Rackwick
- Shortboard, Longboard
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Rackwick is an exposed surfing beach-break on Orkney’s west-facing coast, with waves that run over a mix of sand and large rounded boulders. The setting is rugged and dramatic, and while surf can work throughout the year, conditions can be heavy and unforgiving—especially when boulders and submerged rocks influence the wave line. Wind at Rackwick is driven mainly by frontal systems across the North Atlantic. Offshore grooming is reported with east winds (and the site is noted as sheltered from southeast winds), while overall wind reliability is described as moderate; the best surf month in the spot guide is June. The most consistent swell direction is west, with the surfing window described as best around June. Safety is a primary concern. Hazards include both large boulders and submerged rocks, plus the risk of strong tidal currents near headlands and the extreme isolation of the beach. Even when there are waves, the spot is typically very quiet and low-profile—so arriving prepared matters more than counting on other surfers. Water temperatures are cold year-round, and winter conditions are specifically called out as requiring proper neoprene protection (including a hood, gloves, and boots). Due to the remote access and limited rescue availability, plan logistics carefully (including ferry timing) and treat the outing as a serious undertaking for advanced surfers.
- Exposed, fairly consistent surf year-round on Orkney’s west coast
- Best swell direction reported as west; best month June
- Offshore grooming when winds are from the east
- Cold-water, remote location with major physical hazards
- Exposed, Atlantic-driven break with fairly consistent surf year-round.
- Offshore grooming reported with east winds.
- Rarely crowded due to isolation.
- Serious hazard profile from large rounded boulders and submerged rocks.
- Remote, exposed setting with cold water and limited rescue coverage.
- Can become very heavy and challenging on larger swell due to boulders.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NNE, SE
- Offshore directions
- NNE
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Dominantly frontal systems driven by Atlantic depressions.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported.
- Best Months
- June
- Shadow Zones
- North wind shadowed by high cliffs
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed sand and large rounded boulders.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Surf described as medium with powerful peaks on better sets.
- Launch
- Medium — Sand and boulder beach area.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty with boulder hazards.
Through the year
Usually very quiet and low-profile due to remote island location.
Late autumn and winter (October–February) are prone to heavy storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach break with fairly consistent surf year-round; the line runs over sand and large rounded boulders, which can make takeoff and wipeouts hazardous. Shelter is limited (exposed).
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed break.
- Wind Effect
- East winds provide offshore conditions, grooming the swell.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold significant size but becomes very heavy and challenging due to boulders.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Surf described as powerful; heavy/serious when larger and interacting with boulders.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Typically peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typically short to medium rides depending on sandbar formation and swell size.
- Ride Length Details
- Typically short to medium length rides depending on sandbar formation and swell size.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rackwick in the full forecast view.
Rackwick wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–42 ktsGusts 74 kts
- Direction
- SW226°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2542 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–8.0 m9s period
- Temperature
- 5–12 °C
Over the next 7 days, Rackwick is forecast for daytime winds of 3–42 kts, peaking around 42 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 74 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.0–8.0 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- Large rounded boulders
- Submerged rocks
- Strong tidal currents possible near headlands
- Cold water
- Extreme isolation
- Strong currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated local rescue base at Rackwick; HM Coastguard provides regional coverage and RNLI stations are nearby (e.g., Longhope and Stromness).
- Emergency Info
- Call 999 or 112 for emergencies; nearest major medical facility is in Kirkwall.
Rules of the spot
- Plan around remote access and limited rescue coverage.
- Surfing at Rackwick is a serious undertaking due to large boulders in the water and the sheer remoteness of the site.
- The beach is famous for its 'Rackwick Boulders' which can be treacherous underfoot.
- Check ferry times before traveling, as the spot is remote.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kirkwall
- Nearest Town
- Rackwick
- Nearest Airport
- Kirkwall Airport (KOI) (~35–45 km away, depending on routing and ferry crossing)
- Parking
- Small parking area at the end of the public road near the beach path.
- Public Transport
- Access via NorthLink Ferries from Scrabster or Aberdeen, followed by inter-island ferries; limited local bus services on the island and no direct rail service to Orkney
- Access
- Accessible by ferry from Stromness or Houton to Hoy, followed by a drive or long hike to the valley of Rackwick.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Limited rustic accommodation (e.g., hostel/bothy in the valley) near Rackwick, with broader lodging in Stromness and Kirkwall.
- Food & Drink
- Limited options; bring your own supplies from Stromness.
- Equipment Rental:
- Very limited local availability; visitors are strongly advised to bring their own gear.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Orkney’s landscapes are defined by dramatic cliffs and deep valleys, with major natural landmarks and Neolithic/maritime history across the islands.
World-famous 137-meter sea stack, popular for climbing and hiking.
A massive block of Old Red Sandstone containing a Neolithic rock-cut tomb.
World-class wreck diving among remains of the German High Seas Fleet.
Traditional hotel and pub serving local seafood and Orcadian produce.
Local history museum featuring maritime and natural history exhibits.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Rackwick?
The best overall months at Rackwick are June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are June.
Which wind directions work at Rackwick?
Rackwick works with E, NNE, SE winds. Offshore directions are NNE.
What skill level is Rackwick suitable for?
Rackwick suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.