The motto "fall down, get up, carry on" hasn't been as relevant to me for a long time as it was after my early elimination from the PWA World Cup on Sylt. But how exactly to carry on? Fortunately, I had a rough idea, as I had already taken part in the Tiree Wave Classic in Scotland in 2018 following the Sylt World Cup. It's one of the oldest windsurfing wave competitions in the world, where the winner is traditionally rewarded with a real centreboard. So it was just the right build-up programme for me. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the event, seeking seclusion and at the same time letting off steam in unique, wild conditions. And the chance to fight for the sword. Let's get going! However, I had around 1650 kilometres of travel ahead of me, including two ferry connections. There was also the unanswered question of accommodation - on this island in the Inner Hebrides with only 700 inhabitants.
Arrival on Tiree
After a calm crossing (we find out on the return journey that it can be very different, but more on that later), the impressively barren island of Tiree welcomes us with a 4.0 wind, beautiful two-metre-high waves and constant rain at "The Maze" spot. Over the next few days, I quickly learnt to appreciate the incredible advantages of this vast, rugged island. In the morning, wind from the left at the wonderful beach of Balephuil, which reminds me a little of the beaches in South Africa due to the intense colours and the kelp in the water. And then in the evening, wind from the right in the large bay of Crossapol. Both spots with considerable wave potential and only a few windsurfers on the water so far - ideal training conditions. The support from Willy, the organiser of the Tiree Wave Classics and operator of the surf station on the island, was also ideal. He was always immediately available to answer any questions I had and immediately organised warm accommodation on the island's only, but very functional campsite. I end the first evening appropriately in one of the few pubs with fish and chips.
The Tiree Wave Classic attracts many participants
In addition to the main economic sectors of agriculture, fishing and tourism, everything on Tiree is focussed on the Wave Classic competition these days. The island is becoming increasingly crowded with windsurfers' vans, and the standard on the water is rising noticeably. If you do come across one another on the island's single-lane roads and not on the wave, you stop briefly in one of the numerous small bays, raise your hand in greeting and let the oncoming vehicle pass. However, more patience is required with sheep and cows, which frequently crowd the roads.
What is striking is the very open, friendly and warm demeanour of all the islanders. If you happen to bump into someone on the otherwise almost deserted island, you will quickly get involved in a short chat, during which you should definitely prick up your ears. Because the locals' dialect is not exactly easy to understand.
Tiree Wave Classic: Single Elimination
Skippers meeting at 7.50 a.m., meaning: rigging in the dark, of course once again in the pouring rain. This was followed by a short warm-up on the water as soon as the light conditions allowed. The spot showed its best side: wind for a 3.7 and a decent logo- to mast-high wave made for optimal competition conditions on the first day. There are different classifications: Pros, Ladies, Amateurs, Masters and also one for the young Future Pros. The organisers therefore have their hands full at various spots throughout the week. The necessary logistics are simply pulled by tractor to the respective spot, directly onto the beach. Corresponding tables with the heats and the competition schedule for the day are always available on the notice board for everyone to see. In the Wave Classic, groups of four compete against each other, with the best two progressing to the next round. I made it to the final and caught a few perfect waves, landed my jumps safely and won the first round (single elimination).
To protect the beaches: Clean-up
Geographically, Tiree is located off the coast of Scotland, at the southern end of the inner hybrids. The island therefore receives direct swell from the open Atlantic as well as the foothills of the Gulf Stream. This means surfable conditions almost all year round - with a water temperature that never drops below ten to twelve degrees Celsius, even in the depths of winter. Fishing is one of the traditional economic sectors, the effects of which can also be clearly felt on Tiree.
On a sunny morning, we meet up with all the participants for a clean-up on one of the wild stretches of beach in the west of the island. At first everything seems very clean and we can't see any rubbish, but after a short walk along the water's edge we find a few surprises. Old nets, fish traps, boards and the like have become tangled up in the water to form large lumps, and cleaning the beach sometimes requires all our physical strength. By late afternoon, the trailer is full of the remnants of this traditional industry. And we are all very proud to have made at least a small contribution to protecting the beaches.
Double elimination
During the event, the forecast suddenly shows a wind shift and therefore wind from the right (starboard tack conditions). So I have to prepare for a second round (double elimination) with my unloved wind direction for jumping and waveriding. And as expected, the organiser decided to start the next day at the "Balephuil" spot with wind from the right - a big challenge for me. And all this in the middle of a set-up programme that had gone so smoothly up to that point, after the disappointment of the last World Cup on Sylt.
We encounter fantastic conditions in the large bay early in the morning. Constant wind and a beautiful, two-metre-high wave that runs into the bay in regular sets.
As I'm in first place after winning the first round, there's still plenty of time before my heat. I marvel at the high standard of the masters and amateurs. They all surf at high risk, give each other nothing on the water - and show spectacular wave rides and technically clean jumps. Back on the beach, there is always a lot to talk about, there is a lot of laughter and everyone seems to me as if they belong to one big family.
The wind has dropped for my upcoming heat, but the waves are still good. My opponent Lukas Meldrum had a perfect heat and showed why he had been tipped as a possible winner and winner of the Sword. With a very good wave selection, high aerials and a fluid style, he wins the heat. So he wins the double elimination and I win the single elimination, which means that a super final has to decide the outcome. With the wind dying down, I decided at the last second to go for the 4.7 sail in combination with a 90-litre board - I felt very comfortable with it from the very first second. With the right set selection and good timing on the wave, I manage this heat much better. With the motto "all or nothing" and the necessary willingness to take risks at the right moment, I was able to win the super final. I can already see the special trophy in my hands, but I was in for another surprise.
One of the windiest places in the world
After a few days at the campsite, we decide to move into a house right on the beach. Tiree offers a range of accommodation to suit almost every need. These are often located either directly on the spot or on the beach, but demand is quite high due to the limited supply. You should therefore try to find accommodation well in advance. In the summer months, Tiree is very popular with tourists due to its beautiful beaches, whereas in autumn and spring, tourism is much less pronounced. The winter months belong to the storms and there are hardly any beach walkers to be found. According to statistics, the numerous spots on the island are among the windiest places on the planet.
In addition to windsurfers, who will also find very good conditions and professional training for beginners at Willy's surf school on one of the shallow lakes, the beaches are also very popular with surfers. In Balevullin Bay in the north-west, there is a small board hire and training centre right on the beach.
Triple elimination
Over the next few days, the island of Tiree will show why it is one of the windiest places in the world: Due to the extraordinary wind and wave forecast, the organisers decide to hold another round (triple elimination). The spot "The Maze" once again delivers outstanding conditions. The women as well as the masters and amateurs are allowed on the water very early for another elimination. As predicted, the conditions deteriorate a little over the course of the day. As the wind drops, I have to defend my position in first place against multiple Wave Classic winner and former Worldcupper Phil Horrocks.
Phil puts all his eggs in one basket in the final and shows the judges and the numerous spectators on the beach that he is still performing at the highest level. When it came to the jumps, I got the slightly better ramps in comparison and was ultimately able to score a decisive victory with dynamic wave rides.
After the triple elimination, the trophy I had been longing for was finally in my hands: I have fulfilled a small dream by winning one of the oldest windsurfing competitions in the world.
Journey home at reduced speed
Tiree enchanted us with its pithy charm and the two weeks on the island passed far too quickly. Windy almost all the time, fabulously beautiful, wild beaches, a wide variety of training conditions and the wonderful evenings - with the stories of the day, in the pub with friends. All of this makes us very wistful on our return journey. We would love to stay longer. The ferry connections are limited at this time of year, as is the capacity on the ship, so it is advisable to book well in advance. When an old fishing net gets caught on one of the stabilisers on the way home, we are reminded that we still have some work to do to protect our seas. After a few unsuccessful attempts by the captain to loosen the heavily entangled net with radical steering manoeuvres, he simply decides to continue the journey home at a reduced speed. We reach the Scottish mainland with a slight delay and set off on the long journey home towards the Canary Islands with the certainty that we will be back and have many stories to tell.
Additional information about Tiree
Main spots with partly limited parking facilities on the beach
- Crossapol
- Balephuil Bay
- The Maze
- Balevullin Bay
More info about Tiree
- Surf school and hire: Wild Diamond
- Ferry connections: Caledonian MacBrayne
- Camping: Tiree Campsite
- Other information: Tiree Community Development
