Surfing life in the County Sligo seaside resort

International Surf Day, held annually on the third Saturday in June, is a global celebration of the sport of surfing.

With an emphasis on environmental awareness and resource sustainability, the day started with a large turnout of volunteers for the morning’s Beach Clean-Up in partnership with Clean Coast and Sligo Surf Experience.

The enthusiastic group roamed the promenade and coastline making Strandhill ‘Beach Ready’ for the summer.

Strandhill native Seamus McGoldrick, surfer and manager of Sligo Surf Experience, is a long-time promoter of Beach Cleans and encourages visitors to Strandhill to respect the environment and dispose of waste properly.

There was a big buzz in the afternoon as the National Surf Center in partnership with Tides Surf Magazine organized Ireland’s largest second-hand surfboard promotion.

There were more than 70 surfboards on display at the Center as surfers came to sell, buy and trade boards. There was a selection of longboards, shortboards, performance boards and fun boards in perfect condition on the market for new owners.

Ryan Vail of Tides Surf Magazine was thrilled with the response to the event that registered boards from across the country.

‘Alchemical’, a band of talented local musicians and surfers, entertained the crowd with live music in the afternoon courtesy of County Sligo Surf Club.

International Surf Day was not without surfing activity, with the waves being lapped up by novice and experienced surfers.

County Sligo Surf Club held an ‘Expression-Session’ mini-competition, while a full schedule of surf lessons ran throughout the day with Atlantic Surf School, Rebelle Surf, Sligo Surf Experience

and Strandhill Surf School.

All four surf schools offer daily lessons and summer camps all summer long, so if you want to experience the thrill of the waves, there is a lesson to suit you.

If you have any questions, please contact the schools or National Surf Center Strandhill directly.

“The day went very well,” said Rebecca Stevens, director of operations at the National Surf Center.

“There was great interest from surfers and non-surfers alike, and we look forward to building on this year’s activities next year.”