Windsurfing

The sport of windsurfing has taken Ireland by storm in recent years. The heavy swells and unhindered Atlantic winds bounded by Ireland’s beautiful countryside and long wide beaches spell perfect wind surfing country. Whether you are beginner or a rider looking for fresh waters and new challenges, Ireland’s south west will not disappoint as it is widely considered to offer the best windsurfing in Europe.

Along County Corks coast, there are a number of very popular sites as follows;

– Oysterhaven
A nice little sheltered bay, ideal for learning. Many a long boarder has sailed here and enjoyed the scenery, in the sail out to Sovereign Island. There is an excellent sail and suef school located here which is ideal for beginners.

– Coolmaine
The wave spot near Cork, is a southerly facing beach, South Westerly is side on shore and this bay can get some nice swells. The waves are well spaced and roll in over the flat bottom. The novelty about this spot is that you launch behind the waves and sail down to the waves. Coolmaine has also hosted the Irish Slalom Championships.

– Courtmacsherry
Courtmacsherry bay includes 3 main spots to launch from. Harbour View Beach, Coolmaine and Harbour View Slipway. Harbour View is a wave/slalom spot with good parking but a long walk when the tide is out.

– Garretstown
Another wave spot similar to Coolmaine. The beach faces south west and catches bigger swells than Coolmaine and is best in a south easterly or a north westerly when the tide is coming in.

Neighbouring county Kerry is said to offer the best windsurfing in Ireland. Windsurfers from all over Europe descend on the location every year, drawn by the region’s spectacular beauty and large swells. There are a number of great locations on the Dingle peninsula catering from beginners to experts. Brandon Bay, in particular, is a must for keen sailors, as the wide horseshoe shaped beach is suitable for windsurfing in almost every wind direction. There are several famous windsurfing sites around the town of Waterville including Ballinskelligs Bay, with its 48 km of open water which provides some especially exciting sailing.

For further information visit
www.windsurfing.ie
www.windsurfingireland.net
www.oysterhaven.com
www.jamieknox.com
www.wowi.ws (Women’s Windsurfing Association)