Edinburgh Napier University strikes partnership with Lost Shore Surf Resort

GROUNDBREAKING surfing research is set to take place in Scotland thanks to a new partnership between Lost Shore Surf Resort and Edinburgh Napier University.

Formerly known as Wavegarden Scotland, Lost Shore Surf Resort is currently under construction in Ratho in a £55 million project which will provide Scotland’s first inland surfing destination.

The link-up between the resort and the learning institution will see research into areas such as surf therapy, high performance surfing, disability surfing, and equipment research and development.

The university added that it is envisioned that the research will not just focus on surfing, but will also look to develop research and teaching opportunities across other disciplines such as hospitality and tourism.

As part of the partnership, Lost Shore Surf Resort will provide the university with onsite office space and ongoing amenities free of charge.

Andy Hadden, founder of Tartan Leisure Ltd which is developing Lost Shore Surf Resort said, “Scotland’s first inland surf resort is coming ever closer to opening and it is exciting that we can reveal this collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University.

“The Lost Shore Surf Resort has always prioritised evidence based practice and rigorous research within our project. Indeed, that is why we funded the world’s first PhD exploring surf therapy with Dr Marshall and the university.  We can now continue this relationship and will take surfing based research to new levels alongside our partners in the SurfLab.

“As part of our collaboration, Lost Shore Surf Resort will provide office space as well as all amenities, utilities and WiFi free of charge to the university. Where possible, we will also provide free use of the wave pool for pioneering research and teaching opportunities.”

Dr Jamie Marshall, research fellow school of applied sciences at Edinburgh Napier University, added, “Lost Shore Surf Resort will provide world class facilities to Scottish surfers of all abilities. The uniquely controllable environment will also allow for specialised research not possible in other contexts.

“With funding from Lost Shore Surf Resort, I undertook the world’s first surf therapy doctorate at Edinburgh Napier University to better understand how surfing is being utilised to support a range of vulnerable populations around the world. I am thrilled that the SurfLab collaboration will further deepen ties and ensure Scotland is at the forefront of all aspects of surfing research.

“Studies consistently show that exposure to our seas, lochs and waterways (blue health) can be great for our mental wellness and Lost Shore Surf Resort will allow people to do this in a controlled environment. This venture will help us better understand how we can harness, and optimise, the power of surfing to improve wellbeing both within intervention contexts, and for the general population.”