Mayo Mayhem 2019 Windsurfing Family

Storm Lorenzo threatened to reek havoc on the Irish coastline, atlantic depressions continue to rage on,  the memory of  a warm, sunny weekend on Achill Island, seems like a distant foreign holiday, but Mayo Mayhem 19 was a celebration of wavsailing and of our highly motivated, fun-loving, wavesailing community. 

The third year of Mayo Mayhem, wavesailing competition saw many competitors return and many new competitors get a taste of Achill and wave competition. In the build up to the event, the forecast looked incredible with organisers hoping to witness scenes reminiscent of the first years event. However, as can happen with some forecasts, they can diminish just before the main event. 

That did not deter the event crew nor the competitors on Friday morning.  After a catch up and event briefing at 09:30 at the Pure Magic Lodge, sailors were rigged and ready by 1030. This year Mayo Mayhem enrolled the help of Dave Garvey (ISA Training Development Officer) with competitor safety, his knowledge and expertise was evident from the outset, with a comprehensive safety briefing before the event started. A  short waiting period, allowed competitors to refuel on some delicious “Pain au Chocolat”  kindly supplied by Tartine Organic Bakery. Sailors were now really keen to get on the water. Ross Gsamelov, ran the gauntlet and was first to test the conditions. Still light as he  gauged the conditions but then the winds picked up and the first heat was called to get underway by noon.

The silver fleet set off first, with both first time competitors and practised sailors testing their skills on Keels renown waves. From the get go, conditions were tricky and finding good waves, certainly upped ones chances of advancing. Condensing all your windsurfing skill, knowledge and abilities into a 12 minute heat is no easy task. Those 12 minutes can feel like you’ve just sailed for 2 hours.  With 12 competitors in the silver fleet, each one had to sail their best in order to get through. Even though the forecast was not as strong as predicted, that said, Keel was producing some solid waves. If you got it wrong, the pounding in the white water quickly reminded sailors never to underestimate the power of the ocean. Luka Walshe the event videographer witnessed this first hand and had the arduous task of walking back up the beach with his sail in a number of pieces. 

As the heats made there way toward the final, conditions became extremely light, and it took great skill and challenged the other end of the wavesailing spectrum. There are many days when wind is borderline and the waves are pumping. This is when a wavesailor can get some of the best waves rides with silky waves faces and a completely light and neutral sail. So with this in mind the judges pressed on and competitors responded.

Steve Laddiman off the lip…

In the mix in the silver fleet finals, we saw a diverse array of sailors Steve Laddiman from Wales, Nick Fletcher from N.Ireland, Adrien Grelon from Canada and Stephen Lawless from Ireland, then in the Gold Fleet, had Alex Dugan, Finn Mellon, Niall Mellon and the only female entrant this year, but what a competitor and sailor, Katie McAnenna all corners of the country were represented here too. Atlantic conditions continued to challenge but again wave selection proved vital. With very close heats across both fleets spectators where left guessing and especially so in the Gold Fleet final. This heat saw father versus son, student versus mentor. Neither sailor held anything back and at one point, as each rode a wave toward shore they’re movements where almost a mirror image of each other.

Niall Mellon slash

Judges held back results for the award ceremony later that evening at the Festival. The Rockshore tent was taken over by windsurfers and Francis Nogue had the honour announcing the final results.

Sliver Fleet

1 Stephen Laddiman

2 Nick Fletcher

3 Adrien Grelon

4 Stephen Lawless

5 Ross Gsamelov

6 William Revels

7 Luka Walshe

8 John Bedford

9 Kevin Walsh

10 Pawel Bielinski

11 Oleg Antonenko

12 Daniel Streuli

Gold Fleet

1 Niall Mellon

2 Finn Mellon

3 Katie McAnena

4 Alex Dugan

5 Dan Kealy

6 Malcolm Scott

7 Ryan O’Leary

8 Martin Roe

9 Julias Byrne

10 John Adrain

With awards given, competitors where left to enjoy the show put on by Pure Magic and their Team. The next day still held a glimmer of hope for sailable conditions. The plan was to hold a “Tricktionary” inspired expression session but Mother Nature decided otherwise. Competitors then took they’re opportunity to give back and for a second year in a row, carried out a beach clean in conjunction with “Clean Coasts Ireland”. Next saw a prize giving, with every competitor rewarded for effort with some fantastic prizes received. Now even though the wind was light, the waves still rolled in and competitors were supping and surfing until Pure Magic provided a giant Sup. Sailors were still amped for the expression session so the logical step was to see how many people could fit on it and try and catch a wave. This proved to be as enjoyable for the crew on the water as it did the spectators on land. 

