The Surf Window

Reiff

Highland, Scotland

Reef breakAdvanced

On Scotland's remote northwest Highland coast near Achiltibuie, Reiff is a rugged collection of reef and point breaks in one of Britain's most spectacular and isolated surf landscapes, rocky Lewisian gneiss headlands meeting the North Atlantic.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowNNW–ENE (330°–60°)
Size–W 1.5–3m at 14–18s

Wind

E

Light to SE under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef and point break

Bottom

Lewisian gneiss rock

Shape

Lefts and rights depending on the specific reef

Length

80–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced to expert surfers
  • •Why: Powerful reef breaks in one of Britain's most remote settings demand full self-reliance

Hazards

  • •Very remote, 1 hour from Ullapool which is itself remote
  • •Sharp Lewisian gneiss rock
  • •Extremely cold water, 6–10°C

Local Tips

  • •The drive through Assynt and past Stac Pollaidh is some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe
  • •Achiltibuie has a small community with a hotel and post office, plan supplies carefully
  • •The Summer Isles visible offshore add to an extraordinary seascape

Location

Map showing the location of Reiff in Highland, Scotland

58.0750, -5.3833