AT it again! Al, Cotty and co pioneer another Irish big wave -- Finn MacCools. This time surfing in the footsteps of giants, the boys prove that the legendary creator of the Giant's Causeway was no idle myth.
Northern Ireland's number one tourist attraction's unique hexagonal rocks protrude out into the North Atlantic, sliding below the ragged foam. Legend has it, Finn MacCool, a local giant, sculpted the causeway to bridge Northern Ireland and Scotland in order to fight a competing giant, Benandonner. Upon realising how enormous his opponent was he wrapped himself in a blanket, pretending to be his own child, thus causing Benandonner to flee fearing he was about to confront a 'real' giant.
Later the causeway claimed part of the Spanish Armada and nearly 1300 lives as the 'Girona' attempted to round Ireland overloaded with gold and guns only to be wrecked on the nearby Lacada Point. More than 400 years and countless tourists later this spot comes alive again as a mysto big wave spot (with giant potential) surfed for the first time yesterday, Feb 1, 2011.
Great article. Portrush would be my local (i'm from belfast) but i'd never venture far from white rocks as i wouldn't want to spend all day seraching for other spots and be disappointed. Nice setting indeed. Think i'll leave that one to the pros though.
Excellent work from Mr McCall once again.
considering the time it takes to get there and back, especially when I only get 1 day a week (Saturday) if even and also the amount of daylight hours during winter (I work Saturday mornings also) I think i'll stick with a sure thing.
Hats off to you lads but when you compare this to the waves you rode at Prowlers, it's actually pretty tame really. Dont think its worthy of an article on here anyway.
I don't surf but I've seen Crab, and Easkey bigger than that, it looks like the size I have seen in many places around the country. I guess its the difficult location that makes it sort of unique.
That wave was an absolute 100% proper risky assignment. It may not be as big as Mullaghmore etc, but in terms of the limited space the boys had to work in, a real achievement. Superb photography once again from Gary McCall. Al Mennie and the team are a credit to the Causeway. They fully deserve the respect and attention they've got for this venture. Amazing result so close to home.
Not sure this wave merits an article at all. its getting similar treatment here to Prowlers which is crazy. I bought the DVD Driven (Meannie and Cotty). Very poor stuff I have to say. I've no doubt these guys rip, but really they are more interested in seeing their name in lights. Fergal Smith, and Tom Lowe seem to do more and say less.
Definately a wave, and then some. Looks like there's quite a ledge under there, maybe a tad bigger swell and less wind would do it justice but this is a good start, looking forward to the next episode.
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