Home » Cool Area » Dropping In » Al Mennie

We got wind of an Irish duo travelling to the US to surf some incredible bigsurf conditions at Mavericks.  Turns out that vid is now in with a chance in the Billabong XXL wave awards.

 

Chomping at the bit, we couldn`t wait to get in touch with Al Mennie, from Northern Ireland.  He and his tow in partner Cotty have clocked up some seriously big wave rides over the past few years, and are a force to be reckoned with on the world tow in surfing scene.  Over to you Al...

 

 

 

Who are you? 
Alastair Mennie

 

Where are you from? 
Causeway Coast

 

Where are you based?
Portrush

 

How many years are you surfing?
20

 

Where did you learn to surf?
Castlerock, couldn`t get my wee arm round the board so my Dad had to carry it for me.  Mum made me wear a life jacket on my first day too. 

 

If you pulled up to a beach and there was surf, but there was another beach a half hour drive away, would you go surfing or drive on despite losing another hour water time for the sake of driving?
I`d probably get in at first beach.  I`ve never been up for the goose chase to be honest.  I might look at a couple of beaches close

by, but generally don`t go too far if there`s surf where I first go.

 

 

How many years are you tow surfing?
This is my 6th

 

Why did you get into tow surfing?
Cos I saw potential in this country beyond paddle size surf.  I had been surfing a lot of big waves paddling, but the waves I was

seeing at times were beyond paddle power so I went down the route of tow surfing so as to be able to surf the monster days when they do come.

 

Tell us about your board quiver (size/shape/weight/shaper/etc).
I have boards ranging from 5`10 to 10`0.  This includes tow boards in the 6`0 range right through to Maverick Guns at 10`0 and

everything in between.  I also have a 9`8" Starboard SUP.

 

Favourite Surf spot?
Mullaghmore Head.  I love the rawness out there, feels really wild, evil, powerful and menacing, yet perfect.

 

Favourite Surfing move?
Just paddling into a bomb

 

 

Ever Kitesurfed? Windsurfed? SUPped? Kayaked?
I have only supped.  Starboard sorted me out with a board and paddle.  I`ve been doing it for about a year now using my mates boards but since starboard hooked me up with a nice 9`8 I`ve been doing it loads.  I used to think it looked kinda lame but I find it really relaxing and when theres surf.  It feels like being a beginner again cos its really fun.

 

Favourite Surf Video?
Monster Mavericks, inspired me at the age of 13.

 

Most Memorable Watersports Moment?
Dec 1st 2007.  Biggest recorded swell ever recorded in Irish seas.  4 of us tow surfed it at Mullaghmore Head.  60ft range.  Best

session I ever had.

 

Most WORST Memorable Watersports Moment?
The jet ski incident at Mullaghmore - if you don`t know what I`m talking about watch our video `Driven`.

 

Most surfers get hold-downs.  How do you deal with it especially on the BIGSURF?
I think I have just got used to it.  Often not knowing is the worst feeling.  I have been through the mill a few times now and I

kinda know what to expect.  That`s not to say it becomes less dangerous, it just helps to know how long you could be down for or how violent it may be down there.  I have had wetsuits and impact vests burst open with the violence underwater.

 

 

Do you get scared?
Yeah, I believe fear is always there when you are pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.

 

What are your watersports goals for the rest of 2009 and into 2010?
I have had a quiet winter with not too many swells and a bit of injury.  I broke ribs and now I have injured my knee and foot.  My

tow partner, Andrew Cotton, is also injured with a knee problem.  In terms of goals, it very hard to set goals in big surf because we are governed by what Mother Nature throws up.

 

 

If you did not surf, what would you be doing?
I`m not sure, surfing has been at the centre of my life since I was 9.  It`s something I can`t ever see not being there in some form.

 If I didnt pursue surfing maybe it would have been rugby or maybe swimming.

 

Who are your sponsors?
Property Orchard, West, Rosy Surfboards, Starboard SUP, Extreme Nutrition, Gecko

 

 

Thanks Al.  We`re stoked we were able to hook up with you.

Keep track of Al`s progress on his website, by clciking HERE.