Described by its locals as the ‘land beneath the waves’ the Island of Tiree is the most westerly of the Inner Hebrides. This diminutive gem (roughly seven kilometres long and five kilometres wide) has reliable swell lines unobstructed from the Atlantic, warm currents from the Gulf Stream, consistent winds and some of the highest levels of sunshine recorded in the British Isles – an unheard of cocktail of perfect conditions for the wind- and board-powered athletes at such a northerly latitude.
Since 1984, when the first annual UKWA Tiree Wave Classic was staged, scores of windsurfers, surfers, kite-surfers and even surf kayakers have made their annual pilgrimage to this island. With mast high waves off The Maze beach not uncommon, it’s little wonder that the world class wave-sailors who come to do battle in the autumn, refer to Tiree as ‘mini-Hawaii’. Indeed, between 6 –13 October Tiree will host a round of the PWA (Professional Windsurfers Association) World Cup.
Of course, we can’t all be experts. The mobile Wild Diamond Windsurfing and Kite-surfing school run by local ace and grade five instructor, Willie Angus, is designed to ensure that windsurfers of all standards can enjoy a lesson or hire a wide range of boards to safely fine-tune their skills. For complete beginners and children, Wild Diamond makes use of a handy inland loch.
Though I’ve windsurfed since the age of twelve, I soon discover that the ever-vigilant Willie can still offer a host of invaluable tips. In an hour’s lesson on the loch, he refines my stance, the positioning of the harness lines and my approach to carve and duck gybes. ‘Look up, keep the speed going into the turn,’ he shouts from the shore.
With the wind still howling 24 hours later, Angus’ input is further put to the test as I’m handed a slalom board with a 6.5 metre sail and head out across the turquoise waves of Gott Bay for an exhilarating blast... and two impromptu spills. Watching gusts darken the surface of the water and enjoying the rush, I’d forgotten how addictive windsurfing can be.
Unsurprisingly, the consistent winds also make Tiree popular with kite-surfers. Using Gott Bay as a base, Willie, Marti Larg and Will Ridley are all OKI / BKSA qualified to ensure clients can quickly get to grips with this exhilarating sport.
If you dream of paddling across clean, azure water and learning to catch the perfect wave, seek out the laid-back, personable Craig ‘Suds’ Sutherland. From his BSA approved mobile surf school, ‘Suds’ often visits the stunning Atlantic facing Balevullin beach to run fun courses with free hire of all the relevant paraphernalia.
After a quick beach based lesson with Suds, we sit astride our boards in the water, ‘Relax and try to come up onto your board in one smooth motion,’ advises Suds. ‘Don’t rush. It’s as much about timing as finding your balance.’ Thirty minutes later I’m whooping with joy as a (very) small wave propels Scotland’s latest surf convert towards the beach... standing.
If harnessing wind and waves doesn’t appeal, Wakesport is ideal for those in pursuit of high-powered watersports action. Under the guidance of Graham, a BWSF qualified instructor, a 275bhp Masterclass boat promises even complete beginners will be water-skiing or wakeboarding within an hour.
Whatever your thrill of choice, this tiny Scottish island has a lot to offer. It’s great for world class pros and perfect for those just starting.
Getting there
Caledonian MacBrayne ferries cross from Oban to Tiree. You can fly with BA from Glasgow to The Reef airport (Tiree), which is a 50-minute flight.
Accommodation
Glebe House, Scarinish, offers ensuite rooms with sea views. Option of a three-course set dinner at additional charge. Ask for Eileen Tainsh. If you’re on a budget, the you can stay at the Tiree Mill House Hostel at Cornaig. Call 01879 220435 and ask for Judith Boyd.
Getting around
MacLennan Motors, are a car hire firm based in Scarinish, call 01879 220555.
Activities
? Wild Diamond Windsurfing and Kite Surfing www.tireewindsurfing.com
? Surfing with Craig ‘Suds’ Sutherland www.surfschoolscotland.co.uk Craig runs BSA approved lessons from March to December.
? Wakesport www.tireewakesport.co.uk Offer wakeboarding and waterskiing tuition.
Other activities include golf and horse riding: for Vaul Golf Club, call 01879 200729, for Tiree on Horseback, call 01879 220881.
Wild Diamond offer tuition in kitesurfing to over-16s, and surfing and windsurfing from the age of six.
For more information see...
