This article is from page 8 of the 2007-08-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
IT WAS Spm before the panic set in. Watched by almost 1,000 eager spec- tators from the Lahinch Promenade, 250 surfers had tried in vain for two hours to once again make history. To prove that lightning can indeed strike twice.
But the Atlantic Ocean can be an unpredictable master. From mid-af-
ternoon the swell had steadily grown, the waves were messy, strong and un- predictable, and the troop of young surfers stood little chance.
After a short respite to rest their tired limbs, 60 surfers re-entered the water for one last attempt. Three quarters of an hour later they returned to dry land – no longer mere surfers, they were now surfing heroes, World Record Holders.
‘The swell was almost too strong, we tried for more than an hour with about 250 surfers but we had to call them in and try again with just 60. The waves were breaking in sections and it was very difficult to get all of the surfers on the one wave,” said co- organised Brian Nevin.
“We tried again and because the tide was further in the waves were much cleaner and easier to ride. At
the third attempt we managed to break the record.”
Just before 5.45pm on Saturday, 49 surfers managed to ride the same wave for more than five seconds. Just four more than last years attempt but good enough for the Guinness Book of World Records, good enough for aes
“We are all so excited about it. It’s a really fun event, open to every level of surfer and it has really put Lahinch on the map. It has grabbed people at- tention all over the world. A lot of different challenges have now been laid down in other locations so it all bodes well for next year’s event,’ continued Brian.
“We are looking at building the world record attempt into a whole weekend event for next year. I mean, there was 700 or 800 people on the the prom and more than 250 in the water on Saturday.
“We are also looking at putting a charity element in for next year. Maybe do the world record on the Saturday and have a different charity event on Sunday.
“This can only help Lahinch, there is also the serious surfing event hap- pening at the Cois Farraige in Kilkee next month, but this was more of a bit fun event. It was great.”
Anyone who registered to take part in the world record attempt can col- lect their official certificates from the Lahinch Surf School by checking out www.lahinchsurfschool.com.