Melvich Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NW/N
Wind
S
Surf Height
Thigh high to overhead.
Tide
Breaks through the tides.
Melvich Surf Guide
At the eastern end of the dune-backed bay, the tannin brown river feeds a sandbar that has built up over a stoney patch of reef, producing long, walling rights and shorter lefts. Consistently good waves can be found here, breaking from 2ft through to epic head-high surf. There can also be peaks along the beach. Needs a slightly bigger swell to wrap in. Can be checked from the road, there's parking behind the dunes. Melvich is the first of Sutherland's river-fed sand bays, a clear demarcation from the reef-fringed topography of Caithness. Can be quiet out of peak season.
Ability Level
Intermediate
Waves suitable for all when small, but remoteness and rips mean best left to experienced when a surf picks up.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Friendly.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Mostly quiet but can be busy during peak season.
Spot Rating
Fun
Some fun, quality waves here with both long rights and short lefts.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Rips by the river and on beach when bigger.
Water Quality
Clean
Clean.
Hazards
Rips and rocks.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Longboard, Bodyboard
Access
Car park just behind the dunes or also by the Bighouse and over the foot bridge.
Bottom
Sand and rock patches
Best Season
Best in clean Autumnal swells September – November.
Do you have local knowledge about Melvich?
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