Photo: Aquashot.com
Benjamin Sanchis (FR) at Mullaghmore Head

I've never surfed Mavericks - never would. I have watched a lot of footy from Mavericks, though, and it is no doubt the undisputed king of big wave spots with incredible force and power. Cold water, foreboding currents, sharks, rocks, and the ever watchful eyes of surf media also add to the danger. Other big wave spots exist of course - Jaws, Waimea, Todos, Teahuppo, Shipsterns, Punta De Lobos, Dungeons, Cortes Bank and so on. These all can host the biggest wave in the world on any given day, yet few have the multitude of factors that make it as dangerous - or as infamous as Mavericks.

Well now there's another to add to the list, and perhaps one that can even challenge Mavericks for the overall title of King of Gnar.

On the west coast of Ireland, known for years as a home of great surf, there exists a big wave spot worthy of the hype - Mullaghmore Head in Country, Sligo. Having just recently hosted the Billabong Big Wave Invitational, Mullaghmore has left no doubt it can play with big boys. Sweeping currents, high winds, deep water, cold water and jagged rocks all make it seem to be the Mavericks of Europe.

Time will tell if Mullaghmore will create so many legends as its North American cousin, in the meantime check the video and behold.

More photos...

Mullaghmore Head "Tow in Surf Session" from Mully Productions on Vimeo.