Surf Spots in Scotland?

[Jon_kay]

Hey guys and gals, looking for beginner/intermediate surf off Scotland for a week long surf discovery. From my research Thurso seems the best bet but I also hear good things about Machrihanish (yep I spelt that right), Islay, Caithness Cost, Ullapool and Lossiemouth. I was thinking of bringing the tent.

Any ideas from anyone experienced that can help a brother out?

Cheers,

Jonny

if anyone fancies coming along drop me a line!

[jaffa1949]

Let's start easy, Thurso is not a beginner's spot , not a beach but rock reef .
The Inner Hebrides have windward and leeward beaches, matching yourself to the vagaries of Altantic swell and getting out of the wind is the answer.
Much of Scotland is highly weather dependent Another suggestion Google Scottish surf school, at least if you don't want to use their services, it is likely that the beach is benign most days.
You could get the European "Sormrider Guide, ' either the book or as an Ebook. Most of my research starts there.

I have a major problems sending beginners to out of the way places that may not have lifeguards.
Reading the surf is an important part of surf learning. I am unaware of your swimming ability and how that would support you in a surf crisis.

Gives us some more information about your level, what board you ride, what you think beginner intermediate is and what has been your current beach?

[Oldie]

Lossiemouth should be OK for a beginner. Do keep in mind that the water is very cold up there, even in summer. For me, scotland is not a good camping spot as the weather is too unpredictable. Be prepared for camping in stormy, rainy and cold days. I was there twice. One summer was a dream with a heatwave over Europe, the other summer was very very very cold.

[DaveF]

Hi Jon, I'm up in the Orkney Islands and would echo what Jaffa said about avoiding Thurso as it's a more serious proposition than you're maybe looking for. The Caithness coast has some decent beaches (though Jaffa also makes a good point about lifeguard cover, etc) I learned to surf at Dunnet Bay, which is fairly mellow and has a campsite too. Moray/Abderdeenshire/east coast has plenty of options too in terms of beaches, but might be worth checking out one of the surf schools (Coast to Coast at Dunbar, for example). And, if you ever get this far north, give me a shout.

[jaffa1949]

Bruichladdich to you DaveF welcome to you

[Oldie]

Moray/Abderdeenshire/east coast has plenty of options too in terms of beaches, but might be worth checking out one of the surf schools (Coast to Coast at Dunbar, for example).

My daughter joined C2C at Dunbar for a few days and was quite happy. Nice team and fun location.