"Wait for the wave to take you and then paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle. Spring up like I showed you. Look forward, head up, chest up, knees bent and you're surfing."
Learning how to surf ain't easy, dudes. I've had many failed attempts, but just because I didn't become a surf chick on the warm, sandy beaches of Australia's East Coast didn't mean it couldn't happen in the bitter wilds of Ireland's North-West.
So after years of my board gathering dust, I decided to wage war on the waves once again. My training was at a Surf Boot Camp in Bundoran, Co Donegal. Major General in charge of our battalion was pro surfer Richie Fitzgerald.
In quite a contrast to Australia; my day started with me glumly looking out my B&B window at a grey sky and heavy rain. An Irish summer's day had let itself down once again. Any hopes of me crawling back to bed for a day of bad TV were smashed when Richie announced to the group over breakfast: "I know its raining, the weather is crap, but yes, boot camp is still on."
After wriggling my way into an unflattering wetsuit, tiptoeing over stony ground and awkwardly carrying my board down the hill of Tullan Strand, we had the first drill of the day; a beach run followed by stretches and a pep talk. "Surfing might be a bit of a laugh for some of you, but this weekend I want you to learn and improve," said Richie. I was inspired and promised myself to stand on the board by the end of the weekend. Richie went on to tell us that, "surfing is not just about the lifestyle, it's a sport and you need to be fit to do it". After perfecting our surf stance on dry land we were unleashed on the waves.
Surf Coach Ireland runs ladies' and gents' boot camps catering for all levels until the end of September. Richie Fitzgerald is the main man and runs the school and shop on Bundoran's main street with the help of his Australian wife Briohny.
Surfing is said to be Ireland's fasted-growing sport. Richie's family were ahead of the game when they opened their surf shop 20 years ago; long before some Irish people even knew what surfing was. So it's no surprise he has been surfing since he was a boy and has represented Ireland at both European and World Championships. He also stared in the award winning Irish surfing documentary 'Waveriders'.
To have a teacher at the top of their game was inspirational to say the least. Richie broke down the sequence of movements in surfing into clear and simple steps. His enthusiasm for the sport was infectious and for those few hours spent in the water I thought about nothing else only how to master the board. What I loved most about our water session was how much fun it was, even if we weren't very good.
After lunch we were off again. This time I did manage to stand, only to crash down ungracefully seconds later. We returned to Mello Café weather-beaten, famished and exhausted. After a hearty dinner of lasagne, salad and chips most of us went out to sample the town's nightlife and the more sensible had an early one.
Sore heads aside, Sunday morning started with a 9am yoga class - perfectly scheduled to stretch out our aching muscles from the day before. I was surprised at how yoga and surfing complement each other so well. Yoga helps improve focus, flexibility and balance - skills that are imperative for a good surfer. Our teacher, Ann-Marie, taught us surf-specific stretches that can be used again as a warm-up before any surf session.
Suitably relaxed after yoga, we had a surf theory class where we watched a video of us surfing from the day before. Often embarrassing but mostly helpful, we critiqued each other's techniques and Richie pointed out common mistakes before we put this theory into practice for our last session.
The town of Bundoran seems to be going through a period of transformation. It's no longer a town of just amusement rides and slot machines: it's now a hub of activity sports. Other than having world class waves for surfing, kayaking, horse riding, hiking and fishing trips are all on offer. For lazy days, you have a cinema, indoor bowling and seaweed baths.
Thankfully Sunday wasn't a day to be indoors. The sun came out and brought with it a school of curious dolphins who watched us jump, stand and fall again and again. Tullan Strand looked beautiful, with its 3km sandy stretch and the stunning backdrop of Benbulben.
Although my surfing wasn't as glorious as the day, I did feel I improved over the weekend. And while the waves of Bundoran might have won this battle, the war is not over.
Deirdre Mullins
Surf Coach Ireland Boot Camps are €160. This price includes three surf sessions, surf theory class with video analysis, guided beach run and warm up, yoga class, two nights' B&B, two lunches and two dinners. Without accommodation it's €140. For more information, visit: www.surfcoachireland.ie, email: info@surfworld.ie or call: +353 (0) 7198 41223.
The Bank House B&B has rooms for €30 per person sharing. For more, visit: www.bankhousebundoran.com.
To read about Richie Fitzgerald's globetrotting, visit: www.rte.ie/travel/2009/0417/ontheroadwith.html
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