Never surfed before? Neither had Kate. Armed with little more than memories of Point Break and a questionable bikini, our 45-year-old mum of three headed to Lost Shore to discover whether learning to surf in midlife was quite as terrifying as she’d imagined.
By Kate Sailer
I must admit that, despite living in a coastal town where I have ample opportunity to take to the waves, my entire knowledge of surfing comes from the iconic 90s movie Point Break. If Keanu and The Swayze taught me anything, it’s that surfing is spiritually sexy, not for the weak, and it helps to be “young, dumb and full of…” something that, as a middle-aged mum of three, makes me blush to type.
So when the opportunity arose for me to pop up this summer at Lost Shore Surf Resort for a 1.5-hour surf lesson and an overnight stay in a waterfront pod, I realised that the only thing stopping me from learning at my age was myself. Channelling the spirit of Bodhisattva, after whom Swayze’s character is named, I got a babysitter, an ill-advised bikini and set off into the unknown.
The thought of making my tentative surf debut on artificially created waves in a disused quarry kind of burst my new age bubble. But I needn’t have worried long. The undulating path to Lost Shore, Europe’s largest wave pool, is strewn with beautiful wildflowers and the resort is a vast plaza with twin ‘beaches’ furnished with a smattering of glamping pods tastefully arranged along the ‘shore’, a sauna, wellness studio, and large all-day canteen, all nestled in a 60-acre country park.
Taking the Plunge
Its promise of constant, reliable waves and a welcoming camaraderie draws in die-hard surfies from all over the country, as well as families looking for wholesome holiday fun.
As I take in the impressive vista, a group of dancing women shuffle out of the sauna for some unabashed booty shaking as kids swerve by on longboards. Small groups sit on fanned-out boards around their instructors, listening attentively as they’re guided through all stages of their journey with encouraging humour. There couldn’t be a less intimidating place to learn than Lost Shore.
The vibe is easy, and the staff rides that balance between laid-back charm and getting things done. The whole atmosphere is as welcoming and warm as a mug of sweet hot chocolate after a plunge in ice-cold water.
Finn, our bright and vibrant instructor, transmitted his enthusiasm with a down-to-earth confidence. And what a kind soul he was, giving encouraging whoops as we improved with each round and eventually managed to pop up and ride into shore with huge, satisfied smiles. He was evidently just as passionate about our safety as our enjoyment, doling out individual attention and helpful tips when we wobbled gracelessly and face-planted.
Eight attempts and one glorious wave…
I can tell you that the feeling of pure elation when, after eight failed attempts, I finally made it up to balance on my board and ride a tiny wave into shore was unreal. I was hooked. I felt like the coolest, middle-aged Mofo on the concrete beach, in stark contrast to all the supporting photographic evidence.
Paddling out on our bellies past the recorded sound of screeching gulls to catch the baby waves (the machine creates two distinct areas of waves which allowed us to take part in a beginner’s lesson whilst the experienced surfers wowed behind us) was equal parts exhausting and invigorating. To harness the power of the wave and ride it into shore connects to something primal and raw, and it also produces a wild hunger. I was ready for a big feed and a good sleep.
Surfing makes you hungry!
In the all-day Canteen, a trio of kitchens serve hearty, high-quality fast/street food options and a snack bar with artisanal snacks caters to post-surf munchies. Sitting atop tomato cans, gorgeous cartwheels of pizza sent smells wafting our way in the haphazard but cute seating area.
We found ourselves tousle-haired, watching the pros make impressive moves and turns while we beginners, rubbing our bumps and bruises, dabbed tears of laughter from our eyes amid busy mouthfuls of succulent katsu chicken, Caesar salad and slaw.
Our ravenous hunger meant that we also couldn’t overlook the Korean peach sodas and wasabi crisps with some heavenly Tiramisu and neon gummy candies for ‘pudding’ back at our glamping pod.
Surf, sleep, spa, repeat…
Here, we had a pared-back and squeaky-clean bijou waterfront pod with all the essentials and some fun mood lighting. The shower over the toilet took a little getting used to but it was ideal to be situated so close to the action. From the benches outside the pod I could see the busy kids’ surf camps, skaters weaving by, and some impressive moves atop the waves that I could only dream of from my soft and comfortable bed.
It turns out that surfing exercises a whole group of muscles that had lain dormant for many years and, after a tasty brunch the next morning, the seasonally changing menu of wave-inspired treatments at Lost Shore Spa Studio was calling our name. Ida, our masseuse, made me feel so held as she worked on my tired muscles and turned me to mellow jelly. I floated out in a happy daze.
As we reluctantly headed back to domestic obligations, I took a last longing look at the state-of-the-art wave generator, which can produce up to 1,000 waves per hour with as little energy as it would take to run a single ski lift, and remembered the salty-haired heartthrobs of my late teens.
Johnny and Bodhi promised me that in surfing you can lose yourself and you can find yourself. If you want the ultimate, you’ve got to pay the ultimate price. But there’s a lot to be said for doing so in comfort and safety. And, if you want a wonderful, life-affirming thrill, without throwing yourself into the North Sea, you can find it at Lost Shore.
Vaya con Dios brah!
ABOUT LOST SHORE SURF RESORT
Just 10 minutes from Edinburgh Airport, Lost Shore is home to Europe’s largest wave pool, bringing the thrill of surfing to Scotland’s capital. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned surfer, there are waves for every ability, alongside luxury accommodation, wellness experiences and great food at Lost Kitchen. Come for a surf lesson, stay for the spa, sauna and something delicious to eat, or make a proper escape of it with an overnight stay.
Fancy giving it a go? Surf lessons at Lost Shore start from £65 for adults and £55 for children, with all equipment included. No previous experience necessary, just bring your swimsuit, a towel and a willingness to give it a go!
Explore surf lessons, spa experiences, dining and overnight stays at lostshore.com.
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ABOUT KATE SAILER
Kate is a former writer for The Skinny, mum of three and, at 45, has recently returned to university to study art psychology. She lives in a lovely cottage in East Linton overlooking Traprain Law. When she’s not juggling family life and studying, she’s happiest outdoors, wild swimming, exploring nature, picnicking with her girls or trying something completely new. She also loves cooking and believes there’s always room for another adventure.
