Pigsty, also known as Piggy or Svinestien, is one of the few waves in the Jæren area that ranks as genuinely world class. It breaks over boulders and delivers fast, ruler-edged rights with barrel sections, along with some slower lefts. Local surfers treat it as a winter training ground before they head off to the more core corners of the surfing world.
When It Works
The wave draws swell from the west to northwest, but it really comes alive on a lined-up northwest (NW) swell. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, and it needs enough size to keep the boulders submerged before it turns on.
Wind and Tide
Look for an east (E) offshore wind to groom the faces. It can break through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Pigsty is best suited to intermediate surfers. Expect a busy lineup whenever it's working. The main exception is bird-wintering season, when a surfing ban comes into force. This is a RAMSAR bird protection area, and breaking the ban carries serious penalties: a fine of around GBP 800 or a couple of weeks in jail, plus the risk of being denied entry to many countries, including the USA.
Access
There's camping close by at Bore Strand Camping, roughly a five-minute drive away. Parking is roadside and restricted, so pull in where others have already parked.
