Tobias
Very cool surf teacher, nice calm beach and just the right waves.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, we offer flexible hire options for high-quality wetsuits and a wide selection of surfboards. Pick up from Dunnet Beach car park or our base nearby and enjoy the freedom to surf anywhere along the scenic North coast.
Collection usually takes place at Dunnet Beach car park beside the Dunnet Bay caravan site. If we’re not on-site for a lesson that day, we’ll contact you to collect from our base just five minutes away. If the booking system doesn’t show your preferred time, simply choose the closest and leave a note—we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Equipment can be used anywhere along the North coast, and we’re always happy to offer advice on board selection, beach conditions, and timing.
Our hire service is based around Dunnet Beach on the far north coast of Scotland, near the village of Castletown. The main collection point is the car park next to Dunnet Bay caravan site, offering direct beach access. If not in use for lessons, equipment can be picked up from our base nearby. The area is well known for its wide sandy beach, reliable swell, and beautiful views along the coastline, making it a favourite spot for both locals and visitors.
No surfing experience is necessary to hire our equipment, but you must be a competent swimmer and comfortable in the sea. For paddleboard or kayak hire, we require calm sea conditions, and you should be confident in open water. Feel free to ask us for advice if you're unsure.
The centre offers reliable, well-maintained gear including quality wetsuits, surfboards for all levels, and extra options like kayaks or paddleboards. We're flexible with collection times and happy to help you choose the right board or suit for your needs.
You’ll be supported by a friendly, watersport-loving team with great local knowledge. With free use of roof racks and optional extras like a wood-fired sauna at our base, we make it easy for you to get in the sea, stay warm, and make the most of your session on the North coast.
We - and any of our previous customers - would say no! The waters here range from 7-13 degrees celsius, which we admit is chilly! However, we provide super warm winter 5/4mm wetsuits (and boots, gloves & hood if required).
We provide all the wetsuits and surfboards - depending on what you select - so all you need to bring is a towel, warm clothes for getting changed into afterwards and some water! We would also recommend arriving with swimming costumes/trunks on as it makes it easier for getting changed.
The youngest we will take is 4 years old! Our smallest wetsuit size is age 4, so if they are particularly small we might not be able to accommodate this. We highly recommend having a private lesson for small children or have a parent come in the water to assist- we want them to have the best experience possible. You can never be too old to give surfing ago!! Please note that a child cannot rent a board on their own, they must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
If it's a bit windy or rainy this won't affect us however in the event of extreme wind or huge swell we might need to cancel/postpone. Same goes if it happens to be totally flat. However, we will always try and find a back-up location or offer another activity such as stand up paddle boarding. We will provide a full refund if its not possible - this is very unlikely.
Sadly not yet! We have plans to hopefully make it happen soon though. Our seas are super clean & the salt is great for your hair/skin so no need for a shower anyways!
For rental, it is essential that you are a confident swimmer. If you are not, we recommend you try a beginners surf lesson (you can view and book these at the bottom of the page). For these lessons, we will remain in the shallows and you will have an instructor to support you and help to build your confidence in the water.
Yes, we need to safely store your ID (eg. passport, driving license etc.) while you hire any of our equipment just so our minds are at rest that you will come back!
We hire our equipment from Dunnet. Usually from the main car park next to the sea drift centre. If this isn't the case we will contact you to let you know to meet us at our base- this is a few minutes drive away from Dunnet beach. For directions here type North Coast Watersports into google maps.
About the centre
Dunnet, Thurso
Very cool surf teacher, nice calm beach and just the right waves.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by North Coast Watersports, a partner of adventuro.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
From £50
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
From £10
