Portskerra
Highland, Scotland
Beach breakIntermediate
Near Melvich on Scotland's remote north coast, Portskerra is a small fishing village with access to powerful reef and beach breaks that fire on north Atlantic swells, part of Scotland's extraordinary north coast surf trail.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalN (0°)
WindowNNW–ENE (330°–60°)
Size–NW 1.5–3m at 14–18s
Wind
SE
Light to S under 15 knots
Tide
Mid tide
LowMidHigh
Season
Sep–Apr
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Reef and beach break
Bottom
Rock and sand
Shape
Right-hand reef sections and beach peaks
Length
50–120m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
- •Why: Powerful, remote, and cold, the north Scottish coast is serious surf territory
Hazards
- •Very cold water, 6–10°C
- •Remote location, nearest hospital in Wick (30+ miles)
- •Reef and rock hazards throughout
Local Tips
- •Part of the A836 coastal road surf trail that connects Thurso to the northwest Highlands
- •Melvich Bay to the east also has surf, explore the whole north coast
- •The Forss House Hotel near Thurso is the traditional surf accommodation in the area
Location
58.5611, -4.0167