Surf Pool Edinburgh in Winter: My February Session at Lost Shore
Surfing a surf pool in Edinburgh in winter sounds like something you question while doing it, and that’s exactly what happened. I was standing there in full winter gear, already cold, staring at the water under a grey sky and genuinely wondering why I hadn’t waited for summer like a normal person.
But here’s the thing: only surfing in summer doesn’t work for me. I’ve learned that long breaks slow my progress way more than I’d like to admit. Even the six months between Sri Lanka and now already felt too long, and I’m at a point where I want to keep building: turning more, feeling more confident, and not starting almost from scratch every season. Sure, I could have gone back to O2 Surftown in Munich, where the weather is usually drier and a bit warmer, but I wanted to test a different kind of wave and a different approach.
Why Surf a Pool During the Cold Season?
Okay, so why the heck would I put myself through that? The reason it was February is almost boringly simple: semester break. The reason I still zipped up my wetsuit anyway is less simple. If I’m being honest, the first session only happened for two reasons: I was the only one booked in (which meant maximum learning), and I’d already paid. I wasn’t about to let that go to waste, and backing out just didn’t feel right.
Probably the biggest bonus of surfing in winter is how quiet it is. My first session was completely empty, and even the second one only had three of us in the water. I spoke to a local regular who mentioned that summer sessions can be surprisingly frustrating: fully booked, busy, and often packed with kids, which makes focused progression harder. February, on the other hand, felt stripped back and purposeful. More waves, more space, almost private coaching, and far fewer distractions. That’s exactly why a surf pool in Edinburgh in winter can be such a powerful place to learn, if you’re willing to embrace the cold.
My Experience Surfing Lost Shore in Winter
I surfed two improver sessions at Lost Shore Surf Resort on two consecutive days. The first session was on Thursday and focused on left-hand waves; the second followed on Friday with right-hand waves.
Thursday felt like the real winter test. I was the only one booked in, which meant maximum waves and constant feedback. It was incredible for learning, but also intense, especially when you struggle to ask for a break. The session was officially labelled Reef Left, which, for me as a goofy surfer, means riding frontside, moving away from the wall with the wave right in front of me. Even so, I wiped out far more than I expected. And in February, every extra fall matters: more time underwater, more fighting the wave, and more cold creeping in until your body starts reacting before your brain does.
Friday looked like it should be harder on paper, as right-hand waves put me on my backside. However, this is actually the side I feel more comfortable on. I wiped out just once, and one wave slipped out underneath me — and that was basically it. The difference in how warm I felt was huge, even though the conditions hadn’t changed at all. It also helped that I asked for extra socks underneath my boots and switched to gloves where the fingers are together.
Surf Pool Edinburgh Winter: Weather, Water & Crowds
February doesn’t ease you into things, and surfing a surf pool in Edinburgh in winter makes that clear the second you hit the water. Both days I surfed, the air temperature sat at around 4°C, and the water was also 4°C. On paper, that doesn’t sound completely outrageous, just a little insane. In reality, the wind changed everything. With the exposure and constant breeze, it felt closer to –7°C (official forecast), especially once you were wet and standing around between waves.
The cold wasn’t just something you noticed at the start — it built over time. Every wipeout made it sharper, every extra second underwater more draining. When you’re surfing well and staying on your feet, winter can feel a bit challenging, but it’s definitely manageable. When you’re not, the cold escalates quickly from uncomfortable to properly brutal.
Daylight is another quiet factor you need to consider in winter. Sessions feel more condensed, more intense. You arrive cold, you surf with intention, and once you’re out, there’s no lingering around pretending it’s still warm enough to stretch leisurely outside. Everything happens faster, which, in a strange way, adds to the focus.
Winter at Lost Shore Surf Resort isn’t about comfort. It’s about commitment. And if you know that going in, February can be incredibly rewarding, just not gentle.
Lessons I Learned Surfing a Surf Pool in Winter
Probably the biggest takeaway from my two sessions is that the cold isn’t just about temperature; it’s about how often you wipe out. When things flow, winter surfing feels focused and rewarding. When they don’t, it turns brutal very quickly. At one point on Thursday, my legs were shaking so uncontrollably that the lifeguard on the wall asked if I was alright.
About halfway through the session, my head started hurting and didn’t stop until the very end. The brain freeze was very real. Cold water, repeated wipeouts, and constant effort add up fast, especially in winter.
If I had to give just one piece of advice, it would be this: book the side you feel more confident on. In cold conditions, progression matters less than staying on your feet. Fewer wipeouts don’t just mean a better session; they mean staying warmer, more focused, and safer.
A few practical details also made a noticeable difference. Ask for socks underneath the boots (Lost Shore provides them), and they help more than you’d expect. And if you have the choice, request gloves where the fingers are together rather than separated. Small things, but in winter, small things matter.
What Level Is Best in Winter?
As a general rule, if you’re new to a surf pool — especially in winter — book one level lower than you think you need. Cold adds pressure, wipeouts cost more energy, and familiarity with the wave matters far more than ambition. I booked the improver sessions, and for me, they were perfect.
