Irish National Surfing Championships back in Portrush after lengthy absence

Ireland’s best surfers will descend on the Causeway Coast this weekend as national titles go up for grabs across multiple disciplines.

The Irish National Surfing Championships return to Portrush on the Saturday and Sunday (October 31- November 1), bringing one of the biggest events on the Irish surfing calendar back to the Causeway Coast for the first time in 12 years.

The prestigious competition is expected to attract some of the country's finest male and female surfers, all battling it out for the coveted title of Irish National Champion across a range of disciplines, including shortboard surfing, bodyboarding, longboarding, kneeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

Competitors will travel from across Ireland, with surfers expected from Waterford, Clare, Sligo, Kerry, Donegal and, of course, host county Antrim, as the country's best riders compete for national honours.

Local favourite aiming to bring the title home

Among the local competitors attracting attention will be Martin Kelly of Portrush Surf School.

A multiple Irish title winner and current Irish Kelly will be hoping to use his local knowledge and home-water advantage to mount a serious challenge for the national crown.

With the championships returning to Portrush after more than a decade away, there will be added incentive for local surfers to put on a show in front of their home crowd and keep the titles on the Causeway Coast.

Kelly, a long-established figure in Northern Ireland's surfing community, will be one to watch as the competition unfolds, with local supporters hoping to see one of their own emerge victorious.

European champions among the competitors

The event will also feature some of the biggest names in Irish surfing, including current European Men's Champion Gearóid McDaid from Sligo.

McDaid's presence adds further excitement to an already highly anticipated competition, while European Junior No. 2 Josh Karbus is another name expected to draw attention as the next generation of surfing talent takes to the water.

With national titles on the line across multiple disciplines, the championships promise a weekend of high-level competition, with surfers required to demonstrate skill, timing and wave selection in the often challenging conditions of the North Coast.

Portrush back in the spotlight

The competition is expected to take place at either East Strand or West Strand in Portrush, with the final venue dependent on conditions and event arrangements.

“The return of the national championships represents a major moment for the local surfing community, highlighting Portrush's long-standing connection with the sport and its reputation as one of Northern Ireland's best-known surfing destinations,” said a spokesperson for the organisers.

“For local businesses and surf enthusiasts alike, the event offers an opportunity to welcome competitors and spectators from across the country while showcasing the Causeway Coast's surfing heritage.

“With Ireland's best surfers converging on Portrush, national titles up for grabs and local favourites chasing glory on home shores, all eyes will be on the waves next weekend.

“After 12 years away, the Irish National Surfing Championships are back in Portrush — and the battle to be crowned Ireland's best is about to begin.”