The Galway Sun

On Co. Clare’s doorstep lies, Aill Na Searrach, a recently discovered wave hosted under the majestic yet foreboding backdrop of the Cliffs of Moher. These are classified as big wave spots and require a whole different approach to conventional surfing. Big waves move too fast and are simply too huge to paddle into. The only alternative to surfing them is called tow in surfing. Surfers use jet sky assistance to pull them onto growing hills of swell, which evolve into waves as they hit the reef.On October 15th 2005 the weather charts predicted the perfect conditions for Aill Na Searrach to break. A team of surfers including John McCarthy, Dave Blount and Rusty Long launched a jet sky from Doolin pier and headed south along the cliffs to surf a virgin wave for the first time. This has all shot been shot by two cameras over three different dates.Even on an international scale it’s an increasingly rare and magical occasion when a new and perfect wave is discovered. Even rarer still are the hand full of humans marked with the privilege, honor and ability of carving down the face of a virgin wave and looking into her untamed eyes for the first time.This simple act of indescribable beauty is considered the ultimate nirvana bestowed upon a surfer…The historical relevance and importance of what happened on that day is enormous. Aill Na Searrach has been breaking here for thousands of years, exploding perfectly, un-tamed, un-riden. How many jaw-dropping monstrous waves must the cliffs have faced? If a wave breaks in the ocean but nobody hears it does it still make a sound? On this day she gave up her secrets and allowed the privileged the honor of surfing her. The fottage speaks for itself!Already surfing magazines all over the world are stunned by Aill Na Searrach, their reader’s drool and fantasize over her perfect majestic beauty, power and potential. It will not be long before top professional surfers from around the world are queuing up to surf this wave. Irish surfing culture from weekend novices to big wave chargers has reached a monumental and pivotal point in history. Now truly is the time to tell a story of such unflinching dedication and joy, an entire culture so passionate about riding waves.