IT'S THAT TINY TASTE OF SUCCESS THAT KEEPS YOU GOING BACK OUT THERE
basis. On such a sunny day. when decent sized sets of waves roll in pretty steadily. there are hoards of surfers. beginners and pros alike. lurking in the waters. waiting for that special wave. As my coach keeps telling me. it's all about timing and being able to catch the water at the right point. judging when to let a wave pass and when to get down on your board and paddle like a demon (not easy with flabby gloved hands). This is the kind of thing that only comes with experience. The other essential skill. balance. is one I never quite master. But that‘s the thing with surfing — even if you only make it to the shore on your knees. you get a taste of what it‘s like to roll in on the crest of a wave and feel the rush of adrenaline. l have
made it upright once before on the sun-soaked beaches of
07.. but here the challenge is greater — you have to get past the cold and the clumsy gear, and fight for a space on the few beaches with enough waves to ride.
But it's that tiny taste of success that keeps you going back out there. even when you‘re tired and a little battered. always hoping the next wave is better and that you can stay up longer. lt's addictive.
See The List’s Adventure Sports Guide for Scotland’s best sporting locations, and www.visitscotland.com for accommodation opfions.
as...
FactFiIe
per person. Call 01350 727242, email info@naelimits. co.uk or see www. naelimits.co.uk.
I SOOn to relocate to Dunbar. Momentum surf shop is Currently based in Bruntsfield Place. Edinburgh. With ten years‘ wonh of local knowledge. Momentum travels around Scotland finding the best surf for
I Based in Perthshire, Nae Limits dubs itself ‘the safest risk in adventure’. Regarded as one of Scotland’s premier activity centres, it hosts an array of activities from white water rafting and canyoning to cliff jumping and sphering. It operates all year round, so the selection of sports is constantly changing. All sizes of groups are catered for and mid-week
discounts apply. Prices from £30.00
novice and surfing pros alike. Call 0131 229 6665. email momentum _sun@hotmail.com or see www.momentum-surf.co.uk.
I Splash White Water Rafting, based in Aberfeldy, brings together internationally experienced teachers, providing thrill seeker
activities ranging from river bugging and bridge swinging to canyoning and abseiling. Call 01887 829 707 or 07736 975 970, email info@rafting.co.uk or see www.rafting.co.uk.
I For the perfect weekend stopover, if y0u're water sporting in Perthshire. the MOulin Hotel in Moulln, Pitlochry IS ideal. Better still, it comes complete with micro-brewery. Book now at www.moulin.u-net.com/. Known as the Gateway to the Highlands. Pitlochry makes an excellent base for central and Highland Scotland. With the A9 close by. it is possible to travel quickly to both east and west coasts. and the Cairngorms. Speyside. Fife and Edinburgh are all within easy reach.
Travel
Flights, guides, websites
I A NEW DIRECTION FOR Rough Guides this month as it launches its new DIRECTIONS travel guides. As a compact alternative for visitors, they present all the detailed research that a Rough Guide is famed for but in a more compressed package. Predominantly image led, the full colour series features fold-out colour maps, and - a first for Rough Guides - the e- book CD, allowing readers to search and annotate the guide on any computer or hand held device.
I VlSlTSCOllAND CONTINUES to impress as it launches its new wildlife website, www. visitscotland.com/wildlife, encouraging visitors and locals to enjoy the diverse landscape that Scotland has to offer. Presenting Scotland's uinique areas for wildlife spotting, Visitscotland‘s launch nicely redefines traditional views on wildlife and who it might appeal to. opening a range of activity options to wildlife novices and aficionados. Among the treats on offer are everything from dolphins and otters to red deer and eagles. Log on now.
I REDEVELOPMENTS ARE underway as the Aviemore centre looks fonivard to a facelift this summer emphasising the array of wonders that the Aviemore and Cairngorm have to offer. From the Cairngorm Mountain near Aviemore to the Landmark Forest Theme Park in Kincraig, the surrounding areas have a range of activities for every disposition. Check out www.cairngorm mountain.com and www.highlandwildlife park. corn for more details.
13- 27 May 2004 THE LIST 109