Overview
Balmedie to Newburgh is a remote stretch of rarely surfed beachbreaks that picks up the same swell as Aberdeen. The waves form over sand and peel both left and right, so when Aberdeen is working it's worth the trip out here for empty peaks.
When It Works
The banks draw swell from northeast through to southeast (NE-SE), with north (N) the optimal direction. These are true beach peaks over sand, offering both lefts and rights depending on how the banks are shaped. It's usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, so there's plenty of scope from small clean days up to bigger swells.
Wind and Tide
Look for west (W) offshore wind to groom the peaks. The beaches can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Access
Reach the beach from Balmedie Country Park, where there's free roadside parking. Keep an eye out for salmon nets and kiters sharing the water.
