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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!
Friday, January 8, 2010
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
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
Thursday, November 12, 2009
As the crew for our Portugal trip all slowly started filtered towards the boarding gate introductions were made. There were surfers from all over Ireland there as well as an Estonian, Polish and Swiss surfer. A few were nervous that their skills wouldn’t be up to scratch but after a few minutes it was obvious that we had a very easy going crew and everyone seemed excited by the trip.
As we all arrived in Lisbon we were worried by
the locals wearing jackets and they all seemed to be in winter mode however when we walked outside the airport it seemed like a normal Irish windy summer’s day. We all arrived in the camp and sorted who was in the older (party) house and the younger (quieter) house. All seemed in high spirits and ready for food and a bit of craic. We headed for the nearest restaurant were the local waiter was delighted to see 20 odd Irish hungry and thirsty surfers walk in the door. We all sampled the local fish dishes and drank the local beer and wine and had a great meal getting to know each other. The best bit was when we got the bill and including alcohol the bill was only 13euro each. We headed to Chris’s bar and the 1 euro beers went down a treat. 
The next day the weather turned and it seemed like the stormy weather reflected the hung over mood in camp. It was wild wet and windy but there was still a few waves at the sheltered Mona leste beach break. On Monday the mood was upbeat as the sun came out and the waves cleaned up. We headed back to Supertubos were there was a few waves on offer. Mona leste offered protection from the wind and the swell. Some found the conditions tough as the wave was a shore break and unlike Irish beach breaks broke fast and close to the shore. There were loads of impressive wipe-outs and while a few found it tough others loved the challenge. The waves were breaking fast so it meant take offs had to be quick. We hung at the beach all day and surfed twice with a short lunch break at the beach bar. The next day the wind and swell dropped off so we headed to the North shore of Peniche. The waves were mellower than the day before but had less shape so they had less shape but were easier to catch. Surfing twice both days meant everybody was drained and went for an afternoon kip. However in true Irish style all turned up at the evening BBQ that the surf camp arranged. All you could eat with beer and Wine for 12 euro. The surf report looks promising for the next few days so there was a buzz amongst the crew and all seemed in high spirits.
For more photos info etc checkout www.surfbreaks.ie or check their facebook profile at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Surf-breaks-Ireland-and-Abroad/180040166553
We are heading to Morroco in Feb so drop us an email if your keen.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Surfing News
Pete and Tom are heading off to Portugal with the surf school and have promised to keep in touch with a few blogs. If interested in the trip to Morocco in Feb give us a shout. http://www.bundoransurfco.com/blankpages/blank2colum2.asp
With winter approaching we have bloogged a few tips on choosing a winter wetsuit. check below
Marc Geegan emails a good excuse to go out this weekend."Prepare to beat those Winter Blues with some great music at The Chasing Bull Music Venue. Friday night sees Greg Gorman’s Bluestack Jam Club take the stage. On Saturday, there is a double bill with the thrilling Mirenda Rosenberg hosting a night of jazz, blues, funk and soul with special guests Mark Black and Aine O’ Doherty and Oisin Canno."
We are having an end of season sale on all shortboard board bags. Up to 50% OFF. Also the new Qicksilver battery powered heated rash vests have just arrived in the shop.
Weekend Surf Forecast
Been a few protected spots working this week with the huge swells but bundoran has been maxed out. Looks like lots of swell for the weekend and changable winds but there will be waves arround.'
On saturday the swell will be massive at open beaches and reefs and will be fairly onshore. The swell will be big enough to wrap into protected beaches and coves that will be cleaner. Streedagh will probably be the best bet for a beach break and if this maxes out Mullaghmore will have a small clean wave.
On Sunday the swell and wind will back off. There will still be swell at most spots in the 4foot range. The wind will be light onshore which means most spots will have a bit of chop but as the wind is light it should be well surfable.There is a huge fishing contest on Saturday in Rossnowalgh so best avoided. The big swell and winds mean streedagh should be a better option anyway
Later
Pete and Tom are heading off to Portugal with the surf school and have promised to keep in touch with a few blogs. If interested in the trip to Morocco in Feb give us a shout. http://www.bundoransurfco.com/blankpages/blank2colum2.asp
With winter approaching we have bloogged a few tips on choosing a winter wetsuit. check below
Marc Geegan emails a good excuse to go out this weekend."Prepare to beat those Winter Blues with some great music at The Chasing Bull Music Venue. Friday night sees Greg Gorman’s Bluestack Jam Club take the stage. On Saturday, there is a double bill with the thrilling Mirenda Rosenberg hosting a night of jazz, blues, funk and soul with special guests Mark Black and Aine O’ Doherty and Oisin Canno."
We are having an end of season sale on all shortboard board bags. Up to 50% OFF. Also the new Qicksilver battery powered heated rash vests have just arrived in the shop.
Weekend Surf Forecast
Been a few protected spots working this week with the huge swells but bundoran has been maxed out. Looks like lots of swell for the weekend and changable winds but there will be waves arround.'
On saturday the swell will be massive at open beaches and reefs and will be fairly onshore. The swell will be big enough to wrap into protected beaches and coves that will be cleaner. Streedagh will probably be the best bet for a beach break and if this maxes out Mullaghmore will have a small clean wave.
