Surfing the Hebrides
The Isles of Lewis and Harris have a spectacularly rugged Atlantic coastline with numerous empty beaches and a multitude of world class reef breaks - pollution free and washed twice daily by the 5 metre tides of the North Atlantic Ocean. The waters around the islands are relatively warm, influenced as they are by the sparkling clean waters of the North Atlantic Drift Current which starts life as the tropical Gulf Stream. The water temperature on the West coast of Lewis reaches 16ēC in the summer and rarely drops below 9ēC in the late winter.
Surf all the year round The winters are very mild although relatively wet and windy. This island group has practically no snowfall, a mere fraction of that of the Scottish mainland. Summer can be disappointing for sun worshippers but ideal for surfers as the air and sea temperature are comfortable and the long daylight hours allows the enthusiast to ride the waves throughout the night during midsummer.
Surfing - a brief history Surfing or surf-riding was a pastime for the peoples of the South Sea Islands before European mariners made their historic voyages in the 16th and 17th centuries. Captain James Cook observed this activity as early as 1777 in Tahiti. Body surfing (surfing without a board) was practiced by the early Hawaiians. Surfing as we recognise it today was developed as a sport in the 1950's and 1960's, with the first world championships held in 1964. The Outer Hebrides and in particular the island of Lewis, have lately become renowned and appreciated on the surfing circuit as having frequent surfable waves of high quality. Surfing, once the sport of being carried shore-wards on the face of a wave, has developed into a skilled and creative art-form. A surfer's experience will range from the serenity and the tranquility of riding the undulating swell to the emotional intensity of a violent madness as nature's elements strive to claim their essence and extinguish their passion
Tuition
For the beginner - Hebridean Surf Holidays will look after you at a secluded spot in manageable small waves where all your time in the water will benefit you - no waiting around or trying to find space amongst the more able. Learn to surf - with Hebridean Surf Holidays
Contact us for more information at: Hebridean Surf Holidays
Telephone 00 44 (0)1851 705862 or 00 44 (0)1851 840337
Mobile 07884135915
Postal Address: 28 Francis Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, HS1 2ND
E-mail : hebsurf@madasafish.com
www.hebrideansurf.co.uk
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Hans Hagen
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