Surfing
Surfing
Meet Ireland's Big Wave Surfers: Ollie O'Flaherty
We chat to Ollie about surfing and wiping out on Ireland's monster 65ft waves.
Ollie O’Flaherty is one of Ireland’s most talented big-wave surfers. While most of us are still struggling to master the whitewash, Ollie is chasing Ireland’s biggest waves, constantly seeking brand new breaks in the Atlantic Ocean.
I started surfing at the age of four. I was on a family holiday to France with my uncle, Alan Coyle. He has been surfing for nearly 30 years – he taught me to surf and has really paved the way for me.
Seven years ago I started surfing big waves. I made my transition into big wave surfing on Aileen’s and Riley’s in Co Clare.
I got towed into some heavy slabs and it all went from there. I began to train and could think of nothing else except surfing big waves.
My first tow wave was at Riley's in 2009 – it was as thick as it was high!! I was so scared, there was literally 6ft of water and I was in a giant heavy tube, 30ft from the shore. I will never forget that moment, it changed my life.
I started surfing Mullaghmore five years ago – that wave is as big as you can get.
Ollie O'Flaherty, Mullaghmore, 2012
© Matt Strathern
In 2012, I surfed a solid 60ft face wave. I will never forget that day, I will never forget the moment I let go of the rope. Gabe Davies and Richie Fitzgerald were so kind to me, they got me some absolute bombs. But it was that 60ft-er that Gabe Davies towed me into that earned me a place in the Billabong XXL finals. I really wanted that wave so badly and feel blessed to have ridden it.
The coast around Co Clare is my favourite place to surf. I live in Lahinch and run my own surf academy there, Ollie’s Surf Academy, so it is my base. We have it all there – fun waves, slabs and beaches – I am so proud to call it home.
We are discovering new breaks all the time. However, I am not letting you know anything just yet!
I have had some really sketchy moments over the years. Two years ago I got sucked over dry reef and into a channel at Riley’s. If I had got one more wave on the head it could have been game over. The last wave blew me up on the reef onto my hands and knees. I was so weak, I had to lie down for 20 minutes.
Training for big wave surfing is essential. During the winter season I limit my drinking and make sure I am eating really well. I do a lot of high intensity circuits, lots of yoga and some meditation.
Getting nominated for an XXL award in 2012 has been the highlight of my big wave surfing career so far. To make it into the final five biggest waves in the world will stand alone until I do it again which is still a dream of mine.
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