In September I spent almost a month on the magical, unique Island of Tiree, off the west coast of Scotland, running Kite and Yoga courses with local legend Helen Thompson who runs the Tiree Kitesurf Academy.
I have to say Tiree is one of the most special places I have been in the world and I’d like to say a massive thank you to the incredible elements that sweep across it, the friendly local seals for accepting us at their spots, the lovely locals and residents, and the incredibly special kiters who came on our Kite and Yoga course. Also a massive thank you to Helen and Seb for letting me share their homes, the Scarnish Hotel for letting us use their idyllic, panoramic room for the yoga (and the great pint of Guinness afterwards!), and to CalMac Ferries for getting me and my van there!
Thanks also to my amazing sponsors North for their epic boards and kites which allowed me to kitesurf in the wild wind and waves that we were blessed with, (having confidence in your equipment in 40knots and big swell is a nice feeling!) to ION for their fantastic wetsuits and accessories which kept me warm and cozy in any harsh conditions! And to Animal and Mercedes for the van that takes me and my equipment, bed and wardrobe everywhere!
Also thanks to James from Steez Productions for traveling up to Tiree and doing this short video clip that gives a taste of this sweet enchanted island.
From the wild, remote shores of Tiree in the North, I drove the stunning, long drive home through Scotland, the Lake district, and then finally through the valleys of Wales to my home for a quick cup of tea with Mum and Dad, a walk with my dog and a surf in Pembrokeshire before flying over the Atlantic and South America to another wild, remote coast and ocean. Its now time for some Peruvian wind and waves, and the KSP Kitesurf world tour competition at Pacasmayo, one of the longest peeling waves in the world! www.kspworldtour.com
Tiree photos, courtesy of my special friends Loic, Seb, Helen, Norma and Janna!
