Global Surfing Talent Returns to Scotland for ‘Hi-Land Fling’ at Lost Shore Surf Resort

Posted: 5th May 2026

Scotland is set to welcome back some of the world’s most exciting surfing talent this summer as Lost Shore Surf Resort hosts the return of its flagship competition, the Hi-Land Fling.

Taking place across 15th and 16th May 2026 in Edinburgh, the two-day event will bring together 20 elite international surfers, including Olympians, Challenger Series qualifiers, national champions and rising stars, marking one of the strongest international surfing line-ups seen in the UK.

Building on the success of its debut year, Hi-Land Fling is fast establishing itself as a standout event on the European surf calendar, positioning Scotland as an emerging force in global surf culture.

Confirmed surfers include:

  • Camilla Kemp (GER) – Olympian and one of Europe’s top-ranked surfers
  • Conor Donegan Santos (SPA) – European QS competitor and defending Hi-Land Fling Champion
  • Tim Elter (GER) – Germany’s leading male surfer and Olympic competitor
  • Lauren Sandland (GBR) – Multiple British national champion and defending Hi-Land Fling Champion
  • Lucia Machado (ESP) – One of Spain’s most exciting rising talents
  • Ben Larg (SCO) – World-class big wave surfer
  • Gearoid McDaid (IRE) – 7x Irish National Champion and 2025 Hi-Land Fling competitor
  • Nicolas Paulet (FRA) – Former French Champion
  • Alys Barton (GBR) – First British surfer to secure a full Challenger Series season place through qualification

Designed to showcase the limits of modern surfing, Hi-Land Fling will once again push athletes on Lost Shore’s most advanced wave settings, with competitors battling it out for Best Wave and Best Air titles.

Returning to the competition and a standout competitor at last year’s inaugural Hi-Land Fling, Gearoid McDaid said:

“To have an event of this calibre in this part of the world is massive. Last year was incredible, and you could really feel how much it meant to the surf community here.

“For surfers across the UK and Ireland, it’s not often you get the chance to compete against this level of international talent on your doorstep, so to come back and do it again is really special.”

With a field featuring some of Europe’s top competitive surfers, the level of performance is expected to step up again in 2026.

Tim Elter said:

“I’m super stoked to go back to the Hi-Land Fling. The level of surfing is seriously high, and wave pools like Lost Shore Surf Resort give us the chance to push performance in a really controlled way, which makes things much more technical.

“Every wave is consistent, so it really comes down to execution and precision, which is great from a competitive point of view. I feel very welcomed by the community and it’s a fantastic weekend event for competitors and spectators alike.”

The event also highlights the growing strength of home talent, with Alys Barton, the first British surfer to qualify for the Challenger Series, among those competing.

She said:

“Events like Hi-Land Fling are a huge step forward for British surfing. Having access to a wave like this, and competing alongside some of the best surfers in the world, is something that just wasn’t possible a few years ago.

“It’s really exciting to be part of that progress and to see how quickly the sport is growing at home.”

Beyond the action in the water, Hi-Land Fling will feature public surf sessions alongside the pros, an exclusive high-performance showcase session with spectator access, a surf film screening and athlete Q&A, and a full competition day complete with live DJ sets, commentary and a podium celebration.

Lee Wood, Managing Director at Lost Shore Surf Resort, said:

“Hi-Land Fling is about showcasing what’s possible when you combine world-class waves with world-class talent. This year’s event builds on the success of our first competition and brings an even stronger field of surfers to Scotland, from established international competitors to the next generation coming through.”

“We’re creating something here that goes beyond competition, it’s about growing the sport, inspiring participation, and putting Scotland firmly on the global surfing map.”

The event is sponsored by partners Rubicon Raw, Thatcher’s Cider and Kia/Virtu Motors. With a combined athlete following of several million, Hi-Land Fling is expected to generate significant international exposure, with standout moments and high-performance clips travelling across the global surf and action sports community.

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