Home Internationals and British Open

Last week we loaded up the Munster Dive and Canoe Van and headed north to Portrush to take part in the Home Internationals and the British Open. The Republic of Ireland team was made up of Wayne Timmons, Kieran McDyre, Muireann Lynch, Dennis Mcdyre, Mickey Barry, Eoin Keyes, James O’Donnell, Brendan Barry, Greg Heffernan and myself. As we stepped from the van it felt very like winter with a very cutting wind. At the start of the week the waves were small, so Tuesday was spent as a training day surfing at Portballintra Beach. We even managed to fit in a trip to the Giant’s Causeway.

The competition was held at White Rocks beach just a little outside Portrush itself. There were four teams in total - England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and ourselves. Every competitor had two heats. Things kicked off early on Wednesday morning with waves that were still on the small side. The juniors, women’s and masters went ahead and, as conditions were not getting any better, it was then called off until the following day.

On Thursday the men had to do all their heats in one day and the junior, women and masters finished our last heats. The waves had picked up by then - much to everybody’s delight. Scores between ourselves and Scotland were very close throughout the competition. The end result came right down to the final heats, making for a nail biting finish! The team was a nice mix of experienced competitors and newbie competitors (like myself!!) and I found this event very useful as I got to see what the standard is and you always learn lot from just taking part in the competition itself.

We placed 3rd in the overall placing - well done to all the team!

Some of us soldiered on to take part in the British Open as well as that was being held in the same location. The waves were good, making for an enjoyable competition, even if my bones were aching! It was great to take part in another competition and I really enjoyed the fun waves. There was some great surfing to watch and some beat downs that got a few laughs! Eoin came 4th in the Junior Hp Final and I came 3rd in the ladies Ic Final.

Roll on the worlds in the States! (Sponsorship anyone??!!)

Thanks to Mark for lending us the van for the week, The Northern Irish Crew for putting on 2 super events, Wayne our team mammy, all the Team and also to Aileen for taking all the fab photos!

See you on the water
Aisling :)