Thurso East

 

 

 
Location: Thurso, opposite Thurso Castle. OS map 12; grid reference 125691.  
Directions:  Car parking available at Thurso harbour. Launch from the slipway at the river mouth. Alternatively take the A836 to John O Groats and take the first turning to the left (Sir Archibald Road) and follow the road along the side of the river. At the end there is a large space for parking at the side of the river.  
Break(s):   Faces north-west. The best break in the area.  Long tubes break over a kelp covered reef. A slowish take off and long barrel subsides into a fast smaller inside section. Good fast rights at any stage of tide but best on the incoming tide (low to ¾ tide). Works on an average to huge north-west swell.  Easy paddle-out to the left of the break. Tube rides are sometimes the only way of taking the larger waves.  This wave is not recommended for beginners as it is fast, rocky and a rip exists.