Around 250 young surfers from 20 countries are competing in Bundoran, Co Donegal, as the Euro Surf Junior Championships bring 10 days of international competition to Ireland’s northwest coast.
The championships, running from 24 September to 4 October, feature more than 237 heats across Under-18 and Under-16 divisions, with seven European titles at stake.
The event brings some of Europe’s leading junior surfing talent to the Donegal venue, with competitors accompanied by coaches, support teams and families.
European championship surfing returns to Bundoran
Bundoran has a long association with international surfing competition and has previously hosted the European Surfing Championships. The Donegal town’s standing as a surfing centre has also featured regularly in Afloat’s surfing coverage, with its Atlantic coastline and breaks attracting surfers from Ireland and overseas. Organisers expect around 10,000 visitors over the 10 days of the championships. The competition coincides with Bundoran’s Saltwater Festival, which includes a wider programme of music, film, wellness, art and local food celebrating the town’s coastal culture.
Atlantic coast showcase
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is among the sponsors of this year’s championships. Rory McMorrow of ATU Sport said the event highlights the sporting environment along Ireland’s Atlantic coast and provides an opportunity to welcome young athletes, teams and supporters from across Europe to Donegal. “This event highlights the exceptional sporting environment that exists along the Atlantic coast and provides an invaluable opportunity to welcome young athletes, teams and supporters from across Europe to Donegal,” he said. “We are proud to support an event that promotes participation, performance and community while celebrating our region’s connection with outdoor sport.” Bundoran’s surfing reputation stretches back decades.
Afloat previously reported on the Donegal town’s international recognition as a surfing destination, while the town also hosted Eurosurf in 2011. The Euro Surf Junior Championships continue in Bundoran until Sunday, 4 October.
