The Surf Window

Sandside Bay

Highland, Scotland

Beach breakIntermediate

In Caithness, Sandside Bay sits in the shadow of the Dounreay nuclear power station, an incongruous backdrop for one of Scotland's most beautiful and consistent beach breaks, with perfect white sand and reliable north swells.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
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

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

White sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the beach

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Consistent and powerful North Atlantic beach break in cold water

Hazards

  • •Cold water, 5–9°C
  • •The nearby Dounreay nuclear facility has had contamination events, check current advisories
  • •Remote location

Local Tips

  • •The Dounreay nuclear dome is an oddly photogenic backdrop for surf photos
  • •The beach itself is beautiful, white sand with crystal clear (if very cold) water
  • •Thurso is 20 minutes east, Scotland's surf capital with better infrastructure

Location

Map showing the location of Sandside Bay in Highland, Scotland

58.5083, -3.8750