(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“The majority that needs to be said has been done in the other comment. (All based on my experiences at these breaks)
St Andrews has technically two breaks East and West sands (Easy being the one almost always referred when talking about surfing) so I’ll split the comment in two parts per break.
East Sands: inconsistent is probably the best description of it, fun unchallenging waves up to head high (haven’t paddled out in anything higher so use the other comment for that).
Closing out on a dropping tide isn’t an exaggeration, it’s like someone hits a switch and you've about half an hour before the wave start properly shutting down or at least don’t peel as much. Although I’ve seen some of the mal/longboard riders sneaking across the face when the tide is dropping but rising mid seems to be the best time.
In terms of safety there is a nasty rip at the end of the beach with rocks a sometimes another current will try to drag towards it so keep an eye on your position. Getting dropped in on can happen (it’s never a sign of aggression that I’ve seen) although after a crash course in surf etiquette at another break I do my best to respect wave priority. Line up is always friendly and relaxed, good atmosphere getting hooted into a wave is not uncommon.
West Sands: Not much to say, always empty, plenty of room and again inconsistent. Vast majority of the time waves are mushy (or it’s flat) but is waist high off-shore conditions can be very fun and some rides are suppressing long. Usually come here after check east and it’s poor or too crowded. A goofy footer will get a nice view of St Andrews during their ride, water tends to be a turquoise colour and cleaner than east. Although it looks a beginner friendly beach the current pulling towards the river Eden can be ridiculously strong so be cautious.
For more advanced surfers there are plenty of other much better options in the area. I have cooked up a storm at one of these places a few times after getting too big for my boots and the shame of it stills haunts me to this day!
Sorry for long windedness but hope it’s helps.”
Sebastian from UNITED KINGDOM - 08 Feb 2021
St Andrews Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 18 votes and 3 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.8(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 2.0(1: St Andrews is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.5(1: St Andrews is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Scotland - East Coast. 5: the best break in Scotland - East Coast). |
Difficulty Level: 2.6(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.9(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: St Andrews can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.3(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at St Andrews, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.5(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at St Andrews are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.7(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.1(1: Often too crowded. 5: St Andrews is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.9(1: Getting to St Andrews requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 3.9(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.2(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 4.2(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near St Andrews for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 3.0(1: Camping at St Andrews is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.2(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: St Andrews is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.2(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.8(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at St Andrews, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 4.5(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near St Andrews where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“An inconsistent break! Mainly windswept crap.. or 2 ft closeouts.. but when its a 10 ft NE swell with offshore winds it can go off! Low tide go to the cliff end of the beach and at mid to high tide go to the sandbar near the harbor wall. 7 miles down the coast there is a much better break called kings barns... there are three different waves at the same beach.. called the point' pole and the beach. The pole is a reef and has got a short left slab.. which breaks on a NW swell tends to be hollow! (works on high tide) the beach works on any swell really.. had an awesome session there. perfect beach break peaks on its day.. can be hollow too! (works at high tide) and the point is a lovely long right hander.. a mini thurso east on its day.. some barrel sections.. breaks over large boulders. Can be unforgiving considering there is no kelp just plain reef. Some dry sections as well... heard there's a nice left as well which I have to try out! Only go at high tide unless you want to snap your fins! No crowds as well.”
andrew from UNITED KINGDOM - 18 Apr 2012
“It rarely gets any waves and when it gets it tends to be stormy waves. No good surfing really. In terms of wind, St Andrews is very windy but often W, which means offshore. If you are into flat water windsurfing and good at kitesurfing on offshore winds, then St Andrews is definitely a place to visit, otherwise, I wouldn't recommend it.
See you
Miguel”
migosa from UNITED KINGDOM - 13 Apr 2012
Nearest