WATERSPORTS
Tiree Windsurfing and Watersports
​
Tiree is statistically the windiest and sunniest place in the British Isles! As the most westerly island in the Inner Hebrides it also picks up a lot of Atlantic swell. A sunny climate with white sand beaches facing every direction makes Tiree a watersports paradise. With good wind statistics and shallow bays to open wave beaches, there's everything a kitesurfer could want. When the wind isn't blowing, empty surfing lineups can be found on the west and south coasts.
​
With nine wind-surfable beaches to choose from, the beauty of Tiree is that it can provide bolt flat water and down-the-line sailing at the same time – you just have to pick your beach. For example, in a typical south-westerly blow you would get down-the-line sailing at Balevullin, port cross onshore at The Maze, starboard cross onshore at Crossapol and flat water at Gott Bay.
Who are the main
Watersports Providers?
​
"Blackhouse Watersports offer kitesurfing and surfing tuition as well as guiding, kayak and bike hire on Tiree, the island known as the ‘Isle Under the Sea’. Marti, Iona and the kids are passionate about watersports and spending time at the beach. They are the perfect guides for your island kiting, surfing, kayaking and relaxing!"
www.blackhouse-watersports.co.uk
​
"Welcome to Wild Diamond on the Isle of Tiree. We offer: windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), surfing lessons, kayak hire, sand-yachting and the best stocked surf shop in the Hebrides. Our local knowledge of the beaches, and conditions, will ensure you get out and enjoy Tiree’s wind and waves."
www.wilddiamond.co.uk
​
"Suds Surf School is based around the beautiful waters of the Moray Firth & the Isle of Tiree, where we opened the islands first surf school in 2004. We offer a range of watersports including surfing, bodyboarding, standup paddleboarding & coasteering."
www.surfschoolscotland.co.uk
Tiree Wave Classic
​
The Tiree Wave Classic is the longest standing professional windsurfing event in the world and is the UK’s premier windsurfing competition. Run in recent years by Glasgow-based events company Dialogue Marketing, headed up by Gordon Ritchie, it takes place each October on the Isle of Tiree on the West Coast of Scotland.
​
Tiree is the most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides and is perfectly situated for providing world-class windsurfing conditions. The island enjoys a mild climate and has amongst the highest sunshine hours in Scotland, as well as high average wind speeds. Exposed to the powerful North Atlantic swell, with extreme winds and white sandy beaches, Tiree offers a wide range of conditions within a scenic setting.
​
Tiree Wave Classic was set up in 1986 and was part of the PWA Professional Windsurfing World Tour in 2007.
​
In recent years, the event has reverted to national level, and is now part of the British Wavesailing Association UK Tour. The event has dedicated worldwide TV coverage and attracts hundreds of visitors to the island each year, making the Classic a significant annual economic driver for the island.
​
At the six-day event, competitors in four categories (Professionals, Amateurs, Masters and Ladies) take part in wave sailing competition that can, if wind and swell conditions permit, result in some of the best windsurfing action the UK has to offer.
