The big wave surfers who spend each winter hunting huge swells off the west coast of Ireland are taking steps to make safety a bigger priority this year.
During the upcoming winter months, surfer’s from both home and abroad will be chasing low pressure swell blobs straight to one of Europe’s premier big wave locations: Mullaghmore head, County Sligo.
Whilst many of us are privileged to watch a highlight reel of huge waves surfed at Mullaghmore in the comfort of our own homes, the dangers in the water are only too real. Lifesaving apparatus is paramount on big days at Mullaghmore, but such equipment also carries a hefty price tag.
A new company to Ireland, POW or the Powerful Water Company have therefore provided £1000 to support the purchase of a defibrillator alongside medical intervention and advanced water training.
This initiative is part of the ‘Pow to the People’ project which will see £1000 allocated once a month across Ireland to a worthy cause which affects the community.
Making safety a priority
Leading the charge to make safety a priority is Peter Conroy from Co. Clare who is a fireman in his day job and a vital member of the Irish water safety team during winter months.
On Saturday September 26th, Peter will be gathering Mullaghmore’s local community alongside a number of UK and Ireland’s big wave surf pioneers for an education on water safety and guidance on using the brand new defibrillator out in the ocean.
Ed Woolner, POW Founder said “I am passionate about surfing and living a healthy lifestyle. POW was inspired by the freedom, empowerment and positive energy I get from being outdoors and on the water. We are thrilled to be supporting such a worthy cause in Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo. This equipment could be used to save somebody’s life and the allocated funds are also being used to train the local hotel staff should they ever need it“
Catch Peter and some of the big wave crew in action here.