Ireland

[ralphy]

I spent 7 months of last year over in the UK & Europe, playing cricket and travelling around. Ireland was probably one of my fav places and def has some of the best setups in the world. I spent 2 weeks up around the NW town of Bundoran and another 2 weeks down around the Mid West around Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher. I got some cracking surf, as u can see in some of the pics and surfed by myself every time except once.


Bundoran Peak, world class easily

Doolin Point, sorry for the standup pics, i think i met 2 boogers the whole time

Somewhere in the NW

Somewhere else in the NW

Lahinch

Lahinch again, in this pic waves were prob around head/head+ it got up to double head easily the night before when i surfed till 11pm, as the sun doesnt set that far up north until then

Another left in Lahinch

Somewhere in the Mid West

Sweet looking peak on the right, couldn't get to it as couldn't find the farmer who owned the castle ahaha

[JONNO313]

Sounds like you had an awesome time. Something I have always wanted to do is travel to those places. Doesnt look like there are many ppl out and is pretty darn cold. Great stuff bud

[hand-drag]

Ireland seems like it has pumping lately. isn't it meant to be really inconsistent? correct me if im wrong.

[Bombie]

Awesome Frames!

The last Lanhinch Lefty looks like a blast!

[JONNO313]

I forgot to mention How i love the baron looks of all those pics. Was it expensive to travel??

[P.G@tibir]

the landscape is wicked, might have to take the board when i visit for the heritage trip

[ralphy]

If u get the chance, go & do it. I went in late Spring, so got offshores every day and pretty consistent swell. Water is freezing, 10 degrees i think it was or something around there, numb fingers after about 10 mins and brain freeze every duckdive.
The scenery is amazing, especially around Lahinch where u have the Burren and the Cliffs.
It is pretty expensive over there because of the euro. I didnt really eat too much as every pint of guiness is like a full meal
I hired a car as u need one to get around, otherwise u wont be able to surf probably 95% of the breaks around, most are pretty remote and out of the way.
The Irish people are some of the friendliest people in the world so every night is a good night

[JonoIsMad.com]

Awesome country...like britain....especially in spring its beautiful

but still the old debate

shrinkage vs waves.....

[ralphy]

Just a quick one, check out this vid of the guys tow in surfing @ Eileens earlier this month. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqrAusN7I18
Check out the length of the hold down that guy gets, i counted 45 seconds

[Comptee]

my mate went over to ireland to stay with his dad he said there is sooo many reefs and stuff over there no crowds, cold waters and seals that look at you weird

[doclach]

Something fascinating about this place, thought I'd add some random gear to Ralphy's thread. Been frothing on it tonight for some reason.

First up is a link. Fergal Smith is one of Ireland's top bigwave surfers. Great frontpage to the site, have a navigate around, there are some good finds, including his blog. http://www.fergalsmith.com/

for some of the waves in action, see:


Next a couple of pics of Aileen's in pump mode, Rob Smith riding in both shots:
Frame by 'Edmate'


Frame by Mickey Smith (Frame #6 on the MSW tribute)


A cross-section of waves and lifestyle from surfermag http://surfermag.com/photos/flash/the_new_irish_eyes/

[doclach]

Mickey Smith has been at it again. Frig I love his vids. Sickest shooting and intense soundtracks always standard for him. I keep a close eye on his Vimeo and lucked it in this arvo, he's only just put up this teaser for "From Shadows".
The words below the vid describe it as:

FROM SHADOWS Trailer version 1.0

Out of the dark months veiling two groundbreaking Irish Winters, the cameramen behind POWERS OF THREE present, FROM SHADOWS...a full blast, skin of the teeth ride through the heaviest cold water slabs in North Europe.

Uncomprimising, eye searing, high speed waveriding action from some of the most unforgiving locations on Earth.

This is the film to psyche yourself up for the biggest days in the depths of Winter. These are the sections to fire you up and out of bed, amping to charge when its below zero outside.

Starring FERGAL SMITH, TOM LOWE, JACK JOHNS, GREG LONG, TWIGGY BAKER, ANTHONY WALSH, PAUL MORGAN, DAN SKAJAROWSKI, JOHN MCARTHY, TOM GILLESPIE, TOM DOIDGE HARRISON, CAIN KILCULLEN, HUGH GALLOWAY and a host of other cold water warriors.

Believe the hype. Pre-order exclusively at magicseaweed.com for general release in early December 09... "

Short but super sweeeet:

[doclach]

Meant to put this link in a while ago, that previous vimeo clip reminded me. Most of the shots are Mickeys' work again.
It's for a stand-up mag, so riding shots are sticks, but gives a pretty awesome perspective on some of the conditions and what the heavier types of waves are like on the inside.
http://surfermag.com/photos/flash/the_new_irish_eyes/

[caspian]

A friend of mine's offered me free boarding and food should I choose to head here after Iceland. Think I might have to take it up, looks sick and this friend, well, she's an absolute stunner so I'd be mad not too. Will wait a few months to be sure I can spare the money. Ralph, were you there in December/how'd you find it then? I know there'll be craploads of swell then, just the winds will be problematic...

[savage flame]

Ireland looks so amazing, would love to go over there.
The whole heratige and culture seems unreal,
such crazy waves, I could imagine it being so easy to find sick waves super uncrowded