Insanities Surf Spot Guide, UK

Tucked away on the rugged UK coastline, Insanities delivers a rare treat for seasoned surfers seeking powerful left-hand reef waves over a boulder-strewn bottom. This spot's hollow, ledgey barrels demand precision and nerve, creating an intense, adrenaline-fueled vibe that's empty and uncrowded, perfect for focused sessions without distractions. Imagine charging a steep takeoff that holds just enough to thread the tube on a solid north swell day.

Geography and Nature

Insanities lies on a remote, windswept stretch of the northern UK coast, far from urban hubs, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and wild moorland that amplify its isolated feel. The approach reveals a rocky shoreline with no sandy beach in sight, just jagged boulders and exposed reef framing the break, while the North Sea's relentless energy shapes a raw, untamed landscape battered by Atlantic swells.

Surf Setup

Insanities is a classic reef break firing left-handers over a rocky boulder bottom, known for its hollow, powerful, and ledgey shape that can barrel on the right swell. It thrives on north to northwest swells wrapping in from the Atlantic, with west to southwest winds providing clean offshore conditions to groom the face. Low to mid tides are ideal, as higher water pushes the power onto the shallows, making takeoffs gnarly. On a typical session, expect punchy 1 to 2 meter faces that section quickly, rewarding committed surfers with makeable tubes amid the occasional closeout.

Consistency and Best Time

This spot breaks sometimes rather than consistently, lighting up a few times per season when north to northwest swells hit 1.5 meters or more with the right wind alignment. The best windows fall in late autumn through early winter, from October to February, when storm systems deliver the required swell angles and cooler air keeps winds favorable. Avoid summer months, as flat spells dominate, and steer clear of east or southeast winds that chop up the face regardless of season.

Crowd Levels

Insanities stays remarkably empty, with virtually no one out on weekdays or weekends due to its remote location and challenging nature. You'll share waves sparingly with a small mix of dedicated locals and occasional traveling surfers.

Who It's For

Insanities suits experienced surfers only, thanks to its powerful reef dynamics, boulder hazards, and steep drops that punish hesitation. Beginners and intermediates should skip it, as the ledgy takeoffs and hollow sections demand strong paddling, wave-reading skills, and barrel-riding confidence to avoid injury. Advanced chargers will find rewarding, high-line barrels and long walls on firing days.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for sharp boulders exposed at low tide and strong rips pulling out to sea on bigger swells, which can make repositioning tough. Always scout the reef layout beforehand and wear booties for protection.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October brings water temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees Celsius, calling for a 5/4mm fullsuit with booties and gloves for comfort during extended sessions. Winter from December to March drops to 8 to 11 degrees Celsius, requiring a thick 6/5mm or steamer with hood, booties, and gloves to combat the chill. Spring and fall see 11 to 14 degrees Celsius, where a 5/4mm over a liner or 4/3mm with extras works well depending on air temps.

How to Get There

Fly into Newcastle Airport (NCL), about 120 kilometers south, or Inverness Airport (INV), roughly 250 kilometers north, then rent a car for the drive. No direct trains serve the spot, but the nearest station is at Thurso, 40 kilometers away, followed by a taxi or hitch to the coastal road. Head north on the A9 then branch onto single-track B-roads toward the headland; parking is free but limited to a rough layby 500 meters from the reef, with a 5-minute rocky scramble to the water. Public buses are sparse, so driving is most practical for flexibility.

Insanities Surf Spot Guide, UK

Tucked away on the rugged UK coastline, Insanities delivers a rare treat for seasoned surfers seeking powerful left-hand reef waves over a boulder-strewn bottom. This spot's hollow, ledgey barrels demand precision and nerve, creating an intense, adrenaline-fueled vibe that's empty and uncrowded, perfect for focused sessions without distractions. Imagine charging a steep takeoff that holds just enough to thread the tube on a solid north swell day.

Geography and Nature

Insanities lies on a remote, windswept stretch of the northern UK coast, far from urban hubs, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and wild moorland that amplify its isolated feel. The approach reveals a rocky shoreline with no sandy beach in sight, just jagged boulders and exposed reef framing the break, while the North Sea's relentless energy shapes a raw, untamed landscape battered by Atlantic swells.

Surf Setup

Insanities is a classic reef break firing left-handers over a rocky boulder bottom, known for its hollow, powerful, and ledgey shape that can barrel on the right swell. It thrives on north to northwest swells wrapping in from the Atlantic, with west to southwest winds providing clean offshore conditions to groom the face. Low to mid tides are ideal, as higher water pushes the power onto the shallows, making takeoffs gnarly. On a typical session, expect punchy 1 to 2 meter faces that section quickly, rewarding committed surfers with makeable tubes amid the occasional closeout.

Consistency and Best Time

This spot breaks sometimes rather than consistently, lighting up a few times per season when north to northwest swells hit 1.5 meters or more with the right wind alignment. The best windows fall in late autumn through early winter, from October to February, when storm systems deliver the required swell angles and cooler air keeps winds favorable. Avoid summer months, as flat spells dominate, and steer clear of east or southeast winds that chop up the face regardless of season.

Crowd Levels

Insanities stays remarkably empty, with virtually no one out on weekdays or weekends due to its remote location and challenging nature. You'll share waves sparingly with a small mix of dedicated locals and occasional traveling surfers.

Who It's For

Insanities suits experienced surfers only, thanks to its powerful reef dynamics, boulder hazards, and steep drops that punish hesitation. Beginners and intermediates should skip it, as the ledgy takeoffs and hollow sections demand strong paddling, wave-reading skills, and barrel-riding confidence to avoid injury. Advanced chargers will find rewarding, high-line barrels and long walls on firing days.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for sharp boulders exposed at low tide and strong rips pulling out to sea on bigger swells, which can make repositioning tough. Always scout the reef layout beforehand and wear booties for protection.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October brings water temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees Celsius, calling for a 5/4mm fullsuit with booties and gloves for comfort during extended sessions. Winter from December to March drops to 8 to 11 degrees Celsius, requiring a thick 6/5mm or steamer with hood, booties, and gloves to combat the chill. Spring and fall see 11 to 14 degrees Celsius, where a 5/4mm over a liner or 4/3mm with extras works well depending on air temps.

How to Get There

Fly into Newcastle Airport (NCL), about 120 kilometers south, or Inverness Airport (INV), roughly 250 kilometers north, then rent a car for the drive. No direct trains serve the spot, but the nearest station is at Thurso, 40 kilometers away, followed by a taxi or hitch to the coastal road. Head north on the A9 then branch onto single-track B-roads toward the headland; parking is free but limited to a rough layby 500 meters from the reef, with a 5-minute rocky scramble to the water. Public buses are sparse, so driving is most practical for flexibility.