If you’re a fan of surfing, watersports or outdoor adventure, there’s arguably no better place to be “stuck” this summer than the island of Ireland. While many are bemoaning the loss of holidays abroad this year, others are eagerly thinking of staycations that will provide an opportunity to really take in what’s already on our doorsteps.
As the COVID-19 lockdown gradually eases across Ireland and the world, surfers who have been following advice to stay clear of beaches since late March are aching to get back into the water doing what they love. Many will have found it a challenging time without the regular release of being on out on the waves, replacing life’s worries with adrenaline and the calming caress of the tide.
Wild Atlantic Surf Co announces sponsorship for the 2020 Irish Sup Surf Classic in Sligo, Ireland.
A visual surf odyssey that takes its audience around the world and back, featuring the cold waters of Ireland and Scotland, to the warm waters of Indonesia and everywhere in between.
An opportunity to hit Ireland with CT surfer, Wade Carmichael, came about recently. Sam Smart and Ollie O’Flaherty rounded off the EU home crew, and Wade came over with his entourage: filmer, Jesse Little, and mate Ben Jones.
A slight shift in focus can feed the soul, especially when that new trajectory leads to surfing some of the heaviest waves in the northern hemisphere. We know Gearoid McDaid's got that competitive streak in him, see here. But the Irishman also has this innate desire to throw himself over (and under) thick-lipped mounds of emerald-coloured water.
The competitive grind isn't for everyone. The long days, heats in tough conditions, the yield sometimes not worth the reward. For the only Irishman competing on the QS, it's a way of life and training in a variety of conditions is the only way to push personal progression.
