Beach Faces:

North / North-west

Best Wind Direction:

South-west to West is port tack, cross-off and cleanest on the reef.  South-west going South works better on the beach break.  North-west is cross-on and offers good jumping.

Best Wind Direction For Waves:

All of the above wind directions ideally with a West or North-west swell.

Not Good:

South-east or East winds are unlikely to bring waves unless there is still a decent ground swell.

Tide:

Mid tide on the push

What’s On The Bottom:

On the beach to the right of the pier is all sand.  The reef to the left of the pier is obviously boulders but they are not the worst and the rip leads you out into flat water.

Any Hazards:

Just don’t go too far upwind on the reef as at the very top there are some pretty big rocks.  As always make sure your kit is in good nick. Lifeboats and helicopters have been called out before up here to rescue broken-down windsurfers!

Other Water Users:

Surfers on the reef, and the odd kitesurfer. More likely to see seals and dolphins.

Suitability / Levels:

Beginners to Advanced. Beginners go at the top end of beach where the waves are much smaller. If the waves are too much then on a high tide you can head to the inside lagoon for blasting or freestyle.
There are also loads of other beaches for both beginners and advanced, all within half an hour’s drive. For the serious sailor and surfer, try Bloody Foreland.

Wipeout Factor:

Just like last month’s article, on a big day, it can feel like ‘survival at sea’ stuff.  If it’s too windy, just wait a while, the weather round here usually changes every few hours.
In a big blow, it is not uncommon to have sets closing out the whole way across the bay to the island offshore. That’s well over a mile so you need to be a pretty confident sailor in these conditions and have a strong mast!

Instruction:

Not at this beach, but back at Marble Hill Windsurfing, near Dungfanaghy run by Richard Harshaw.[email protected] or phone +353 74 36231.

Kit Hire:

As above.

Friendly Factor:

If it’s windy you are likely to find someone to sail with and that will most probably be the ever young Kelly brothers from Letterkenny.

No Wind Alternatives:

If it’s windy you are likely to find someone to sail with and that will most probably be the ever young Kelly brothers from Letterkenny.

Facilities:

Accommodation:

B&B’s, Self Catering cottages & like most of Ireland camping in your van is no problem. Just don’t leave a mess and respect the locals.
Try www.donegalcottageholidays.com or www.donegaldirect.ieand www.goireland.com.

Local Hotshots:

Ben George and the The Kelly brothers (a.k.a Sopranos, Mafioso, ‘da-family’ etc..). They are big guys of Dunkerbeck-esque proportions. It’s no co-incidence that when it’s too cold or flat in Donegal, these guys also hang out at Pozo and are best mates with Bjorn, Vidar and the rest of the Pozo crew.

Local Knowledge / Secrets:

Go exploring and you will find even more perfect reef breaks and the most un-crowded waves you will ever see.  Even when it is unbelievably windy and big, there are also certain surf breaks that remain completely sheltered and are world class. Go find!

Extra:

Peter Hart has been running Masterclass Clinics here for years, which probably has something to do with the fine ales on tap, but most likely the great waves on offer.

How To Get There:

Fly into Belfast airport and drive to Letterkenny.  From there head west for about 30-40 minutes through Falcarragh and Gortahork and then you will first see the beach.
From Dublin, Letterkenny can be as short as two and a half hours driving through Monaghan and then Northern Ireland.

Report By:

Oisin Van Gelderen