One thing that really stood out was how flexible and supportive the coaches were. Winter sessions are often very quiet, which means more individual attention and a much calmer learning environment. During my sessions, the beginner group even joined us later on for the green waves once they felt ready. It’s a nice example of how fluid the structure can be when it’s not fully booked.
I originally had an Improver Plus session booked for Friday. After wiping out a lot on Thursday, the coaches offered to switch me the regular Improver session instead, but still gave me the choice. I did take them up on their offer, and that was absolutely the right call. In winter, staying warm and confident beats pushing through difficulty every single time.
At Lost Shore Surf Resort, you can either book lessons (equipment included) or sessions (less guided, more independent):
You don’t need to memorise all of these. The key takeaway for winter is simple: Choose the level where you’ll wipe out less, not more. Progress comes faster when you’re riding waves instead of fighting the cold.
What to Wear for Winter Surfing in Scotland
If you’re booking a lesson, Lost Shore makes things easy since everything is included. Otherwise, wetsuit rental costs £8 per day (£4 for surf club members) and includes:
- Wetsuit
- Boots
- Gloves
- Hood and/or helmet
- Surf earplugs
Soft board hire is included with your session, and if you have your own board, you’re welcome to use it. They also have a solid range of boards available in the surf shop, and the general advice is sensible: if in doubt, go for more volume, especially in cold conditions.
If you’re bringing your own gear (either because you freeze easily or because you booked a session rather than a lesson), I’d recommend prioritising warmth over everything else:
- Good boots (warmth + grip matter more than flexibility)
- Socks for underneath (small detail, huge difference)
- 5mm wetsuit
- Gloves (mitt-style if you can choose)
- Hood
Winter surfing isn’t about looking sleek; it’s about staying functional long enough to actually enjoy the waves.
Getting There & Where I Stayed
For my surf trip, I stayed at Four Points Flex by Sheraton Edinburgh. It’s a comfortable, well-located hotel at the west end of the city centre and very easy to reach. The tram runs directly from Edinburgh Airport, which makes arrival stress-free. From there, most major sights are within walking distance, and getting to the surf pool is also straightforward.
To reach Lost Shore Surf Resort by public transport, you’ll need the 70 bus. I personally took the 25 bus to Hermiston Gait Park & Ride, then changed to the 70, getting off at Hallcroft Rise. From there, it’s a scenic and easy 10-minute walk to the surf pool.
If you look up the route on Google Maps, you’ll often see suggestions that include the tram or express buses like the X18 or X19. While those options work, I’d recommend sticking to regular buses only if you can. Edinburgh’s standard buses have a daily cap of £5, which makes this the cheapest option. The express buses charge more and don’t offer the same cap.
Overall, staying central and using regular buses made the whole setup simple, affordable, and easy to repeat, even in winter.
Is the Edinburgh Surf Pool Worth It in February?
Honestly? If you’ve read this far and haven’t been scared off yet, a surf pool in Edinburgh in winter might be exactly what you’re looking for. The learning conditions in winter are excellent: quiet sessions, plenty of waves, and a level of focus that’s hard to find during peak season.
That said, winter surfing isn’t for everyone. If you already know that the cold kills your mood, drains your motivation, or makes you dread the next session rather than look forward to it, then waiting until it’s warmer is the smarter choice. There’s no shame in that; enjoyment matters.
For me, though, it was absolutely worth it. I’d do it again without hesitation. Next time, with the right equipment from the start and booking the side I’m most confident on straight away. Winter at Lost Shore Surf Resort isn’t about comfort, but if your goal is progression and you’re willing to embrace the cold, February can be a surprisingly rewarding time to surf.
Final Thoughts
Surfing a surf pool in Edinburgh in February isn’t about comfort; it’s about intention. The cold strips things back and forces focus, but it also creates some of the best learning conditions I’ve experienced in a surf pool so far.
If winter doesn’t scare you off and progression is your goal, February can be a surprisingly rewarding time to surf at Lost Shore Surf Resort. And if you’d rather wait for warmer air and longer days, that’s just as valid. Knowing what works for you is part of becoming a better surfer.
If you’re curious about other surf pools, winter travel workouts, or ways to stay active while travelling, you’ll find more guides like this over on SmartFitTravel.
FAQ: Surfing a Surf Pool in Edinburgh in Winter
Can you surf in Edinburgh in winter?
Yes. Surf pools like Lost Shore Surf Resort operate year-round, including winter. February sessions are colder but often much quieter, which makes them excellent for focused learning.
Is Lost Shore open in February?
Yes. Lost Shore runs winter sessions and lessons throughout February, though timetables may be slightly reduced compared to peak season. Sometimes, however, the pool is closed due to ice formation.
How cold is the water in winter?
During my sessions, both air and water temperatures were around 4°C, with wind chill making it feel significantly colder. Proper equipment and minimising wipeouts make a huge difference.
Is winter surfing beginner-friendly?
It can be, especially in a surf pool. Beginners benefit from smaller groups and predictable waves. That said, cold conditions add intensity, so booking an appropriate level is key.
