The Surf Window

Belhaven Bay

East Lothian, Scotland

Beach breakBeginner

On Scotland's East Lothian coast near Dunbar, Belhaven Bay is a wide, sandy estuary beach where the Biel Water meets the North Sea and northeast swells create long-period beach break on a dramatic tidal flat coastline.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowNNW–ENE (330°–60°)
Size–N 1–2.5m at 10–14s

Wind

SW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide (check tidal range)

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Long beach peaks, wide tidal beach

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent North Sea beach break in cold conditions

Hazards

  • •Large tidal range, breaks are at low to mid tide only
  • •Cold North Sea water, 6–12°C
  • •Wind exposure, East Lothian coast can have brutal winds

Local Tips

  • •Check the tide times carefully, the beach is flat at high tide
  • •John Muir Country Park surrounds the bay, beautiful coastal walking between sessions
  • •Dunbar town has a good café scene for warming up post-surf

Location

Map showing the location of Belhaven Bay in East Lothian, Scotland

56.0032, -2.5480