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.
Local Vibe
Friendly.
Crowd Factor
Mostly quiet but can be busy during peak season.
Spot Rating
Some fun, quality waves here with both long rights and short lefts.
Shoulder Burn
Rips by the river and on beach when bigger.
Water Quality
Clean.
Hazards
Rips and rocks.
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.
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