Some of the world’s top surfers have arrived in Edinburgh to compete in Saturday’s flagship competition, the Hi-Land Fling, at the Lost Shore centre near Edinburgh.
The two-day event has brought together 20 elite international surfers, including Olympians, Challenger Series qualifiers, national champions and rising stars, marking one of the strongest international surfing line-ups seen in the UK.
And Hi-Land Fling is fast establishing itself as a standout event on the European surf calendar, positioning Scotland as an emerging force in global surf culture.
German-born Camilla Kemp, an Olympian, and one of Europe’s top-ranked surfers, is competing along with countryman, Tim Elter, the top male surfer in Germany and also an Olympian.
Seven-time Irish National champion, Gearoid McDade is here along with former French champion, Nicolas Paulet, while defending Hi-Land Fling champion, Conor Donegan Santos (Spain) is in the mix.
British-born Alys Barton, the first home-grown talent to secure a Challenge Series place through qualification, is also there along with Lauren Sandland, a multiple British champion and defending Hi-Land Fling champion.
Ben Larg (Scotland), a world-class big wave surfer, is also set to take part.
McDaid said: “Last year was incredible, and for surfers across the UK and Ireland, it’s not often you get the chance to compete against this level of international talent on your doorstep.”
Elter said: “Wave pools like Lost Shore Surf Resort give us the chance to push performance in a controlled way, which makes things much more technical.
“Every wave is consistent, so it really comes down to execution and precision, which is great from a competitive point of view.”
Barton said: “Events like Hi-Land Fling are a huge step forward for British surfing.”
The competition proper is from 11am on Saturday but public surf sessions alongside the pros, an exclusive high-performance showcase session with spectator access, a surf film screening and athlete Q&A, live DJ sets and commentary is on offer.
Lee Wood, the resort’s managing director, said: “We’re creating something here that goes beyond competition, it’s about growing the sport, inspiring participation, and putting Scotland firmly on the global surfing map.”
The event is sponsored by Rubicon Raw, Thatcher’s Cider and Kia/Virtu Motors and it is expected to generate significant international exposure, with standout moments and high-performance clips travelling across the global surf and action sports community.
COOL: Practice day at Lost Shore. All pictures by Nigel Duncan
GETTING READY: staff of site preparing for the big day. Picture Nigel Duncan
