DUNBAR SURF FIELD GUIDE
Morning Breath, Afternoon Breakers: Yoga and Surf from a 200‑Year‑Old Stable on Scotland’s Coast
A full‑day, small‑group retreat in John Muir Country Park that pairs a two‑hour yoga practice with guided surfing at Belhaven Bay — essential planning detail for this 8‑hour experience.
Morning Breath, Afternoon Breakers: Yoga and Surf from a 200‑Year‑Old Stable on Scotland’s Coast.
Adventure brief
Morning Breath, Afternoon Breakers: Yoga and Surf from a 200‑Year‑Old Stable on Scotland’s Coast
Set inside a beautifully restored 200‑year‑old Victorian stables in the heart of John Muir Country Park, this day retreat blends an extended, yoga‑inspired session with a seaside surf lesson at nearby Belhaven Bay, offering a deliberate move from calm, grounded practice to salt‑air, instructor‑led waves.
Located on Scotland’s scenic southeast coast, the East Lothian Yoga and Surf Day Retreat offers a refreshing combination of mindful movement and coastal adventure just outside the historic town of Dunbar. This unique experience unfolds at a charming 200-year-old Victorian Stables venue, where you’ll start your day with a two-hour yoga session led by expert instructor Sally Jean Rankin. Her guidance blends gentle strength and breath awareness, preparing your body to meet the demands of the waves later in the day.
Following your morning yoga, indulge in a nourishing lunch that fuels both body and mind. Then the group moves to nearby Belhaven Bay—renowned for its long, sandy shoreline and gentle beach breaks perfect for surfers of all levels. Expert instructors take the reins here, ensuring you get personalized coaching whether this is your first time on a board or you’re sharpening your technique. This bay is not only a favored surf spot in East Lothian but also a locale where North Sea winds and tides create consistent, fun waves framed by wide views of the Firth of Forth.
East Lothian’s coastline blends natural beauty with accessible adventure, offering visitors an immersive way to experience Scotland’s outdoors in both motion and stillness. The surf conditions are beginner-friendly yet engaging, while the yoga practice complements the ocean environment by enhancing balance, flexibility, and mental focus.
Dunbar, the nearest town, provides quaint accommodations and local charm with easy access to coastal trails, making it a fitting base for travelers wanting to extend their stay. The region’s geological backdrop includes striking cliff formations and expansive beaches that catch the changing light, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
This retreat stands out for its seamless integration of wellness and water sports, a relatively rare offering along the Scottish coast, where rugged landscapes typically dominate. The historic stable setting adds authentic character and a sense of place, grounding the retreat participants in local heritage.
Overall, if you’re seeking a day that balances physical activity with restorative calmness, combining a classic British seaside surf experience with the mindful discipline of yoga, this East Lothian retreat delivers both with style and expert guidance. Whether you come solo or with friends, it’s a well-rounded, invigorating escape to Scotland’s shores.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
A concise sequence from base to beach describing where the day unfolds.
Ocean Vertical HQ (Victorian Stables)
Meet at the restored 200‑year‑old stables located in John Muir Country Park where the day begins and ends.
Morning Yoga Session
An extended, accessible practice blending mobility, strength, breathwork and deep relaxation to prepare participants for surfing.
Lunch
A shared, mid‑day lunch follows the morning practice.
Belhaven Bay — Surf Instruction
Afternoon surf session at Belhaven Bay with expert instructors providing guidance in the water.
The retreat is a full‑day experience limited to small groups (up to eight participants) and is structured as an 8‑hour program; expect a mix of indoor practice and active time in the sea.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Victorian stables at Ocean Vertical HQ
The retreat begins at Ocean Vertical’s restored 200‑year‑old Victorian stables located within John Muir Country Park — a domestic, parkside base for the day’s yoga and logistics.
A two‑hour, yoga‑inspired session
Mornings are spent in an extended, accessible practice that mixes mobility, functional strength, breathwork and deep relaxation to prepare body and mind for time in the water.
Guided surfing at Belhaven Bay
After lunch the group heads to Belhaven Bay where expert instructors guide participants through surfing, putting the day’s preparation straight into practice on the waves.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The retreat flows from a deliberate indoor practice to a sociable, coastal afternoon: arrive at Ocean Vertical HQ for a two‑hour yoga‑inspired session led by the specialist instructor, share a midday lunch, then transfer to Belhaven Bay for surf instruction — a single‑day arc that aims to leave you calm, energised and better prepared for the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this retreat suits — and who might look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is an 8‑hour, single‑day retreat.
The day begins at Ocean Vertical HQ, a restored 200‑year‑old Victorian stables in John Muir Country Park.
The provided details describe the yoga session, lunch and surf instruction but do not list a specified equipment or clothing list in the briefing materials supplied here.
The retreat is limited to up to 8 participants and is described as accessible and suitable for all levels.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the retreat last?
The retreat runs for 8 hours.
Where do we meet for the day?
You meet at Ocean Vertical HQ — a restored 200‑year‑old Victorian stables in John Muir Country Park.
Who leads the yoga session?
The morning, two‑hour yoga‑inspired session is led by Sally Jean Rankin.
Is the retreat suitable for beginners?
Yes — the program is described as accessible and welcoming, suitable for all levels.
Is lunch included?
Yes — the schedule includes a mid‑day lunch following the morning yoga session.
Where does the surf session take place and who instructs it?
The afternoon surf session takes place at Belhaven Bay and is led by expert instructors who guide participants through the surfing experience.
How many people are in each retreat?
Groups are limited to up to 8 people.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-25T02:53:38.368Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.