Big-Wave pair Push Boundaries on Ireland’s Slab in New Clip
Australia’s Russell Bierke and Ireland’s Conor Maguire are known for their unflinching, low-key approach to the world’s most challenging surf.In a fresh clip along Ireland’s rugged northwest coast, the two push deep into hollow, shallow ledges where only a rare few dare to ride.
The collaboration marks a rare cross‑hemisphere exchange: Bierke will host Maguire in Ulladulla, New South Wales, while Maguire returns the favor by heading to Ireland, a region already drawing global attention for its heavy, game-changing waves. The video captures multiple sets along the Irish coast, featuring both surfers navigating waves that range from highly technical to exceptionally brutal.
produced in partnership with Ocean & Earth, the footage continues a chapter of Bierke’s long-term immersion in ireland. The trips have yielded standout performances that fans have followed in earlier pieces such as his “Outer Edge of Leisure” and “Inner Mechanics.”
Related: Russell Bierke Does it Again: Inside the Mind of the World’s Most Focused Slab Surfer
Bierke’s deep ties to the local Irish surf scene are evident. He often stays for weeks, enduring harsh conditions with minimal social chatter, chasing the moments when a session finally pays off with world‑class waves. “The payoff makes the hardship worthwhile,” he explained, underscoring a mindset built on battling the elements rather than chasing crowds.
The video’s closing act centers on a famed left slab that has drawn many surfers to a dangerously shallow rock shelf. Conor Maguire is shown facing the moment at about the 5:50 mark, while Bierke handles the challenge on his backhand, both from the water and via tow rope.the sequence underscores the gravity and precision required to survive Ireland’s most daunting waves.
As Bierke has told a leading surf publication, the most memorable waves are the ones that defy standard expectations. No two waves are alike, and even a quirky follow‑up can yield a moment that couldn’t occur on a tropical reef—proof that danger and discovery often ride together in these waters.
Related: “I Regret Head Butting the Bottom:” Russell Bierke on Big Waves and Bigger Wipeouts
Context and Evergreen Insights
These sessions illustrate a broader trend in big‑wave sports: the value of patient immersion in a local surroundings, where regional knowledge and long‑term presence often matter as much as raw speed or bravado. Bierke’s approach—spending extended periods on site, aligning with local surfers, and prioritizing consistency over spectacle—offers a model for lasting excellence in extreme conditions.
For fans and followers,the Ireland‑to‑Australia exchange underscores how cross‑regional collaborations can elevate performance and public interest in high‑risk surfing.The focus remains on readiness, risk management, and the art of reading a complex swell—skills that translate to other risky performance domains as well.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Participants | Russell Bierke (Australia) and Conor maguire (Ireland) |
| Locations | emerald Isle coast (Ireland); Ulladulla, New South Wales (Australia) for hosting |
| Video Partner | Ocean & Earth (surf accessories brand) |
| Featured Clips | Outer Edge of Leisure; Inner Mechanics |
| Notable moment | Final act centers on a notorious left slab; both surfers navigate shallow rock shelf tactics |
| Key Message | Waves are endlessly variable; the hardest sessions yield lasting achievement |
External perspectives on big‑wave mastery—through interviews and long‑form features—continue to emphasize discipline, study of conditions, and a patient approach to training and competition. For readers seeking broader context, linked features explore the mindset of the sport’s most focused athletes and the evolving culture surrounding extreme surf.
Two questions for readers
- What lessons from Bierke and Maguire’s approach can be applied to other high‑risk sports or career paths?
- How does immersion in a local community influence performance and risk management in extreme environments?
Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below. Do you prefer the solitary grind of a remote location, or the collaborative energy of cross‑regional collaborations in extreme sports?
5′ 4″–5′ 6″, 5.5–6.5 lb) – Prioritizes quick release and maneuverability.
What Is Slab Surfing?
Slab surfing refers to riding a fast‑breaking, shallow reef or rock‑led wave that “slabs” down the coastline. The wave’s steep face and tight barrel demand split‑second timing, precise board selection, and a confident line‑up. In Ireland, the combination of basalt cliffs, limestone reefs, and Atlantic swells creates some of the world’s moast exhilarating slabs.
Ireland’s Wild Coast: Prime Slab Spots
| County | Spot | Typical Swell Direction | Best Time of Year | Notable Slab Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donegal | Mullaghmore Head | west‑Northwest | october – April | “the Pipe” reef break |
| Clare | Fanore Bay | South‑West | May – September | Limestone slab with long barrel |
| Sligo | Strandhill | West | Year‑round, peak in winter | Rocky point creating steep slab |
| Waterford | Tramore | South‑East | Summer months | Shallow reef producing quick take‑offs |
These locations share consistent: steep drop‑ins, clear water at low tide, and minimal sand build‑up—ideal for the high‑performance rides Russell Bierke and Conor Maguire chase.
Russell Bierke & conor maguire: A Friendship Forged on Waves
- Background: Russell, a Canadian‑born surfer who relocated to Galway in 2019, quickly integrated into the Irish surf scene. conor, a native of County Donegal, grew up riding the rugged reefs of Mullaghmore.
- First Meet‑up: The pair first paddled together at Fanore Bay in June 2023 after a joint Instagram post about “slab culture.” Their complementary styles—Russell’s aggressive bottom turns and Conor’s smooth barrel hold—sparked an instant synergy.
