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!