However for Fraser Miller, a local surf instructor steering away from a dangerous crowded surf zone is his top priority.

Fraser sees the danger

Then avoides collision

Surf manufacturer O-Neil have discussed hosting their Cold Water Classic Surf Competition on the Isle of Lewis.

Fraser has consulted with surfers from around Europe and is left cold and sceptical of the benefits such an event will bring.

A facebook group for surfers reveales that O-Neil competitions have not always delivered benefits. O-Neil had been accused of solely creating media oportunities to promote their brand. The legacy of less organised competitions has been a crowded dangerous surf zone and chewed up fields.

If organised properly the event combined with a Lewis backdrop could provide real magic.

Lewis surfers are famously welcoming, they have encouraged visitors from far and wide. Many of these visitors return and even stay. However at a recent meeting the overwhelming majority of  surfers expressed worry over the detrimental effects the event. The infrastructure does not yet exist to support surfers drawn to Lewis in the wake of the event.

1. There are no Surf Life Saving facilities on the Island.
2. There are no changing facilities at any of the breaks.
3. The surfers want to keep the fragile island beautiful.  Surfers have depended on good relationships with common grazings comitees for surf access for years.
4. The breaks have been getting steadily more crowded for years. With the recent increase in ferry sailings this trend is surely set to increase.

Fraser trains his pupils to spot dangers. The extra dangers in the surf line up and to machair lands is worrying many local surfers.

Crowds surf at Vatsiker

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