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For many surfers based in the UK the 5 mm neoprene wetsuit has probably been the greatest invention ever created. Its what keeps the cold out when the waves are at their best, normally mid winter!
Surfing in Scotland is a totally exhilarating experience, and once tried its hard to fight off the bug to give it a go again and again.
Once the first rush of cold is over, it makes little difference whether you're in Hawaii or Machrihanish, as Scotland has some of the best surf conditions in the UK.
For those less energetic it's also its also a fantastic way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon, especially to wipe away those hangovers!
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Learning to surf in Lewis, Outer Hebrides |
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Want to get started?
There are a number of excellent surf shops situated in the cities or near the best surf spots and with tuition starting from £30 for the afternoon (incl. hire) you'd really have to be a couch potato to miss out on those waves!
Where to go:
If you're lucky enough to own your own gear then you have the pick of the coast on where to head to. Here's some of the best¿
East Coast
Pease Bay >
Coldingham >
North Coast
Aberdeen >
Thurso >
West Coast
Machrihanish >
Lewis >
Tiree >
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East Coast, Pease Bay
About 1 hour from Edinburgh, it's one of the best surf locations in Scotland. There are excellent waves at Brims Ness and Thurso East - experts only!
East Coast, Coldingham
Stunning little beach with great water quality. Look out for seals! Excellent for beginners with rental gear available from the hotel and a café on the beach.
North Coast, Aberdeen
Aberdeen has waves in the summer and is consistent, even more so than Pease as its wide open to the small and medium sized southerly and east swells which are more of a summer occurrence. The Southern end of the beach trends to be smaller and cleaner than the northern end.
North Coast, Thurso
About 7 hours from Edinburgh, it's one of the best surf locations in Scotland.
West Coast, Machrihanish
This beautiful sandy beach is great for beginners as there are no reefs or rocks to wipe out on, predominant swell is from the west or North west to make it fire with east or south east winds and can make for some extraordinary surfing.
West Coast, Lewis
A ferry ride over from Ullapool or Skye, it's a breathtaking journey. One of the best locations in the UK you'll soon realise why Derek from Hebridean surf holidays gave up his job as a fisherman to run the surf school full time.
West Coast, Tiree
Tiree is the outermost of the Inner Hebrides off the West Coast of Scotland. Its remote location provides not only great surfing, but also a charming and peaceful atmosphere. Tiree provides a stunning range of beaches with conditions to suit novice to expert.
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Administrative Bodies ...
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6ft offshore