Thurso East
One of Europe's best rights: barrels over a slab by Thurso castle.
Thurso East is a right that breaks over a flat rock slab next to the ruins of Thurso castle, at the river mouth. With a north-west swell and a southerly wind it gives long walls and heavy barrels, and it's considered one of the best waves in Europe.
It has hosted international contests. The river water is peat-coloured and freezing in winter.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | NW, N, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SW, SE |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 1–4 m |
| Best season | September to April |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | High |
Surf forecast
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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 performance shortboard; a step-up on big days. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Thurso East
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 AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
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
A small, highly skilled local community, with localism when there are lots of visitors. Keep a low profile and respect priority strictly.
Surfing style
Slab right with barrels.
Hazards
Rock slab, very cold water and river currents.
Map
Other spots nearby
Thurso (Caithness)
A group of reefs west of Thurso that picks up more swell than anywhere around.
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.