Unfortunately the wind never kicked back in so competition was called off and wavesaliors could catch up and enjoy the craic, brilliant live music, and Sunday was wall to wall sunshine and waves. What more could you ask for from an wavesailing event. Gathering a great bunch of sailors together, for water action, prizes, music and fireworks. I think next year is going to bigger and better than ever.

Julias Bryne post competition free sail.

Ben Bulben Rambling

A chance encounter, a long held ambition, a suggestion, then the willingness to to go on an adventure……

David J. Killeen was a friend of mine. I worked in his garden under his fastidious eye. He was a lover of nature, the outdoors and stubborn to the bone. But men like David metal was forged in long years of unrelenting work and a depth of confidence that grew from ones own self-relisence.

Sadly and all to quick, cancer took hold of this healthy, active and independant man and a few months before his 80th birthday he passed.

I met Tom at his funeral. Tom had lived in Sligo as an adolescent and held the dream of climbing Ben Bulben ever since he was a boy. Now in his 82nd year that ambition still burned strong. He shared with me stories of adventures, running marathons and scaling some of the Uk’s and Ireland’s highest peaks and so we made a pact to climb Ben Bulben.

Tom and his band arrived to Mullaghmore on Friday the 5th July, with an assembled crew of sons and friends, who joined together once a year to scale mountains. We briefed that evening and crossed our fingers that the forecast would hold for the next day.

The next morning as we set off from the Glencar Valley, the mist was low and hopes of grand vistas squelched with our footsteps over the soft heath and heather. If trepidation filled their hearts as it did mine of a cloudy, misty slog no one made any comment. As we travesered the saddle between Truskmore and Glencarbury hints that the sun might burn off the low lying cloud became a real possibility.

I remember reading a pamphlet in New Zealand from a great pioneer of the Otago gold rush in the 1860’s. A note that whenever you get in trouble or unsure of what course to take in the mountains, “sit, and make the tae”. So as we looked down, over of what is left of Ben Bulbens Baryte mines, it seemed apt to put a hot drink in our stomachs and take a rest.

To our amazement, the clouds lifted and we were granted stunning views of this unspoilt landscape. Refuelled and revitalised we set out on the next leg. A wide ridge with views of Donegal to the North and Mayo way to the South. By the time we reached west end of range, the sun was glorious and rain jackets and had long given way to sun cream.

Resting and refuelling at the Ben Bulben Trig. point, we carefully made our way to sheer cliffs so reknown of Sligo’s “Table Mountain”. Words and pictures can not do experiences like this justice. Magnificent, breath taking, scary as it was, it is one’s own experience and journey to this point. Bombarded by the very real sense of danger and the sheer scale of this mountain environment evokes a sense of our own fragility while the grandeur of nature is a humbling experience.

We retreated back from this precipice, retracing our steps till we turned down by a mountain brook that will eventually become the Grange River and on to Luke’s Bridge, where we had left a car earlier that morning.

The spirit of adventure is in the hearts of all, choosing to listen to that voice and having the courage make it a reality is what makes us who we are. I know my friend David would have loved a day in the hills like that one and I know that his spirit still burns bright, where ever he may be.

R.I.P. David J Killeen 1939-2018

Daniel J Kealy 2019

Mauritian Vibes + Wave rides

Last November we set off on Honeymoon. My windsurf gear got to come too. Here is a sample of this incredible island for waterspouts and relaxation. Thank you to Planet Windsurf for putting together an amazing trip and to my wonderful wife for taking some footage. All the action is filmed from the shore, looking out to Manawa reef about kilometre out to sea. Manawa is in there northwest corner of the island near Le Morne. The island offers a myriad of opportunities to get in and enjoy the tropical waters, from snorkelling to kayaking, freeride to waves a beautiful island.

