An Irish Surf Odyssey

Surfers are now visiting Ireland from other countries, surfers such as the seven-time world champion Kelly Slater who has spent time here conquering our waves.  And surfers such as the people interviewed for this documentary, whose lives are dictated by weather charts, ocean swells and the next wave.

“Our only problem is the Irish weather,” says Ian Johnson.  “It’s diabolical.  It doesn’t stay the same for ten minutes.”

In typically optimistic surfer fashion, he can also see the positive side of this.  “Ireland is small and its weather is variable so you can usually travel to find the perfect offshore waves,” he says.  “Bundoran, Lahinch and Kerry can be three completely different worlds.”

No matter what the weather, Irish surfers will always surf.  In fact, the worse the weather, the more of them take to the waves.  In 2006, thousands traveled to the West Coast to catch the frenzied waves that resulted from Hurricane Gordon wreaking havoc over the Atlantic.

This is what Irish surfing is all about.  As Mickey Smith says, “Friendships, experiences and the opportunities to push myself and my surfing. I’ll always be grateful to the Emerald Isle for that.”

Or perhaps it’s how pioneer Kevin Cavey explains it.  “You’re tingling with the forces of nature when you emerge from the sea.  Surfing brings us back to our roots.  That’s why it’s catching on.”

With enthusiasts such as the characters captured in this film, Irish surfing looks set to grow and grow.  “Our secret is finally out,” says director Ken O’Sullivan. For more information, visit www.seafever.ie. For DVD information visit www.SeaFeverMovie.com  

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Nster.com