SURF

Surf Kayaking is an exhilarating, dynamic discipline that requires a combination of freestyle and white water skills as well as the finesse and timing of a board surfer. It sees athletes take on some of the biggest waves in the ocean. Generating speed on a wave allows them to perform top turns, bottom turns, cutbacks and even aerial tricks. This discipline is both competitive and recreational.



Surf kayaking can be done in any closed cockpit kayak. However, a boat with rails surfs better than a round hulled boat. Surf kayaks are predominantly constructed of fibre glass or carbon Kevlar materials to make them light and stiff. A purpose built surf kayak will perform much better than a plastic river kayak.

Surf kayak manoeuvres are dynamic, controlled moves using the steepest part of the wave near to the ‘pocket’ of the wave.

You can surf kayak on pretty much any beach in Scotland. It is essential to ensure you are not out of your depth in the water, in that if you swim you can get back to shore easily. There are many water hazards, even on a benign looking beach, so please seek advice from qualified instructors before you enter the water.