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Written by adagio
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Tuesday, 24 February 2004 |
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A UK location - only just (or that's what it feels like. And I'm sure that's true even if your start
ing out from Scotland which I wasn't)
I've had a couple of trips and as far as I am concerned this place if fantastic (deservedly a mecca for windsurfers).
The sailing is fantastic (almost like it was designed just for us). Less than a couple of miles to a beach facing every different direction. Pretty good wind record. The sunniest place in the British Isles (and that's official) and the water is surprisingly warm (something to do with the Gulf stream I am told).
There's even a nice big bay (Gott bay) to sail in (not too threatening when some of the other beaches look too scary). (I'm no wave head).
And then even a nice little lake in the middle for farting about on, perfecting those moves etc.
The journey is all part of the adventure. If you live in the SE then you will agree that Glasgow is a long way. Well Oban is quite a way from there and then there's the 5 hour ferry journey via Tobermory (I thought he was a Womble).
The scenery on the way is epic.
All in all - if you get the chance - go.
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What follows is my own personal review, perhaps aimed more at the all round windsurfer than the full on wave sailor.
Tiree has a number of places to sail, all within a few miles of each other and offering a variety of conditions in most wind directions. All locations are sandy beaches, the tidal range isn’t that great so they can be sailed at any state of the tide. Conditions at the wave beaches do vary with the state of the tide. Access varies, with some beaches you just turn off the road, park at the edge of the beach and go sail. Some involve driving down tracks. There are no car parks or facilities at any of them. Remember a lot of land on Tiree is common grazing and farmers often leave land unfenced so wherever you are just assume it’s in use for livestock and behave accordingly. Most of Tiree is accessible but there are exceptions now – not everyone on the Island likes Windsurfers – show respect, behave, and hopefully we can keep the access we’ve got.
Gott Bay
A very large crescent shaped bay curving from the pier at Scarinish round to Brock at the eastern end. Sailable in winds from W through S to E. Because it’s on the same Island as some of the UK’s best wave spots Gotty tends to be viewed as a last resort but it’s actually a fantastic spot providing a variety of conditions, if it was anywhere else in the UK it would be famous ! Generally provides excellent bump and jump sailing. In a westerly there is flat water blasting from Kirkapol out to the pier. The far eastern end provides small waves which can be sailed port tack in a SE when nowhere else is working. Gott is Tiree’s most popular spot for blasting, or when the wind’s too light to go wave sailing. When it’s ballistic even the hard core wave sailors swallow their pride and sail here !. There are two main launch spots, just off the road anywhere between the Lodge Hotel and Kirkapol in W to SSW and from the far eastern end at Brock in S – SE, accessible via a rough track off the road. Also popular with kitesurfers. Watch out for lobster pots and some rocks off the Lodge.
Balephetrish
Large north facing bay on north shore. Can be sailed in E through N to W. Best in a NE. Provides good bump and jump conditions. Many sailors ignore Balephetrish but it’s the best bet if there’s any north in the wind and the wave beaches aren’t working. There is a large rock far out in the centre of the bay which you need to be aware of particularly in a NW. It creates breaking waves which I’ve heard talk of people sailing but I’ve never seen it. There are a couple of tracks leading from the road down through the dunes to provide launch spots. Beware of seaweed and lobster pots, Keep an eye out for seals.
Traigh Bhaigh (Crossapol)
The spot generally known as Crossapol is the eastern half of Hynish Bay. Sailed in SW to W or NE to E. Most commonly sailed in SW. This is one of Tiree’s main wave spots and provides good cross-on to cross-shore starboard tack wavesailing in small to medium waves. As wind gets more westerly can provide awesome cross-off waveriding but dunes mean wind can be fluky on the inside. There are tracks leading from the road down to the beach at three places giving a choice of launch spots depending on the wind direction.. The western half, marked on map as Traigh Shorobaidh, is rarely sailed but provides bump and jump sailing in a southerly wind launching from the far south western corner of the bay.
Traigh Thodhrasdail (The Maze)
Spectacular west facing bay backed by huge sand dunes. Sailable in SE to S and NW to N. This is one of Tiree’s best wave spots and provides excellent wavesailing in medium, occasionally large, waves. At the time of writing it is quite hard to get in to The Maze as the traditional track through the dunes has been closed off by the farmer who’s land it crosses. It is possible to get in via tracks from the south and north but both take some finding and a 4x4 would be handy. Best to talk to other sailors on the island before going.
The Green.
North facing bay on Tiree’s north shore. Provides decent wave sailing in E or W. Most of the land around the Green is now closed to public access and as far as I know it is not possible to get down to the beach. I have not heard of anyone sailing the Green for several years.
Bail-a-mhuilin (Balevullin)
Small, picturesque bay facing NW. Sailable in a SW or NE. One of Tiree’s best wavesailing spots. Can produce big waves in the right conditions. More sheltered than some spots on Tiree so wind can be a bit fluky on the inside. Some rocks in centre of bay. A classic spot on the right day but not for the faint hearted. Access is to the right off the road leading towards the west end of the bay.
Traih Bhi (Balephuil)
Beautiful SW facing bay. Can be sailed in NW or SE. Slightly sheltered in SE. Although it’s one of Tiree’s genuine wave spots it’s not one that gets sailed a lot. Can produce large waves particularly in a NW when huge breakers can be seen off the headland to the right. . Pronounced side shore rip. Not the best place for new wave sailors. A great spot for surfing and seal spotting when there’s no wind. To get there drive down to Balephuil then take a sharp right at the ‘phonebox then left along a track then bear left across grassy ground and pick your spot at the back of the dunes.