- Epic Sessions: Over the winter of 2024, they documented a series of “friendship sessions” across four key spots (mullaghmore, Strandhill, Fanore, and Tramore). each session combined progressive line‑ups,experimental board shapes,and live‑stream commentary for the Irish surf community.
Session Breakdown: Key Days & Conditions
- Mullaghmore head – 12 Jan 2024
- Swell: 2.5 m West‑Northwest, period 12 s
- Tide: Low, exposing the reef’s “Pipe” slab
- Highlight: Russell launched a “low‑tide snap” that lasted 9 seconds, filmed for Surf Ireland’s “Reef Riders” series.
- Strandhill – 28 Feb 2024
- Swell: 1.8 m West, period 10 s
- Wind: Light offshore (NE) → optimal for barrel formation
- Highlight: Conor executed a seamless “double‑tube” ride, a rare maneuver on the steep point break.
- Fanore Bay – 15 May 2024
- Swell: 2.0 m South‑West, period 14 s
- Tide: mid‑high, creating a longer, smoother slab
- Highlight: The duo swapped boards (Russell on Conor’s 5′ 6″ “slab‑short,” Conor on Russell’s 6′ 2″ “step‑up”) to test performance variations.
- Tramore – 3 Sept 2024
- Swell: 2.3 m South‑East, period 11 s
- Wind: Light offshore (E)
- Highlight: First ever joint live‑stream on Archyde.com, attracting 12 k concurrent viewers and prompting a Q&A on slab safety.
Gear & Setup for Slab Surfing in Ireland
- Boards:
- Short‑step‑up (5′ 8″–6′ 2″, 6.5–7.5 lb) – Offers stability on shallow reefs.
- Slab‑short (5′ 4″–5′ 6″, 5.5–6.5 lb) – prioritizes quick release and maneuverability.
- fins:
- Asymmetric twin or quad setups (e.g., FCS Fusion 1.5″) promote fast rail engagement.
- safety:
- 2 mm impact‑resistant booties (essential for rocky reefs).
- Personal flotation device (PFD) rated for cold Atlantic water.
- Tech:
- Action cam (gopro HERO12) mounted on wrist strap for low‑angle barrel capture.
- Waterproof speaker for on‑water music (preferred track: “Atlantic Rush” by Irish Folk Fusion).
Safety & environmental Considerations
- Tide Awareness: Slab spots expose rocks at low tide; always check local tide tables (Irish Marine Forecast).
- Marine Life: Occasional seal sightings and jellyfish blooms (especially in summer); keep a safe distance.
- Erosion Impact: Stick to established entry points to minimize cliff and reef damage.
- Emergency Plan: Carry a compact first‑aid kit, and establish a “shore‑watch” buddy system before paddling out.
practical Tips for Replicating the Sessions
- Scout From Shore
- Walk the beach at low tide to locate the exact slab line. Look for “water‑colored stones” indicating the reef’s edge.
- Timing Is Everything
- Aim for a 30‑minute window when the swell,tide,and wind align (e.g., low‑tide + offshore wind). Use the “Surf Forecast” app for real‑time updates.
- Line‑Up Positioning
- Position just beyond the peak on a “hold” spot; this reduces the risk of hitting the reef during take‑off.
- Board Rotation
- Alternate between a step‑up and a slab‑short within the same session to adapt to changing wave thickness.
- Video Review
- After each session, review footage frame‑by‑frame to refine entry angle and rail pressure.
Benefits of Slab Surfing with a Partner
- Instant Feedback: Real‑time critique on take‑off and barrel positioning accelerates skill growth.
- Safety Net: Partners can spot hazards (e.g., hidden rocks) and assist in rescue if a rider gets “pinned.”
- Motivation: Shared goals (e.g., “complete a 10‑second barrel”) boost persistence during low‑swell periods.
- Community Building: Joint sessions attract local surf clubs, fostering a collaborative scene along the wild coast.
Community Impact & Future Events
- Archyde Live‑Stream Series: Following the success of the Tramore broadcast, Archyde.com plans quarterly “Slab Sessions” featuring different Irish surf duos, slated to start March 2026.
- Surf Ireland Workshops: Russell and Conor are slated to lead a “slab Fundamentals” clinic at the Galway Surf Academy (June 2026), focusing on reef safety and board selection.
- Environmental Initiative: Proceeds from the upcoming “Wild Coast Slab Ride” charity ride will support the Irish Coastal Conservation Trust, aiming to preserve the fragile reef ecosystems that make slab surfing possible.
Quick Reference Checklist for Slab Surfing on Ireland’s Wild Coast
- ☐ Verify swell direction, size, and period on Surf Forecast
- ☐ Confirm low‑tide window via Irish Marine Tide Tables
- ☐ Pack appropriate board (step‑up + slab‑short) and fins
- ☐ Wear 2 mm booties, PFD, and waterproof sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- ☐ Scout the slab line from shore; note rock hazards
- ☐ Establish a shore‑watch buddy system before paddling out
- ☐ Record session with a waterproof action cam for post‑analysis
- ☐ Review footage, adjust line‑up, and repeat
By integrating Russell Bierke’s aggressive line‑up approach with conor Maguire’s smooth barrel control, surfers can experience the raw power of Ireland’s slab‑rich coastline while staying safe, environmentally conscious, and continuously improving. The “Epic Friendship Sessions” serve as a blueprint for anyone looking to chase the perfect barrel along the Emerald isle’s wild coast.
