Surfing in Scotland

Scottish Surfing
Surfadh na h-Alaba

Surfing at Belhaven bay

Country|  Scotland
Governing body| Scottish Surfing Federation
National team(s)| Surf Scotland
First played| 1973

National competitions

Scottish National Surfing Championships

International competitions

Summer Olympics

Tràigh Baile a' Mhuilinn on the north west coast of Tiree, Inner Hebrides

Surfing in Scotland is a minor sport. It is practices on east and west coast where the water is warmed by the Gulf Stream. It is represented by the long boarding, short boarding, stand-up paddleboarding and para surfing.

Scotland is a popular surfing destination, with numerous spots known for consistent waves and stunning scenery, especially during the colder months. While the water can be cold, the surfing community is vibrant, offering lessons, surf camps, and various surfing spots for all skill levels.[1]

## History

[edit]

First surfing clubs date back in 1970s. The Scottish Surfing Federation was established in 1975. By the end of 1990s the sport has suffered a significant decline. The revival of popular sport in 2005 meant the establishing of regular National Championships in spring[2][3] and Clan gatherings in autumn.[4]

## Surfing locations

[edit]

A panorama shot of Coldingham Sands from Homeli Knoll, the village of St Abbs is just visible over the headland.

Surfing locations in Scotland include the following:

North East Coast

* Cullen, Moray
* Fraserburgh
* Lossiemouth
* Banff, Aberdeenshire
* Aberdeen
* Sandend

East Coast

* Coldingham Bay
* Eyemouth
* Pease Bay
* St. Abbs
* Belhaven Bay

West Coast

* Machrihanish, Kintyre

North Coast

* Thurso East

Islands

* Ness, Lewis
* Tiree

Inland

* Lost Shore surf resort

## Surf schools

[edit]

Surfing schools in Scotland include the following:

* Blue Coast Surf & Paddle, Cullen
* New Wave Surf School, Lossiemouth
* North Coast Watersports, Thurso
* Coast to Coast Surf School, Dunbar
* Surf Lewis, Isle of Lewis
* Blown Away, St Andrews
* Scot Surf School, Aberdeen
* Blackhouse Watersports, Isle of Tiree
* Momentum Surf School, Edinburgh
* Pete's Surf School, Campbeltown

## See also

[edit]

* Lost Shore Surf Resort
* Para surfing
* Surf therapy

## External links

[edit]

Scottish Surfing Federation

European Surfing Federation

International Surfing Association

The Wave Project surf therapy charity

Blue Coast Surf School, Cullen Moray Firth

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Surfing & Windsurfing in Scotland". VisitScotland. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
2. ^ "Scottish surfing competition to mark 50th anniversary". BBC News. 3 April 2023. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
3. ^ "Big entry as Scottish surfing championships return to Thurso". Northern Times. 19 April 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
4. ^ "How Scottish Surfing survived a near-death experience to hit 50". The Scotsman. 3 April 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025.

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Surfing

* Terminology
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Types|

* Big wave
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Equipment|

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Competitions|

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Organizations|

* International Professional Surfers
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* SurfAid International
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* The Moonshine Conspiracy
* Uruguayan Surfing Union
* Welsh Surfing Federation
* World Surf League

Culture|

* Art
* Fictional surfers
* Films
* Hair
* Music
* Surfwear brands
* Shaka sign

Hazards|

* Shark attack
* Surfer's eye
* Surfer's ear
* Surfer's myelopathy

Related topics|

* Surf lifesaving
* Waterstart (windsurfing maneuver)

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