Mayo Mayhem 2018 An Irish Wavesailing Experience

As the dust settles and wind changes direction, our memories of Mayo Mayhem 2018, at the “Battle for the Lake” festival lives on. This was the second year of the Irish Windsurfing Association (IWA) wavesailing competition being part of the Pure Magic festival, and again, there was magic and that trademark “je ne sais quoi” in the air.

The build-up to the event had organisers pulling out the last of an already short supply of hair. In the two week lead up, the forecast had changed a hundred times. Strong wind, no wind, swell, no swell and everything in between. We prayed to the wind gods, and those prayers were answered; by Wednesday there was a glimmer of hope. Saturday looked decent, but the wind wanted us to work for it. The call was made to run the competition in Bellmullet. Being that little bit further North and even more exposed to the Atlantic winds than Achill, we hoped that those 5 knots would make all the difference.

Saturday was a blitz of organisation. Achill was left behind in the morning haze. Beaches were checked, scouted and rechecked, competitors left in the dark as to the location. Finally, Malcolm Scott, captain of the event team, drove over the rocks at Drum beach and rounded the bend onto Cross beach. As he anchored halfway down the beach, sideshore wind and shoulder to head high waves were pounding the shoreline. With time flying, everyone was conscious of getting up and going. After Malcolm’s trailblazing, other vehicles braved the route and began arriving at the competition location.  Jamie Knox may be well akin with the sands of Brandon Bay, but not as familiar with Belmullet, and a mission was launched to unstick his van. Luckily, Phil T., a Silver Fleet competitor braving competition and waves for his first few times, was able to pull Jamie to “terra firma”. Next, IWA president Nick Fletcher, arrived in style, truly embodying the role of president as he towed his “mobile surf unit” down the beach and a HQ was quickly established. Instantly we had shelter from the battering wind, seating, and even facilities. Pure Magic being the gracious hosts had kindly lent us a P.A. and Liam Wade, despite not being present, managed to get the generator to the organisers. Tom Knox played a vital role in getting the music pumping and setting the vibe on the beach. Next, competitors started to arrive in the back of 4x4s, with gear packed to the hilt. Flags were being put up and competitors began to gather themselves and get sails rigged.

Time was ticking and judges, Francis Nogue, Maurice Owens and Jamie Knox moved things along quickly. Gareth Roe gave the signal and in “T minus 12 minutes” the Silver Fleet were out, with sail sizes ranging from 4.2m to 5.3m. Conditions were challenging, with only a short run from the beach to “out the back”, which made it difficult to find a ramp, for that all-important jump. On the way back in, the waves were breaking in sections making it challenging to read. However, riders raced “down the line”, finding clean faces, before the whole wave closed out.

Next up the Gold Fleet hit the water, and this year’s competition was hotter than ever. Each heat was wide open and a combination of skill, timing and a splash of luck saw competitors advancing. The competition format ensured every competitor got to sail at least two heats. This made it possible for sailors to fight their way through the rounds, if they had that never-give-up attitude…

The whole goal of Mayo Mayhem is to bring wavesailors together to share their passion for the sport. This year was no different, as competitors came from all corners of Europe and further a field. They battled through the rounds of competition, putting their own skill and experience to the test, 10 minutes of sailing, never felt so intense.

As the heats whittled down, the conditions became a little lighter and judges decided to drop the jump from the competition - a slightly controversial decision as some sailors were still boosting high into the air. As the next rounds arrived jumps were re-instated and we saw John Adrain vs Dylan Roe in the Silver Fleet final and Megan Gayda take on Malcolm Scott in the runners-up final. In the Gold Fleet we saw Aleksy Gayda vs Tom Knox go head to head for the number 1 and 2 position, while Dan Kealy and Finn Mellon battled for the runners-up prize. Tired limbs taking hold, competitors kept battling to hold on and we saw some heroic sailing throughout the competition.

