A former policeman has swapped walking the beat to riding the waves.
Adam El-Naggar, from Buckie, has opened a surf and paddleboard school in Cullen to help people feel good.
He says that by providing safe, positive experiences in the sea it encourages lasting wellbeing benefits beyond the beach.
Mr El-Naggar, who opened Blue Coast Surf and Paddle at the beginning of April, said he was “thrilled” with the promising start to the venture.
Wellbeing benefits are clear
Believing he will be busy going into summer, he has even taken on a new member of staff.
The 30-year-old surf and paddleboard instructor left a six-year career as a police officer in Aberdeen to move to the Canary Islands and teach surfing.
Then before moving back home he came up with the plan to open his own school and share his passion with people in the water.
“It’s great fun, and the wellbeing benefits are clear,” he said.
“Spending time in the sea has had such a positive effect on my life and wellbeing that I’m always excited to share that feeling with others.
I’ve taken on another instructor
“I’ve taken on another instructor due to the demand, and recently partnered with two local yoga teachers to offer paddleboard yoga, and two yoga and surf day retreats.
“The events were such a success I was very happy, and everyone left feeling good, if a little windswept.”
The surfer hopes Blue Coast Surf and Paddle will provide an exciting new activity in Cullen and attract more people to the coastal town.
Mr El-Naggar added: “The school logo is a dolphin as we see so many along this coast, I should get them on commission.
“We even had a visit from a humpback whale a few weeks ago I couldn’t believe our luck.”
Conversation