Thurso East
Thurso East is Scotland's most famous wave and one of Europe's best right-hand reef breaks. Sitting on the north coast of Caithness, it picks up huge North Atlantic swells and produces perfect, barrelling waves over a flat rock shelf. Works best at mid tide with a southerly wind. For experienced surfers only — the reef is shallow, the water is cold, and the wave is powerful. Best from September to April.
Conditions look mixed today with moderate onshore wind and a dropping swell period through the afternoon. Best bet is the early morning push before the wind picks up. Tomorrow looks cleaner with a slight shift in direction.
Create a free account for the full 7-day forecast
Get the extended forecast, save your favourite spots, and set surf alerts. Completely free, no card required.
Sign up — it's freeThurso East Surf Spot Guide
Everything you need to know before paddling out at Thurso East, Scotland.
Hazards & Safety
Shallow reef — helmets recommended. Very cold water. Powerful waves. Remote location — nearest hospital is Inverness (2 hours).
Local Tips
Best at mid tide with a southerly wind. Needs a decent north swell to work — 4ft+ at the break. The right-hander peels for 200m along the reef on a good day. Wear booties, gloves, hood, and consider a helmet. The O'Neill Cold Water Classic has been held here. Best months September to April.
Getting There
Park at Thurso harbour. Short walk along the coast path to the reef.
Parking: Free parking at harbour.
Facilities: Thurso town 1 mile for shops, cafes, accommodation. No facilities at the break.
Crowds
Small crew of hardcore locals and visiting pros. Respect the pecking order.
Water Temperature by Month
Water temperatures and recommended wetsuit thickness by month
Tide data from Thurso
Average daily wave height and wind speed from past forecast data. Updates as more data is collected.
Surfed here recently? Share a photo to help others see what it's like.
Know Thurso East? Share tips on tides, wind shelter, hazards, or best conditions.
Thurso East is Scotland's most famous wave and one of Europe's best right-hand reef breaks. Sitting on the north coast of Caithness, it picks up huge North Atlantic swells and produces perfect, barrelling waves over a flat rock shelf. Works best at mid tide with a southerly wind. For experienced surfers only — the reef is shallow, the water is cold, and the wave is powerful. Best from September to April.
Conditions look mixed today with moderate onshore wind and a dropping swell period through the afternoon. Best bet is the early morning push before the wind picks up.
Tide data from Thurso
Water temp & wetsuit by month
Average daily wave height and wind speed from past forecast data
Shallow reef — helmets recommended. Very cold water. Powerful waves. Remote location — nearest hospital is Inverness (2 hours).
Best at mid tide with a southerly wind. Needs a decent north swell to work — 4ft+ at the break. The right-hander peels for 200m along the reef on a good day. Wear booties, gloves, hood, and consider a helmet. The O'Neill Cold Water Classic has been held here. Best months September to April.
No photos of Thurso East yet