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Welcome to Blue Coast, Cullen's Surf School

Moray & Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Blue Coast is the leading provider of coastal surf & adventure experiences in the North East of Scotland.

We specialise in Surf Lessons, Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) Lessons & Tours, Coasteering Adventures and Equipment Hire from our surf school base in Cullen Bay on the Moray Firth coast, including locations such as Cullen, Portknockie and Sandend.

Fun sea activities for all

Activities for adults & kids alike; whether you're after a coastal adventure, a feel-good experience, or simply to try something new and have fun in a safe environment, we have an activity (and a cosy wetsuit) for you.
Learn
Have fun
Feel Good

Testimonials

400+
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reviews since 2022
Susan M
August 15, 2025

I booked this for family and partners, four people in their 20s, during a holiday in the North East. They had a brilliant time. Adam was, they told me, a lovely guy. He taught them a lot about wildlife and put together an entertaining morning where they felt in safe hands but were given the chance to explore and challenge themselves. Would recommend.

Laura
August 14, 2025

It was sooo much fun! Thank you for this amazing experience! Highly recommend it

Gillian M
August 14, 2025

Perfect morning paddleboarding around the coast at Portknockie guided by Adam who was really friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging. Totally scored with the conditions, flat sea, grat water clarity, beautiful birds & jellyfish and best of all a pod of dolphins swam right past us. .Couldn't recommend this experience more highly.

Gail Caie
August 14, 2025

My daughter (11) and son (9) attended the Kids Summer Surfing Camp this August (2025), and they had a great time! They’ve taken lessons with Blue Coast before and always look forward to them—this camp was no exception.

They loved learning new techniques and building on their existing skills. The instructors, as always, were welcoming and fantastic with the kids.

Highly recommend for any young surfers looking to build confidence or try their first lesson 😃

Catherine De Venny
August 13, 2025

Amazing Coasteering Session !
100% recommend and keen to try out another activity offered in the future.

Booking: Easy to view the activities available online and booking is straightforward and the requirements are clear for what you will need for the activities and where to meet.

Activity: All instructions were clearly given with safety talks before heading out and also during the session. Pace of the activity is suited to the group allowing everyone to challenge themselves and not feel rushed or forced. The coasteering route was great with views out to the sea and offered a range of jumps into the sea (avoiding jellyfish!).

Very tankful to Blue Coast Surf & Paddle for a fantastic summer session in the sea.

Lee-ann Clark
August 13, 2025

Fantastic service, friendly staff, boys loved their first surf lessons and can’t wait to do it again, highly recommend Blue Coast Surf & Paddle at Cullen Beach

ava grams
August 11, 2025

We had so much fun with our joint surfing lesson.

Enthusiastic and helpful instructor Toby was great in showing you basics to get you started, whilst also providing lots of information on ocean safety and tips for improving your surfing technique.

It was a brilliant day and an experience we would definitely try again!

Matthew Watt
August 9, 2025

Superb experience. Adam was lovely. Great for kids.

Harry Walker
August 9, 2025

Great surf day! We rented surfboards and a wetsuit from the trailer where an instructor comes twice a day. Cullen beach is ideal for beginners and intermediates with 1.5m waves no rocks, so you can surf barefoot.

James M
August 9, 2025

Absolutely brilliant experience. We did SUP (Fin), Surfing (Toby) and Coasteering (Adam). Extremely professional service, really easy to book and very clear instructions. All the instructors were very knowledgeable, excellent tutors and all over good guys! Equipment was good and everything ran to plan. Amazing watching my 8yr old catch her first surfing wave standing up after only an hour! My 14yr absolutely loved the jumps during coasteering and getting out into the water. It's given us the confidence to go and buy our own SUPs and some lifetime family memories. Would definitely recommend to any family

daveshaw747
August 8, 2025

What a brilliant way to spend a morning despite me drinking lots of sea water! Finn was excellent in his instructions and demonstrations and gave us lots of time to practice. A great setting meant we could Paddle in the safety of the harbour, which was beautiful. I can’t recommend this company enough and thank you to Finn for a brilliant experience 👍👏

daveshaw747
August 8, 2025

Amazing conditions for my daughter’s lesson. Finn was excellent explaining and supporting her through the lesson with excellent advice. Very well organised and added greatly to our holiday with a smiling but tired teenager as she had Paddle Boarded in the morning! Thoroughly recommend Blue Coast you won’t be disappointed 😊👍

