Everyone starts somewhere. For most surfers, that first wave is a mix of a lot of things – and the start of your new obsession, even if it means a lot of falling off. Don’t worry, that’s completely normal.
The difference at Lost Shore is that you’re learning on waves designed to help you get to grips with everything surfing has to offer.
Every lesson gives you the chance to build confidence on consistent waves, with expert instructors right there beside you.
Whether you’ve never stood on a board before or you’re ready to leave the whitewater behind, every session is another step forward. Here’s what that journey looks like.
Start Your Surfing Journey in the Whitewater
Every surfer starts in the same place. Your first introduction to surfing starts on dry land, where your instructor will take you through the basics. You’ll learn how to pop up, where to stand and what to expect before you even step into the water. Then it’s time for your first waves.
You’ll head into the Bay on a soft-top board that’s stable, forgiving and built for beginners. Your instructor will help you catch that first wave, so you can focus on the feeling of standing up, balancing and enjoying the ride.
As surf coach Iona Turner says: “Many associate Scottish surfing with cold water and harsh conditions, which for the most part would be pretty accurate.
“However, Lost Shore offers ideal conditions for learning. In a disused quarry, the pool is sheltered from the wind, and this summer, it’s become a total sun trap. No matter the season, our beginner lessons include all the equipment you need to stay warm and comfortable. In an average beginner lesson, we push hundreds of perfect waves. Expect our coaches to be committed and enthusiastic surfers, all super skilled and genuinely passionate about our pool.
“All our coaches are supportive and encouraging. We all understand how daunting your first pool visit can be; we’ve all been there.”
Find Your Feet
For many people, standing up happens sooner than they expect. But if it doesn’t, that’s ok too! It’s all a part of it. But once you have found your feet, it’s all about doing it again. And again.
Because every wave is consistent at Lost Shore, you get plenty of chances to practise. Your instructor can make small adjustments that make a big difference, whether that’s where your feet land, when you stand up or how you balance across the board. Or simple things like keeping your head up – a common mistake everyone makes in the early stages.
“It’s the wave count,” said Iona, when asked what makes Lost Shore an ideal beginner venue. “You’ll get to surf the same wave again and again, allowing you to focus on technique and make real progress. With our coaches’ expert feedback, you’ll quickly dial in the fundamentals.”
Catch Your First Unbroken Wave
Standing up is a huge milestone. High-fives, cheers. You’re on the way now. But what next? It may take a couple of sessions in the whitewater, but then you want to catch your first unbroken wave, or green wave as it’s known in the surfing world.
Instead of being pushed into whitewater, you’ll paddle for the wave yourself, pop up before it breaks and suddenly, you’re surfing. It’s challenging, rewarding and this is where the moment of surfing really clicks in.
If you’re ready for that next step, our Improver sessions are designed to help you get there, with waves that give you time to learn without feeling overwhelming.
Learn to Turn
Once you’re comfortable riding green waves – and everyone’s progression varies, so go at your own pace – you can start shaping how you actually surf when you’re up and riding. And turning is all about control.
You’ll learn how to shift your weight, choose your line and start travelling across the wave instead of simply riding straight towards the shore. This is called surfing down the line.
Because the waves stay consistent, you can practise the same movement over and over again. It’s the stage where everything starts coming together.
Some fast-track the process, like Debi McKay
Now, Debi’s a bit of an outlier case as she had some wakeboarding prowess before learning to surf at Lost Shore – but, Debi’s gone from beginner to getting used to the barrel setting in 10 months. A process that would probably take years in the ocean. Not to say progression isn’t as fast in the ocean but you have to wait for waves and swells – we love all the usual nuance of surfing, but Lost Shore can make progression flow smoother.
Before getting to Lost Shore, Debi was nervous about getting in the ocean. “Lost Shore gave me the foundations and confidence I never had before.” These days, Debi’s taking on some of the more advanced settings, after only 18 months in the pool. That’s an unrivaled progression.
Every Session Counts
The thing about surfing is; even if you fall or get something wrong – there’s always a learning point – but the most important thing to remember is; it’s just fun. That’s why the ancient Polynesians decided to step foot in the water and bring surfing to the world in the first place, to have fun.
“I learned to surf in the sea, and I’ll always love that, but the training time and community I’ve found at Lost Shore is just incredible,” said Ioan. “Here, you meet every type of surfer; almost everyone I ever met in the sea, I now see at the pool. Meeting travelling surfers from all over makes it even more exciting, too. The knowledge, experience, equipment and skills they bring have completely elevated the scene, I never thought I’d be surrounded by all that in my hometown.”
Some sessions you’ll stand up on every wave. Others you’ll spend an hour working on one small improvement. Both are part of becoming a surfer.
At Lost Shore, progression isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling a part of the surf community and how you choose to move through your surfing life. It’s about expression; on a board, in the water, how you interact with everyone after. There’s a reason why surfing has a deep-rooted culture and connection with everything – and only by surfing does that become tangible.
What Our First-Timers Say
“It’s testament to the lesson and coaches that all the kids seemed to get standing up and riding the waves by the end of the lesson. More importantly a great deal of fun was had. Such a positive experience. The facility as a whole is superb. Many thanks to all.”
Jay – Beginner Lesson
“I was a bag of nerves embarking on my first surf lesson here today but my instructor Finn was absolutely fantastic and made me feel relaxed and I really really enjoyed the whole thing. The whole experience and resort is a VIBE and I’ll definitely be back for more lessons- thanks so much Finn!”
Sinead – Family Holiday
“Buzzing after a good session we got a pizza and drinks at the Canteen and cycled back to Edinburgh with plans to come back with friends for another lesson and try out the sauna, treatment rooms and spend the day!”
James – Friends Holiday
Meet the Team
Our instructors have helped thousands of people catch their first wave. They know when to encourage you, when to challenge you and when to remind you that falling off is all part of learning.
Whether you’re seven or 70, nervous or full of confidence, they’ll help you take the next step at your own pace.
Book In For A Surf Weekend?
Sometimes one session isn’t enough. One day isn’t enough. That’s why we offer residential surf weekends, two full days in the water with the same coach and enough time to actually fix what’s holding you back, not just flag it and move on.
Beginner, Improver, Intermediate, Advanced and Women’s weekends are all available. Pick what suits you and get a coaching camp built around it; video feedback, tailored sessions and step-by-step guidance designed to take the mystery out of moving up a level.
Stay onsite in one of our hilltop lodges, with your evenings free to relax, recharge and swap stories with the surfers you’ve spent the day in the water with. A lot of progression comes from chatting it out.
Book your surf weekend at Lost Shore now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn to surf?
Everyone progresses at their own pace, but many first-time surfers are standing up during their first lesson. As your confidence grows, you’ll move from whitewater to green waves over a series of sessions.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes. You should be comfortable in the water and able to swim confidently.
What’s the difference between Beginner and Improver sessions?
Beginner sessions focus on the fundamentals, catching whitewater waves, standing up and building confidence.
Improver sessions introduce green waves, paddling, trimming and turning.
Do I need my own surfboard or wetsuit?
No. We’ll provide everything you need, including your board, wetsuit and leash. Just bring your swimwear, a towel and a sense of adventure.
Ready for Your First Wave?
Every surfer remembers the moment they caught their first wave. Yours could be just around the corner.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity, trying something completely new or chasing your next surfing milestone, we’ll help you take that next step.
We’ll see you in the water.
