1. Learn how to surf
Tiree is the most westerly Inner Hebridean island. Sitting just to the southwest of Coll, it’s perfectly placed to catch the swell from the North Atlantic. The island’s white sandy beaches face every direction and you’ll find conditions to suit all levels of surfer, from sedate rollers to barreling beach breaks. The island is home to some excellent surfing schools; Wild Diamond and Blackhouse Watersports, that will happily teach your teenagers the tricks of the trade.
Wind Surfing on Tiree
Tiree is also one of the best places in Europe to windsurf. Wild Diamond has a training centre at Loch Bhaspol, which is a great place to learn the ropes. It offers advanced training too. The island hosts the Tiree Wave Classic every year, the longest-running pro windsurfing event in the world. There’s a real buzz around the event and teenagers will love watching the best windsurfers in the world battle it out.
Kite Surfing on Tiree
If your teenager is a real adrenalin junkie, then another option on Tiree is kite surfing. They can develop their skills in protected bays with flat water and then try out Atlantic waves on the open beaches. Tiree’s primary kite-surfing spot is Gott Bay on the East coast of the island. Or how about trying out the latest craze, Stand Up Paddle Surfing (SUP)? It’s an ideal ‘no wind’ option for windsurfers and kitesurfers and a ‘small swell’ alternative for surfers.