Scotland is not generally on the top of many lists for a surfing destination, let alone the harbour situated in Scotland’s northerly town of Thurso.

Taken from its Norse Settlement name “Thor’s River”, Thurso is host to a world-class right hand point break & annual international cold water surfing competition.  First surfed by famous Scottish surfer, Malcolm Findlay after he returned from a four-year stint with the French Foreign Legion in 1974, surfing Thruso is not for the faint hearted.

Thurso is home to the Scotland Leg of the O’Niell Cold Water Classic: “The O’Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland is one of those events that make our sport so special,” ASP Europe President David Mailman said. “It is a unique and challenging destination that brings diversity to the tour and is a draw card that never fails to deliver for the best surfers on the planet.” With a purse of US$ 145,000, the event has put Thurso & Scotland on the map as a world class surfing destination.

Receiving a generous mix of ground and windswells: Thurso offers “A good right hand point break, can be a good long ride, and can give away some good barrels”. The beach break provides left and right-handers, the power of the waves rolling in from the Pentland Firth has been compared with those of Hawaii.

Surf Equipment/Hire In Thurso

For those needing to hire or purchase board, wetsuits or repairs, the helpful folk at Tempest Surf Shop are they crew to help you on your surf trip: They also have a cafe serving local food where you can find out more about local surfing. Tempest Surf, Thurso Harbour, Caithness, KW14 8DE. Tel: 01847 892500. Email: info@tempestsurf.co.uk

Surfing Thurso Harbour Reef: Information

Break Type: Reef

Wave Direction: Various

Ideal Wind: Southerly

Ideal Swell: Northerly

Ideal Tide: All

Hazard: Rocks, sometimes pollution

Average Water Temp: 6-15 Degrees

Difficulty: Expert

Nearest City: Glasgow

Nearest Airport: Glasgow

Rating: 4/5

Competitions: O’Niell Cold Water Classic

Thurso Accommodation

Accommodation in July & August can be found at the Thurso Youth Club Hostel:

Address: Old Mill, Millbank Rd Thurso, KW14 8PS

Telephone: 01847 892964

Category: Hostel

Nearest Beach: Thurso

Web details: tychostel@btinternet.com

This hostel occupies a converted 200-year-old water mill and is ideally located overlooking river and park. Providing comfortable accommodation in a friendly environment, a staff member is on duty throughout the day to provide any assistance you may require. Facilities include a large fully equipped kitchen, dining area, games room, TV & video lounge, secure cycle storage and private parking. Price includes continental breakfast and use of Internet and laundry facilities. Discount for groups of 10+.

Other Surf Breaks around North East Scotland

The North East Coast of Scotland is home to several quality breaks promising some great waves and chilly temperatures:

• Strathy
• Melvich
• Sandside Bay
• Brimms Ness
• Skirza
• Sinclairs
• Ackergill

For more information on surfing in Scotland, Momentum Surf shop located in Edinburgh can provide a thorough guide to surfing throughout Scotland: http://www.momentumsurfshop.com/scotland.htm

Comparative Information: Scotland vs South Africa, Australia & Hawaii

A quick comparative overview of international surf beaches:

AVERAGE WATER TEMP

Dunbar, Scotland 10C

Bondi Beach, Australia 23C

Oahu, Hawaii 26C

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa 18C

AVERAGE SWELL SIZE

Dunbar 6ft

Bondi 4ft

Oahu 5.5ft

Jeffreys Bay 5ft

AVERAGE AIR TEMP

Dunbar 9C

Bondi 22C

Oahu 25C

Jeffreys Bay 16C

This article has been written by Travel Insurance Direct who provide comprehensive travel insurance for Australian surfers on the road. Cover for 2 weeks surfing in Scotland is available from $88.00.