Making waves in and out of the water, Dr. Ferrier is at the forefront of surf and sports science in Scotland.
Pioneering research at The Surf Lab
Dr Brendon Ferrier is pushing the boundaries of surf science in Scotland. As Co‑Founder and Academic Lead of The Surf Lab, a revolutionary partnership between Edinburgh Napier University and Lost Shore Surf Resort, he is spearheading a global first for research between further education and a wave pool.
At The Surf Lab—harnessing Europe’s largest inland wave pool—Brendon’s team uses instrumented surfboards to capture every nuance of surfer movement. They conduct rigorous lab tests to identify the warmest wetsuit for Lost Shore, leading to the selection of sustainable Yulex-based wetsuits for the world’s largest rental fleet. The result? 700 plant-based wetsuits that offer unmatched comfort and eco-conscious performance.
The Surf Lab’s agenda includes surf therapy, adaptive surfing, elite performance strategies, and industry innovation. This multi‑disciplinary hub is already impacting well-being research—like surf‑therapy PhDs—and setting new standards in equipment development. These controlled-wave studies aren’t just breaking scientific ground—they’re forging industry-ready solutions. From wetsuit selection to board mechanics, Surf Lab is delivering evidence-based insights that ride beyond the waves.