Bundorand, Ireland will host its first-ever JQS event. Photo: Tino Rischawy // Unsplash
The WSL just announced the first-ever Junior Qualifying Series in Ireland. The Wild Atlantic Way Junior Pro will take place in Bundoran, located on the Northwest coast of Ireland.
Europe’s top under-20 men and women will compete at the break known as “The Peak,” with Tullan Strand, and Strandhill as backup locations. The competition will take place from September 4-7 as part of the Salt Water Festival, which will also include other sports events, food experiences, film screenings, and a music trail. Alongside the main event, Strandhill will also host an “Expression Session” for contestants to take on the top Irish surfers.
“This is huge for Irish surfing and recognition of the quality of surf, the talent emerging in Ireland and the importance of surfing along the Wild Atlantic Way,” said Salt Water Festival co-organiser, Pete Craig.
“WSL Europe is very excited to be part of this new project,” added WSL Europe Tour Manager Rob Gunning. “For the first time we will be taking our athletes to Ireland and the exceptional quality waves of Bundoran. Adding such a stop to our European Junior Series is a great plus for the WSL and our members.”
Gunning continued, “The European Junior Pro Series is very important to the development of the future surfing stars of Ireland and Europe as a whole. I would like to thank the organizers, Failtes Ireland, Bundoran and all the event partners who have made this inaugural event possible. I am certain it will be a great show and a great platform to show the world the waves and surfing talent Ireland has to offer.”
