Sure the biggest waves ever surfed in Europe have been ridden on Irish shores over the last few years at spots like Aileens, Mullaghmore and Pampa. But there are also benign beach breaks where a great choice of surf schools means professional tuition and excellent equipment to help you learn everything from the basics to tackling more challenging waves.
Many of these Irish Surf Association-approved schools are headed up by some of Ireland’s finest surfers. Many of them have ridden those aforementioned headline-grabbing behemoth waves. And they are just waiting to pass on their impressive wave knowledge to novices.
To name but a few, former Irish women’s and senior surf champions Easkey Britton and John McCarthy coach at Finn McCools school in Rossnowlagh and Lahinch Surf School respectively. Pro rider Richie Fitzgerald teaches at Surf Coach Ireland and TurfnSurf in Bundoran and in Tramore, well-known wave charger Martin Cullinane is Director of T-Bay Surf and Eco Centre. Or check out Perfect Day Surf School in Strandhill where former Irish team coach Tom Hickey is in charge. You can even do female-only courses in Bundoran with Girls Go Surfing in Bundoran, which is run by Irish Champion Nicole Morgan and former Irish Champion Shauna Ward, two of Ireland’s top competitive female surfers.
These watermen and women have poured over weather charts for years and always know exactly where to find the best swell for your level.
As a beginner, you’ll be taught the basics in small groups on the sand. That’s paddling to catch your wave and getting from your belly to your feet in one movement. Then it’s out into the water with you on a special foam board under the watchful eye of your instructor. Intermediates can work to hone their skills, learning to duck dive or put in turns on the waves.
One thing is sure however. Whether you’re learning in the white water or sitting in the
line up along with a few other surfers waiting to catch your first clean wave (that’s riding down an unbroken green face), you’ll look like the cat that got the cream as you take in the water glinting in the sun and the spray blowing back from the waves marching to shore.
That’s the joy of surfing – no matter what your level there’s still a great buzz.
And don’t worry, it’s not that cold! Thanks to modern wetsuit technology, the warming effects of the Gulf Stream current, and the adrenalin that will course through your veins, you’ll barely feel a chill as you harness the magic that the ocean has to offer.