2025 - A year on the water

Another year flies by, and it's time to welcome 2026 with open arms and look back in time yet again.

I find myself writing this at 9.45am in Rovaniemi,  Finnish Lapland, my Winter home. It's dark outside, the sun doesn't rise for 45 minutes, then will set just a few hours after that. It is minus Twenty out there, yet, thinking back to the Summer is giving me a warm glow inside, and excitement to get back into a wetsuit in the fairly near future.

2025 weather wise, felt night and day compared to 2024. Fife, indeed had the entire of May without a drop of rain falling on the kingdom.  A distinct lack of wind as well meant fantastic start to the Paddle Surf Scotland season. It was much busier with bookings than the previous year and it was a total pleasure to spend time on the water with so many of you. From total beginners to people carving out their own path in the sport, the meanders of the River Quaich, the exposed waters of Loch Freuchie and the rapids of the River Tay all became perfect proving grounds.

From a personal paddling perspective (try saying that drunk!), I had so,  so many incredible surfing sessions.  I managed to spend a month and a half in total living in my van up on the north coast of Scotland. Gorging on incredible session after incredible session at some of the World's most beautiful beaches is truly a dream come true.

Two foreign trips for me surfing wise. Santander in Cantabria, Spain, then a trip to see close friends in the Algarve, Portugal. Absolutely loved feeling the power of the Atlantic Ocean waves, the power of the sun on my back, but it does also make you appreciate the lack of crowds back in Scotland in the line up.

I also got selected to represent Scotland in the ISA World SUP Surfing Championships .  Unfortunately, due to the lateness of announcing the location (El Salvador) and date, and clashes with my Winter work schedule meant that I could not attend (along with all the other Scotland selectees, being unable to). Still, truly a great honour and I hope to be in the selection process again in the near future.

Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh had truly changed the game in Scotland offering, guaranteed year round surf for all levels. There is now a dedicated group for Sup 

Surfers, to book sessions with other Sup Surfers. This is a fantastic way to meet like minded folks, push ones boundaries and get inspired by other Surfers. Sessions happen about once a month and are organised by All Findlay from Glasgow Paddleboarders Co,  of which we are all truly grateful.

I am already excited for what is to come, back in a wetsuit and hyped for the water. Till then,  the sun has just risen, so it is time for me to strap on my Snowboard and hit the slopes!.