Children Invited to Try Surfing for Free This Summer

Scottish Surfing and Lost Shore are investing in the future of the sport

With Scotland preparing to welcome the Commonwealth Games this summer, Scottish Surfing and Lost Shore are encouraging children to discover a sport that could inspire the country’s next generation of athletes. 

Children across Scotland are being invited to catch their very first wave this summer, with Scottish Surfing offering free beginner surf lessons at Lost Shore Surf Resort as part of SportScotland’s ‘Summer of Sport’ campaign.

Research increasingly highlights surfing’s positive impact on physical fitness, confidence, resilience and mental wellbeing, making it an ideal activity for young people during the school holidays. 

The free sessions are taking place on Sunday 26th July and Sunday 2nd August from 10.30am, at Europe’s largest inland surf destination Lost Shore Surf Resort, located just outside Edinburgh.

Open to primary and secondary school children aged seven and over, the sessions give young people the opportunity to experience surfing in a safe, fun and supportive environment completely free of charge.

Delivered through Scottish Surfing’s Catch the Wave programme, the initiative is designed to widen participation in surfing, introduce young people to the sport at an early age and help build Scotland’s future surfing community .

Participants will receive expert coaching from qualified instructors, all surfing equipment and wetsuits, followed by lunch to refuel after their time in the wave pool.

SportScotland’s Summer of Sport is a nationwide initiative designed to encourage children and young people to get active, try new sports and enjoy positive experiences during the school holidays.

Mark Boyd, from Scottish Surfing, said: “Catch the Wave is all about giving young people the opportunity to experience surfing for the first time, regardless of their background or previous experience. We know that trying something new can be life-changing, helping build confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of being active.

“Working alongside Lost Shore gives us an incredible venue where children can learn in a safe and controlled environment with expert coaching and guaranteed waves. We’re proud to be part of Summer of Sport and hope this inspires even more young people to discover everything surfing has to offer.”

Lee Wood, Managing Director of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “One of the reasons Lost Shore was created was to give more people the opportunity to experience surfing, regardless of where they live or whether they’ve ever stepped into the sea. These sessions are exactly what that vision is about.” 

“The sessions build on Lost Shore’s growing programme of community initiatives, schools engagement and youth development activities designed to make surfing more accessible across Scotland.”

Lost Shore’s consistent, controlled waves provide an ideal environment for first-time surfers, allowing children to build confidence without the unpredictability of the open sea. Every participant will be supported by experienced coaches throughout the session, with all equipment provided.

Places are limited and must be booked in advance. For more information about the Catch the Wave programme and to register for a free place, visit scottishsurfing.scot/catch-the-wave

To explore other surf opportunities including lessons and kids camps at Lost Shore Surf Resort visit www.lostshore.com and Scottish Surfing members can take advantage of a 20% discount.   

Lost Shore expands Kids Surf Programme with new Summer Camps and After-School Club

World-renowned inland surf resort Lost Shore is expanding its youth offering ahead of the summer holidays, with the launch of a new after-school club alongside the popular return of its Kid’s Surf Camps.

The move comes as more families look for active, structured activities for children, both during term time and across the long summer break.  

Running from June through to early August, the week-long surf camps give children aged 7 to 16 the chance to build confidence in the water while developing core skills in a safe, fun and supportive environment.

Each course runs from Monday to Friday combining on-land coaching with time in the wave pool to help young surfers progress quickly from their first attempts through to riding waves with control and confidence.

The new after-school Kid’s Club offers a more regular way for children to take part. Delivered in four-week blocks on Mondays and Fridays, the sessions are designed to fit around the school week, allowing participants to build skills gradually while surfing alongside others at a similar level.

All sessions are led by qualified instructors accredited by the International Surfing Association, and are suitable for both beginner and intermediate surfers. Those new to the sport will learn the fundamentals, including paddling and standing up, while more experienced surfers can start refining their technique, and develop greater control on the waves.

Unlike the open sea, Lost Shore’s consistent conditions allow surfers to develop their skills in a safe and controlled environment, without the unpredictability of the coast. Each 90-minute session includes all equipment, with camps priced from £200 per child.

For families travelling from further afield, the camps can also form part of a short break. On-site accommodation includes waterfront pods and hilltop lodges for up to 8 people, with dogs-friendly options available, providing families a relaxing base just minutes from the waves.

Lee Wood, Lost Shore Surf Resort’s Managing Director, said: “We’re seeing strong interest from families looking for activities that keep children active, engaged and build confidence over the holidays.

“Surfing offers something different – it challenges young people, helps them develop resilience and gives them a real sense of achievement as they progress. With both the camps and after-school club, we’re creating more opportunities for kids to get into the water regularly and develop those skills over time.”

Located just outside Edinburgh, Lost Shore Surf Resort is home to Europe’s largest wave pool and offers year-round surfing for all abilities, alongside accommodation, food and wellness experiences.

For more information or to book direct visit www.lostshore.com.