Overview
Thorli is Iceland's most surfed break, a right-hand point that breaks over boulders. A deep paddling channel gets you out without any duckdiving. It's rarely perfect but never closes out, and on the right day 40-second rides are on offer, with the inside sections locals call "siggi's point" walling up again and again.
When It Works
Thorli handles any swell from chest high upwards. It draws swell from southwest through southeast, with southeast the best match, and is usable from 1.5 m / 5 ft to 5.5 m / 18 ft. When it's small you get crumbly cutback corners, but as the swell builds those turn into really long, workable walls. It's moderately consistent: summer can go flat for a couple of months, while winter delivers a lot more often.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest offshore wind. The point works through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers, and the lineup stays fairly quiet. Keep an eye out for strong currents, and don't be surprised by the smelly, frothy discharge in the water that most likely drifts over from the local fish factory.
Access
From Reykjavík, take Highway One and, about 15 minutes out, turn off toward Thorlákshöfn. Follow that road for another 15 to 20 minutes into town, then drive straight through toward the lighthouse. There's free parking when you arrive.