On Sunday the swell and wind will back off. There will still be swell at most spots in the 4foot range. The wind will be light onshore which means most spots will have a bit of chop but as the wind is light it should be well surfable.There is a huge fishing contest on Saturday in Rossnowalgh so best avoided. The big swell and winds mean streedagh should be a better option anyway
Later
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
how to choose a wetsuit
Winter is here with a bang the last 2 days. Cold NW winds mean a big drop in air temperature, and the sea will be dropping in temperature also. That means its time to break out the 5mm suits. Had a quick surf yeaterday in my 4mm and felt cold while the other guys out looked toasty in their new 5mm suits - mine is still an a hanger in the plastic wrapper gathering dust. We have some great prices on winter suits at the moment, with good quality 5mm suits starting at €130 for both men and women. http://www.bundoransurfco.com/SurfShop/Suits.asp
If you are unsure about which suit to go for, here is a little bit of advice:
1) What are you going to use it for? If you are going to be in the water a lot over the winter then you will need something extra warm. If you are only surfing a few weekends on and off then something more mid range should be fine. All decent winter suits will keep you warm but the top end suits will keep you even warmer.
2) What is the quality of the suit? Cheaper suits will use a lower grade neoprene and also have cheaper features in terms of knee pads, stitching, zips. They will also be less flexible. As you spend more on a suit you should see noticable differneces in the flexibility and feel of the neoprene. Zips and knee pads should be better. You will also see that the seams are covered with a taping or liquid seal, on either the outside or inside of the suit, or both. This tape or seal will protect the stitching of the suit. It also minimises the amount of water that could seep through the seams. Mid range suits will have some taping around the critical stress points (wrists, ankles, underarm). Most winter suits have glued and blind stitched seams (GBS) while basic, cheap suits have flatlock seams. With GBS the water is less likely to get in through the seams.
3) Try on a few different suits. There are plenty of wetsuit brands out there. Top brands include O'Neill, Xcel, Quiksilver/Roxy, Billabong, Rip Curl. Most of them make a range of suits, from basic, cheap suits to top of the range, expensive suits. All of them have slight variations in their sizings, so try on a few and see which one fits best. They all have size charts on their websites.
4) Make sure your suit fits. Modern wetuits use very flexible neoprene so ideally your suit should fit like a glove. It should be the right length on your wrists and ankles. It should have a firm seal around the neck and should not be baggy or loose anywhere. Tell tale signs of a too big suit is bagginess around the armpits. Even though suits are very flexible it is not receommended to buy a suit that is a size too small for you and then plan to stretch it out - this will put undue stress on the seams. Never buy a suit that is too big.
5) Environment. Most wetsuit brands seem to be moving towards using Japanese Yamomoto neoprene. From an environmental point of view this is positive as the neoprene is made from a limestone base, while traditional neoprene is petroleum based. Not many options for recylcing old wetsuits that we know of so maybe try and pass on your old suit to somebody or try and use it for repairs on other suits.
If you are unsure about which suit to go for, here is a little bit of advice:
1) What are you going to use it for? If you are going to be in the water a lot over the winter then you will need something extra warm. If you are only surfing a few weekends on and off then something more mid range should be fine. All decent winter suits will keep you warm but the top end suits will keep you even warmer.
2) What is the quality of the suit? Cheaper suits will use a lower grade neoprene and also have cheaper features in terms of knee pads, stitching, zips. They will also be less flexible. As you spend more on a suit you should see noticable differneces in the flexibility and feel of the neoprene. Zips and knee pads should be better. You will also see that the seams are covered with a taping or liquid seal, on either the outside or inside of the suit, or both. This tape or seal will protect the stitching of the suit. It also minimises the amount of water that could seep through the seams. Mid range suits will have some taping around the critical stress points (wrists, ankles, underarm). Most winter suits have glued and blind stitched seams (GBS) while basic, cheap suits have flatlock seams. With GBS the water is less likely to get in through the seams.
3) Try on a few different suits. There are plenty of wetsuit brands out there. Top brands include O'Neill, Xcel, Quiksilver/Roxy, Billabong, Rip Curl. Most of them make a range of suits, from basic, cheap suits to top of the range, expensive suits. All of them have slight variations in their sizings, so try on a few and see which one fits best. They all have size charts on their websites.
4) Make sure your suit fits. Modern wetuits use very flexible neoprene so ideally your suit should fit like a glove. It should be the right length on your wrists and ankles. It should have a firm seal around the neck and should not be baggy or loose anywhere. Tell tale signs of a too big suit is bagginess around the armpits. Even though suits are very flexible it is not receommended to buy a suit that is a size too small for you and then plan to stretch it out - this will put undue stress on the seams. Never buy a suit that is too big.
5) Environment. Most wetsuit brands seem to be moving towards using Japanese Yamomoto neoprene. From an environmental point of view this is positive as the neoprene is made from a limestone base, while traditional neoprene is petroleum based. Not many options for recylcing old wetsuits that we know of so maybe try and pass on your old suit to somebody or try and use it for repairs on other suits.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Spring tides
We had some big spring tides here on the weekend of the 19th September. As you can see from the photo some unfortunate person left their car on Rossnowlagh beach and got caught in the tide, so the surf instructors and students had to go for the photo opportunity. On a serious note this kind of thing happend every year in Rossnowlagh and also in the lagoon in Streedagh. Buy a tide book for €2 and keep it in your car. If the tide is over 3.6m you probably dont want to park on rossnowlagh at high tide, and if its 4.0m and above watch out for Streedagh lagoon.
Friday, September 4, 2009
September sessions right on time
Right on schedule, September has started with some good waves, even if it was short lived swell. On Tue the Peak was a lot of fun in the head high range with a little bit of onshore wind and only a few guys out. On Wed the Peak was offering up some decent waves in the 4 to 5 foot range with light offshore winds. there was quite a crowd early on but then they all seemed to leave together. There was a big Sligo contingent in the water at the Peak and inside left. Local photographer Daveth Fox was on hand with his new fisheye lens to get some of the action documeneted. Photos of unknown in a keg (could he be a Sligo man? Unlikely!!) and team rider Iarom Madden off the top.
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