Established in 2007 by Donald Peace

Donald’s love of surfing began one afternoon in 2005, when he was supposed to be going skateboarding with some friends, but instead of the Skatepark, they unexpectedly headed to the beach for a surf. Even though Donald couldn’t swim, or even float well at the time, he jumped in at the deep end and caught his first wave. From that point on, Donald realised that surfing was what he was meant to do.

He learnt to swim at the local leisure centre, gave up his job as a gardener, and then travelled to Cornwall and achieved his Surfing Instructor and Beach Lifeguard qualification.

Soon after qualifying, he started up his own surf school, ‘New Wave’, which in the early years was a mobile venture that saw Donald travelling along the Moray Coast to run lessons.

Born of a desire to share a passion for surfing, to earn a living, and to create a life balance that meant both Donald and his wife, Kerry, could ensure spending as much quality time with their children (Hayden, Emily and Oliver) as possible, the surf school was a venture that provided everything that the young family needed for a contented and connected lifestyle.

Fast forward to 2021, the surf school is now a permanent fixture in Lossiemouth, and the whole Peace family are involved in the day to day running of it, from assisting with lessons, to washing out wetsuits and helping hire out equipment.

Since deciding to focus all efforts on their hometown of Lossiemouth, the surf school has gone from strength to strength. After securing the old hut at Gregory Place car park, Donald emptied it out, cleaned it up, repaired the roof and door, and built board racks and changing rooms inside. Despite the unassuming, old building that it runs from, the positive energy of the place is glaringly obvious.

In the summer months especially, the surf school is not just a destination for holiday makers raring to try their hand at an exciting activity, or for locals to book their regular summer treat. It is also a place where people just pop by to say hello and chat for a while, sometimes sharing coffee and cake and stories of times gone by. There is a history to the surf hut, which some claim was an old ice house, and others remember as a store for canal dredging equipment. Regardless, the unique and mysterious building is a landmark that many passersby can’t help but fantasise over.

From this building, a small, friendly community of locals who are learning to surf has been created, where connection, fun, and wellbeing are at the forefront of the sessions that the Peace family provide. Local schools also enjoy the surf school as part of their Health Weeks, and many different community groups and individuals return time and time again for the feeling that only surfing can give - the Stoke!

Despite competing for Scotland as part of the Scottish Surfing Team over the years, both Donald and his eldest son, Hayden, are more inclined to soul surf, where the art of surfing and the connection to the ocean are a higher priority than scores. Competition is fun and gives an opportunity to get together with other surfers from all over the UK, but it isn’t the driving force of surfing for the Peace family, or the focus of their inclusive surf school. Being in the water, surfing with the Moray Firth Dolphins, catching waves that glisten in the sunlight, and cheering on friends and family is what makes surfing such an immersive and joyful experience.

This is the vibe they hope to create and share with others who attend for lessons.

2020 saw New Wave’s busiest year yet for surf lessons and hire, despite the iconic Lossie Bridge being out of action. The surf school has been one of only a few opportunities for people to get across to the East Beach and spend time in the sea and on the beach itself, which has added to the charm and appeal of its presence.

2021 is looking to be just as busy as last year, with the new addition of Sup hire and Skateboard lessons, so there is now even more fun to be had!

To book a lesson or to find out more about New Wave, give them a call on 07818 238781, or head to their Facebook page.

The

“Do not book summer holidays”, warns Grant Shapps – So should we ignore his advice?

The subject of holidays – be it summer or winter – has been at the forefront of media attention for months now, and its fair to say the Nation is quite divided.

While many people are taking the view that international travel is irresponsible, many more are insisting that even the idea of an indulgent break is helping them to remain positive in an otherwise negative situation.

Whatever your situation, there are some points you should consider.

DIY v Travel Agent OK, I am a little biased here, but if the pandemic has highlighted anything, its that good, old fashioned high street travel agents were a customer’s secret weapon when it came to amending holidays, claiming refunds or even just for some advice. I personally know of many DIYers who are still waiting on an acknowledgment of a refund on a holiday that was cancelled back in April 2020!

Usually your travel agent will be comparable with online pricing, but even if it is a little more, the peace of mind, and financial protection you get pays dividends. Especially when something goes wrong.

Your local independent travel agent is also extremely well versed in things like travel entry requirements, visas, covid testing etc, and will have all of the answers so that you don’t have to worry about trawling the pages of conflicting online opinions to get yours.

When to book

There is little doubt that prices – once we are told we can travel – are going to rocket. With a large number of hotels and airlines now closed or bankrupt, there simply isn’t enough supply to fill demand. Despite media frenzy, it is not illegal to book a holiday. So why not take advantage of the prices while they are still relatively low, in the knowledge that your money is protected should you not be able to travel?

And with many companies now offering holidays as far away as 2023, you have plenty of time to save up for that holiday of a lifetime.

Flexibility

Many operators are offering extremely flexible booking conditions, with some allowing free cancellation or amendments as close as 30 days before travel. This means that should your own circumstances change, or should covid still be wreaking havoc, then again, you really have nothing to lose.

Check with your travel agent, as not all operators are offering such flexibility.

Refunds

A most contentious issue during the first wave, however the legal requirement is that in the event of the holiday being cancelled, the operator is required to provide you with a refund within 14 days.

This comes under the Package Travel Regulations 2018.

However, in real terms, these regulations were written to ensure that rogue operators couldn’t string their customers along – it was not designed for refunds on the scale that we saw in 2020. In any normal time, the operator would simply be able to refund from cashflow, however when every booking is being cancelled, this is physically not possible, especially when the money is being held by airlines or other suppliers.

So should you find yourself in the position of requiring a full refund, just be aware that although fully financially protected, the circumstances that the industry face mean that it’s very likely you will need to have a little patience.

In summary, if you are a keen traveller, you should consider getting your holidays booked, or at least planned asap – even if you don’t plan to go until 2022/2023, as you will be afforded the best prices, and most flexible terms.

www.invernesstravel.co.uk or head to @invernesstravel on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

We will help you choose the right caravan for your needs and can also check that your vehicle is suitable for towing using NCC TowCheck. Tow bars supplied and fitted / Wide range of accessories in-store

We are pleased to welcome you in our Distillery Visitor Centre Shop where you can choose from our selection of gifts, exclusive Glen Grant merchandise and our range of whiskies.

Take a stroll through our Victorian Garden, see the waterfall, enjoy the peaceful surroundings of our scenic orchard.

Treat yourself to a takeaway Illy Italian coffee or a cold drink, a selection of locally baked traybakes or an ice cream.

Our friendly staff are available to answer any questions you may have and share their knowledge of the products. We are sorry that there are no tours at this time.

Opening times

April to October (inclusive)

Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5pm (last admission 4pm)

Sunday 11am - 5pm (last admission 4pm)

Booking advised:

01340 832 118 email: visitorcentre@glengrant.com

Admission: Garden ticket: £5 per person (incl. access to the Victorian Garden, tutored nosing & tasting of 2 Glen Grant Single Malt whiskies and £2 discount valid on the price of a 70cl bottle of whisky in the gift shop).