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Surfbreaks aim is to provide info for people interested in surfing or learning to surf at home or abroad. We are run by Irish surfers and cater for all levels from first timers to Indo vets. A lot of the info is aimed at beginners/intermediate surfers however we do have charters and coaching programs aimed at experienced surfers. Read More...
We have travelled the globe extensively ourselves and hope to pass on some of that knowledge to help others have great surf holidays. Travelling is one of the best aspects of surfing were you can often see untouched pieces of coastline or roads less travelled by main stream tourism. Surf Travel is also a great way to meet people and improve your skills. The site is organic and will grow with everybodys feedback and comments.
Each page is split up into a general overview of the country with furthur pages on accomadation,surf tours lessons and general travel tips. The secret of a good surf trip is a bit of research to make sure the waves suit your ability. We aim to give you the low down on most places with info on accomadation, water temps, types of wave, best times of year, availability of lessons etc etc. Hopefully you will become as passionate as us about surf travel.
The best surf destination for a surf trip can depend on many factors with one of the most important being that the waves suit the standard of your surfing. Some destinations are for experienced surfers only but most can cater for all standards. However there is more than just waves to worry about and we give you advice on all other aspects of surf travel.
To Contact us or book any of the trips email info@surfbreaks.ie
Below is a description of many of the destinations we visit.
Morocco
Tarazoute is famous for its sand covered right hand point breaks such as Anchor point and Killers. The area north and south of Agadir contains many other sand points which while slightly more fickle are well worth checking out. There are many beginner/intermediate breaks which are great for those wishing to push their surfing. There are breaks for experienced tube hounds but these are more inconsistent but when on waves like Safi are World class. Tamri to the North of Agadair is the most consistent wave as it picks up a lot of swell. It is 40 minutes North of Tarazote and does get blown out when the sea breezr picks up mid day but can get really good especially after heavy rains
Peniche
Widely recognised as one the best and most consistent surf sport in Portugal, the peninsula of Peniche offers a north and south-facing coastline. The Peninsula of Peniche will always offer you a beach where the wind will be offshore, creating perfect waves. The most famous spot is supertubos which offers standup barrels a few yards from shore however there are plenty of other options. In 15 Km of coastline you will find more than 20 surf spot for all level of surfers, from beginner to advanced. The area is great as peniche has options on all swells and even in the biggest winter days sheltered spots can be found. Some spots such as supertubes can be crowded but most of the other beaches should have quiet peaks if you look arround.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote has a range of surf from gentle beachies to gnarly barrelling slabs. The major surf areas are arround La Santa and Famara in the North West of the Island. La Santa has a range of volcanic reef breaks which arent for the faint hearted. For expereniced surfers only and there is localism so be respectful and careful and you might just score the barrels of your life. Famara is a quiet cool little unspoilt village with a long beach which is suitable for all standards. There is also a few reefs in the area if you look arround. Again be careful with locals on the reef, often the early sessions before the locals get up is best. Also the winds can get strong by mid day so the early bird scores the worm in the canaries. There is waves arrround the north of the island which can offer protection. La Graciso and island of the north has some hidden gems but is only for the very experienced.
Algarve
Having both a north and west coast gives great options to chase swells and winds. The West coast picks up most swells while the south coast often offers protection in larger swells and stronger winds especially the furter east you go. The Algarve many argue has no ‘world class’ wave as there is no Mundaka, Hossegor or Supertubes that focuses media attention however there is a multitude of quality waves such as Aranfana and Zaviel. There is also a lot of dirt tracks which hide many semi secret spots. These breaks are reasonably easy to find if you spend a little time and drive down many of the dirt tracks. Most of the waves are sand bottomed and are perfect for beginner/ intermediate surfers wanting to Improve. The Algarve is home to many travelling surfers and maybe the surf camp capital of the world however there are so many different beaches it is easy to find somewhere reasonably quiet if you want. There is localism in the Algarve especially from local bodyboarders but this seems to be concentrated in the breaks around Sagres and is easy enough to avoid.
