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.
Skara Brae surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (300°)
- Direction range
- 260° - 340°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.6m
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Skara Brae?
Skara Brae is a reef break in Orkney Islands, UK, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Skara Brae?
Skara Brae picks up swell from the W round to the NNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WNW. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 2 to 2.6m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Skara Brae?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Skara Brae, and anything from the ENE round to the SSE keeps it clean. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Skara Brae?
Skara Brae is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Skara Brae?
The most reliable run of swell at Skara Brae comes Sep to Mar. There's a second window in Apr to Jun and Aug too.
How cold is the water at Skara Brae?
The water at Skara Brae averages around 9°C, so you'll want a 6/5mm with boots, gloves and a hood. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Skara Brae good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 8/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 1/10). Remote Orkney location. Freezing water (6-12C). Limited medical facilities. Ferry required.
How do I get to Skara Brae?
The nearest airport on our list is KOI, then it's roughly a 25-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Skara Brae?
The closest breaks we track are Marwick Bay (3.9 km), Gills Bay Slab (47 km) and Dunnet Bay (47 km), handy when Skara Brae isn't working. Fun fact: it's the second most northerly break we track in UK.
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
Bagpipes
Remote Scottish slab - Almost un-surfed - Maximum consequence
Thurso East
Scotland's world-class right - Cold water perfection - North Atlantic power