About Scotland Surf Travel
Scotland is one of the most stunning surf destinations on the planet. It is a land of Neolithic monuments, jagged peaks and rolling moorland. A place where peat stained rivers bleed into the raging North Atlantic and ruined castles stand watch over deserted bays. The fractured western isles of the Hebrides are home to white sand beaches and cobble points that rarely sleep. The only down side can be the weather. The wind often renders even the most perfect swells unrideable, and then it’s a case of seeking out those sheltered gems the locals head for. The north shore is a remote and exposed region, home to the rivermouths and beaches of Sutherland and the flat reefs of Caithness. Here, geography produces waves of an almost computer-designed precision and classic line-ups still go unridden every day.
Scotland Surf Crowds:
Scotland has recently attracted much media attention through the WQS contest at Thurso and reams of magazine coverage, but the locals remain a mellow and friendly group with respectful travelers. The breaks near Fraserborough are much more crowded and have a degree of localism, while the beaches near Edinburgh get very busy.
Scotland Surf Hazards:
Those from northern California may find it hard to believe that the kelp and seal filled points and reefs of the north shore are great white-free, but big sharks do not appear to be present in the region. The biggest danger is surfing alone at deserted beaches. The beach at Sandside has some ominous warnings about contamination from the nuclear power plant at Dounreay.
Best Surf Seasons in Scotland:
1) Fall
Swell generating lows tracking through the North Atlantic, warmer water temperatures and (generally) mellow weather means that September, October and November are prime months for Scotland. Time to break out the 4/3 as the wind can definitely have an edge to it.
2) Summer
Small surf and long days mean Scotland is a fun summer destination. Best chance of surf on the Hebrides. 3/2’s are enough, even on the north shore where June enjoys virtually 24 hours of daylight.
3) Winter
Plenty of swell but short days mean this is a season for the hardcore only. Thurso can hit 12 feet and more sheltered points go off. Good time to check out the east coast with its westerly trade winds.
4) Spring
Four seasons in one day would describe the Scottish weather perfectly. It can be sunny and still one minute and raining and squally the next. Spring is a gamble and a trip could bring a week of perfection or a week of snowed-in isolation. Bring playing cards and a laptop (to check the charts).
Directions to Best Surf in Scotland:
Fly into London and drive north on the A1 all the way or access the highlands from Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Best Surf Reading for Scotland:
Surfing Britain (Footprint)
Surfing Europe (Footprint)
Stormrider Europe (Stormrider)