The Scottish surf culture is relatively new. Decades before the average punter could click “buy” on a 5/4 hooded fullsuit and download an interactive surf map, there were people like Ian McKay. In the ’70s he went exploring new surf spots on three coasts with nothing but a single-fin, shared prehistoric wettie and sometimes just boardshorts. That grit and determination have been passed down to Ian’s daughter Debi, a fitness instructor and cake-making genius (she shared one that was a spot-on replica of a bar of Sex Wax). After watching dad trudge off into the icey brine, Debi decided that surfing wasn’t for her, until Lost Shore came along. Now, learning to surf in a wave pool makes total sense.
What is your profession?
I’m a custom cake maker and also a personal trainer.
What is your history here in Edinburgh?
I lived in Edinburgh for about seven years over in North Berwick before moving back to my hometown, which was in Glasgow. Since the wave pool opened, I’ve been coming to Edinburgh weekly.
How long have you been surfing?
My dad and my brother have always been into surfing. When I started wakeboarding, they always kind of said to me, “Once you try surfing, you’re not going to look back.” When the wave pool opened, I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me to find my own little journey in surfing. I had done little bits in the ocean, but I’d never been consistent or close enough to the beach. I’ve been coming once a week since January to begin my journey.
So you started surfing in January 2025?
Yeah.
Do you think you’ve progressed fairly quickly?
Yeah, I did my first maneuvers-plus session today, which is exciting. When I started in January, I was out on the improver lessons. I feel like I’ve just been learning in a progressive way that’s felt comfortable and has built my confidence. I started with improver, then moved to the cruiser session, and then to the turns session. I swapped from the eight-foot foamie to a seven-foot foamie. Halfway through a few sessions on turns, my dad gifted me my first slightly smaller board — my first shortboard. That was a bit of a jump, but it’s been amazing.
How many sessions do you do a week at the wave pool?
Typically just one a week at the moment.
So you could count the weeks into the year and know how many sessions you’ve had?
Yeah.
Given your dad’s integral role in Scottish surf history, how do you see the wave pool changing surfing in Scotland?
I think it’s made it so much more accessible for people. I was a little bit scared of the ocean, especially going out the back and getting comfortable there. The wave pool allows people to have a safe environment with lifeguards and consistent waves, so you know what you’re getting into. It’s helping you learn how to actually surf and then take that back to the ocean. I haven’t been back in the sea yet, which is hilarious. But when I do, I’ll have more paddle endurance and know where I’m going once I get to my feet. Before, I’d just ride in a straight line with no idea what was right.
Can you draw a parallel between personal training and using a wave pool? Is it like a gym?
I would say it’s similar to a gym. Since I’ve started training more specifically for surfing, you can treat it the same way. I’m now training more back days, doing more pull-ups, hip flexor work, and core compression for pop-ups. I’m also taking paddling into the swimming pool to get stronger. It feels very similar to a gym session, for an hour, you’re really going for it.
With your background in personal training, can you do a session and know what exercises to do afterward based on which muscles are sore?
One hundred percent. It’s been such an awakening. I’ve always trained with good splits, like leg day, back day, shoulder day. But now that I’ve been surfing, I take a rest day after because my arms are so tired. If you get those muscle groups stronger and working more efficiently, it makes such a difference in the wave pool the next time you’re out.
Many wave pools aim to introduce people to surfing — not just one lesson, but to get them to return. Do you have advice for people who tried one lesson and didn’t come back?
That’s a good question. If you try it for the first time and get that little buzz, you’ve got to try it a couple more times. See if it’s a one-off or something you’re going to get hooked on like I did, and start coming every single week. You never know where that little journey will take you.
Do you have any advice or wisdom for people learning to surf?
Continue pushing out your comfort zones. Surfing for me has been something I can get in my head about. If you have a bad session or your body does the opposite of what you expect, just keep pushing outside your comfort zone and keep going.
You can follow Debi’s journey on her Instagram page here. You can find out more about Lost Shore pricing at this link
