Expression Session, Rossnowlagh

The search is over. Over forty weather-beaten and windswept classmates, obviously not suffering from mid-life crisis, returned to the home of Irish surfing over the weekend.  Having spent the previous week charging through Ireland's west coast wintry waters. catching waves here and there, reminiscing over old times, they relived  that special bond that they shared over 40 years ago.

Barry, Willie and Brian Britton

Some looked in awe at each other as the surfari gathered in Lahinch. "Did you not have blonde hair?" or "I thought you were much taller" or God forbid, "I never realised you were that fat" were frequently heard remarks as the pints flowed and the guard went down! Perhaps a bit unfair as this bunch, all in their mid-fifties and upwards were as fit looking as many of half their age.

Gwyen Haslock, Linda Byrne and Brian Britton

What started off over a few pints between Brian Britton and Rocci Allen to bring back all the old guys, surf up the west coast evolved into a truly powerful and sentimental journey. It was a chance to revisit the past and savour the present. Brian put it very simply. "We just all wanted to get together again, share the memories and acknowledge the moment before we all keel over"

Grant Robinson and Roci Allen

With the popularity of Irish surfing today and all that goes worth it; the plethora of surf schools, the trendy multi-national surf labels, the SUV’s, all with roof racks-how has it all changed ? "Well, first of all, in those days we didn't have the transport enjoyed by everybody today. No opportunities to discover the many breaks that exist along the coast and then our boards were practically twice the size and weight of the modern board - it was much harder then but "the stoke" was still the same! " said Rocci Allen.  With over 50,000 now surfing the Irish waters, did they see a problem with overcrowding? "There is no doubt that the growth is unprecedented"  said one veteran but added;  "There is a wealth of breaks out there all along the Western seaboard and there should be room for everyone as long as respect is shown. To a great degree nature will take its course. The larger more difficult breaks will intimidate the beginner or learner and they will resort to the simpler beach break. It is all a matter of achieving the right balance"

Stan Burns and Kevin Naughton

 Kevin Naughton, legendry film maker of the "Far Shore" and renowned for his big wave surfing in the seventies sees many changes." There are a lot more people in the water here now.  I remember, as a kid, driving through Bundoarn back in the late 60's and seeing this perfect wave in the middle of the town, crying out to be surfed yet it was empty". Yesterday, I passed that same wave, now known as "The Peak" and there must have been about 20 guys out there. Obviously you guys have now taken to the water in a big way" he said;   "Personally my search for the solitary wave goes on but then, so does time. It’s a healthy lifestyle and as long as you guys show that respect, things look good. There's enough water around this island, so keep searching!"

With the success of this year's event, will we see yet another 'Silver Surfari' breaking on our beaches next year or in the not too distant future? " Definitely not in my time" said Brian Britton, 'This was a once off occasion and I don't think we could ever recapture this moment. The emotion felt standing on the beach in one big line with so many friends from the past was indescribable - this was a moment frozen in time. Memories flooded-I thought of my late father and friend Vinnie and how he would be chuckling, my family and how they have carried on the tradition and how life has treated me - I felt humble surrounded by such really great people and at the same time, very privileged".... he concluded.

Photos and Text by Matt Britton.