May
8
2009
A critical aspect to surfboard design is the dynamic of the tail. In essence, the more surface area and volume in the tail, the more launch the surfer will experience. Think of it in terms of buoyancy. If there’s a lot of foam down at the tail of the board, it will stay afloat more. The surfboard will then surf in a loose, responsive fashion, as it only makes small incisions into the water on the turns, and quickly releases as it return to equilibrium. Contrast that with a tail that is thin and narrow, for instance a swallow or pin tail. Now there is less board under the surfer’s back foot, so the tail sinks deeper into the water as pressure is applied to it on the turns. This acts like a rudder on a sailboat, steering the board, and holding it firmly in position. To the surfer up above, this equates to a more stable riding experience as the board interacts with the water and draws out the manoeuvre. The Surfing Handbook documents the various types of tail shapes to choose from well. Worth thinking about the next time you’re looking at a new surfboard…
Apr
27
2009
With Summer just around the corner, time to sort out your surf quiver for those cruisey sunset sessions. Mellow reef breaks and super-fun, sucky beach breaks are synonomous with Summertime surf. The board of choice is a no-brainer. Fish surfboard shapes win hands-down. A wide, chunky profile is ideal for catching your fill of waves. A gnarly quad fin set-up and dynamic swallow tail lend you responsiveness and adaptability like never before. Throw in a set-back sweet spot close to the tail, an elongated flattened out rocker and snip the board off at 6 ft - hey presto, summer surfs just took on a whole new dimension of experimentation and flair.
Apr
2
2009
“Empty cold water barrels and pints of Guinness” – T’is the Ireland that the global surfing community has heard much of these last few years. Waveriders, a feature Irish surfing film released tomorrow in cinemas nationwide looks to lay it down the way it is today. The Guinness exists! It is cold! The waves can be incredible. Slater dispels the myth however that you’re in for countless epic surf session alone with your mates. Ireland is very much on the map (as the surf spots section of the new waveriders website proves!). Its become notorious for big wave surfing too. AIB’s recent ad featuring Aileens, not to mention the endless stream of print media coverage locally and internationally, has Ireland blowing up. Irish surfing is now defining and differentiating itself from the mainstream. It’s raw, it’s challenging, and as Ritchie Fitz says “Good things come to those who wait”. As I see it, tourist surfers are resetting their expectations of the quintessential Irish surf trip. They are less so virgin bounty hunters as they are the new wave of extreme adventurers with an eye for unharnessed North Atlantic power, and a sense of timelessness that Ireland and its’ people can still instill, even if they have to look a little harder these days.
Jan
15
2009
Have a look at our awesome collection of surfboard shapes and custom graphics.
Nov
18
2008
As if plummeting down inverted walls of surging water wasn’t enough, many surfers have been bitten by another bug washing over Ireland, that of triathlons and marathons. Perhaps you took on the grueling Mayo Challenge over the summer, Gael Force West, or you’ve been traveling around Ireland competing in Triathlon sprints? If you’re so inclined to momentarily brush aside your wetsuit booties, and instead lace up your trainers, the Powerade Never Give Up Alpine Marathon Challenge beacons. It’s a solid test for an amateur runner to step up and complete their first marathon against the extraordinary backdrop of Europe’s dramatic mountain range. Talk about going one better!
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