Shred Spot: Isle of Tiree in Scotland

by Gina Duffy on September 27, 2016

In this series, ambassador Maria Brunori works with our crew to explore some remarkable shred spots around the world. In her first installment, she visits the Isle of Tiree in Scotland, a beautiful destination for Surfers, Kitesurfers and Paddle Boarders.

Words: Maria Brunori

Photos: Rae Powis

Dreaming of a great adventure? Keep the Isle of Tiree in mind if surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, and stand up paddle boarding, or SUP, is on your to do list.

The Isle of Tiree, located off the West Coast of Scotland, and the western most island of the Inner Hebrides Islands, has the waves you are looking for, whether you are a beginner boarder or an expert. Since the island is located in the Gulf Stream, the water around the island stays warm for most of the year and is known as being one of the sunniest locations on the map. To get to the Isle of Tiree, you have to take the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Oban, which is within the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland.

If you are going to Tiree and learn how to surf, windsurf, or SUP, March through June is prime time for beginners. The wind and waves are calmer, giving the riders better conditions to learn in. However, if you go during the mid-summer months of July and August, Gott Bay on the East side of the island is a great place to learn the basics of kite surfing, since the wind isn’t too strong.

However, if you are an intermediate or advanced level rider, don’t count this spot out! With the wind and the waves varying from low to high, there are spots along the island for people of any skill set. The Isle of Tiree even holds the longest running pro windsurfing event in the world, the Tiree Wave Classic, featuring professional riders from all across the United Kingdom!

Sheshreds.co ambassador, Rachel Powis, gave us some insight of the isle, based on her recent visits to Tiree.

Q: What level paddle boarder would you say you are?

A: I had only done flat water before I went, but the island was great as it had some flat water days/beaches and some with really challenging waves, so it was good to try something different and push myself.

Q: What was kitesurfing at Tiree like? Conditions, experience, etc?

A: It's brilliant for kitesurfing and wind surfing. There are several beaches to go to and a couple of schools. I went out as a complete beginner, but got comfortable flying the kite and nearly got up on my board in the third day of the lesson. Kitesurfing is popular with beginners as Gott Bay is fairly sheltered, but it's also good for experts, as they have some big wave beaches and winds can get really strong!

Q: Is there much to do for those visitors who are not into board sports?

A: The Island is really tiny, but there is a lot of good walking and there's a nature reserve there too. I saw a few people road cycling and there are some cute little craft shops you’ll find, if you look around.

So, whether you are into extreme board sports, or you are just going to lounge around on the beach, the Isle of Tiree is a great vacation spot, and possibly the spot you will learn a new sport! Get your tickets booked, your towels packed, and the sunscreen on your nose- the Isle of Tiree is ready, what are you waiting for?