Scotland has epic waves. Only problem is, it’s not a summer destination. To get the absolute most out of the reefs and points up there you need to be prepared to put on a fair bit of rubber and take on a Scottish winter. Its position way north means summer swells are pretty weak so the season doesn’t really get going until September.

From there it just gets better and better into winter, but everything else starts to conspire against you. The weather and water gets colder. Snow is common, as is ice coming down the rivers. Winds are really changeable and as winter draws in, the lack of light on some days means you simply won’t get the right tide to surf certain breaks. It’s a harsh place to surf and only for the hardy.