Kitesurfing on Bull Island is still a bit of a novelty – people are more used to boy racers practising “donuts” on the beach or cars getting reclaimed by the incoming tide (a time-honored spectator sport on Dollymount Strand). Up until a few years ago two or three kitesurfers were considered a crowd here. Today the beach is busy with the fast, furiously fighting for balance between gusts, waves and their sense of equilibrium.
For novices: Kitesurfing combines a giant, flexible, steerable kite (a sort of flying mattress) with a surfboard. And a wetsuit if you want to avoid hypothermia. In stronger winds it can also become an interesting and involuntary version of paragliding. Which means you should take a course – if they teach you nothing at all, at least they’ll teach you how to deflate your kite and stop.
Bull Island is ideal for kitesurfing, but keep away from the bathing areas and respect the wildlife sanctuary. And remember that the water can be very shallow.
Further Information:
Surf to the main kitesurfing website for Ireland for some general information and a list of beaches and instructors. Based near Dollymount Strand are Pure Magic, they run courses most of the year.
