Thurso Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s break it down.

The only break we’re looking at is Thurso Reef. It’s a reef break for intermediates, fairly consistent, but sometimes it gets crowded. The best swell comes from the NW, and it’s exposed to the ocean.

We’ve got a slow start. Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th are poor. Saturday morning has a 6ft swell from the west, 9-second period, with a 22 mph offshore wind – clean, but the energy is moderate (615). Saturday afternoon bumps up to 8ft west swell, 10-second period, with stronger energy (1116), but still marginal. Sunday the 9th is a total write-off – poor conditions, cross-off winds, and 8ft to 8ft of swell.

Monday the 10th is lumpy, cross-shore, and poor. Tuesday the 11th drops to 3ft from the north, short 8-second period, weak energy (155). Wednesday the 12th is tiny – 1.0ft west swell, long 12-second period, and very weak energy (46). Afternoon is glassy, but only 1ft. Not worth paddling out.

Thursday the 13th is glassy in the morning with 2ft from the north, 12-second period, energy 160. Still very ordinary. Water temp is about average for this time of year.

From Friday the 14th through Thursday the 21st, it’s a long stretch of poor to ordinary conditions. Small waves, cross-shore winds, and weak energy. There’s a gap of nearly a week with nothing to recommend.

Then, on Friday the 21st of August, the afternoon finally delivers: 8ft from the west, 7-second period, combined energy of 743 (moderate), and offshore winds from the SW at 12 mph. The forecast says “expect very good surf conditions.” This is the standout. The swell direction is west, not the ideal NW, but clean offshore wind and 8ft will make Thurso Reef work. At 8ft, it’s for experts only.

Saturday the 22nd is a two-part story. Morning has 6ft from the WNW, 10-second period, with a screaming 28 mph wind from the west – strong, clean, but cross-off. Energy is moderate (651). The afternoon, though, is huge: 12ft from the NW, 8-second period, with a massive combined energy of 1635. The report says it’s predicted to be too big for this break, so only the brave should even think about it.

Sunday the 23rd offers 5ft from the north, 9-second period, 719 energy, and clean cross-off winds. It’s marginal, but a step down.

Best on offer: Friday the 21st afternoon is the clear winner – 8ft west swell, clean offshore wind, and good conditions. Saturday the 22nd afternoon is huge but likely too big. The long stretch from the 10th to the 21st is mostly flat or poor, so plan around that one good window.

Rusty, out.

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