OUTDOORS Activity of the month – surfing in Mayo

SURF SPOT?Keel Beach, Achill, is one of three Mayo beaches that are perfect for beginner surfers.

Wave power


Activities
Mick Kane

First light, a gentle offshore breeze, glassy clean waves peeling onto an empty white sandy beach. You paddle out, wait, catch your first wave. A feeling of peace and sense of closeness to nature washes over you. Talk to any surfer and they’ll likely tell you the same thing, which is probably why surfing is growing more and more popular here in Ireland.
Many still think surfing’s a relatively new sport. However, people in the South Pacific were first drawn to ride the waves more than 4,000 years ago. Floating devices such as a bunch of reeds or a log were believed to have been used. Hawaiian royalty, including king Kamehameha I, demonstrated surfing skills in order to confirm status and social standing – a common practice throughout Polynesia.
Interestingly, surfing was introduced to mainland America by the half-Irish, half-Hawaiian lifeguard George Freeth. The first surfer recorded in Ireland was Joe Roddy, the son of an Irish lighthouse keeper, who in 1949 paddled out and surfed on a quiet stretch of beach near Dundalk in Co Louth.
Surfing is now one of the most popular sports in the world. Along certain coastal strips in California and Australia there could be a couple of hundred surfers at any one surf spot. But here in Mayo, as popular as surfing has become, there are always plenty of waves for everyone.

Surfing in Mayo
The beautiful and rugged coastline of Co Mayo offers some of the finest surf in Europe. The endless power of the Atlantic Ocean provides us with year-round swell. This force of nature arrives on our shores, whether on golden sandy beaches or wrapping around rocky points in the form of waves suitable for surfers of varying ability, from the novice to the pro.
Happily, for those looking to try their hand, Mayo has plenty of surf beaches for that are ideal beginners: To the north, there’s Elly Bay on the Mullet Peninsula; half-way down the coast there’s Keel beach on Achill; and further south there’s Carrownisky Strand near Louisburgh. There are also loads of surf spots for those with more experience.
Surfing is a pure sport. For me it is a time where I feel most connected to nature, relaxed and at one with my surroundings. I have been lucky enough to be in the water to surf with dolphins, to encounter seals and basking sharks and to experience Mayo’s unique marine wildlife at firsthand. Surfing encourages not only a healthier lifestyle, but also a greater respect for nature and appreciation of the beauty of our spectacular coastline.
During the summer, you can rent boards and wet suits on most of Mayo’s surf beaches, and there are many well-established and experienced Irish Surfing Association (ISA) surf schools. Surfing is an adventure sport. Proper training is essential when starting out. Take some lessons with an accredited ISA surf school, surf in designated areas and always respect the power of the ocean.
But beware: This is an addictive sport. Once hooked you may find yourself looking for any excuse to head off for a quick dip. Family holidays could even become dictated by their proximity to surf breaks. Surfing is much more than a sport, it is a way of life. Mayo is spoiled with fantastic surf and an expanding surf community, so if you think it might be the sport for you just get out there and give it a go!

For a list of accredited surf schools and further information on safety, training and clubs contact the Irish Surfing Association on 096 49428 or visit
www.isasurf.ie.

Mick Kane works for South West Mayo Development Company as Rural Recreation Officer. His job includes the development and promotion of water sports, adventure sports and walking and cycling trails throughout the county. He can be contacted at
living@mayonews.ie.