Tidal Connections is a community led surf collaborative with an emphasis on protecting, preserving and enjoying the wild environment of Belhaven Bay.
We Belong! Women of any experience or ability are welcomed including complete beginners who would like to improve their surfing, meet in community, make friends and look after the local environment. You will need to bring your own equipment- wetsuit, boots, gloves, hood and surfboard or bodyboard. Membership offers 10% off at https://www.skymonster.com/ based in Dalkeith
Membership There are 35 membership places available in total. This membership will give you access to Tidal Connections community sessions and events at no cost or by donation. These community sessions are a way to meet other likeminded women and connect in the sea – meet at John Muir Country Park at the fire pit for the opening circle. Please email for more information: scotland@groundswellcommunity.org
Coached Sessions Every month a coached session will be guided by Groundswell Facilitators (qualified in SLSGB surf lifeguards, physical trainers, wellbeing practitioners, yoga teachers and ISA surf coaches) to embark on a journey of healing, empowerment, skill building and uniting through surfing. Please note that this session will be booked via the Groundswell Scotland Website and spaces are limited. Your membership does not guarantee you a space on the monthly coach session. You will need your own wetsuit and surfing equipment for these coached sessions. Please note: session will run in the evenings when there is enough light to do so!
Example Session* 6.30pm meet and greet at John Muir Country Park fire pit for intention setting, circle, forecast update, coaching plan and community connection. Surf strength flow 7pm-8.15pm Surfing 8.30pm Close
*all sessions are tailored to the forecast of the day
Communication We will keep you informed by email when sessions are coming up and if there will be any cancellations. For community session meet ups, volunteers will host the opening circle. You are responsible for your own safety and we will give you more information about this when you are signing up for your membership.
For coached sessions, Groundswell surf coach lifeguards will facilitate the sessions (these must be booked in advance and places are limited)
This is a community group which is run by members for members, please feel free to help to organise community sessions and to come forward to open the circle at surf sessions and to organise surf and nature based sessions during winter.
2024 gatherings that have been planned so far are as follows:
6.30pm-8.30pm, John Muir Country Park, meet at the fire pit
Mon 20th May – Community Surf and opening ceremony
Tue 28th May – Groundswell Scotland coached session
Wed 5th June – Community Surf
Tues 11th June – Community Surf
Fri 21st June – Community Surf and a summer solstice fire
Mon 24th June – Groundswell Scotland coached session.
AUGUST
Tues 6th August – Groundswell Coached Session
Tues 13th August- Community Surf
Tuesday 20th August-Community Surf
Monday 26th August- PEASE BAY! Community Surf and Film screening of ´White Horses’ meeting in Pease Bay car park or function room
Wednesday 28th August-Community Surf
SEPTEMBER
Tues 3rd Sept – Groundswell Coached Session
Weds 11th Sept at 6pm Community Session, please note the earlier timings due to diminishing light
WINTER:
Tuesday evening every 2nd Tuesday of the month surf and community development sessions at West Barns Village Hall will be offered by Groundswell Scotland
OCTOBER 8th starting sharp at 7pm-8pm West Barns Village Hall- gathering, surf strength flow, bring a mug and a mat (no booking required but donation of £3 –£5 on the door)
NOVEMBER 12th starting sharp at 7pm-8.30pm Groundswell Session at West Barns Village Hall- gathering, community & surf development session, bring a flask, mug and a mat – booking required below
DECEMBER 10th at 7pm by donation on the door or directly to Groundswell – community surf fitness session with Caroline & Josee
2025 Gatherings
JANUARY 14th by donation, community session TBC
FEBRUARY 11th by donation, community session TBC
MARCH 11th starting sharp at 7pm-8.30pm Groundswell Session at West Barns Village Hall- gathering, community & surf development session, bring a flask, mug and a mat – booking required below
APRIL- we will make a decision as to when it is light enough to get back to evening surf sessions
Membership places are limited, please email for more information-
scotland@groundswellcommunity.org
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SESSION WILL GO AHEAD UNLESS IT’S DANGEROUS TO DO SO. IF IT IS FLAT WE CAN MEET AND TRAIN FOR SURF RELATED SKILLS & TECHNIQUES, SURF LIFESAVING & BEACH ENVIRONMENT OR A BEACH CLEAN.
