With some of the best waves in the country Thurso-East has world class surfing waves from 2ft to 30ft and is a very popular surfing destination

Thurso East became the focus of surfing world in 2006 when it was used to host the inaugural O'Neill Highland Open WQS surfing competition. The event was won by British surfer Russel Winter. From 2006-2011 O’Neill sponsored an international surf contest at this location which was latterly called the Coldwater Classic and the event regularly attracted big name surfers.  In 2012 O'Neill announced that it wouldn't be renewing their sponsorship deal, in order to direct resources elsewhere. 

Photos on this page by James Gunn, Ken Crossan.