Imagine walking across golden sands with a surfboard under your arm, stepping into the breakers and paddling out to the waves. Perfect peeling waves come one after the other and as you ride them into shore you take in the views of cliffs and coves that extend along the coastline. No, we’re not talking about the Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii, or Australia’s Gold Coast in Australia, we’re talking about Scotland. If you don’t believe that there’s good surf in the north of the British Isles, keep reading and we might convince you to think again.

In fact it’s no surprise that Scotland is a great surfing destination. It’s set between the Atlantic ocean and the North Sea, which are both powerhouses when it comes to generating waves. On top of that, the intricate and varied coastline of Scotland - and its islands, have beaches that face in all directions, to catch the swell wherever it’s coming from. Finally, the Scottish coastline is fantastically beautiful. Where else could you enjoy views of mountains while riding the waves, or sit on a beach with a panorama of islands flung out onto the sea beyond? If you’re looking for a surfer’s paradise like no other, save the money on plane tickets and come to Scotland!

Where are the best surf spots in Scotland?

• East coast: Standing on the shore of Scotland’s east coast, you’ll be looking across the North Sea, next stop Scandinavia. Waves of all kinds, from easy breakers for beginners to legendary barrels for the pros, come off this sea and there are numerous beaches along the length of the country where you can meet them. You don’t have to go far from Edinburgh to get a taste of it. Where the Firth of Forth opens up and the coastline turns south to face the open sea, two beaches, Pease Bay and Belhaven Bay, are perfectly situated to receive the swell. Belhaven has shallow water and a break that extends the whole length of the beach, making it a perfect place for beginners. Pease also has entry level waves, as well as a reef break that will keep experienced surfers entertained. Further north, more opportunities present themselves around the city of Aberdeen. You can surf directly from Aberdeen beach, a long stretch of pale sand, which has the advantage of enjoying the services of a city without being too crowded in the water.

• North Coast: The waters off the north coast may be colder than you’re used to, but any surfers who make the journey to this part of the country will find fantastic waves, secluded spots and spectacular scenery as their reward. The Firth of Moray has a north facing coast but also enjoys protection from the coldest winds and weather. There are a number of beaches that local surfers frequent, including Banff Beach, Boyndie Bay, Brora Beach, Fraseburgh, Lossiemouth and Sandend, which is a good beginner’s option. If Moray wasn’t remote enough for you, then continue your journey to the farthest flung part of the Scottish mainland, and the beaches of Thurso. Word has it that Thurso East has the best right-hand breaking wave in the whole of Europe, and with 15 foot waves not unheard of here and at Dunnet and Ceannabeinne Beaches, you are guaranteed the ride of your life in this legendary destination.

• West Coast: The Atlantic coast of the Scottish mainland is a complex network of fjords, estuaries and islands so you have to go out to far coasts of islands to face unobstructed waves. Some of the best spots are on the twin islands of Coll and Tiree, isolated outliers of the Hebrides archipelago. The white sands, oceanic swells and warm waters (thanks to the Gulf Stream) have earned Tiree the nickname of Hawaii of the North, while Coll is a relatively unknown destination that enjoys waves which are just as good. But if you don’t like the idea of travelling to an island, you can head for the Mull of Kintyre, the end of a 30 mile long peninsula which extends into the Atlantic. Rivermouth peaks, sandbars, 8 foot waves and rips currents characterise the beaches of Machrihanish and West Port. Experts will know how to use them to their advantage, novices might want to try their luck elsewhere.

What are the options for organising an experience?

The simplest way to get out on a surfboard on the North Sea or Atlantic Ocean is by hiring the equipment from one of many rental services around Scotland and taking it to the beach on an hourly or daily basis. But this comes with a word of warning - if you’ve never surfed before, you won’t get very far on your own. First time surfers and anyone who’s looking to improve their technique, or get some specific pointers about successful surfing in Scottish waters should go to a surf school for a lesson. These usually last around 2 hours, and they’re led by experienced instructors with local knowledge and a passion for boosting Scotland’s reputation as a surfing destination. And just because it’s a lesson doesn’t mean it isn’t fun - why not bring your mates for a birthday party or a stag or hen do, or make your family holiday a trip to remember by bringing the kids? Alternatively, you might want to be taken to various spots in a particular area by a guide and experience surfing some of the best waves around, in which case you can book for a half day or full day session.

A surfing lesson is great, but to really make progress you can’t do better than a course. Especially if you’re heading to a remote location around Scotland, it makes sense to stay a while. The surf school might offer accommodation, or be able to help you find somewhere to stay for a couple of nights.

Requirements to do this activity

We know what you’re thinking - the water in Scotland must be so cold that only absolute surfing nuts will dare to get in it. Wrong! The west coast receives the warm waters of the gulf stream, and in other parts of the country, there are wetsuits to keep you warm. Anyone can get involved with surfing here, including youngsters. Some surf schools have specialised classes for kids as young as 7 or 8 years old, and families with children of this age can organise group sessions as well. If you’re coming as a group, 8 people is a standard maximum size for your session. After all, you don’t want too many people lining up to catch each wave, and everyone needs to have some of the instructor’s attention.

Have we made you change your mind? I guess we’ll find out after you click the Book button!