Where to Surf...in the Hebrides

Lewis

Some of the best...

[1] Traigh Mhor

-14 miles from Stornoway this is a 1.5 mile long beach which Faces North East and has nice gently waves with a north /east Swell which is perfect for beginners who are apprehensive about Big waves and currents. (beginner to moderate)

North Coast

[2] Europie

Great beach break which faces North West and gets consistent Swells from this direction. This beach was one of the main venues in the 2001 International Surfing Competition. (all levels)

[3] Port

This beach is extremely dangerous, it has very bad rips and currents and is recommended only for the very experinced/professional. It is a small beach at the very tip of the island which faces North East and occasionally gets good waves.

West Coast

[4] Barvas

This beach is extremely dangerous, it has very bad rips and currents and is recommended only for the very experinced/professional. A boulder reef break which has consistent left and right hand breaks. This reef will catch any swell going and has the cleanest and most consistently big waves in the islands.

[5] Dalmore

The most popular surf beach in the Hebrides. Sunday afternoon is a good day to watch surfers here. There is a nice peak on the North end and variable rips across the beach, south winds are offshore here. (variable - all levels)

[6] Valtos (Cliff)

This beach break has been rated by former Scottish Surfing Champion, Ian Masson as ‘the best he has ever surfed.’ Catches swells from the North West to bigger swells from the South. South winds are offshore, strong rip currents. (moderate to experienced)

[7] Mangersta

This beach is definitely for experienced surfers only, serious rips make this a very dangerous but intense break but outstanding if the swell is right. A dramatic setting with rocky cliffs and views to St Kilda on a clear day. (experienced surfers only)

Harris

[8] Scarista

As the southern part of the Northern island, Harris is not as exposed to swells like Lewis but has some of the most beautiful stretches of beaches like Luskentyre sands which any surfer would appreciate. Traigh Scarista is probably the best beach for wave potential and is North West facing with views across to the castaway island of Taransay. (all levels)

The Uists

[9] Hosta

This North facing break gets good consistent swells, waves are generally gentle and small but can get bigger with the right swell from the North. Rip currents. (variable -all levels) There are other bays and coasts in the Uists which have great potential for small but consistent surf and you are guaranteed to have the break all to yourself as a lot of these are undiscovered.

[10] Benbecula - Culla Bay

Small bay on the west coast which should have waves on a decent day, the surf on this island is relatively unknown so if you go there and find some quality waves, let us know, cheers!

[11] Barra - West Coast

The beaches along the west coast of Barra are worth exploring. All can hold some surf in the right conditions and are easily accessible from the road. The surf here is relatively unknown, so if anyone goes there and finds some quality waves, let us know, cheers!

[12] Vatersay - Bagh Siar

This west facing beach on Vatersay is pounded by the Atlantic swells and can offer good surfing conditions.