Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- 18–22 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree) is a south-facing, wide sandy beach area immediately south of the airport, well known for windsports—especially kitesurfing. The launch is described as easy, with ample space for setup and landing across most conditions, and the water is consistently reported as clean and clear. Wind is a major part of the appeal: multiple sources describe Crossapoll as having high reliability and strong, steady Atlantic wind. Typical kite/windsurf sessions are associated with a broad range of directions, with north to northwest described as cleaning up surfing conditions (offshore for waves). Depending on swell and tide, riders can see a mix of flatter water/chop and occasional manageable wave energy. For safety, the key theme is cold water and strong wind in a remote setting. Hazards reported for the beach include cold water year-round, strong winds/chop, and rocks/submerged rocks toward the ends and near headlands. Rescue is described as limited, so preparation and self-rescue confidence are repeatedly emphasized. Spring also brings access-and-environment considerations around nesting birds in the dunes, and the nearby airport approach area means you should avoid flying kites too high or in any landing path. Overall seasonality points to spring through autumn as the best balance of conditions, with April to October repeatedly stated as the main window. Water temperatures are generally in the cold range year-round, with wettie recommendations varying by month; the most complete seasonal guidance suggests that deeper cold months call for a thicker wetsuit with added thermal protection.
- Very consistent Atlantic wind and open-exposed beachfront
- Large sandy launch space right by the airport area
- Clean, crystal-clear water and long shallow sandy bottom
- Very consistent wind in an exposed North Atlantic setting
- Large, wide sandy beach with easy setup and launching
- Generally clean, crystal-clear water and shallow sand bottom for a long way out
- A strong kitesurfing identity with opportunities for wave/cross-chop and freeride
- Strong, often challenging Atlantic winds and cold water year-round
- Limited rescue availability and remote location
- Potential rocks/submerged rocks at the far ends/headlands
- Onshore/cross-onshore wind can increase chop
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW, NW, SE, S
- Offshore directions
- N, NW
- Wind Range
- 18–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Atlantic winds; prevailing south-westerlies are described as consistent, with some sources describing the wind as frontal.
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady/consistent at the spot.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Wind can be slightly turbulent if coming from the NW or North over the island's interior hills.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Wave energy is commonly described as small at times; surfing can improve with SW swell.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Chop occurs with onshore/cross-onshore wind; otherwise can be more manageable.
- Launch
- Big — Very wide, flat sandy beach providing ample space for setup, launching, and landing.
Through the year
Generally quiet, with more visitors during summer months and during October event season.
winter (can rain a lot); winter months (November to February) are very windy and frequently rainy.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wide, sandy launch with space for setup and landing; commonly described as offering a mix of flat water and manageable waves/chop depending on swell and tide. Strong, consistent wind supports jumping and freeride, with suitability varying by conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Reported as suitable across levels depending on conditions; described as south-facing with starboard cross-onshore in SW winds. Often used for bump-and-jump practice and transitions in cleaner water.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–6 m²
Viable due to consistent wind and sandy bottom; depth awareness is advised around dead low tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions are reported.
- Min Depth
- 1.2m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Works as a beach break and is typically best with a significant SW swell and lighter northerly winds. Can close out when swell exceeds 3 meters.
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is identified as optimal.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Cross-onshore to onshore wind can create chop; offshore winds from north clean up the face.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swell exceeds 3 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Often described as softer/more forgiving than nearby alternatives.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can produce fun, peeling waves; typically medium ride lengths.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride length reported as 50-100m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree) in the full forecast view.
Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 11–44 ktsGusts 64 kts
- Direction
- SW216°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2544 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.9–6.3 m9s period
- Temperature
- 10–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree) is forecast for daytime winds of 11–44 kts, peaking around 44 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 64 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.9–6.3 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- cold water year-round
- strong winds
- choppy conditions
- rocks at the far ends of the beach
- submerged rocks near the headlands
- occasional drift/stronger currents near headlands
- airport approach zone—avoid flying kites too high or directly in the landing path if specified by local signage
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — HM Coastguard coordinates search and rescue; local RNLI support may come from nearby areas.
- Emergency Info
- Remote location with limited rescue; in a serious emergency, Coastguard rescue is coordinated via VHF Channel 16 or 999.
Rules of the spot
Be mindful of nesting birds in the dunes during spring. Keep a respectful distance from any livestock grazing near the beach access.
- avoid flying kites too high or directly in the landing path if specified by local signage (airport approach zone nearby)
- avoid disturbing nesting birds in the dunes (spring)
- do not go alone
- be confident in self-rescuing
- assess weather changes
- check the tide times as the beach becomes massive at low tide, requiring a longer walk to the water
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Scarinish (main town on Tiree)
- Nearest Town
- Scarinish
- Nearest Airport
- Tiree Airport (TRE)
- Parking
- Parking available at the beach; also small designated parking areas near the airport and along the access road are reported.
- Access
- Get to Tiree Island and the beach is just south of the airport.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Campsite at Balinoe, plus accommodation such as self-catering cottages and small hotels in Scarinish.
- Food & Drink
- Limited food options at the spot area; a small café may be available at the airport, with more options in Scarinish and Balemartine.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is reported as available through local centers/mobile schools, particularly in the summer season.
- Gear Storage
- Not available at the beach (storage is described as primarily offered by local watersports centers for their guests or through specific accommodation providers).
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair kits may be available through local instructors; major repairs typically require sending gear to the mainland.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Tiree is a tranquil island with a community and nature-focused outdoor culture, and a strong windsports calendar.
Museum dedicated to the tallest lighthouse in Scotland, located in Hynish.
The island's historical archive center showcasing Tiree's heritage.
Tiree is exceptionally flat, making it ideal for exploring all beaches by bike.
Meals and drinks overlooking Gott Bay.
Opportunities to spot seals and basking sharks alongside white sand beaches.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree)?
The best overall months at Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree) are April, May, June, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree)?
Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree) works with W, SW, NW, SE, S winds. Offshore directions are N, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 18–22 kts.
What skill level is Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree) suitable for?
Crossapoll (Isle of Tiree) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.