I had a go at Edinburgh's new inland surf resort and have some thoughts

Edinburgh locals are now the envy of surfers around the world because the largest inland surf resort in Europe is opening in their backyard.

Located in Ratho just eight miles from the capital, Lost Shore Surf Resort opens on November 11, boasting a wave pool, luxury accommodation, a pizzeria, waterside bar, and sauna.

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a landlubber like me, it’s easier and more comfortable than ever to get in the water and catch some waves.

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The £60m site has sent waves through Scotland’s tourism industry, anticipated to bring 160,000 annual visitors to the area and boost £11 million into the local economy each year.

Pro Scottish surfer Ben Larg - who has surfed some of the biggest waves in the world in Nazaré, Portugal - even said Lost Shore will be “the biggest deal for Scottish surfing for years to come.”

Edinburgh Live decided to squeeze into a wetsuit and grab a surfboard to see for ourselves what the hype was about.

As I shimmied into my gear, I was a bit nervous to get in the water. I recently tried surfing for the first time at Belhaven Beach in Dunbar and wasn’t able to successfully catch a wave. I face-planted into the shore at least twice that day and paddled through choppy waters until I felt like my shoulders were falling off.

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At Lost Shore, I assumed my experience would be just as tumultuous. I grabbed a surfboard, attached my ankle leash, and waded into the wave pool. I certainly did not expect to be a natural - let alone shred any gnar.

But after paddling into my first wave, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the wave pool was the perfect learning environment for a beginner surfer to find their footing.

Lost Shore’s Wavegarden technology generates about 1,000 waves per hour at 20 different wave types. For us beginners, the waves were less than a meter high. They also came consistently which made it easy to arange myself on the board and catch a wave.

Where the ocean can be unpredictable for beginners - with minutes of waiting for waves, or relentless bouts of wave after wave - Lost Shore provides a reliable supply of perfect waves.

By the end of the surf session, I was consistently standing up on the board and riding the wave for a few seconds before hopping off. Even though I had only been catching one-foot waves, I felt like an absolute pro.

The resort opens its doors on November 11. They offer surf lessons, multiple eateries, wellness services including massages, and luxury accommodation.

It is located just 10 minutes from Edinburgh Airport at Lost Shore Surf Resort, 11 South Platt Hill, Newbridge EH28 8AY.

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