If you are thinking about learning to surf, you might be wondering about the best time to surf in Scotland for beginners.
Many people assume Scotland only has winter waves, but that is not always the case. In fact, there are plenty of smaller and more manageable days throughout the year that are perfect for learning.
Understanding the seasons and typical surf conditions can help beginners choose the best time to get started.
Summer Surfing in Scotland
For most people, summer is the best time to surf in Scotland for beginners.
During the warmer months the waves are usually smaller and more consistent. These conditions are ideal for learning the basics such as standing up, balancing and catching your first waves.
Water temperatures are also warmer, and the weather is often calmer. This makes the whole experience more comfortable for beginners.
Many surf schools run their busiest beginner courses during the summer for exactly this reason.
Spring and Autumn Surf Conditions
Spring and autumn can also offer excellent surfing conditions.
During these seasons the waves often become slightly bigger and more powerful. However, there are still plenty of smaller days that beginners can enjoy.
For surfers who already have a few lessons under their belt, these seasons can be a great time to continue progressing with more advanced lessons, courses or hiring options. Even buying your own equipment can be a good step and we are happy to help advise.
The beaches are often quieter as well, which means more waves to practise on.
Winter Surfing in Scotland
Winter is when Scotland usually receives its largest swells.
Storm systems moving across the North Atlantic send powerful waves toward the coastline. These conditions can create excellent surfing for experienced surfers.
However, winter waves can often be too large and powerful for beginners who are just starting out. Winter also brings strong winds and cold temperatures in the sea and air and can be best left for the more experienced.
That said, smaller winter days do still appear from time to time, and with the right guidance beginners can still enjoy surfing during the colder months.
Where Beginners Should Surf
Location is just as important as the time of year.
On the east coast of Scotland, places like Belhaven Bay near Dunbar offer excellent beginner conditions throughout much of the year. Its a great place to start and learn how to progress.
The beach has a long sandy shoreline and several different surf areas depending on the swell and wind direction. This makes it possible for beginners and experienced surfers to share the same beach while riding different waves.
Because of these conditions, Belhaven has become one of the most popular places for people learning to surf in Scotland.
Learning at the Right Time
While the seasons can help guide your expectations, the best way to start surfing is simply to get in the water when conditions are suitable. Beginner surf conditions are more common at Belhaven and we regularly highlight good conditions for our customers.
Coast to Coast Surf school regularly monitors forecasts and we choose the safest and most enjoyable conditions for beginner lessons.
This makes it much easier for new surfers to learn without worrying about reading complicated forecasts or choosing the right day. We also recommend starting at the start of season around Easter as this will offer the best chance to improve as you develop new skills going into the summer and long days.
Ready to Try Surfing?
If you are curious about the best time to surf in Scotland for beginners, the good news is that there are opportunities throughout the year.
At Coast to Coast Surf School we run beginner surf lessons and courses at Belhaven Bay in East Lothian, just a short drive from Edinburgh. Our beginner lessons take place from March to November.
You can learn more about our surf lessons here:
https://c2csurfschool.com/surf
