Surfing
Orkney’s fantastic surfing potential has been a well-kept secret by many boarders, keen to keep it to themselves.
Thankfully, the secret is out, and it is official – Orkney can offer surfers some of the best waves in Europe. Board, wind and kite surfers can all enjoy the fantastic sporting conditions that Orkney has to offer.
Kitesurfing
Large uncrowded beaches, clear waters, and some of the best surf conditions in Europe make Orkney a ‘must-do’ destination on a kite surfer’s map.
This daredevil sport, combining windsurfing, wakeboarding, surfing and paragliding involves using a large re-launchable kite to power you on the water. Keen kitesurfers can be spotted on local beaches in the right conditions.
Those who go kitesurfing in Orkney will be rewarded with fantastic memories of their adventures on unspoilt beaches, in an area that provides perfect conditions for the sport.
Surfing
There is a small but very keen group of local surfers in Orkney, and it is well worth bringing your board when you visit. Skaill Beach in Orkney’s West Mainland is definitely a surfing hotspot, boasting some of the biggest waves in Orkney. This coastline is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean and waves generated in north Atlantic storms power ashore at Skaill.
Many who have braved the water there say it has been their most memorable surfing experience, and more and more boarders are being tempted to try it.
Windsurfing
Orkney’s high average wind speeds make it perfect for windsurfing - a sport which has been popular in the islands for years. Long sweeping beaches, and exposure to the North Sea and Atlantic make it an adventure playground for windsurfers.
Local enthusiasts can be found windsurfing at Kirkwall’s Scapa Beach, or Orphir’s Waulkmill Bay, the moment conditions turn in their favour. On the west coast of Mainland Orkney, the storm beach of Skaill Bay, in Sandwick, is also a favourite windsurfing spot.
In the winter, swells can reach up to 20-30ft, and surfers are advised that they should be experienced before tackling these waters.
Safety is imperative whichever form of surfing you pursue. Always check the local weather forecasts and tide tables to ensure the conditions are safe.
If you have any good surfing spots to recommend to others, please email
them to marketing@visitorkney.com and
we will add them to our site for fellow enthusiasts to enjoy.
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