Thurso Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Thurso Reef. It’s a reef break that picks up swell from the NW, and it’s fairly consistent. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing to write home about. Gotta be honest, the first week and a half is a bit of a write-off. We’ve got a real gap here from the start all the way through to the morning of Tuesday the 14th of July with nothing worth paddling out for. The wind is mostly cross or cross-onshore, the swell is small and weak, and the energy is way down. There’s a few mornings with clean conditions, but the waves are just too small and gutless to get excited about. The combined energy barely cracks three digits, peaking at a weak 334 on Friday afternoon, but it’s too messy.

Then, on Tuesday morning the 14th of July, we finally get a little life. The wind swings cross-offshore, the swell bumps up to 4ft from the WNW with a long 11-second period. The energy jumps to 323, and it’s clean. The forecast says “expect good surf conditions,” so it’s a solid option for a mid-week paddle. It’s not a huge standout, but it’s the first real chance. The afternoon holds similar size but the energy drops a bit.

Wednesday the 15th and Thursday the 16th are cleaner but the swell fades fast, dropping to 2ft and then 1ft, so it’s pretty ordinary. The wind stays cross-off, but there’s just not enough push.

The next real window is a long way off. We’ve got another gap of poor conditions until the morning of Wednesday the 22nd of July. That morning, the swell jumps to 7ft from the WNW, with moderate cross-off wind and clean conditions. The energy hits 545, which is getting into moderate territory, but it’s a “marginal” call, likely due to tide or the short 8-second period. This one is for the more experienced crew, as 7ft is getting up there. The afternoon is similar.

But the true standout, the one you’ve been waiting for, is the morning of Thursday the 23rd of July. The wind drops to glassy – dead calm – and the swell is a solid 8ft from the west with a 10-second period. The combined energy goes through the roof at 1183. This is a serious groundswell, and with glassy conditions, it’s going to be an epic day for experienced surfers. The reef will handle that long-period energy well, but beach breaks might be a bit straight. The afternoon keeps it clean with offshore wind and 8ft, energy still over 1100. This is the best on offer, no question.

Friday the 24th of July stays solid, with 8ft from the west all day, clean conditions, and energy holding strong around 1150. The period stretches to 11 seconds on the afternoon, making for some real quality. This is a gold run for anyone who can handle the size.

Saturday the 25th of July winds down a bit, dropping to 6ft from the west with offshore wind and clean conditions, energy at 696. Still a very good day, but not the standout.

So, the pick is clear: Thursday the 23rd and Friday the 24th of July. Glassy or offshore winds, solid 8-8ft west swell, and massive energy. That’s the one to circle on the calendar. Come mid-week, expect crowds to be likely, as this spot is a known one.

Rusty.

Read more