Scotland Cold Water Classic – Thurso Day 5

Although we’re unable to make it to the top of the British Isles we watched in awe at the freezing cold, wind ridden and pouring rain as the round of 48 was concluded in the O’Neill Cold Water Classic in Thurso, Scotland.

Earlier in the day most the surfers expressed just how hard the conditions were out there. The wind was causing choppy conditions that made it hard for the surfers to get into any rhythm, and high scoring waves were at a minimum.

By the afternoon the swell had picked up and the remaining surfers became more at ease with the blustery conditions.

“There’s a certain thrill in this,” said last year’s Cold Water Classic Series winner Blake Thornton. “You expect this rain, cold, and all of it with Scotland,” he said. “And it’s worth it for the waves and for the experience.”

“I loved travelling to all these new places last year,” said Blake. “And of course to win the $50,000!”

No doubt the upset of the day came from New Zealander Jay Quinn who knocked off the favourite Nat Young with a combination score of 18.34.

Jay hit a 8.67, and on his next ride pulled off some air time to score a 9.67.

“To be honest if there were conditions like this back home, I would not even get in the water,” said Jay. “But once you get out there, it’s not as bad as it looks.”

Today’s forecast is for lighter winds, bigger swell, and for SNOW….. and it hasn’t disappointed.

Head over to watch the Scotland Cold Water Classic LIVE with O’Neill TV.

O’Neill Cold Water Classic Scotland Day 4 highlights from craig jarvis on Vimeo.