Take a Surfing road trip in Scotland
Jumping in the car, the last of the boards on the roof rack and a quick look at the map we were off. Leaving Edinburgh at just after 3pm we were embarking on the 250-mile journey to the north coast of Scotland. Client and instructor introductions were made and we sped up the A9 through central Scotland and into the beautiful Highland countryside. At Inverness we stopped for the traditional 'all day breakfast' surf energy meal and moved onwards onto the coastal road going North.
After 5 hours drive we arrived at a small very picturesque town set between two of Scotland's most magnificent sandy beaches. It was getting dark so we decided to make camp on the peninsula between the beaches. Feeling tired I made my excuses, found my sleeping bag and lay back gently drifting to sleep to the sound of crashing waves and the ocean.
A nudge into my ribs, 'get up its firing', I was been awoken by a fellow addict/instructor and opened the tent door to see the light coming up and perfect 4-6ft offshore waves.
Ten minutes later I was in the water, with wave after wave of perfection and amazing barrels, coming towards me. All I could hear was screaming as my friend charged down a beautiful wave, well over-head, pulled a deep bottom turn and lined up to tackle the fast peeling wave for the next hundred metres. Yessss! This is what surfing's all about!
I'm constantly amazed at how surprised clients are when we tell them that Scotland has some of the best waves, breaks and reefs in Europe, for surfing. When they find out for themselves, it's amazing - they're completely converted.
After the morning's epic session, I joined my weary-eyed clients who where just waking up to embark on the days joys. Breakfast anyone? I asked, still rushing from my early morning exploits. I announced the plan of action for the day ahead to the new thrill-seekers. We were going to spend the next two hours going through the basics, stretching, beach safety, stability and timing, learning to catch waves, learning to stand and more. I was really looking forward to the morning teaching, seeing the joy as the sea transfers some of its energy to a beginner for the first time.
We made moves to the beach, where the waves spill rather than dump and provide perfect long sections of foam providing ample time to learn the basics. After introductions and safety we were quickly into the water playing in the cold water jacuzzi. Positioning the first beginner on a path to shore I gently pushed and she was away, not yet trying to stand but completely and utterly rushing with the enjoyment of catching her first wave on a surfboard. Next up her son and husband enjoyed the same and same again.
Having been on a surfboard most of my life, it has been enlightening to see how much enjoyment a safe introduction to the ocean can give.
'I can't believe how warm I am,' one of my charges proclaims, as Scotland's reputation for freezing waters is put to test again and again. Quality wetsuits and the summer water temperature have suddenly opened the sport to the majority rather than the 'mad few'.
After much practice and instruction we tackle standing.
'Yesss!' Goes the scream of another that has got to their feet for the first time. A perfect day proceeds with all abilities using Scotland's long summer daylight hours to get maximum surf time.
Exhaustion kicks in and we retire to the camp fire and barbecue for food, drinks and good chat, fresh with the knowledge that this is just the start, there's still another three days of wave fun to follow.
C2C (Coast to Coast) Surf School, run several surf tours to various parts of Scotland in the summer months, for all levels and abilities. To find out more visit the tours pages on the C2C website.
For more information on C2C call 01368 869734 or visit the C2C Surf School website.
Thanks to Sam Christopherson at C2C Adventure, for supplying this story.
