The longest running professional windsurfing event in the world, the Tiree Wave Classic, celebrates its 31st year showcasing some of the best UK talent against junior and professional windsurfers from around the world.
The Isle of Tiree is nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of the North’ for good reason, one of the sunniest locations in the UK its exposed position as the most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides means the North Atlantic swell produces huge waves that crash onto its magnificent sandy beaches. In short, a surfer’s paradise!
Running from 14th to 20th October the Tiree Wave Classic provides spectators with an amazing opportunity to immerse into surf culture. Surfing, windsurfing and paddle boarding are all available to try during the week, along with a range of other sports and activities at the event village based at Loch Bhasapol in Cornaig. And in conjunction with the surfing there are multiple events and nightlife functions on during the week, as per the event schedule, involving numerous local businesses and community groups on the island.
The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry runs daily between Oban and Tiree and accommodation from self-catering to hotels is available with more information via the Isle of Tiree website. So whether you’re a wave sailing connoisseur, or new to the sport, with a bit of planning there’s no reason why you can’t be part of one of windsurfing’s most iconic events this week.
Back to the competition and a meeting is held each morning at 9am to assess the weather and decide which beach on the island will host the day’s action provided conditions are suitable. The Tiree Wave Classic is unique in having 8 different beaches to choose from as best suited to windsurfing on a particular day.
Typically there are three day’s competition over the six days across all the various categories – including juniors/masters/men’s and women’s elite – with the winner in each one decided by Friday 20th October when the prize-giving ceremony will take place.
Competion starts at 10am each day (subject to the weather) following the daily Skipper Briefing at 9am.
Spectating on the beaches for the Tiree Wave Classic is free.