Former Irish Champion and Pro Surfer John McCarthy of Lahinch Surf School is one of Ireland’s most experienced Irish Surfing Association qualified surf coaches.

Lahinch Surf School is based at the beach hut on Lahinch promenade on the west coast of Ireland and provides a safe, relaxed and affordable introduction to the exhilarating sport of surfing.
The two-mile long beach in Lahinch with its variety of breaks caters for novice, intermediate and experienced surfers. Five miles further south you will find Spanish Point, another perfect surfing beach. Both are some of the best places in Europe to learn surfing with the advantage of the slower rolling Atlantic waves.

Below for Madforsport.com, John goes through some essential information that you should know about Surfing:

1. Ensure that the surfing school that you go to has ISA qualified surf instructors. The Irish Surfing Association is the governing body for surfing in the 32 counties of Ireland. There is a list of surf schools and surf clubs on their website isasurf.ie
2. Surfing equipment can be expensive. Do not buy surfing equipment until you have taken a few lessons and are sure that this is the sport for you
3. Get a wetsuit that is a snug fit…too big and you’ll freeze.
4. Don’t get a board too small or you won’t be able to stand. (Plus, long beginners boards sell easily)
5. Don’t turn up and hire gear when you don’t know what you’re doing. Get a lesson at the start from ISA qualified instructors.
6. Check the weather and tides before you go out. The weather can change quickly
7. Make sure that the beach is safe for surfing
8. Check for rip currents, do your research ask a local about the beach
9. Do not attempt surfing unless you can swim and never surf alone
10. If you get caught in a rip do not try to paddle against it, paddle across it.
11. If you find yourself in difficulty it is important to stay calm and always stay with your board.
12. Make sure your leash is in good order
13. Always wear waterproof sunblock winter and summer and ear plugs to protect your ears
14. An ISA approved surf school will teach you the rules of the surfing and etiquette along with water safety tips