Yellowcraig Beach

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Yellowcraig Beach is a fairly exposed point-break on Scotland’s East Coast with fairly consistent surf, making it a steady option when the swell arrives—most notably with an east swell component. The seabed is sand and the launch zone is described as broad/wide sandy sands with plenty of space, and the spot is positioned around Dirleton, East Lothian. For surfing, conditions are typically small-to-moderate and often described as mushy/soft, with waves tending to be short and peaky. Multiple sources note that mid-tide often gives the best results, and that the waves may close out more easily at lower tide levels. Shelter level is consistently described as exposed, and very large swells can make the water feel messy or disorganized. Wind opportunities include a frontal-style wind regime, with a northerly component highlighted for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Kitesurfing is described as spacious and well-suited to northerly winds, while windsurfing is most practical when wind has a northerly component (with a note that the walk from the car park can be long with heavy gear). Wingfoiling is also possible thanks to a generally foil-friendly sandy bottom, but caution is advised around rocks near offshore islands. Safety-wise, winter temperatures are cold enough that a full winter wetsuit setup is emphasized, including hood, gloves, and boots. Hazards reported include offshore rocks and rip currents, and there is no lifeguard presence at the spot. Rescue availability is described as limited in the wider regional baseline; if conditions worsen, prioritize awareness of currents, keep partners in sight, and respect other beach users (families and dog walkers) when launching and landing.

  • Fairly exposed but fairly consistent East Coast point-break surf
  • Wide sandy beach makes launches manageable at many tide states
  • Best surf linked to east swell; mid-tide often favored
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardKitesurfing freerideWindsurfing freerideWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Fairly consistent surf for the East Coast point-break style
  • Wide sandy bay/launch space (useful for board sports)
  • Works best with east swell for surf; northerly wind components help for kiting/windsurfing
Heads up
  • Exposed conditions can create challenging surf/water at times
  • Cold North Sea water in winter requires serious thermal protection
  • Offshore rocks and potential rip currents add risk
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SSE
Offshore directions
S
Wind Range
10–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Frontal systems; also workable during northerly components.
Reliability
fair
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–14 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Surf is often small; described as fairly consistent with a point-break character.
Launch
Big — Broad sandy sands/wide sandy beach with plenty of space.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Wide sandy launch area with plenty of space.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
6–16 °C
Water Temperature
2–19 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodApr–Nov: 4/3mm to 5/4mm
Crowds by Season

Busy with families and walkers in summer; surfers and kiters are more prevalent in winter.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see frequent North Sea storms and frontal systems.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

A spacious beach suitable for kitesurfing; particularly suited to northerly winds with wide sand for easier launch.

FreerideWaveFoil
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Good for bump and jump or coastal cruising when wind has a northerly component. Note that the walk from the car park can be long with heavy gear.

FreerideWave
Sail Sizes
4.5–6.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible but requires a bit of a walk; sandy bottom is generally foil-friendly with care for rocks near islands.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.0m
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Fairly exposed point break with fairly consistent surf; best worked with east swell.

Point break
Optimal Swell
E, ENE, NE
Swell Height
0.5–1.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Also noted that the best surf is typically around mid-tide.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed coastline.
Wind Effect
Generally offshore in southerly winds; wind can affect cleanliness/shape depending on direction and swell size.
Bigger Swell
Can become messy and disorganized during very large swells.
Wave Quality
Average — Often average; can become messy/disorganized during very large swells.
Wave Power
Soft — Often small with mellow, mushy character.
Wave Shape
Mushy — Often short and peaky; can close out at lower tide levels.
Peel Speed
Slow
Ride Length
Short — Waves tend to be relatively short; ride lengths commonly around 30–50 m.
Typical Ride Length
30–50 m
Ride Length Details
Waves often close out at lower tide; at mid-tide they’re typically peaking better.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Yellowcraig Beach in the full forecast view.

Yellowcraig Beach wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
6–37 ktsGusts 60 kts
Direction
SW226°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2537 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
0.1–2.3 m4s period
Temperature
5–15 °C

Over the next 7 days, Yellowcraig Beach is forecast for daytime winds of 6–37 kts, peaking around 37 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 60 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.1–2.3 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

  • cold water
  • offshore rocks
  • rip currents
  • rocks offshore near islands/rocky outcrops
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsGlovesHoodWetsuitDrysuitHarnessKnife

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Regional baseline indicates limited rescue availability supported by RNLI/Coastguard nearby.
Emergency Info
For emergencies call 999 or 112. Nearest hospital services referenced in the wider guidance: Haddington or Edinburgh.

Rules of the spot

Respect other beach users including dog walkers and families. General beach use expected.

Restrictions
  • No motorized craft close to the beach
  • Seasonal parking charges apply
Local Tips
  • Best surf is typically found around mid-tide.
  • The walk from the car park to the water is several hundred meters.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Dirleton
Nearest Town
Dirleton
Nearest Airport
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Parking
Clearly signed turn to beach car park from B1345 between Dirleton and Gullane. Pay and display parking available; often uses the RingGo app.
Public Transport
Accessible via ScotRail to North Berwick plus local bus routes connecting coastal villages to Edinburgh
Access
Take the B1345 between Dirleton and Gullane; a clearly signed turn leads to the beach car park. Well signposted from the A198 coastal road.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Picnic area
Showers
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous options including campsites/caravan parks and hotels in Dirleton and North Berwick.
Food & Drink
Small seasonal snack outlets may be present; more options in Dirleton.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental available via nearby schools/towns.
Gear Storage
On-site gear storage described as limited.
Gear Repair
Minor repairs may be handled by local surf schools; more specialized kite/sail repair may require a trip into Edinburgh.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Scottish Seabird Centre5 km

Award-winning visitor attraction with live cameras on local islands, including the Bass Rock.

Dirleton Castle1–2 km

A well-preserved 13th-century fortress and residence surrounded by gardens (historic visitor site).

Tantallon Castle8 km

Semi-ruined mid-14th-century fortress set on a dramatic cliffside.

East Lothian Coastal Path0 km

Coastal hiking along the East Lothian Coastal Path.

Foxlake Adventures12 km

Adventure hub offering wakeboarding, ropes courses, and segways.

The Open Arms2 km

Traditional hotel and restaurant in the heart of Dirleton.

Yellowcraig Adventure Playpark1 km

Popular coastal play area with woodland trail system.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Yellowcraig Beach?

The best overall months at Yellowcraig Beach are January, February, March, April, October, November, December. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Yellowcraig Beach?

Yellowcraig Beach works with SSE winds. Offshore directions are S.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Yellowcraig Beach?

Recommended equipment sizes at Yellowcraig Beach: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.

What skill level is Yellowcraig Beach suitable for?

Yellowcraig Beach suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.