Skara Brae
Skara Brae sits on Orkney's raw, exposed west coast near one of Europe's most important Neolithic sites. This left-hand reef catches virtually everything the North Atlantic throws at it.
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Location & Conditions
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Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (300°)
- Direction range
- 260° - 340°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (110°)
- Offshore range
- 70° - 150°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
9°C
Wetsuit
6/5mm + boots, gloves, hood
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
1/10
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, May, Jun, Aug
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Marwick Bay
Orkney's right reef - Full Atlantic exposure - Surf alone
Gills Bay Slab
European big wave slab - Storm-only activation - Career-ending consequence
Dunnet Bay
Caithness' friendly beach - Beginner to intermediate - Near Thurso
Murkle
Caithness left slab - Backdoor barrels - Expert territory
Thurso East
Scotland's world-class right - Cold water perfection - North Atlantic power
Thurso Reef
Thurso Bay reef - A-frame alternative - Less intense than East