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5 Beginner-friendly Surf Spots in Edinburgh You’ll Love
When I get in my head too much, nothing calms me down better than being on the beach and surfing, playing water sports, and just enjoying the good weather.
While searching for my next escape, I realized that there wasn’t much information about surf spots in Edinburgh when I searched online, and I wanted to change that. After all, everyone here deserves to kick back and enjoy the waves to clear their heads.
A well-informed surfer is a happy surfer! So, whether you’re a beginner unsure where and how to start or an experienced surfer doing quick research, you’re in the right place.
Belhaven Bay
Media Credit: nealysart
Address: Belhaven Bay EH42 1NX, UK
Belhaven Bay is well-known in the surfing community because of its reliable, gentle, and consistent waves. It’s also accessible for any skill level, with many locals saying it’s beginner-friendly. It’s ideal for beginners because of its sandy and shallow bottom.
It’s a beautiful, open, and wide beach outside of Dunbar, surrounded by dunes and offering fantastic views of the open sea. You can even bring the whole family here to enjoy picnics, beach sports, and even just sunbathe if they don’t like to surf.
Experienced surfers often mention that Belhaven Bay has its charm despite not being the most extreme beach in Scotland to surf.
Aside from the consistent waves, this beach is also beginner-friendly because there are a lot of surfing schools here. So there’s ample support for those just starting to learn. Here’s a rundown of the schools you can contact:
| Company | Contact Details | Address | Website | Offerings |
| Ocean Vertical | +44 1368 373848 | Hedderwick Hill Stables By, Belhaven, Dunbar | https://www.oceanvertical.com/ | They have a range of adventurous activities. Aside from surfing lessons, they also offer surfing retreats that incorporate yoga. |
| Coast to Coast Surf School | +44 7971 990361 | Surf Centre, Belhaven, 36 Back Rd, Belhaven, Dunbar | https://www.oceanvertical.com/adventure-category/surfing-and-retreats | They have beginner-centric lessons as well as improver lessons for those wanting to refine their surfing skills. |
| Belhaven Surf Centre | +44 7971 990361 | 36 Back Rd, Belhaven, Dunbar | https://belhavensurfcentre.org/ | They offer a range of activities, including surfing lessons, safety training, surfer performance training, and surfing competitions. |
Pro Tip: There are two car parks in the area. Most go to the one in Linkfield Links next to the park. They have toilet and shower facilities you can use there.
Pease Bay
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Pease Bay is perfect if you’re a group with different skill levels because it has plenty of sandbar beach breaks for new surfers and boulder reef breaks for expert surfers. It’s known for consistent surf conditions, making it a popular choice.
I found that the waves here are best when it’s low to medium tide; there are lots of peaks to choose from. The waves here are more forgiving compared to other beaches. Still, if you want a challenge, there are parts of the beach that provide that.
One thing that you can note is that this beach can be crowded during weekends and most summer nights. It has direct access to a pub at Peasebay Holiday Park, making it very convenient to shoot the breeze after a fun day surfing.
Beginner surfers would love Groundswell Scotland. Ran by volunteers, they hold surf clubs where you only have to pay a minimal fee for a session. It’s a relaxed place where you can learn and enjoy surfing with the guidance of other passionate surfers.
Surfers know that community support is so important, and Groundswell is a good place to start. It’s more of a community project than a business.
They also offer surfboards and wetsuits for rent for a minimal price. If you don’t have the money, they’re also very flexible about it – don’t be afraid to ask.
Pro Tip: It tends to get crowded on weekends, so it’s best to get there earlier so you maximise the experience and ensure you have a parking slot!
Coldingham Bay
Media Credit: katarinaswims
Directions: Eyemouth UK
Coldingham Bay has a sandy bottom, making it a great spot for a beginner. It caters to all levels and is actually the only beach that’s RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) lifeguard-patrolled in the Southern part of Edinburgh.
If you need to rent a wetsuit, surfboard, or even a kayak, you can check out St. Vidas’ packages. They have some bulk promos that charge by the hour (which means time in the water, not including changing time).
They also have everything you’ll need for surfboard maintenance and transport. So if you want to restock on your essentials, this is the place for you. St. Vidas also offers surf lessons – it’s a real one-stop-shop!
Aside from surfing here, it’s also exciting to walk the stretch of the beach at Coldingham Bay. The sand stretches for about a kilometer or so and when you reach each opposite end, it’s quite rocky.
Keep an eye out for different kinds of wild and sea life! You’ll see hermit crabs in rockpools, as well as nice flowers, butterflies, and nesting birds around the area during spring.
Aside from these points, it’s also very convenient because they have a cafe nearby, toilets, and plenty of parking spaces.
Pro Tip: There’s a regular bus service that passes by Coldingham village from Berwick. So it’s very convenient.
Thorntonloch Beach
Media Credit: groundswellscotland
Directions: EH42 1QS
While this beach is quieter and tends to be a bit more advanced than the other examples, beginners are still welcome here. It has a lateral rip that everyone should be alert to. Just make sure to check the water conditions before going in.
If you’re new, don’t go into the waves alone; have an experienced surfer with you.
It’s easy to go to since it’s near Pease Bay. You can easily spot this from the A1 when you drive south towards the border.
It’s beautiful to take a walk in this area because you’ll see sandstone arches and even waterfalls. It’s a popular spot to check out wildlife and fish, aside from surfing. It’s a family-friendly place where kids can go swimming and adults can enjoy the time under the sun in the summer.
This place is recommended for those who hate crowds but still want to enjoy some sick waves. Groundswell Scotland also opens surf groups here, so make sure to check them out or inquire about the availability of their classes.
Pro Tip: Parking is free of charge here, so that’s one less thing to worry about!
Lost Shore Surf Resort
Media Credit: lostshore
Website
Address: 11 South Platt Hill, Newbridge EH28 8AY
Number: +44 131 287 4590
Opening Hours: Daily (8 AM-10 PM)
Found just a little outside of Edinburgh is this fun surfing lagoon, perfect for all ages and surfing skill levels. Surfers enjoy the adjustable wave technology that makes the waves accessible all year round.
It’s a little different from the other spots on this list because it’s not all natural, but if you’re looking for something that has more control over the size, power, and shape of waves, then this is a perfect training ground for you. There’s no off-season here.
You can check out their wave schedule here. You can filter it according to price, wave setting, or class availability.
Surfing here is more luxurious, with access to accommodation units, a bar, a cafe, and a restaurant.
This is the place to go to if you’re looking to surf but also need some major R&R – they even have a sauna and spa here where you can relax after surfing!
If you’re a beginner, they have different surfing bundles, sessions, and lessons here as well. There are even specific classes that focus on surf terms and how to surf safely. Instructors are ISA-qualified and very friendly.
Everything will be provided for you, including wetsuit boots, gloves, a hood, and a surfboard. You just need your swimsuit and towel. Make sure to get there an hour before class time to get changed and attend the safety briefing.
They also have SurfSkate Academy, which has group classes and one-on-ones. It’s just unique because they teach you surfing techniques on a skateboard.
Their teaching philosophy is that you need to train on land first so you can correct bad habits and build muscle memory before going into the water.
Pro Tip: You can even book this place as a party venue for your surf friends. You can incorporate a surf session or personalise it any way you want.
And there you have it! That’s a rundown of great surfing spots for beginners in the Edinburgh area. If you want to read more about other adventurous activities and exciting places you can visit in the area, you can check out these articles:
