About us | North Coast Watersports

About

Us

North Coast Watersports was established in 2019 by Iona & Finn.

Our aim is to provide the best possible watersport experiences. And to share our love of the ocean and the North Coast of Scotland with you. We are based in the cold water surfing mecca of the world! And on a beautiful, remote coastline with endless possibilities for adventure. Our paddle board lessons & RIB tours are a great way to explore the area. Read on to learn about North Coast Watersports story, location, people and awards.

OUR STORY

Finn & Iona met through both being on the Scottish surf team and have traveled to various countries to compete and train. Iona moved to the Isle of Tiree for 2 Summers from 2017. This is where Finn grew up and they both surf instructed for Blackhouse Watersports. After they saved up enough money they went backpacking around the world for 8 months- during this time they also worked for New Zealand's top surf school. It was this that inspired Iona & Finn to start their own business! After making many incredible memories, they made it back home to the North of Scotland and got to work creating North Coast Watersports. This all started with an old Siat car, a roof rack and a few boards. And has quickly progressed to 2 vans, a RIB, a building overlooking Dunnet bay and most importantly thousands of happy customers. Thank you..

OUR LOCATION

Thurso's gifted with Scotland's premier right hand reef break and a world class barrel on its day- its an incredible wave for experienced surfers. For total beginners (and everything in between) the North coast offers many perfect isolated beaches to explore and enjoy.

Our RIB Tours are based at Skerray Pier (half way along the North coast). This hidden gem is the gateway to many stunning islands rich in wildlife, geology and history.

Our paddleboard lessons are held at sheltered locations around Thurso and Dunnet head. Find caves, secret beaches & gaze up at the towering cliffs.

The North coast really is the perfect destination to explore

Finn MacDonald
Co Founder, Skipper & Head Surf Instructor

Finn has over 17 years experience with ocean adventures. He has played a key role in progressing surfing in Scotland and is one of the countries top surfers- winning a hatrick of national titles whilst competing as a junior. You're guaranteed to learn lots with Finn and most importantly have alot of fun! He is ISA level 2 qualified in surf instructing, open water paddle boarding and an RYA skipper. He also has his surf coach safety and rescue and previously completed the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification. The enthusiasm he brings to our experiences is contagious but also always has a relaxed vibe.

Iona McLachlan
Co Founder, Manager & Head Paddle Instructor

Iona has grown up on the North coast of Scotland her whole life and can't wait to share her home with you. Iona has won the ladies Scottish surf championships and has a huge amount of experience on surf instructing, the area and just making sure everyone has the best time. She is a fully trained lifeguard, ISA level 2 surf & paddleboard instructor, and has traveled all around the world. Both Finn and Iona love travelling, surfing new waves, meeting new people and learning about different cultures. But their hearts always long to be in the North of Scotland in the end- it's a truly special place.

Nick Law
Head Skipper

Nick has extensive skipper experience after living in Indonesia and led live- aboard charters around the 18,000 island archipelago for 8 years. He also worked as a freediving, scuba, and surf guide.

After returning to Scotland in 2020, Nick moved to the small crofting community of Skerray on the north coast. And now works as a skipper and guide, leading trips around this wild coastline for us. He loves sharing his knowledge of the ocean, its wildlife, geology and stories around this area. He spends his spare time surfing, exploring, and pottering around the garden. Nick also holds two British Spearfishing Records.