Thurso Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, it’s Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks. Honestly, it’s a bit of a slow start, so don’t be in a rush to wax up just yet.

The first bit of surf that’s even worth a mention doesn’t really show up until Monday the 31st of August. Before that, we’re looking at a string of days with tiny, weak swell and onshore winds – classic poor conditions. The water temp is sitting at 57°F, which is about average for this time of year, so nothing out of the ordinary there.

Monday the 31st sees a tiny pulse of energy, but it’s not going to get the heart racing. The swell is a weak 2ft from the north, with a period of 8 seconds, and the combined energy is a measly 68. The highlight of that day is Monday afternoon, when the wind goes completely glassy – that’s a real treat. You’ll be surfing clean, but tiny waves. It’s a surfable wave, but very ordinary.

The next mention of any real potential is a long way off, and it’s a bit of a tease. On Saturday the 5th of September, the conditions finally line up. The morning brings a clean 3ft swell from the west, with a period of 10 seconds and a combined energy of 342. The wind is offshore from the SSE, making for gentle offshore and clean conditions. This is the standout of the entire forecast. It’s not huge, but it’s clean and workable. The swell direction is a solid west, which is right in the sweet spot for the optimum direction here. The break is fairly consistent, but keep in mind that crowds are possible – it’s not a secret spot.

The next day, Sunday the 6th of September, keeps the hope alive. The afternoon session looks decent with a 5ft west swell, same 9-second period, and a combined energy of 318. The wind is offshore from the SSW, giving you moderate offshore and clean conditions. This is another solid option, but it’s not quite the peak of Saturday morning.

After that, things get a bit messy again. We get a couple of bigger swells rolling through, but they’re accompanied by cross-onshore winds and a chop that’ll ruin the surface. Monday the 7th even sees an 8ft swell, but it’s blown out and choppy – that’s expert-only territory due to the size, and even then, not worth it if the wind is junk.

The final week has a few pulses, but nothing that screams “go now.” The best bet remains that Saturday morning window. It’s a clean, small-day session with a proper offshore wind. For a beginner, that 3ft is perfect. For the more experienced crew, it’s a longboard or a funboard kind of day.

So, to wrap it up: the first week is a write-off unless you’re desperate for a glassy knee-high wave. The real highlight is Saturday the 5th of September morning. It’s a clean, offshore, 3ft west swell. That’s your window. After that, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Keep your eyes on the sky, and I’ll see you out there.

Rusty.

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