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I tried out world's FIRST purpose-built inland surf resort – it's right here in Scotland
As if the waves weren't perfect enough, the luxury glamping pods offer a touch of class
WAVES OF FUN I tried out world's FIRST purpose-built inland surf resort – it's right here in Scotland
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WHEN it comes to surfing, hotspots like Hawaii and California will always be hard to beat.
But Scotland now has a state-of-the-art venue where you can catch the perfect wave all-year round.
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Lost Shore Surf Resort near Edinburgh has a waterfront bar and a huge wave pool
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Ben Ramage tested it out for us - and the luxury accommodation on site
Sitting on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Lost Shore Surf Resort is the world's first purpose-built inland surf resort.
Opening to the public for the first time last November, the £60million facility is home to Europe's largest and most advanced wave pool.
While Scotland already boasts some of the UK's best natural surf hotspots, what sets Lost Shore apart is the reliability of the waves.
The state-of-the-art wave machine is able to generate up to 1,000 waves per hour, meaning you are always guaranteed to find waves big enough to catch.
Or in my case, at least try to!
Arriving at Lost Shore feels like stepping into a giant playground.
Based in an old quarry, the gigantic pool spreads out around a futuristic-looking restaurant and reception.
To one side sit luxury waterfront glamping pods, while on the hill above sit hilltop lodges with excellent views.
We stayed in one of the well- appointed waterfront pods. While certainly compact, with a wet room consisting of a shower sitting above the toilet and sink, the space was clean and striking.
The king-size bed was extremely comfortable, while there were all sorts of smart technology features, from lighting to speakers.
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Arriving the night before my lesson allowed us to try out the fabulous food offerings at Lost Shore.
Don't let the simple name put you off. There were four different delicious offerings in the Canteen, from award-winning high end restaurant Five March to NYC pizza joint- inspired Civerinos.
We tried both, with the Catalan hot honey fried chicken and famous fried spuds from Five March particular favourites.
The Zeppole Cinnamon Doughnuts from Civernios were a delicious dessert, with the Pilot Lost Shore lager going down a treat too.
The next morning, with a breakfast brioche roll on board, I geared up in a wetsuit and headed for the pool.
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And the luxury glamping pods provide a perfect night's sleep
Credit: Supplied
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The hilltop lodges are perfect for families or groups of friends
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They are spacious and have all mod cons you'll need
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Some comfort food to kick back after a day on the waves
Credit: Ben Ramage
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The sweet treats on offer will tempt anyone
Credit: Ben Ramage
I had only been surfing once before I visited Lost shore.
And while I loved the experience at Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, known as the spiritual birthplace of surfing, the only frustrating part was the infrequency of the waves and knowing which ones to chase.
At Lost Shore, the Wavegarden machine simply keeps pumping out the perfect waves — time after time.
So after a quick reintroduction to the essentials of technique, I was quickly back riding waves — and falling off them in equal measure!
But that's the beauty of surfing. It's a huge adrenaline rush when you feel the wave surging beneath your surfboard and pushing you towards the shoreline.
And it's still hard not to have a smile on your face when you flip over harmlessly into the water.
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Ben with his surf board
Credit: Supplied
The instructors at Lost Shore were excellent, giving a concise initial lesson and handy pointers throughout.
I definitely felt like a better surfer by the end of my hour-long session.
Lost Shore caters for all levels of surfers, from beginner to expert, with technology that can produce the right wave to suit.
And sitting at three times the size of Hampden's football pitch, there is enough space to have multiple groups of different abilities all on the water at the same time.
It's certainly an impressive space and the whole feel of the facility is tailored to the surfing way of life.
Not only that, there is also a wellness centre that offers massages and treatments — with my wife Jennifer thoroughly enjoying a facial while I was hitting the waves.
Heading into its first summer season, it's going to become an increasingly popular surfing hotspot.
So whether it's your first time on a board or your 100th, you certainly won't regret visiting Lost Shore.