With results being held back for prize giving, the next mission was to pack up the circus and make it off the beach before the incoming tide left motors swamped on this remote beach on the very edge of Europe. Here again, organisers were impressed by the spirit of the competitors, some helping to pack up, take down sponsors flags, ferry people and gear to drop off point and others helping to carry people’s kit back to cars and vans for the cross-country trek back to Achill Island.

With a stop in Lynotts for a refreshment, and a moment review the day’s action, the crew then headed off to reconvene at the music festival. Here, the impressive display from Pure Magic was clear for all to see. Music stages, food stalls, refreshment marquees, outdoor fires, fireworks, juggling and fancy fiddles were a sight to behold. Competitors, friends, families and supporters were encouraged to join the party and celebrate together in a shared love of the water. With enough smiles to go round, we called it a night with the hope of another round on Sunday.

Conditions were very borderline on Sunday so we called a halt to the competitive rounds. As organisers set up for prize giving, an international competitor liked the look of the conditions. In light cross off conditions Fred Debuire, was a delight to watch as he showed the potential of windsurfing, racing down the line and boosting nice aerials. With that salute, an impressive prize giving took place, with every competitor receiving a brilliant goodie bag and some very substantial prizes from sponsors. A fitting end to the event, and shows that wavesailing is alive and kicking in Ireland. Here’s to a bigger and better Mayo Mayhem 2019!

Full results

SILVER FLEET

1. John Adrain

2. Dylan Roe

3. Megan Gayda

4. Malcolm Scott

5. Thomas Merceur

6. Bob Hagan

7. Ross G

8. Nick Fletcher

9. Phil T

10. Connor Gleeson

11. Claire Murphy

11. Oleg Antonenko

GOLD FLEET

1. Aleksy Gayda

2. Tom Knox

3. Dan Kealy

4. Finn Mellon

5. Dan Gardner

6. Fred Debuire

7. Ryan O'Leary

8. Robert Mulholland

9. Miguel Centeno

10. Martin Roe

11. Ollie Pidden

11. Tom Pidden

Any Given Sunday 28/1/18

Irish wavesailing from the wild Atlantic way. We were miniutes from driving away and then the wind kicked in just enough for us to give it a go. the wind kept getting stronger and we were soon over powered. It didn't matter, the waves were so good everyone just made the best of it. Such a fun session with everyone at the spot absolutely stoked, days like these is what it's all about!

Sunshine & Sqaulls 14/12/17

When the days get short and winter swells pound the west coast of Ireland, it can be difficult to even find a spot to get in the water. Let alone deal with the low temperatures and coming up with  a contingency plan. 

Luckily we have a very jagged coastline, full of nooks, bays, inlets and and reefs. North-west winds generally bring very turbulent conditions at this time of year. Cold air from the north mixes with the slightly warmer maritime west winds that carry moisture laden clouds across the Atlantic Ocean. This mixture forces bands of moisture to form between pockets of clear airs.

It makes for a very unpredictable day, what might seem almost tropical with bright sunny spells, that make the water shine and reflect deep blue and azure, can quickly turn into the darkest torrential conditions in a matter of minutes. Winds can increase sometimes from 20knots (40kms) to 40knots (80kms). Making sailing extremely difficult as the squall passes over.

However, as challenging as a these conditions may be, it is worth it! When you find a  mountain of rolling swell out to sea and track it in towards the the break. Your heart beats faster with anticipation, fear, excitement. Questions race through your mind, am I in the right position, how big will it be, what will I try and do? Then, as you fly past the point of no return, the questioning mind is silenced by the raw energy of wind and wave exploding and crashing around you. You do your best to ride the clean face and tap into the surge of energy that the wave unleashes as it breaks upon the shore.

The feeling after you have somewhat harnessed this power, is a mixture of exhilaration, adrenaline  and relief is amazing. A feeling you want to experience again and again. It drives your progression, love for the sport and admiration for the wonders of Mother Nature.

DK.

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.

Mid summer wave sailing in Ireland. Riding by Dan Kealy, www.epicadventures.ie Special thanks to Christina Kerr for camera

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!

This video is about wavesailing in Ireland

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!