An Irish Winter’s Tale
Sea for Yourself

In Ireland, especially in winter, waves are hard-earned despite the multitude of storms in the north Atlantic corridor. Limited daylight, rural roads and a crooked coastline challenge treasure-seekers to match time and tide. But come rain or shine, Irish Pro windsurfer Mikey Clancy is one of the most committed hunters for the pots of gold at the end of the country’s endless supply of rainbows.

The 21-yr old Dubliner is one of Europe’s most talented young windsurfers and has gained respect from fellow PWA competitors for his aggressive, progressive wave riding style. Based in the Irish Capital – probably the only leading metropolis in Europe with windsurfing beaches a stone’s throw from the city centre – Clancy has enjoyed a unique ocean-side upbringing in an urban environment, and regularly strikes-out to the west coast for a taste of raw Atlantic power. Story: Mikey Clancy Pics: Michael Clancy Snr

Living in Ireland is torture most of the time.  The island is far from your typical paradise of wind waves of sun. It’s a blend of moisture-laden storms that thrash the western coastline mixed with ‘good’ weather that’s brighter, but barely above the mid-teens Celsius.