Surfing

Surfing in Scotland

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 Europe.

For many surfers based in the UK the 5mm neoprene wetsuit has probably been the greatest invention ever created. Its what keeps the cold out when the waves are at their best, normally in mid winter!

Where to go:

If you're lucky enough to own your own gear then you have a wide choice of surf spots to choose from. Our Surf Scotland factsheet gives much more detailed information.

Some of the best spots for surfing can be found between East Lothian near Edinburgh and Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders in the east. In the west there are great breaks off Machrihanish in the Kintyre peninsula, the Island of Tiree and particularly off the west coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.

In the north the waves off Thurso are an expert's dream and this area has also hosted the O'Neill Highland Open for the last two years.

Want to get started ?

There are a number of excellent surf shops situated 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!