WWS

Scotland · United Kingdom

Isle of Barra / Father Johns' Beach, Scotland (UK)

19.7kts

SW · Windsaison

Father Johns' Beach demands tide awareness and cold-water competence. Winds run 292 days a year, but Atlantic chop and strong currents separate intermediates from beginners.

IntermediateAdvancedFreerideFreestyleFoil
19.7kts
Durchschnittswind
293
Windtage / Jahr
15:00–18:00
Beste Windzeit
SW
Hauptwindrichtung

Lage

Nächste Flughäfen
Airport - Glasgow International
Koordinaten
56.9886, -7.5125
Karte öffnen

Monatliches Windprofil (Peak-Fenster)

24
Jan
24
Feb
23
Mär
21
Apr
17
Mai
21
Jun
17
Jul
23
Aug
22
Sep
25
Okt
24
Nov
27
Dez

Jan

89%

fahrbar

24.4 kts

Feb

93%

fahrbar

24.2 kts

Mär

85%

fahrbar

22.6 kts

Apr

75%

fahrbar

20.5 kts

Mai

58%

fahrbar

17.1 kts

Jun

82%

fahrbar

20.5 kts

Jul

68%

fahrbar

17 kts

Aug

77%

fahrbar

23.2 kts

Sep

83%

fahrbar

21.7 kts

Okt

84%

fahrbar

24.8 kts

Nov

88%

fahrbar

23.6 kts

Dez

79%

fahrbar

27.4 kts

Beste Windrichtungen

  • SW
  • S
  • SSE
  • WSW
  • SSW

Wasserbedingungen

  • Ocean
  • Choppy

Beste Monate

Jan
Feb
Mär
Apr
Mai
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Okt
Nov
Dez

Gefahren

  • Strong tidal currents and rip tides common in Scottish coastal waters
  • Choppy Atlantic swell creates unpredictable wave conditions and chop
  • Rocky outcrops and shallow areas near shore require careful navigation
  • Cold water temperature increases hypothermia risk year-round

Was das für dich heißt

  • Material tragen — nicht über Steine ziehen
  • Starke Strömung — upwind zurücklaufen, nicht abtreiben lassen
  • Im Stehbereich auf Finnen und Leinen achten

Ausstattung

  • Basic facilities in nearby Castlebay village with shops and accommodations
  • Limited on-beach amenities; plan accordingly with food and fresh water
  • Local boat launch and harbor services available in the settlement

Lokale Tipps

Check tide tables before visiting as tidal range significantly impacts launch conditions and safety. Winter months (Jan-Mar) offer the most consistent wind but require excellent cold-water experience and preparation.

Einstieg & Strand

Launch from Father Johns' Beach during incoming tide when conditions are most stable; the ocean swell creates challenging chop, so early morning sessions typically offer the smoothest conditions before wind builds.

Lokale Regeln

Respect local fishermen and boat traffic common to this island spot; maintain safe distance from other water users and be aware of seasonal variations in commercial activity.

Was anziehen

Wear a 5mm or 6mm winter wetsuit year-round; Scottish waters remain cold even in summer, making thick protection essential for extended sessions.

Was einpacken

Kite-Größen

  • 11–14 mtypische Sessions, 14–22 kn
  • 8–10 mstarke Tage, 20–28 kn

Boards

  • Twintip — universell, gehört ins Gepäck

Was anziehen (nach Klima)

Im Wasser
4/3-mm-Neoprenanzug mit Schuhen.
An Land
Isolierte Jacke und Mütze — im Zwiebelprinzip.

Abgeleitet aus dem Breitengrad des Spots (kühl-gemäßigte Zone) und der aktuellen Saison.

Vorfahrt & Verhalten

  1. 1Wer ins Wasser startet, hat Vorrang vor Ridern, die reinkommen.
  2. 2Der Luv-Rider weicht aus — Kite hoch halten, wenn du über einem tiefen Rider passierst.
  3. 3Steuerbordbug (rechte Hand vorn) hat Vorfahrt beim Kreuzen.
  4. 4Wer überholt, hält sich aus der Linie des langsameren Riders.
  5. 5Wellenreiten: Der Rider in der Welle hat sie — kein Drop-in.

Spot-Guide

Father Johns' Beach, Isle of Barra

Barra doesn't coddle you. Cold water, strong tidal currents, and relentless Atlantic chop separate committed riders from tourists. Father Johns' is a rocky launch that requires tide knowledge—incoming tide settles the zone and improves stability. Check conditions before entry; shallow rocky outcrops demand precision.

Wind & Conditions

Consistency is the draw. Winter dominates (Jan-Mar) with Atlantic lows pushing steady 19-20 knot averages and frequent gusts. SW and S winds prevail. Summer wind stays present but becomes less predictable. Early morning offers smoother water before chop builds from wind-against-tide interaction. Expect textured, choppy Atlantic conditions year-round.

Water & Safety

Cold year-round—hypothermia risk is real. Tidal currents here are strong enough to push you around. Rip tides and surge are common. Incoming tide is your session window; use it. Know your entry and exit corridor before launching. Shallow rocks near shore demand careful approach.

Who This Works For

Intermediate riders with cold-water experience and discipline around tidal windows. Solid board control and awareness required. Drysuit or thermal competence essential. A local guide on first visit is money well spent.

Ground Reality

Castlebay village has basic shops and beds. No on-beach infrastructure. Bring food and water. Locals know the water. You'll have the place mostly to yourself.