Brims Ness
A group of reefs west of Thurso that picks up more swell than anywhere around.
Brims Ness is a headland with several slab reefs (known as The Bowl, The Cove and The Point) that picks up more swell than the rest of the north coast. There are waves both ways and almost always something surfable.
The waves are powerful and break over shallow rock.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | NW, W, N |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SE |
| Tide | All tides, depending on the reef |
| Size | 1–3 m |
| Best season | September to April |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Medium |
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 shortboard. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Brims Ness
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 AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonSeal a ding on the spot and keep surfing.
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
Few surfers, mostly locals. Respect priority.
Surfing style
Slab reef waves.
Hazards
Rock slabs and currents.
Map
Other spots nearby
Thurso (Caithness)
One of Europe's best rights: barrels over a slab by Thurso castle.
Melvich (Sutherland)
A sandy bay at the mouth of the River Halladale, with quality banks.
Bettyhill (Sutherland)
A wild bay next to Bettyhill, with a left at the mouth of the River Naver.
Aberdeenshire
The surf hub of north-east Scotland, working with North Sea swells.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.