Happy at Home

What a session! After a trip to Tenerife the previous week, (which I was so lucky to be on, see previous post) my first wave sailing session back home in Ireland, delivered probably the best windsurf I’ve had in months and months.

A day like that is so motivating. I was buzzing for days afterwards, thinking of ways to improve my sailing and moves that I want to go for and simply just wanting more action.

Since signing up with WitchCraft, I have become more and more motivated. Having gear I trust, that allows me to push my sailing as hard as I can, whilst not be afraid that every fall could end up with broken kit, is such a relief. Gear is not cheap so having artisan equipment, built with function and strength as its core values, has given me so much confidence again.

Windsurfing is my favourite sport, and I’m so lucky to be able to enjoy this amazing elemental mix of wind, waves and the awesome power of Mother Earth.

Testing Tenerife

Quick Guide

1. Trip date          -15/7/17 to 21/7/17
2. Sails used        -4.7m every session but should have brought a 5.2m (novice mistake)
3. Board size       -WitchCraft 80ltr V3
4. Temperature    -Roasting, warm enough for boardies 
5. Epic Rating      -3 and a half STARS of a potential 5, so pretty good!

A lot more to offer!

I don't want to bore you with the details but Tenerife is full of hidden gems. I would whole heartedly recommend renting a car, buying a decent map and go and explore. From the awe inspiring Masca valley to the volcanic pools of Garranchico, to alien heights of Mount Teide. Hike, bike, surf and sail there is lots of adventures up for grabs.

Normally in the summer the wind strength is 5 to 10 knots stronger than the wind guru forecast for El Medano. I would recomment a floaty board 80ltrs or more and range between 4.0m and 5.5m. The biggest I brought was 4,7m and I would have loved to have brought my 5.2m. If you don't want to travel with gear. TWS (Tenerife Windsuf Solutions) have a selection that would leave most windsurfers mouth watering and they are right at the spot.

Consistant conditions, really high local level of sailing and water warm enough for board shorts, Tenerife definitely merits further exporation and for all the non water babies that may be travelling with you there is plenty to keep them entertained. 

Paddy's Day Louisburgh

Well it was  a windy, wet, dull day. Not very good for the St. Patrick parader's but good for windsurfers. The weather was so bad in fact, that they postponed the parade in Westport.

I am really enjoying my new gear. I was on  Witchcraft 4.2m Slayer which is an unbelievably stable sail, helps you focus on the waves rather than battling the sail and the board was the V3 dedicated wave board. The fin set up gives  a lot of confidence especially in bigger waves. If you try it you will know what I mean.  

So with out further a do, here's a clip of the action, music was chosen for the day that was in it.

Dropkick Murphys- "Shipping up to Boston"

Watch it on the biggest screen you can find. 

Hit HD

And TURN IT UP

Enjoy!

What a load of "Bull"

What a fantastic weekend of windsurfing in Dublin. The Bull Island Windsurfers welcomed 4.7m weather with cross shore winds and head high waves while Sunday brought absolutely ballistic 3.5m weather that I reckon was 40knot plus at times.

Dan Kealy (Red Loft), Oshy VG (Green Pryde) and Andrew Christofides

It was fantastic to see so many guys back at the beach, making the most of the conditions, having the chats and getting amongst it.

Oisin Van Gelderin made his return to Dollier and was in fine fettle. Pulling of some top class moves. I saw some super clean goiters, pushies, forwards, back loops and controlled in the pocket wave riding.

Oisin with ghost ship in background

Bob Hagan was in flying form, literally, boosting big airs and even coming up with new ways to de-power his 3.7m. The "Flash" was back, as was Scully, after a Christmas break most politicians would have been proud of.

Bob Hagan taking off!

Ross, Cormac, Olec, Bartek, Guy, Malcolm, Andrew and myself sailed our hearts out either till the wind died or our body failed us (wishing Cormac a speedy recovery).

Myself practicing a floaty jump!

It was brilliant to see everyone stoked on the conditions, such good atmosphere at the beach, all the lads going for it and above all, nature providing us with such amazing elements to go out and have so much fun in!!!

DK.

Table top, Dan Kealy

Witch Craft comes (back) to Ireland!

I am totally stoked to announce that I'll be riding for Witch Craft Windsurfing. Witch Craft windsurfing is a high end, exceptionally engineered, and innovative windsurfing and watersports company. Their focus is on waves and making it all feel effortless and 'boy, that is what they do!

 It has always been a dream of mine to work with a windsurfing company. Ever since I first saw my first windsurf video back in 2003 (when I first started to windsurf), I just thought that it was the coolest job imaginable! I can clearly remember those guys flying high into the sky and riding massive waves, thinking I would never be able to do that! 

Fast forward almost 14 years from when I first stepped onto a board, hundreds of hours learning, and now that dream has come through! I will be riding Witch Craft sails and boards here in Ireland and where ever the adventure takes me.

I am so impressed by the level of thought, quality and strength of all of the their products. Deciding to the represent this company was not a hard decision for me but the next right step for progressing my skills and promoting windsurfing in Ireland. 

Stay tuned for upcoming videos and images. 

For more info on why you'll be hooked on Witch Craft check out; 

http://witchcraft.nu  

Fun Lips

This video clip-slideshow captures a sample of Irish wave sailing (windsurfing in waves) over the past year, 2016.

The action presents fun cross-on shore conditions, in Dublin, which is a great training ground for any progressing wave sailor. An elusive but exceptional point break in North Mayo and Irelands own Ho'okipa, magic Magheroarathy or "Machaire Rabhartaigh" meaning plane of the spring tide in Gaelic.  

This past year has been about really re-connecting with my homeland. After spending the bones of five years working and travelling through Hawaii, Western Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia, I felt it was time reacquaint  myself with the Emerald Isle.

The title "Fun Lips" refers to the "lip of the wave" and my belief that every session on the water should simply be about, having fun, enjoying natures wonders and learning to flow!