Troon, Scotland

Brief intro: Troon is arguably Scotlands most popular windsurfing beach. 2 beaches separated by a marina give excellent bump and jump/small wave conditions in a wide variety of wind directions. With spectacular views across the Clyde and one the Worlds finest Golf courses, Troon is definitely worth checking out!

Beaches Face: South beach – SW, North beach – W

Best direction for waves: South Westerly brings the best waves in from the Irish Sea. South beach will be cross onshore with lots of white water and breaking waves whilst North beach will have slightly smaller waves but will be much cleaner and more sailable. The North beach is generally the best bet unless the wind is from the South or waves are too small.

Not good: Anything from the South to the North via the East is a non starter really as the wind blows offshore over the town and is too gusty.

Tide: Both beaches are quite tidal and best sailed from mid to high tide. When the tide is out, both beaches offer a ‘bit of a walk’. The up side is that South beach becomes sheltered by a reef and offers excellent beginner/flat water conditions. Best waves will usually be found 1-3 hours before high tide.

What’s on the bottom: Sand, although there are a few patches of rocks at South beach at low tide.

Any hazards: South beach has a reef running parallel to the beach about 150m offshore. This can be sailed over at all but low tide.

Other water users: There are a couple of kitesurfing schools operating from Troon so there are always a few kiters on the water. There’s more chance of polar bears than swimmers!

Suitability/levels: From beginner to expert. Although not powerful, beginners may find the waves a bit disconcerting as they tend to be quite close together. Experts looking for down-the-line sailing are unlikely to find it at Troon, but they will get fun sized cross-onshore conditions.

Wipeout factor: Nothing to be worried about. Waves are rarely big enough to cause any problems and a gradually shelving beach prevents any nasty shore break.

Instruction: Only kitesurfing instruction from the local shop Extremezone (Tel: 01292676010, www.extremezonesports.co.uk)

Kit hire: None

Friendly factor: A windy weekend will see up to 40 sailors on the water ranging from beginners up to top UKWA freewave competitors. There is always a friendly atmosphere although if you’re not from Scotland you might not understand a word they‘re saying! (The accents can be quite strong in this area.)

No wind alternatives: If golf is your ‘thing’, it simply doesn’t get any better! There is an abundance of top quality golf courses including Royal Troon – one of the Worlds finest. If you’re not into golf then there are plenty of other things to do including, kiting, mountain biking, fishing, shopping and sight seeing along one of the most beautiful strips of the British coastline.

Surfable: I would love to say its one of the surfing Worlds best kept secrets but in fact it’s a complete waste of time. If there’s no wind, there are no waves – simple as that!

Facilities:

Accomodation: Lots of B+B’s and hotels (check www.troononline.net/accommodation.htm)

Local hotshots: Chaz Hood, Alan Jackson, Scott McDowell, Ian McKenzie, Ian Gibson and Adrian Jones

Local Knowledge/secrets: If the wind has been Westerly and swings North Westerly, the North end of South beach can give fantastic steep ramps and well spaced waves. If the wind is light/ moderate North Westerly during the day, a sea breeze will often give nice 4.7m – 5.0m conditions at North beach in the late afternoon/early evening.

Extra: www.xcweather.co.uk has a weather station at Prestwick Airport which gives you an idea of conditions at the beach as it’s only a few hundred yards away.

Reporter: Local sailor Adrian Jones

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