North Coast Watersports

Approaching Valentine’s Day, lots of Let’s Go Out-ers aren’t thinking of hearts and flowers- unless that’s getting your heart racing, or being wowed by amazing floral displays in our great gardens, nurseries, parks and hillsides! OK, we admit it, we love a bit of romance too, but we recognise it comes in much more exciting flavours than that same old bottle of wine or shop-bought bouquet.

Whether it’s strolling hand-in-hand by a racing river, exploring the stately homes where some of our greatest romances played out, or raising both your heartbeats with some extreme adventuring, Britain’s packed with great sharing experiences to really say how much you love being with someone. And true to form, we’ve got a great thrill-seeking adventure suggestion this week; because adventures, just like true romance, aren’t just for one day a year!

Epic Fun in the Far North

North Coast Watersports provides unforgettable surfing experiences amongst the best waves in the UK, partnered with Scottish surfing champion coaches. Conveniently close to Thurso along the dependably wave-rich north coast of the dramatic Scottish highlands, this area is known as the cold water surfing mecca of the world, giving you a whole new perspective of this breath-taking coastline.

The two main beaches these infectious thrill enthusiasts operate at are Dunnet beach and Ceannabeinne beach, near Durness. Both are long sandy bays that picks up all the North Sea swells, perfect places to learn or improve how to surf the long mellow waves. Offering the most northerly surf lessons in Scotland, this really feels like surfing on the edge of the world!

Experience and Enthusiasm

North Coast Watersports was formed in April 2019 by Iona and Finn with the aim to share their love for surfing and the north Scottish coast. Both champion Scottish junior and senior team surfers, they have travelled to many countries to compete, train and teach, including New Zealand’s top surf school. Inspired to start their own school, they couldn’t resist the homeward pull of northern Scotland’s open seas!

Now joined by Iona’s brother Craig, all three bring boundless experience and enthusiasm, as well as a relaxed vibe into all their lessons and sessions. Fully trained lifeguards and ISA surf coaches, and with a wealth of national surf titles beneath their (wetsuit) belts, the school has built up a reputation for the best surfing and exhilarating fresh challenges teamed with the friendliest support, and biggest laughs you’ll experience on a board. With top quality boards and equipment, including super-cosy wetsuits, just bring yourself- the smiles come naturally.

Activities

Surfing, surfing, surfing: It’s what these guys- and the area- are famous for. Whether complete beginner, looking to progress, or refine those competition moves and meet some unique new challenges, there’s an activity and swell for you! The beauty of North Coast Watersports is that it’s all arranged around individual requirements, you simply ring, discuss, and book when and what you want. From individual and private to group lessons, there’s lots of flexibility on dates, times, location and activity. With highly qualified, highly enthused instructors, it’s incredible highs all the way.

Surf Trips: Experience surfing along one of the most beautiful parts of the famous Scottish road trip- the North Coast 500. Recommended for improver/ intermediate surfers, your destination is the beach with the best waves on the day for a full private surf lesson, level From two people upwards, choose from 4 hours (2 hours of surfing) or half-day (4 hours of surfing). Larger groups can choose to add on a beach BBQ, everything cooked to perfection as you emerge from the surf!

Stand-up Paddleboarding: Added by popular demand, learn to paddleboard on the north shore’s incredible coast line! Lessons include top quality equipment and fully trained ISA coaches. To ensure the best wind and swell conditions for the perfect experience, exact meeting points will be confirmed around 4 days in advance, all local options.

Equipment Hire for Unaccompanied Adventures: For those wanting to go it alone or in your own gang, North Coast Adventures offer equipment hire, including 5/4mm super-warm wetsuits and 7ft/ 8ft foam boards, shortboards for more experienced surfers, paddleboards (during calm conditions), and single person sit on top kayaks with paddle and buoyancy aid included. A great option for anyone above beginners, hire lengths start from 2 hours to full or multiple days. If you need help transporting equipment, you can even hire bespoke foam car roof racks!

Swell Weekends: The ultimate coastal experience, from 5-10 people, you’ll revel in 3 days full board at the cosy Melvich Hotel, then head out for a full 3 day itinerary of surf, water, outdoor, cultural and culinary north coast incredibleness. Once you’ve maxed out the water, there’s more sporting opportunities and wellbeing activities on dry land- or just some welcome R&R; many individual requirements can be incorporated, too. All surf and yoga equipment is provided, o feel free to bring your own kit. As the team say: “Yoga. Surf. Explore. Discover. Breathe. Eat. Sleep. Repeat…”

From learning a new skill to sharing adventures with someone special, get on board for a genuinely heart-warming adventure- there’s plenty of evenings during the rest of the year to schedule that romantic dinner for two!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have also put together a list of frequently asked questions at the link below, which include some Top Tips and Did you know information, which you can use to show off with your friends and family

• Read our frequently asked questions (FAQs) - Click Here

We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article called North Coast Watersports and that you have found the information above include our FAQ page helpful in deciding on which venue you to choose for your Activities and Days Out