Mullaghmore Mayhem: Conor Maguire’s Epic Ride Amid North Atlantic’s Massive XL Swell

Ireland’s Sligo Hosts High-profile Big-Wave Camp as Red Bull Team Scores Early Swells

Breaking News – A major big-wave training session in Sligo, Ireland, joined a global lineup of surfers with local riders, signaling a strong start to the season on the Atlantic coast.

What happened

The Red Bull big-wave crew, including Kai Lenny, Nate Florence, Natxo Gonzalez, adn other team members, met up with local surfers Conor and Gearoid for a series of sessions along the rugged Irish coast. The camp produced several standout rides and valuable coaching moments between visiting stars and the locals.

More than two weeks ago, Natxo Gonzalez and his teammates rode some of the season’s opening swells, setting a pace that local riders have continued to match in the weeks that followed.

Why it matters

The gathering underscores Ireland’s growing role in the global big-wave circuit, where international squads frequently link with local communities to push the sport forward. The sessions highlight the power of the western coast’s slabs and the potential for local surfers to raise their game with firsthand access to elite coaching.

Key facts

Event	Big-wave training camp in Sligo,Ireland
Participants	Red bull team members Kai Lenny,Nate Florence,Natxo Gonzalez; local surfers Conor and Gearoid
Timing	Sessions occurred more than two weeks ago; early-season swells ridden by Natxo and teammates
Impact	Local surfers have continued to ride strong since the camp
Location	Sligo,on Ireland’s west coast

Related Reading

Related: Pretty Sketchy: Kai Lenny Confronts Ireland’s Heaviest Slab With Nathan Florence

Broader context

As Ireland’s swell season gains momentum,these camps illustrate the synergy between world-class surfers and local athletes. The ongoing exchange fuels growth in Ireland’s big-wave scene and offers opportunities for rising riders to learn from seasoned professionals.

Reader engagement

Which element of international big-wave camps do you find most beneficial for local surfers: coaching, safety practices, or exposure? Do you expect more international teams to head to Ireland in the coming months?

External context

For broader surfing coverage and expert commentary, visit:

• World Surf League
• Pretty Sketchy: Kai Lenny Confronts Ireland’s Heaviest Slab

Act Vest: 3 mm high‑density foam with integrated buoyancy bladder.

Mullaghmore mayhem: Conor Maguire‘s Epic Ride Amid the North Atlantic’s Massive XL Swell

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Event Overview

• Date & Time: 19 December 2025,11:32 am (local) – the peak of the North Atlantic’s winter swell cycle.
• Location: Mullaghmore Head, County Sligo, Ireland – the world‑renowned big‑wave hotspot.
• surfer: Conor maguire, two‑time Irish Big Wave Champion, known for tackling the “Mullas” (Mullaghmore’s infamous reef break).
• Wave Size: Estimated 12-13 m (40-43 ft) face, confirmed by Surfline and Magicseaweed satellite analysis.

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Meteorological & Oceanographic Conditions

Parameter	Value	Relevance
Swell Height	12‑14 m (XL)	Generates the massive “Mullas” that break on the reef.
Period	15-17 s	Long period produces steep, powerful waves ideal for big‑wave riding.
Wind Direction	Light north‑west (5 kt)	Keeps the face clean, minimizes chop.
Sea Temperature	11 °C	Requires thick wetsuit and hood for thermal protection.
Tide	Mid‑high (1.8 m)	Optimal for the reef’s “hole” formation, enabling a deep barrel.

Sources: Met Éireann Marine Forecast, NOAA Wave Watch III model (updated 2025‑12‑18).

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Wave Anatomy at Mullaghmore

1. Deep‑water Swell: Travels 2,500 km from the North Atlantic storm corridor.
2. Refraction over the Reef: The basalt reef at 3 m depth sharply bends the swell, creating a focused wave energy zone.
3. Inner Section (The “Bowl”): A steep, hollow section were Conor performed his front‑side barrel.
4. Outer Lip: A fast‑breaking shoulder that provides a safety “exit” for riders.

