Monday, January 11, 2010

wetsuit reviews

We got our team rider Cian to review the O'Neill Psycho Freak 4.5/3.5 and staff member Shane reviewed the Xcel Infiniti hooded 5/4/3. Both suits have their own selling points. Sounds like it may be a case of the Freak for the groms and competition surfers, and Infiniti for us older folk?

O'Neill Psycho Freak 4.5/3.5
The O’Neil psychofreak is definitely the warmest and best wetsuit I have ever had. But my favourite thing about the wetsuit is it is only a 4.5 3.5 and this makes it really flexible. I would recommend this suit for anybody who would like a really warm suit and for it to be flexible. It is perfect for all the groms.
Costs €374 at Bundoran Surf Co.
By Cian Logue.

Xcel Infiniti Hooded 5/4/3
The Xcel infiniti wetsuits have been on the market here in Ireland for the past four years or so. Within this period they have established a reputation for keeping surfers warm and in the water for longer on even the coldest days in the depths of winter.
The model I went for this year is the 5.4.3 infiniti hooded. The suit is very comfortable and extremely warm! I have had an xcel suit before but used a different suit all last winter. This break fom xcel suits made me appreciate how warm they actually are. I noticed that between sets, when I would usually be hunched up with my hands stuck in my armpits for warmth, I was instead comfortable and my muscles were relaxed. Another pleasant surprise was that my session ended due to tired arms and not the onslaught of Hypothermia!
Although xcel suits are perceived by Irish surfers as being amongst the warmest on the market, I have heard some surfers question there flexibility. I found my suit plenty flexible. The fact of the matter is that your body is going to be more flexible when your warm and there is steady blood flow through your muscles. Maybe if your Kelly Slater you might feel limited by the slight extra weight in this suit. But then again if you were Kelly Slater you’d probably head off to Hawaii for Jan/Feb rather than staying here freezing your nuts off!
Costs €335 at Bundoran Surf Co.
By Shane Mc Manus.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Surf News Jan 8th 2010
The New Year is here and we have launched our calendar of events for 2010. Some dates need to be finalised but we have plenty lined up so far, with more to follow. Choose from Roxy Days, Sea Sessions festival, Surf and Pilates weekends, improver surf weekends and week long surf camps. Click here.

We have many items on sale in the shop. Up to 50% off clothes, shortboard bags half price and even some boards reduced to make space for new stock. Click here.

During May and June 2010 we will be running surf camps every week for people who want an intensive week of surfing. Open to all levels of surfers. Click here.

The ISA have launched their draft calendar for 2010 with a new format for the nationals. Click here.

We are pleased to welcome Cain Kilcullen to the Bundoran Surf Co Team. Cain is one of the standout surfers in Ireland in the last decade and joins Iarom and Cian on the team.

Weekend surf forecast jan 8th 2010
It has been a poor few weeks of surfing since before Christmas. There have been waves at Tullan most days but quite small.

Good here this morning, at last, with 4 foot and offshore waves.The weekend is looking ok. Sat should be shoulder high and clean at Tullan. Best in the afternoon as the tide drops out and the wind goes more easterly. Maybe a small wave at Rossnowlagh and flat at Streedagh. Sunday will be a bit bigger and should be head high at tullan, maybe a little bigger, and Rossnowlagh should have a small wave but again flat at Streedagh. Maybe a small wave at some reef breaks on Sun but its 50/50.

Overall, better than it has been so hopefully things are turning around on the surf front. Loads of swells in the Atlantic but the northerly airflows are keeping them away from us.

Tides this weekend high (3.2m) at 1pm and low (1.5m) at 7pm. Enjoy!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Zoe from ISA has done out a few tips for winter surfing. For more info check out www.isasurf.ie


Winter Safety Message

With winter upon us once again surfers need to be more cautious as conditions become more extreme. Colder water and air temperatures combined with swells that are powerful, winds that are more severe and currents that are more treacherous make winter surfing more dangerous.
Leave the “gun-ho” attitude at home and make safety your priority. Do not be pressurised by others to paddle-out in conditions that you are uncomfortable with. Recognise and respect your own ability and experience.
Before you go surfing check the forecast and heed weather warnings.
Safe Surfing Guidelines
• If you are new to surfing take a lesson at an ISA Approved School or Club. Here you will be introduced to the sport in a safe environment.
• Do not attempt surfing unless you can swim.
• Do not surf alone or enter the water as dusk is approaching or if you have been drinking alcohol.
• Always let somebody on land know where you have gone and when you will return.
• Check the weather and tides before you paddle out. Learn to observe the ocean so you can identify rips, wind changes and other hazards.
• If you are unfamiliar with a break check with local surfers or other water users before paddling out. • Ensure the waves you are surfing are of a size and power suitable to your ability. Do not get too confident. Stick to beaches until you become experienced.
• Make sure your equipment, especially your leash is in good order. Remember it is much easier to spot a brightly coloured surfboard or wetsuit at sea in the event of you requiring rescuing. Consider other safety equipment- nose guard & helmet.
• When you “wipeout” do not come to the surface too soon and when you do come to the surface protect your head with your arms.
• Always check behind you for other water users before abandoning your surfboard to dive under a wave.
• If you get caught in a rip do not try to paddle against it, paddle across it.
• If you find yourself in difficulty stay calm, do not discard your board, wave one are in the air and shout to attract attention. Do not panic help will come.
• Always respect our rescue services. Should you see a surfer in difficulty in the water DON’T DELAY phone 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard. Even the most experienced surfer may at some time require assistance.
• Every surfer should attain water safety and first aid training. Such training will help prevent you from getting into difficulty and will enable you to react appropriately if you encounter another water user in difficulty.
• Be aware of other water users and always show respect regardless of craft. Above all, keep a good attitude, be friendly and apologise if you make a mistake