Thurso Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then folks, Rusty here. Let's have a proper look at what Thurso Beach has got lined up for us over the next couple of weeks. It's a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest, but there are a couple of windows where it's going to get real good.

We start off in a bit of a lull. Tuesday morning and afternoon (15th September) are rough; we've got a slight cross-onshore breeze from the northwest making a mess of a small 3ft west swell. Water temps are sitting at 57°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year. You wouldn't want to paddle out for that. Wednesday's not much better early doors, with more cross-onshore wind chopping up a 4ft swell. The afternoon, however, shows a flicker of life as the wind swings to a cross-offshore from the WSW, cleaning things up nicely, but the energy's still low.

Thursday 17th sees the swell bump up to 7ft in the morning and 8ft in the afternoon, coming from the west with a clean face on it thanks to a cross-offshore wind. The energy is building, hitting 947 and then a hefty 2002 (moderate to strong energy). It's on the edge for a beginner spot, but the quality is still just marginal.

Now, Friday 18th is where we need to be careful. The swell is going to absolutely pump in, hitting a massive 16ft in the morning from the WNW (13-second period) with a combined energy of 8087 – that's very strong. This is big, powerful groundswell. The problem is, the wind is straight cross-shore, blowing 25 mph, creating a messy, choppy mess. It's a no-go for a paddle board. In the afternoon, still a huge 13ft, with 4714 energy, and while the wind is a touch lighter, it's still cross-shore. The forecast even says it's too big for this break, and I agree. Unless you've got a kite, leave it.

Saturday 19th drops down a bit to 7ft in the morning with clean conditions, but that's still a bit of a handful. The afternoon goes back to a messy 8ft with strong cross-shore winds. Sunday and Monday (20th & 21st) are a write-off with sizeable but messy 10ft swell and strong cross-shore winds.

The standout window starts to appear on Tuesday 23rd September. Wednesday morning the 23rd is the first real highlight. We've got a solid 7ft west-northwest swell rolling in, with a 13-second period, pushing a very strong 1544 energy. But the real kicker? The wind is glassy. Dead calm, light air from the north. For a beginner-friendly break, that's gold dust. Conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers, and that glassy surface will make those 7ft waves perfect. If you're capable, that's your session.

Thursday 24th is another very good shout. A 7ft WNW swell with 12-second period, 1232 energy, and a clean cross-offshore breeze from the southeast. That's going to be a fun, clean day with plenty of push.

The following week shows promise but is less certain. Thursday 28th September looks like another cracker on paper: a clean 8ft west swell with light cross-offshore winds, pushing 1791 energy. The afternoon gets too big at 12ft for this break, but the morning session looks excellent for experienced surfers. The very end of the run on Wednesday 30th September shows a nice 5ft NNW swell with a clean offshore wind from the SSE – a very tempting option with moderate energy (755).

So, for my money, the absolute standout is Wednesday 23rd September morning at Thurso Beach. Glassy conditions, a solid 7ft groundswell from the west-northwest, and plenty of energy. That is a morning to circle in red. Thursday 24th is the pick for a slightly mellower, clean session with a bit less size.

Don't forget, that big Friday 18th is for kite surfers only, and the rest of the time, you'll be waiting for those clean pockets between the wind.

Stay stoked,
Rusty.

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