FOLLOW the RUGGED COAST
Windsurf|Issue 429 - November December 2023
Seeking to capture the essence of coastal exploration and the thrill of watersports, the Prolimit team missioned to Achill Island on Ireland's West Coast, for their 'Follow the Rugged Coast' mission to shoot their new winter range.
Linda van Lakwijk
FOLLOW the RUGGED COAST

MAGNETIC PULL

When our creative team delved into the next project, they were irresistibly drawn to Achill Island by its unique geographical position and undeniable natural beauty. The island’s proximity to the Gulf Stream made it the ideal location for capturing the essence of our next mission, with wild Atlantic waves crashing against rugged cliffs and pristine beaches – a perfect playground!

During winter, temperatures on Achill Island typically range from around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. The winter days are generally mild, but the strong coastal winds can make it feel a lot colder. The ocean currents play a big role on the weather patterns on Achill Island, with the North Atlantic Drift, a warm ocean current, bringing relatively mild temperatures. The North Atlantic Drift is an extension of the Gulf Stream, which transports tropical waters from the south to cooler European regions. This process engenders prevailing westerly winds, and understanding the dynamics of the Gulf Stream is crucial for accurate European weather forecasting.

MISSION START 

With all this knowledge in the back of our head, our trip to Achill Island began and we met up with Henri Kolberg at Dublin Airport, who had come all the way from Chile, where he had competed in the PWA event. From Dublin Airport it's a four-hour drive to Achill Island. You drive through the most remote places and pass only a few small villages along the way. We arrived late in the evening and were curious as to what the next morning would bring. We met with Sean Swift (Swiftie) from Pure Magic Watersports at Lynott's Pub, one of the smallest pubs in Ireland!

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