Always danger in water
AN accomplished surfer herself over many years, Zoe says there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people taking up the sport over the last year, particularly given Covid-19 restrictions.
A popular endeavour in the wider West Sligo area, watersports have only grown in popular ity during the course of the pandemic and this summer promises to be another busy one in the various seaside areas across Sligo, with an influx of tourists expected if Covid-19 restrictions are lifted to allow countrywide travel.
Easkey is one of the villages to benefit from an increase in visitors, but Zoe says it is extremely important that those entering the water there, or anywhere else, are aware of the dangers and listen to advice.
For surfers in particular, she says those new to the sport are aware of the dangers too and always operate in the safest way possible when taking to the sea.
“There’s been a huge surge in people into surfing, similar to open water swimming as well.
“We were one of the sports that opened first after the initial lockdown because it’s outdoors and you’re naturally distant in the water. You might look at the sea and it seems like people are all sitting together but when you go out to them they are a couple of metres apart because you have to be a couple of metres apart for safety in the water.
“Definitely, the surf schools were so busy last year, the surf camps were packed out and I’m sure it’s going to be even busier again this year and that’s why people really need to think about safety when they are going into surf conditions there’s always a risk.
“They need to check where the rips are and just take the time to ask the experienced surfers and lifeguards.”
Irish Surfing has been based in Easkey for the past 25 years having established its head
quarters there in 1995, along the Main Street in the village.
It is the national governing body for the sport of surfing across the entire island of Ireland.
Zoe’s day to day work as Operations Managers entails the administration and activities of the entire association, which comprises of clubs and groups from all over the island.
Easkey, as a surfing destination, is world-renowned for the quality of the waves there, and is usually a mecca for surfers from all over Ireland and beyond in search of good conditions to catch waves either side of Easkey Pier.
The castle standing directly beside the pier, Roslee Castle, is also a well-known local landmark.