Hossegor
The Sand banks around hossegor are a freak of nature and are widely regarded as the best beach breaks in the world. Breaks in Hossegor such as La Nord are some of the heaviest beach breaks in the world and are suited to experienced surfers. Deep ocean swells from the bay of Biscay unload on shallow sand banks to produce barrels a short distance from the shore. There is however miles and miles of beach breaks to choose from which can suit most abilities. The surf is generally powerful in the Hossegor region and isn’t always suitable to beginners but is often good for intermediate surfers.
Spain
Spain has surf along most of its North Coast and is a great surf destination for all levels in surfers. There are waves for all standards of surfers from thumping tubes at the world class Mundaka to a variety of beachies and softer point breaks. Spain has many coves and inlets which offer protection in big winter swells. Not only does this offer smaller options on big days but plenty of options on different wind directions. There is crowds in the main surfing destinations but it is easy enough to get of the beaten track.
The Climate
Bundoran
Bundoran is a seaside town situated in South Donegal on the shores of Donegal Bay. Bundoran has been in the surf media spotlight over the last few years and has held international surf comps such as The World Masters in 2002. It is 30 minutes from Sligo and about 3 hours drive from Dublin and 2 hours from Belfast depending on traffic. As it is a seaside town its population jumps in the summer months and Bank holidays. The nearest international airports are Knock, Derry and Belfast.
Bundoran provides some of the most consistent and best quality surf in Ireland. There are many quality reef breaks for experienced surfers, as well as numerous beach breaks that are perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. Tullan Strand is the most consistent beach in summer and will have a wave even if everywhere else is flat. On bigger swells and certain wind directions there are good options at nearby Streedagh, Rossnowlagh and Mullaghmore.
Lahinch
There is a variety of surf breaks to suit all standards and nearly all have epic views. Clare is most famous for its gentle lefthand pointbreaks and heaving slab waves for manics. Recently the tow in footage from Aileens has placed lahinch on the world surf map. Lahinch beach break is situated in the middle of the town and is great for learners and intermediate surfers with gentle random peaks spread up and down the beach. The southern end of the beach has a collection of lefthand pointbreaks which are best suited to intermediate/experienced surfer. The points have relativly easy drops and can get crowded as there is a keen local crew however if you get your timing right and show respect you will get waves. If the points are breaking and you fancy something heavier you dont have to search too hard. Spanish point to the south offers a variety of reef and beach options which are good without being epic. Doonbeg to the south is the swell sucker espicially in small west swells and is a saviour in summer. Located bang in the middle of an exclusive golf course Doonbeg is a great beach break for all standards and can occasionally have great banks. When its on its orne of Irelands best beach breaks
Portrush
The surf is mostly beachbreaks however there are a few river mouths and sandbars to be found if you befreind some of the locals. Malin Head tends to block off small to medium west swells so works best in North Swells or big west swells. Portballintrae is the swell sucker of the area and can have a wave when the rest of the coast is flat. The East strand is probably the best beach breaks but needs a big swell to work but does have shelter from the predominate south west winds.
Sligo
Srandhill beach is one of the best in the North west but can be very tidal. Generally it breaks on the rocks at high tide when there is no beach and can close out on low tides. However on mid tides nice banks can be found espicially the right in front of the Strand Bar. There is a river mouth to the south and Blue rock at the north end of the beach which is a sand/boulder bottomed point break which can offer protection from swell and winds.
Kerry
The Kerry coastline has a multitude of breaks which operate on diffferent swell directions and wind directions. Kerry catches swells from a range of angles and in summer can often pick up thesmall south west swells making it as consistent as anywere in Ireland. Comunenole is probably the swell sucker for the area and can often produce great waves in a stunning setting.
Cork
The surf arround Cork is mostly beachbreaks which can get very good. Sometimes Cork catches south swells that miss the West Coast however generally it is smaller than the west coasts. Castlefreak and some of the better beaches can get crowded on good days but there is quite a few options if you hunt arround. Probably best suited to intermediate and beginners.
