Europe’s largest wave pool attracts enthusiasts and novices from all over the world. Ailsa Sheldon joins the board meeting at Lost Shore Surf in Ratho, where the surf’s up every day
Hailstones bounce off my car windscreen as I drive out of Edinburgh to Ratho. Hailstones in May feels a little cruel for my first surfing lesson but I’m still keen to give it a try. Lost Shore Surf Resort is an inland surf resort and home to Europe’s largest wave pool, powered by innovative ‘Wavegarden’ technology.
On Google Maps this area still shows as the post-industrial site it was until a few years ago. Until you visit, the whole thing feels slightly improbable. Lost Shore is nowhere near the sea for a start.
There’s no sandy beach, salt water or tides and, instead of the screech of seagulls, there’s just the distant roar of planes taking off from Edinburgh airport.
However, this is Scotland’s most exciting new surfing destination, changing how people across Europe think about learning to surf. In its first year of operation Lost Shore reported that it had contributed £18 million to the Scottish economy, attracting 100,000 visitors from 67 countries, which seems like a pretty good use for a disused quarry.
I fuel up first in the Lost Shore canteen. It’s a huge, light and welcoming space, with plywood divisions creating cosier areas and a stove in the middle for chillier days.
The company has recently taken most of the catering back in-house, previously hosting rotating pop-up kitchens, of which a branch of Civerinos remains.
The new Lost Food concept, lead by chef Jason Wright, is being introduced in phases to include a taco kitchen, a deli and a grocery shop – ideal for the on site self-catering accommodation. On the Lost Kitchen menu many dishes are ‘smashed’, including, intriguingly, a pastry. (I’m hoping this isn’t a predictor of my surfing performance.)
I order a stacked tuna focaccia, an addictive chilli crisp smashed cucumber side and porcini fries – potentially ordering overkill, but excellent. It’s a high energy menu with generous servings, perfect for this setting.
The canteen is a great place to hang out, whether you’re surfing or not, with bags of space, friendly staff and a laid-back vibe.
I’m here a day before the Hi-land Fling mini surfing festival starts, and the place is slowly filling up with surfers.
The invitational event attracted professional surfers from across Europe, including Tiree’s Ben Larg and Craig McLachlan, a Lost Shore instructor, who won the men’s competition.
As I change into my rental wetsuit and boots, it becomes clear most of the other learners are teenagers. It’s the after-school slot but I’m relieved to realise they are all in the intermediate lesson, leaving me and one other adult in beginners. Ideal.
Lost Shore has worked hard to make surfing here as accessible as possible, with lessons for children and adults, family sessions and adaptive surfing sessions run with the charity Inclusive Surfing Scotland.
My lesson with instructor James begins on land, learning the parts of the board – rails, nose and tail – to get the lingo right, and working on positioning on the surfboard.
“We’re looking for the sweet spot,” he explains, the point between being tipped off your board by the wave, and going nowhere.
Then we wade into the water to try it out. The wave pool has different session settings, starting with cruiser then progressing through turns, manoeuvres and barrels to high performance and ‘turns to tubes’ waves.
In the sea you are, of course, at the mercy of the tides and the weather but here predictable waves allow learners to practise in the same conditions over and over until they are ready to progress. It’s a system that clearly works, judging by the thousands of visitors who have learned to surf here.
It’s colder than I anticipated but Lost Shore worked with Edinburgh Napier University to research the warmest rental wetsuits (the first project for the onsite research lab) and I quickly warm up. With patient instruction, soon I can just about catch a wave and ride it to shore in a half press up position then on my knees. Attempts to ‘pop up’ to standing are humbling, earning me a headfirst plunge into the water but it’s all part of the fun.
I learn that the long wade back into the waves is hard going and that letting a wave pass over your head is known as ‘shampoo’.
Any thoughts of looking cool on a surfboard have long been abandoned but I can see why it’s so addictive.
Surfers can make a weekend of it here, with instruction packages and a range of accommodation options, from cosy wee pods for two to four-bed self-catering lodges.
Also onsite is a sauna overlooking the wave pools and a spa offering massages and other treatments to soothe tired muscles. I’ll need to book one of those after my next lesson.
Now that I know what it’s like to ‘ride the energy of the wave’, I’ll definitely be back.
OTHER PLACES TO SURF IN SCOTLAND
COAST TO COAST SURF SCHOOL (DUNBAR)
This is exceptionally novice‑friendly with structured lessons at the famous Belhaven Beach, a sandy, forgiving break ideal for first waves. Established 22 years ago, it specialises in entry‑level coaching, provides all equipment, and adapts sessions daily for safety and confidence building. It also offers Surf Camps on the north coast and Hebrides. Lessons cost from £40. c2csurfschool.com
SCOT SURF SCHOOL (ABERDEEN)
Based in at a city beach location Scot offers easy access and consistent waves. A strong emphasis on beginner progression, kids’ lessons and safety sessions make it highly accessible for first‑timers. Children’s lessons cost £30.
BLOWN AWAY SURF SCHOOL ST ANDREWS
This is a well‑established school with strong beginner programmes and safe sandy teaching areas on the famous West Sands beach next to the Old Course. Popular with students and tourists, it offers structured lessons and experienced instructors. Children’s lessons cost £39.
NEW WAVE SURF SCHOOL (LOSSIEMOUTH)
Located on the wide, sandy Lossiemouth East beach with manageable waves, beginner lessons have an emphasis on confidence and enjoyment. There are slightly more exposed conditions but it’s still very suitable. Under‑18s lessons costs £25.
NORTH COAST WATERSPORTS (DUNNET BAY/THURSO)
Dunnet Bay is excellent for beginners with long sandy stretches. However, the exposed north coast can bring stronger conditions, so lessons are well managed but slightly more variable. Lessons cost £40.
SURFLEWIS (ISLES OF LEWIS & HARRIS)
This is based at Traigh Mhor beach on the east side of Lewis but also offers a surf school in Harris. White sand and turquoise seas provide a stunning backdrop. Private family lessons (up to 6 spaces) cost £270.
BLUE COAST SURF & PADDLE
Beautiful Cullen Bay offers relatively gentle, beginner‑friendly surf. Small group sizes and personalised coaching make this ideal for nervous beginners looking for a quieter, supportive learning environment. Family lesson for up to four people cost £125.
BLACKHOUSE WATERSPORTS (ISLE OF TIREE)
Tiree has excellent waves and vast white beaches but can be buffeted by Atlantic winds. Great instruction is given but complete novices may find conditions more demanding than mainland east‑coast venues.
