West Strand
Portrush's gentlest beach, by the harbour: good for learning.
West Strand is west of Portrush harbour and is the town's most sheltered beach, with soft waves for learning. The far left end, by the cliff, is a reef called Black Rock, best left to experienced surfers.
That leaves the rest of the beach for beginners.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Beginner |
| Best swell | NW, W, N |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E, S |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 0.5–1.5 m |
| Best season | All year |
| 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 West Strand
The water is around 8 °C in winter and 14 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For winter water at 8–11 °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.
Hazards
Black Rock reef at the far left end.
Map
Other spots nearby
Portrush (Antrim)
Portrush's main beach, with barrels by the Arcadia on good days.
Portrush (Antrim)
Below white chalk cliffs, the most powerful peak on Portrush's beach.
Portstewart (Londonderry)
About 3 km of National Trust beach, with peaks along the whole strand.
Bushmills (Antrim)
A bay next to the Giant's Causeway, with a short, hollow river-mouth wave.
All spots in Northern Ireland →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.