Belhaven Bay
The closest learning beach to Edinburgh, in a wide bay next to Dunbar.
Belhaven Bay is a wide bay next to Dunbar, about 45 minutes from Edinburgh. With a north-east swell it gives soft waves, ideal for learning, and there are surf schools.
At low tide the sea goes out a long way.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Beginner |
| Best swell | NE, N, E |
| Best wind (offshore) | SW, S, W |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 0.5–1.5 m |
| Best season | Autumn to spring |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
Loading the forecast…
Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A minimalibu, funboard or longboard. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Belhaven Bay
The water is around 7 °C in winter and 13 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For water below 7 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A calm vibe.
Surfing style
Soft waves for learning.
Hazards
Tidal currents and cold water.
Map
Shapers near Belhaven Bay
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Cockburnspath (Berwickshire)
A small bay between red cliffs, the benchmark wave of the east coast.
Aberdeenshire
The surf hub of north-east Scotland, working with North Sea swells.
Kintyre (Argyll)
A 5 km beach on the Kintyre peninsula, open to the Atlantic.
Isle of Tiree (Inner Hebrides)
Tiree's surf beach, on the «Hawaii of the north», also famous for windsurfing.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.