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Updating conditions · Source-reviewed profile

Thurso East

Caithness, Scotland · Reef break

Local time — · Sunrise 08:02 · Sunset 15:57

Verified data gate

Reading the ocean.

SWELLRADAR is requesting a verified marine run for Thurso East.

Marine sourceChecking
Synthetic valuesBlocked
RefreshAutomatic
Source-reviewedPublished sources reviewed

Spot intelligence.

The reef at Thurso East is an advanced right-hander, not the beginner beach break in Thurso Bay. Reef knowledge, cold-water preparation and a careful entry and exit assessment matter even when the model looks clean.

Profile source · North Coast Watersports · local surf guide
Profile sources & limits

Reviewed 18 Oct 2026 · not observation-validated

Published spot guides reviewed by SWELLRADAR, not validation against measured breaking waves. Direction axes and relative tide bands translate qualitative guidance into ranking inputs. The existing offshore-model height bands are retained, not inferred from reported wave-face heights. An offshore sample is not a takeoff or bathymetric survey. The mid-rising tide preference is qualitative; the model band does not measure reef clearance.

NS

Source-informed axes

Swell axis NNW · 338°

Offshore wind from SE · Advanced profile

Wave

Right-hand reef

Rock reef

Swell window

N–NW · NNW focus

1.0–2.8 m offshore ranking band

Clean wind

SE · light offshore

Applied to wind scoring

Tide window

Mid · rising preference

Qualitative timing guidance

Field guide

Read the break.

Character

01

Thurso East is defined by right-hand reef over rock reef. The shape can change with swell angle, period and the active section, so the live score should always be paired with a visual check from shore.

Best setup

02

N–NW · NNW focus swell, se · light offshore and mid · rising preference form the profile baseline. SWELLRADAR retains 1.0–2.8 m as an offshore-model ranking band, not a measured local surf limit or a breaking-wave prediction.

Lineup read

03

This is an advanced profile: positioning, entry and exit should be assessed before committing. Pay particular attention to shallow reef, powerful barrels, cold water. Local signs and advice always take priority.

Know before you paddle

Live conditions and local advice always override this profile.

Shallow reefPowerful barrelsCold waterCrowded takeoff
Optional community layerRecent surfer reportsVoluntary and potentially incomplete. Not used for the forecast or Surf Score.

The break

Reef break

Advanced. Works best with N–NW · NNW focus swell.

Timing

SE · light offshore

Mid · rising preference. Re-check local observations and the lineup before you paddle out.

Data note

Model data unavailable

SWELLRADAR withholds numerical conditions, scores and surf windows until a quality-checked marine forecast is available.