Saint Cyrus (Angus)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Saint Cyrus is a spacious sandy beach on the Angus coast known for clean water and typically small waves, with water that is shallow and often flat-to-choppy depending on the state of the tide. Providers describe an easy beach access along the coastline between Montrose and Saint Cyrus, with launching possible along the sand rather than from a narrow managed site. For kitesurfing, the spot is described as versatile: freeride in the shallow/lagoons (especially toward low tide) and wave riding when swell conditions pick up, particularly with North East elements mentioned as important for surf/wave riding. Kite launch space is generally a strength, and typical kite sizing is given as commonly around 8–12 m². A major safety note is that the beach lies within St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, with strong guidance to respect nesting birds and avoid sensitive sections—especially the northern end. Wind conditions are framed as frontal, with a stated typical range of about 15–25 knots and best months from April through October. Cliffs are noted as a factor that can create turbulence or wind shadows close to shore, so site selection and launch position matter. There is also guidance to check tide times because the beach can become much narrower at high tide. Surfing at Saint Cyrus is described as a reliable sandy beach break that can respond to North to North East swells, with generally peeling, moderate-power waves and an optimal swell window given as roughly 1.0–2.5 m. West or North-West winds are described as providing cleaner offshore conditions for surf. In very large swell, waves may close out; and for navigation around the river mouth, avoid the channel and be cautious of local current hazards.

  • Spacious sandy beach for kiting and launching
  • April to October season window
  • National Nature Reserve setting with access restrictions for wildlife protection
  • Shallow lagoons at low tide for freeride options
  • North/NE responsive sandy beach surf
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveSurfing shortboardWindsurfing freerideWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Large sandy beach with plenty of space for launching and landing
  • Clean water and small-wave, shallow-to-choppy conditions suited to freeride
  • Good seasonal window from spring into autumn (April to October)
Heads up
  • Cold water year-round
  • River mouth currents and cliff-related turbulence create risk areas
  • Beach width can change significantly with tide; conditions near the river mouth may be restricted
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NNE, NE, E, SE
No-go directions
N
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Front-driven/coastal wind regime; described as frontal in provider data.
Reliability
Reliable during spring and autumn depressions (for the stated wind regime).
Gust Factor
Steady — Described as steady.
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Recommended Kite Sizes
8–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Small waves stated across provider data.
Chop Level
Light chop — Flat-to-choppy conditions; small chop noted.
Launch
Medium — Accessible along the beach; wide sand for launching and landing.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
6–14 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Oct–Feb: 5/4mm hooded + Boots, Gloves, HoodMar–Sep: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Quiet year-round; moderate use by walkers and birdwatchers on weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter (November to February) prone to storms and heavy rain.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Spacious sandy beach with shallow, flat-to-choppy water and small waves; workable freeride and wave riding with lagoons at low tide and wave riding when swell picks up from the North East.

FreerideWaveFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
8–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Good coastal windsurfing, particularly in North East winds which can give cross-shore conditions.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4.5–6 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Foil-friendly sandy bottom; walk to deep water can be long at low tide.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil-friendly described as yes.
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingSkill Level

Reliable beach break; picks up North and North East swells and can be cleaner than more exposed nearby options further south (provider phrasing).

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NE, E
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Optimal tide described as mid.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered for the break.
Wind Effect
West or North-West winds provide cleaner offshore conditions for surfing.
Bigger Swell
Can close out in very large swells exceeding 3 meters.
Wave Quality
Average — Wave quality described as average.
Wave Power
Moderate — Moderate wave power.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium — Peeling waves; speed described as medium.
Ride Length
Ride length described as medium.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Saint Cyrus (Angus) in the full forecast view.

Saint Cyrus (Angus) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
5–34 ktsGusts 54 kts
Direction
SW221°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2434 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
0.2–2.7 m4s period
Temperature
3–13 °C

Over the next 7 days, Saint Cyrus (Angus) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–34 kts, peaking around 34 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 54 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.2–2.7 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

  • River mouth currents
  • Cliffs
  • Nature reserve restricted areas
  • Seasonal bird nesting restrictions may apply to certain dune areas
  • Avoid the northern end where birds nest
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitImpact vestBootsGlovesHood

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards present.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — HM Coastguard is available; nearby lifeboat stations operate regionally.
Emergency Info
In an emergency call 999 or 112 (HM Coastguard available). Nearest major medical services are at Ninewells Hospital (Dundee) or Aberdeen Royal Infirmary; Coastguard contact via 999/112.
Localism / Vibe
None — No localism indicated.

Rules of the spot

The beach is within St Cyrus National Nature Reserve; respect nesting birds and local wildlife guidelines.

Restrictions
  • Do not kite in the immediate vicinity of the river mouth for safety and conservation.
  • Seasonal bird nesting restrictions may apply to certain dune areas.
Local Tips
  • The best lagoons form at the southern end near the river mouth at low tide, but stay clear of the actual river channel.
  • Check tide times as the beach can become much narrower at high tide.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Dundee
Nearest Town
Saint Cyrus
Parking
Public parking is available at the Nature Reserve Visitor Centre at the north end of the beach.
Access
Accessible from Dundee north on the A90; follow signs for Montrose/St Cyrus National Nature Reserve. Get on the beach anywhere along the stretch between Montrose and Saint Cyrus.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping and local B&Bs available in Saint Cyrus and Montrose.
Food & Drink
Local shops and cafes in Saint Cyrus village.
Equipment Rental:
Rental gear is described as available via local mobile schools operating from the main sandy bays.
Gear Storage
Dedicated gear storage is limited.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

St Cyrus National Nature Reserve

Windswept, storm-battered dune habitat supporting 300+ plant and 70+ bird species, including peregrine falcons.

Arbroath Abbey15km

Historic ruins of a 12th-century monastery, famous for the Declaration of Arbroath.

Arbroath Cliff Path12km

Scenic walking trail with dramatic red sandstone cliffs and sea caves.

Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve10km

Enclosed estuary with over 80,000 migratory birds and a visitor centre.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Saint Cyrus (Angus)?

The best overall months at Saint Cyrus (Angus) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Saint Cyrus (Angus)?

Saint Cyrus (Angus) works with N, NNE, NE, E, SE winds. No-go directions are N.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Saint Cyrus (Angus)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Saint Cyrus (Angus): Kitesurfing: 8–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Saint Cyrus (Angus) suitable for?

Saint Cyrus (Angus) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.