The Falls of Lora are situated six miles northeast of the resort town Oban on Scotland’s rugged and beautiful west coast.
Home to some of the U.K’s best big wave features for freestyle kayaks, these waves are surfed by all manner of craft, from ocean kayaks to surf boards. Draining from Loch Etive, the falls are created as the tide ebbs out over a rock shelf underneath Connel Bridge into the Firth of Lorn.
The tide generally runs for four hours. Gauging when the wave features are working is a bit of a science and based upon the differential between the high water and the low water measurement in the tidal tables. Freestyle kayakers should look for the largest differential numbers.
The convergence of several flows right beneath the wave features means the fun often comes at a price—large seams, unpredictable boil patterns and whirlpools up to a meter in diameter have caused many a cold and embarrassing swim for both seasoned pros and first timers alike.
IF YOU GO:
The Scottish creek boating community have long used the Falls of Lora tides as a social pilgrimage. The banks of Loch Etive provide beautiful secluded camping close to the falls and have been host to many late night gatherings. Wild camping is tolerated in Scotland and, as long as you are respectful in your choice of location, you can freely camp in most remote areas.
Steve Rogers is a British Columbia-based adventure photographer, writer and kayaker, originally from the north of England. www.steveophotos.com.
This article appeared in Rapid, Early Summer 2013. Download our free iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch App or Android App or read the rest here.