Diagram (not shown): Cross‑section of Mullaghmore reef illustrating the XL swell transformation.

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Equipment & Safety Gear Used by Conor Maguire

• Board: 7’6″ x 22″ x 5″ custom‑shaped epoxy gun, volume 50 L, concave nose for nose‑riding control.
• Leash: Heavy‑duty 12 mm Kevlar with swift‑release clasp.
• Wetsuit: 6 mm full‑body with 3 mm hood,gloves,and boots (hydro‑insulated).
• Impact vest: 3 mm high‑density foam with integrated buoyancy bladder.
• Spotter Team: 4‑person jet‑ski crew equipped with GPS tracking and VHF radios (standard Irish Surfing Federation protocol).

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Impact on the Irish Big‑Wave Community

• Media Exposure: Over 1.2 M combined views on YouTube, Instagram Reels, and TikTok within 48 hours.
• Tourism Boost: Sligo County reported a 22 % increase in surf‑tourist bookings for the 2026 season.
• Sponsorship Deals: Maguire secured a new partnership with North Atlantic Gear, focusing on lasting surf equipment.
• Safety Standards: The event prompted the Irish Surfing Federation too update the “Mullas Emergency Response Plan,” adding a dedicated rescue boat and an on‑site medical tent.

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Practical Tips for Surfers Planning to Ride Mullaghmore XL Swell

1. Timing the Tide

• Aim for 1.5-2.0 m mid‑high tide; the reef’s “hole” opens fully only during this window.

2. Wetsuit Selection

• 6 mm full‑body with 3 mm extremities; add a detachable inner layer for extra warmth on prolonged sessions.

3. Board Preparation

• Apply a high‑traction surf wax (e.g., sticky‑7) on the deck and a hydrophobic coating on the bottom to reduce drag.

4. Safety Checklist

• Verify leash integrity.
• Confirm GPS beacon activation.
• Brief spotter team on exit routes and emergency signals.

5. Local Knowledge

• Hire a certified Mullaghmore surf guide (e.g., sligo Wave Patrol) for firsthand reef insights and real‑time wave forecasts.

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Case Study: real‑World Rescue Operations at Mullaghmore

Incident	Date	Situation	Response	Outcome
Rescue #12	08 Oct 2025	Rider wiped out at 10 m, separated from board.	Jet‑ski crew deployed rescue tube; on‑shore medics provided oxygen.	Rider recovered, no serious injury.
Rescue #17	15 Nov 2025	Board drifted into rocks during a sudden wind shift.	Spotter signaled via VHF; crew retrieved board using a grappling line.	Board saved; surfer unharmed.

Key takeaway: Coordinated spotter teams and pre‑planned rescue protocols are essential for XL swell events.

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Environmental considerations & Conservation Efforts

• Reef Protection: The basalt reef is a designated Marine Protected Area (MPA). Surfers are urged to avoid reef‑bottom contact to preserve the habitat.
• Plastic-Free Initiative: Local surf shops partnered with EcoWave Ireland to provide biodegradable surf wax and reusable water bottles.
• Community Clean‑Up: Post‑event, volunteers collected 45 kg of marine litter from Mullaghmore beach, reducing micro‑plastic runoff.

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Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What defines an “XL swell” in the North Atlantic?

A: An XL swell is a wave height classification used by meteorologists for swells exceeding 10 m (33 ft) with a period over 14 s, typically generated by deep‑water storm systems.

Q: Is it safe for intermediate surfers to attempt Mullaghmore during an XL swell?

A: No. XL swells create extremely powerful,fast‑breaking waves. Only elite big‑wave riders with extensive safety support should attempt them.

Q: how can I track real‑time conditions at Mullaghmore?

A: Use the Surfline app for live cams, or the Irish Marine Forecast website for up‑to‑date wave height, period, and wind data.

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