth of "Thor's River" condenses and converts the raw power of Arctic swells rolling into the bay. With more north in it, the wave walls. But with more west, it transforms into a dark, cavernous pit up to 100 meters in length. Having been spat into the channel, the gentle rip carries you back to the peak with little effort. Even in the summer a 4/3 is advisable and in winter, gloves, boots and hoods are essential. Likened to a cold water Nias and discovered in the same year. No longer an empty frigid gem, always busy when it breaks and the small take-off zone means respect the locals. Tides: Breaks through the tides. Size: Shoulder high to double overhead. Wind: SE Swell: W, NW Bottom: Slab-stone reef. Paddling: Easy paddle out in rip formed by river. Spot Rating: A real jewel in the Scottish surfing crown, world class on its day.

Be sure you have good reef experience before you paddle out here.

Park respectfully in farm yard near surf club. Don't block the farmer's access.

September - February.

Crowd Factor: Small, intense take off point plus increased numbers means there's always a crowd. Local Vibe: Tolerant with humilty and respect.

As crowds increase, locals are less tolerant of groups and those that don’t wait their turn. Park responsibly in farmyard in front of the break, as there's not much room with the new barn. Alternatively, park by the harbour in town and paddle out in the peat-stained river that brings seriously cold water to the line-up in winter.

Brown peaty river run-off but pretty clean.

Shallow reef, crowds.