Bagpipes
Bagpipes is the kind of wave that separates the serious from the curious--a heavy slab that detonates on a shallow reef shelf along the remote Caithness coast.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (340°)
- Direction range
- 310° - 360°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Offshore range
- 160° - 240°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
9°C
Wetsuit
6/5mm + boots, gloves, hood
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
1/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Bagpipes?
Bagpipes works best on a mid tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Bagpipes?
Offshore wind at Bagpipes blows from the SSW (200°). Anything in the 160° to 240° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Bagpipes?
Bagpipes wants NNW swell (310° to 360°) between 1.2m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Bagpipes?
The main season at Bagpipes is Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Apr, May, Aug.
How do I get to Bagpipes?
Fly into INV, then allow about 130 minutes by road.
What kind of wave is Bagpipes?
Bagpipes is a slab break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, May, Aug
Getting There
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