“I HOPE they’re going to become pro.”
It’s clear that Tiree's Ben Larg, Scotland’s first professional surfer, has high hopes for the future of the sport with the launch of Lost Shore Surf Resort – Europe's largest inland surfing destination.
Located near Ratho, around 25 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh, at the heart of the resort is a state-of-the-art wave pool powered by Wavegarden technology.
Luckily, the system is designed to suit all kinds of surfers from beginners to professionals – something I was particularly pleased to hear, having never stepped foot on a surfboard in my life.
As if by design, the sun was shining for this particular visit, making it the perfect day for my introduction to the sport. Staff told me it was the best weather they'd had since they had started preparing to open.
Any nerves before heading into the water weren’t exactly eased by watching Larg effortlessly catch waves without a care in the world.
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My lesson took place in what’s known as The Cove – the area of the resort for beginners – while other, more experienced surfers took to The Reef where the waves are much tougher.
In the space of around 90 minutes, our brilliant team of instructors walked us through the basics of surfing but we were quick to get into the water.
From there, it was very much a case of trial and error, but the experience is designed as such that you want to relentlessly keep going no matter how often you might hit the water.
That being said, there was nothing more fulfilling than a seasoned professional telling me how good a job I was doing at one stage despite hitting the water face first.
As soon as the lesson came to an end, I immediately wanted to keep going in what would have no doubt been an entertaining but hopeless bid to improve.
There’s more than 20 wave types which will allow anyone to hone their skills while the resort also offers surf skating – a variation of skateboarding that stimulates ocean surfing on dry land.
Set within an old quarry, the new resort also allows for some stunning views, made all the better when you relax in the Spear Sauna afterwards.
More than surfing
While surfing is of course at the heart of the resort, it also offers a fantastic range of food option in its waterfront bar and café.
It features a diverse range of well-known favourites, with a particular highlight being Civerinos, offering some of the best pizzas you’ll find anywhere in Scotland.
Although I sadly wasn’t able to indulge in everything, there was a range of other delicious-looking options, including food from Glasgow’s Five March as well as Mexican restaurant Rafa’s Diner.
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What many people might not know is that there’s also plenty of accommodation options, ranging from waterfront pods designed for singles or couples to hilltop lodges with three or four bedrooms accommodating up to eight guests.
It all looks quite cosy, but would be just what anyone who was looking for a great surfing experience needs.
There’s even a nice little personal touch with an edition of Edinburgh Monopoly to be found inside each lodge.
One of the staff members even told me they hoped Lost Shore might join Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle on the board one day.
Looking to the future
The resort will open officially on November 11 and it’s easy to see the appeal.
The National spoke with the CEO of the Scottish Surfing Federation (SSF) Paul Stark, who said it was an important facility for youngsters to take advantage of.
“This is the cumulation of the building but it’s the first step in the next journey onwards,” he said.
“As the SSF, we’ve got to maximise the opportunity that lies ahead of us so it’s about utilising surfing’s Olympic background.
“Looking in terms of our pathway through to Great Britain surfing, so the Olympic pathway, but also just attracting people to the sport.
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“It’s about bringing people in. What this facility provides is a whole range of benefits from competitive surfing through to para and adaptive surfing.”
If my experience of the resort is anything to go by, then there’s set to be a whole new generation of Scottish surfers pretty soon.
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