It was a trip that reminded me why I love a real van adventure.
The unpredictable weather, and the freedom that comes with a life of constant movement and discovery.
For as long as I can remember, the Tiree Wave Classic has been part of the windsurfing world. It's become an annual pilgrimage for wave windsurfers from across the UK and Ireland, an event that’s just as much about the people and the experience as it is about the competition itself.
My dad was lucky enough to attend the PWA event on Tiree back in 2006 with the RAF Windsurfing Club. And while the island was plagued with no wind that year, I still love hearing him talk about it. There’s something about a windless event that brings everyone together.
Windsurfing, like good beer, doesn’t always need perfect conditions to be enjoyable. The event was sponsored by Corona back then, and although they didn’t get much windsurfing in, the beers were flowing, and the laughs were plenty.
A few years later, my old man took me up to Tiree for the first time. I was just a kid, but I remember it like it was yesterday. The journey felt like a real adventure, the long drive past the lochs and mountains, the ferry crossing, and then landing on the tiny island that felt so remote, like it was carved out just for surfers and windsurfers. It wasn’t just the wind that made it magical; it was the whole experience of being there, a world away from everything else. That first trip to Tiree was one of those moments that stuck with me. It was a place I knew I would return to over and over again.
Now, Tiree has become an annual ritual for me. There’s a certain comfort in the tradition of it all, the familiar faces, the same week every year where I can unplug from everything else. It’s the one time when I don’t have to worry about emails, meetings, or deadlines. It’s all about windsurfing, surfing, relaxing, and catching up with friends. Because, let’s face it, when Tiree delivers, it’s a dream. And even on the days when it’s not quite perfect, the wind is usually consistent, and there's always at least one session that makes it all worth it.
After years of working in competition (PWA), traveling the world, and feeling the pressure of 10-minute heats, I’ve shifted my perspective on windsurfing. These days, I’m more about the social side of it, the good sessions, the shared moments with friends, and, of course, the beers afterwards. So when the opportunity came to judge the Tiree competition this year, I jumped at it. It felt like a way to contribute in a different way, bringing some fresh eyes to the BWA judging panel.
This year’s Tiree was something special. I judged alongside seasoned Head Judge Duncan Coombs and BWA Head Judge Adrian Jones, and it was a blast. The island didn’t disappoint either. We got treated to an incredible northern lights show, a rare and magical moment that made the whole trip feel even more surreal. It’s one of those things you can’t plan for, but it’s exactly why Tiree has such a unique draw, it’s not just about the windsurfing, but the little surprises along the way that make the trip unforgettable.
Though the conditions weren’t always perfect, I did manage to get a solid shoulder-high float-and-ride session on one of the off days. Even when the wind and swell aren't ideal, there's something about Tiree that makes every session feel worth it. It's that raw, untamed beauty of the place that keeps me coming back year after year.
After Tiree, there was no set plan. We were still working, but with enough flexibility to go wherever the weather took us. After a week on the island, we decided to head to Ben Nevis. No real agenda, just some mountain biking and exploring the rugged landscape. We stayed at the foot of the Nevis Range for about a week, surrounded by mountains that seem to stretch on forever. It was nice to get some time on the hills after two weeks on the coast. There’s something deeply satisfying about getting lost in the mountains, the kind of isolation that resets you.
With no real schedule, we just followed the weather. A solid swell was forecast to hit the northern part of Scotland, so naturally, we headed to Thurso. Surfing Thurso was a dream. For three days, we had perfect conditions, long, clean waves that broke with such consistency it felt like we were surfing in a different time zone. The forecast slowly faded, but we made the most of it, catching as many waves as we could before the swell started to back off.
After Thurso, we headed south for a very different kind of adventure, my best mate’s wedding in the Lake District. We stayed in the Lakes for a couple of weeks, taking it easy, exploring the picturesque villages, and soaking in the epic scenery. The Lakes have this quiet, still beauty that makes them feel timeless. We had no rush, just the chance to wander, discover hidden corners of the countryside, and unwind before the madness of the rest of the year.
By now, the cold was setting in (it was November after all) and we could feel winter creeping in.
So, we decided to head to the Yorkshire coast for a change of scenery and a fresh swell. I also had another wedding to attend, this time in Northumberland, where my cousin was getting married. The wedding was a beautiful event, but of course, I was also eager to get in the water.
The surf at Bamburgh was once again unbelievable. I’ve surfed here a few times now, and it never fails to impress. The conditions were perfect for longboarding, smooth, glassy waves that seemed to go on forever. Bamburgh has always been one of my favourite places to surf, not just for the waves but for the variety of conditions it offers. From mellow rides, to fast, powerful reef breaks, all at the foot of an epic castle.
The real test, though, came when we faced a few inches of snow. Finally, I had the chance to put the van’s insulation and heating system to the test. It was a solid test too, snow and freezing temperatures, but of course, that wasn’t going to stop me from getting in the water. Even when the cold starts biting, there's something about the water that makes it all worth it.
After Bamburgh, it was time to head home to the southwest, just in time for Christmas. There’s nothing quite like being home for the holidays, surrounded by family and friends. As the year came to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the trip, a journey that had taken us from the wild waves of Tiree to the mountains of Ben Nevis, from the surf at Thurso to the quiet beauty of the Lakes, and finally to the Yorkshire coast, my home.
It was a trip that reminded me why I love a real van adventure, the unpredictable weather, and the freedom that comes with a life of constant movement and discovery.