Emily
August 7, 2025

First time paddle boarding and had the best time! So much fun and defo recommend if you fancy trying something new

Cherisse Pymm
August 7, 2025

I booked a 2 hour lesson for myself (45) and my 3 sons (13, 12 and 10). None of us had been paddle boarding before.
Our instructor (Finn) was fantastic, from safety info to techniques and individual support when needed - we had a great time and all left feeling more confident and looking forward to booking again in the future 🙂

David Shaw
August 6, 2025

This was our first time paddle boarding and it was brilliant. My daughter also did surfing in the afternoon both of the activities with the same instructor. Fin was excellent and very patient especially myself as I spent a bit of time in the water. In both the PB and the surfing he took time to explain each stage as we went through the differing techniques and gave time for us to try these out. A thoroughly enjoyable day had by us all. Highly recommend Blue Coast, thank you Fin 👏🙏🏻

Douglas Ralph
August 6, 2025

My 7 and 10 year old great nieces, spent 3 days with Blue Coast Surf and Paddle. They had an amazing time. The instructors Emmie Jo Fin and Kevin were extremely professional with full Health and Safety compliance. The training covered all aspects of water sport and the fun element , gave the young ones confidence in the water encouraged interaction with the other children participating , my eldest Niece is quite shy however the experience gave her more confidence in interacting with other children and adults. They loved every minute of the experience and will book again to further enhance their development and water skills with a very safe and professional Company. Thank you Douglas Ralph

wilma simmers
August 4, 2025

Our granddaughter went to Blue Coast for her first ever surfboarding lesson on Tuesday 29th July. We found it easily booked online and with 2 hours of coaching on surfing and some lifesaving skills and all equipment provided it was excellent value for money. Each 2 hour session consists of max group of 8 but luckily on that day only 6 pupils so they all got a little extra one on one tuition. Mia truly loved the experience and has asked for a surfboard and wetsuit for Christmas. Would highly recommend Blue Coast as we will certainly visit again with our granddaughter on her next visit.

Rosa Holt
August 4, 2025

Brilliant SUP lesson with Adam who made the session a lot of fun while building confidence and knowledge on the water for complete beginners. The session was structured and gave enough time to practice each technique. Highly recommended.

louisa Barry
August 4, 2025

Such a lovely few hours spent learning some paddleboarding skills and touring along parts of the north east coast. The weather was amazing too, which always helps. The Blue Coast guys were great, really friendly, approachable and very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend.

Craig Beattie
August 4, 2025

Great morning coasteering with Adam and Toby with my son and rest of group. Safety kit was all in top condition and felt safe and well looked after. Great views and chat about the coast and life living there. Would recommend

Surf

Small group surf lessons for all. Personal instruction.

Paddleboard

Introduction to SUP & safety. Guided tours exploring our coastline.

Coasteering

An immersive adventure in the marine environment. Swim, climb, jump, explore.
A glimpse of North Sea magic

Why choose our surf school?

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Unbeatable locations at Cullen & Portknockie

Our long sandy beach benefits from local coffee and food businesses, public toilets, and free parking. Portknockie is a world-class venue for exploring the coastline to the iconic Bow Fiddle Rock. Look out for dolphins!

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Surf lessons focused on fun, progress & safety

Learn to surf with us; perfect for adults, kids, groups, couples, and families. Personal instruction in a safe & fun environment.

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SUP lessons & special excursions / tours

We teach you to paddleboard safely and independently. Enjoy our local coastline from a fresh perspective; fun for everyone.

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Quality equipment

We only use the highest quality equipment, including warm 5mm thick wetsuits and accessories, buoyancy aids, and helmets. All included in your activity.

Activities for all

We offer activities for all ages & abilities. Whether you're after an adventure, a feel-good experience, or simply to try something new and have fun, we have something to suit you.

Experienced & friendly guides

All of our team are highly-trained water people; fully qualified as instructors, guides and lifeguards, insured and disclosure checked.

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Based year-round in and around Cullen & Portknockie

Hire

The highest quality surf & SUP equipment. Warm wetsuits.

SUP Yoga

A unique & feel-good experience; enjoy a yoga class on the water.

Nippers Kids Club

Weekly sessions; learning sea skills and having fun.

Shop

Tried & tested surfboards, paddleboards and wetsuits. Blue Coast brand clothing.
At ease.
A state of flow.
Frictionless.
Breathe easy.
No paddle no surf.
Beyond the beach.
Everything else falls away.