Thurso East Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what we’ve got for Thurso East over the next couple of weeks.

Right now, it’s a waiting game. The surf is slow off the mark, but there’s a real gem waiting for us. The first proper session I’d paddle out for kicks off Monday afternoon, the 24th of August. We’ve got a clean, moderate offshore wind out of the SE, grooming a 6ft swell from the WNW. The period’s a solid 11 seconds, pushing moderate wave energy (685) right into this exposed point. Water temp is sitting at 56°, which is bang on average for this time of year—no surprises there, just your standard North Sea chill. This is the standout of the whole run, and it's happening soon.

Tuesday the 25th starts with a fresh offshore wind, but the swell drops off to 4ft and the energy fades. By Tuesday afternoon, it’s small and weak. From Wednesday the 26th right through to Saturday the 29th morning, there’s a poor run of small, weak swell and choppy wind. Nothing to get excited about.

Then Saturday the 29th gets messy. A big onshore wind kicks up from the NW, and while the swell builds to 13ft with strong energy (2188), the wind is straight on it, making it a real mess. Sunday the 30th sees a big drop in size but still heaps of energy in the water—10ft and 1547—though the wind is cross-shore, so it’s lumpy. This might be more of a kite session than a paddle session, to be honest.

Another quiet stretch takes us through the end of August and into the start of September, with only small, clean but marginal waves on offer. Then, look here—Thursday morning, the 3rd of September, brings a real treat. A 5ft groundswell from the N with an 11-second period, clean conditions, and moderate energy (612). That's a solid, workable wave for those who know the lineup.

Friday and Saturday the 4th and 5th are blown out or too big with onshore winds, so we skip them.

Sunday the 6th of September has a 10ft swell from the NNW, but it’s still onshore and messy in the morning. However, Sunday afternoon the wind goes light and variable from the NNE, with a 8ft swell and plenty of energy (1249). It’s cross-shore and a bit wobbly, but if the tide plays ball, there could be sneaky clean sets.

Now, the big one for the crew who can handle it: Monday the 7th of September. A 5ft to 4ft northerly groundswell with an 11-second period, and clean offshores all day from the ESE and SE. Moderate energy (573) and clean lines. That’s another proper session.

But hold on—Tuesday the 8th of September. Holy mackerel. The swell goes nuclear: 25ft from the NW in the morning, with an astronomical energy reading of 16694. The period is 12 seconds, and the wind is cross-onshore from the N. This is a monster. The comment says it might be too big even for this break, and I’d believe it. Only the absolute top-tier experts would even think about it. That afternoon it drops to 16ft, still huge.

So, the best bets: Monday the 24th of August afternoon is the clear winner for manageable, clean, fun waves. Thursday the 3rd of September morning is the long-range stand-out—keep an eye on the forecasts, but it looks beautiful on paper. Everything else is either too small, too messy, or too big for a casual paddle.

Stay safe, and keep your head on a swivel.

Rusty.

Read more