We were all week keeping an eye on the reports and had one place in mind for the Sunday.  Lucky enough the swell increased a bit and the winds stayed WNW.  We pulled into Lahinch and it was about 2-3 foot winds were onshore and looked like hard work so we kept moving.  When we arrived it was at low tide you could see the swell lines rolling in and there was a small wave hitting the slab but it was just a bit too shallow. We gave it about 45minutes to an hour and this made all the difference. After a few sets hit we got suited up. We made our way down the side of the cliff and paddled out.  The water was so clear and warm.  My heart rate was racing by now. Stewart took off first and was sitting in the line-up in no time. As I paddled out with Eimhin we could see the swell lines were hitting the take off zone.  One by one they hit the slab and rolled down the line. “Sick” We are in for a good session it was at about 3ft shoulder high and really clean.

Waves Roll off the Cliffs		Surfing in Ireland

As the tide pushed in it got better and better and was a lot bigger when we got in the water.  Stewert got the first wave of the day on his 9’4 and that set the tone for the next few hours. He was making some steep drops that got pretty hollow. Good on ya Stewert.  I took out my 6’3” round tail. I pulled into the next one. It pitched perfect two strokes and I was in.   The wave was fast almost like it creeps up on you and then throws. I made the drop and kicked out after the bottom turn.  That settled me down.  I just couldn’t wait to get back out for another one. By now it had become more consistent and had some serious shape.  Yea this place was going off and just three of us in the water. What more can you ask for.

The mood in the water was unreal each of us would cheer on the other. Eimhin egged me into one or two waves that walled up the whole way down the line for me. Actually we spent most of our time shouting and cheering at each other and at the waves as they rolled in.  Paddling back out after each wave was easy because the adrenalin was pumping and more often or not either one of the lads was on a wave. Eimhin and I sat on the inside with Stewart not far outside. Eimhin caught some sick waves on his 5’11” that he made himself. Custom made to his own liking. This guy has a serious talent for shaping boards.

The sun was shining and the water warm and was so clear that you could see right to the bottom. Surrounded by the cliffs and consistent waves I was in heaven for about three hours. Towards the end of the session I must have said “just one more wave” at least ten times. We had a great session which is now only a memory so it is nice to write about it.

The shots I took are from the cliffs before we hit the water.
Back to the reports again for the next outing.
Cheers to Stewart and Eimhin for another great session.