Chapel Point (Innerwick)

Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Advanced
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Chapel Point (Innerwick) is an exposed, right-hand point break on the East Lothian coast that tends to deliver reliable surf when the right swell arrives. It works best with a significant North or North-East swell wrapping around the headland, producing peeling waves along the rocky ledge. The break is advanced and technical: the entry is rocky and launch difficulty is described as difficult, with slippery boulders and sharp rocks near the waterline. During larger swells, strong rip currents can form along the point, and the combination of remoteness and limited immediate assistance increases the consequences of mistakes. Wind-wise, West or South-West winds are typically beneficial because they can act offshore and groom the wave faces. North-Easterlies are described as blown out for this spot, so conditions can turn quickly if the wind direction shifts away from the offshore window. For timing, sources point to mid tide as the best match, and local tips emphasize that choosing the right tide helps avoid exposed rocks at low water. Winter and autumn are described as the most consistent periods, and the spot is rarely crowded due to the required swell/wind combination and the walk-in access.

  • Right-hand point break that peels along a rocky ledge
  • Needs North/ North-East swell to wrap around the headland
  • Offshore West or South-West winds groom the wave faces
  • Rarely crowded due to advanced requirements
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • High-quality right-hand point break with peeling waves along a rocky ledge
  • Best conditions come with the right North/ North-East swell wrapping around the headland
  • Offshore West to South-West winds can groom the wave faces
  • Rarely crowded due to the advanced nature and walk-in access
Heads up
  • Advanced, technical rocky point break with difficult launch/entry
  • Strong rip currents can develop during large swells
  • Remote feel with no immediate rescue/lifeguards on site
  • North-Easterly wind can blow out the wave faces
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, WSW
Offshore directions
W, WSW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Southwesterly prevailing winds, often with frontal weather systems.
Reliability
fair
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
January, February
Shadow Zones
The point can be slightly sheltered from strong South-Westerly winds by the rising land.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Rocks
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Big
Launch
Small — Rocky entry point requiring careful timing between sets
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Rocky entry point requiring careful timing between sets

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
6–15 °C
Water Temperature
3–19 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Apr: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodMay–Oct: 4/3mm or 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded due to its advanced nature and the walk-in access

Storm/Rain Season

October to February are the wettest/highest-frequency storm months (late autumn and winter)

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A powerful right-hand point break near Innerwick. It typically needs a significant North or North-East swell to wrap around the headland, producing peeling waves along a rocky ledge.

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
N, NE
Swell Height
1.5–3 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide is the best match.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Offshore West or South-West winds groom the wave faces; North-Easterlies are blown out.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well, becoming more powerful and challenging as the swell increases.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Long, walling sections when swell is large and clean.
Typical Ride Length
100–200 m
Ride Length Details
When the swell is large and clean, waves can provide long, walling sections.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Chapel Point (Innerwick) in the full forecast view.

Chapel Point (Innerwick) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
7–37 ktsGusts 61 kts
Direction
SW226°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2537 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
0.1–2.2 m4s period
Temperature
5–14 °C

Over the next 7 days, Chapel Point (Innerwick) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–37 kts, peaking around 37 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 61 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.1–2.2 m with a period of about 4s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Sharp rocks
  • Slippery entry and exit points
  • Strong rip currents can form along the point during large swells
  • Remote location with limited immediate assistance
  • Sharp rocks and slippery boulders at the entry
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitHoodBootsGloves

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No
Emergency Info
In an emergency, ask for the Coastguard via 999.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.

Local Tips
  • Timing the entry across the rocks is crucial to avoid being pushed back by the shore break.
  • Best surfed on a pushing mid-tide to avoid exposed rocks at low tide.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Edinburgh
Nearest Town
Dunbar
Nearest Airport
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Parking
Public parking available at Skateraw Beach
Public Transport
Train services run from Edinburgh to Dunbar; from there, local buses and taxis provide access to the Innerwick area
Access
Access is via a coastal path from the Skateraw Beach parking area, requiring a short walk to the point
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping and guesthouses available in the nearby town of Dunbar.
Food & Drink
No facilities at the point; cafes and shops are located in Dunbar.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Chapel Point (Innerwick)?

The best overall months at Chapel Point (Innerwick) are October, November, December, January, February. The best wind months are January, February.

Which wind directions work at Chapel Point (Innerwick)?

Chapel Point (Innerwick) works with W, WSW winds. Offshore directions are W, WSW.

What skill level is Chapel Point (Innerwick) suitable for?

Chapel Point (Innerwick) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.