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Surfing In Bundoran, Ireland

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Surfing In Bundoran

More than a few people thought I had lost my mind when I told them I was going surfing in Bundoran, Ireland. Since I live in California, they didn’t understand why I just wouldn’t surf at home… I live in Santa Barbara, and I’m only 10 minutes from Rincon.

Well first off, my attempts at surfing haven’t been too successful… That, however wasn’t the reason. I had better luck at Stand Up Paddling. It was going well, so I focused on that.

Just as I was getting confident, signs about a shark attack started appearing on the local beaches. A sea lion in the marina had become a meal for a shark!

Stay out of water shark attack by Julie Miche
California Beach…. Would you go in?

Uggghhh… That immediately put a halt on all my water activities. All I could think about was sharks! I was more than freaked out.

It’s one thing to be out there paddling among dolphins, quite another to be with something that thinks you are food. Since I had halted SUP, surfing wasn’t really topping my list of things to do in California!

Apparently, sharks like warmer water, and we’ve had a lot of it in California lately.

Ireland’s water is much colder, so when I came across a groupon special offered by Bundoran Surf Co. I jumped on it! This was my chance to surf!

Surfing in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Bundoran Surf Company

The Groupon Deal included lodging, breakfast, a surfboard, and a wetsuit. What a deal! I chose to upgrade to a private room for a small additional fee. It was quite large, and well worth it. I could have brought friends!

I arrived early evening in Bundoran. The Éireann Bus had taken the scenic route from Dublin, and I actually crossed into Northern Ireland. For awhile I thought I had taken the wrong bus!

After settling in, I headed to Maddens Bridge Bar for food. The fish and chips were really good, and the chocolate fudge cake is to die for! Get the chocolate cake if you go!

I grabbed a pint, and listened to a Trad Session before heading back to the surf lodge. I decided to call it an early night, so I could actually get up to surf in the morning. The 8 hour time difference was tough, and I had been starting my days in Ireland around 2:00 in the afternoon.

Morning was rough to say the least. I ate breakfast, drank lots of coffee, and then suited up in a damp wetsuit. Are they supposed to start out wet? Brrrrr…. I was cold, tired, and kind of grouchy. I am not a morning person.

After my cranky morning whining, I boarded the The Bundoran Surf Co. van heading to Tullan Strand, and with any luck would soon be surfing the Atlantic.

Getting reading to surf in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Heading down to the beach

Once on the beach, we stretched, and learned how to paddle while still on land. I was ready for the water! Next we did some swimming, and were taught how to get out of a riptide… Things you generally don’t think about, but really need to know. Thanks guys!

Time to grab the boards… The waves seemed to be coming from several different directions. It was a little overwhelming at first, but in a good way. It’s that moment when you realize the sheer power of the ocean, and how small you are in it. There is no time for fear, only respect for the environment that you are in.

Tullan Strand surfing by Julie Miche
Tullan Strand

I got on the board, up onto my knees, and promptly fell off. On my way down, I swallowed a mouthful of salt water. Holy good God! I was not expecting that. I regrouped, tried again, and kept my mouth shut. This time when I fell in, the water shot straight through my nose! And, I thought standing would be the hard part.

With the help of a really great instructor, and a lot of determination I stood up! Finally… Success! I don’t even know how it happened, but it was truly exhilarating, and I wanted more!
I managed to stand several more times before we headed back to lodge.

Bundoran, Ireland surfing
Paddling, Standing, My Instructor

Riding back in the van, everyone was sharing stories of their own challenges as well as the excitement of the moment they actually surfed! Once back at the lodge, we were treated to some much needed hot cocoa and cookies.

I’m not sure how much surfing I will do in the future, since it most likely would be in California… That is yet to be determined. I am, however, extremely grateful that I was able to surf in Bundoran, Ireland. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime.

Thank you Bundoran Surf Co. for an amazing experience. You guys are awesome! I just might have to come back!

surfing in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Thanks Bundoran Surf Co.!

Check out Things To Do In Bundoran, Ireland

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Filed Under: Bundoran, Ireland Tagged With: Bundoran Surf Co, CA, Donegal, Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Maddens Bridge Bar, Rincon, Santa Barbara, Surf Lessons, Surf Lodge, Surfer, Surfing, Surfing in Bundoran, Things to do in Bundoran, Tullan Strand, Wanderlust, What to do in Bundoran, Wild Atlantic Way

Rincon Surfing

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Rincon Surfing in Carpinteria, CA

Today was one of those days I just had to go to the beach.  I headed out to Carpinteria to photograph some Rincon surfers.  Sometimes, you just need to be out in nature!

Rincon Surfing, Carpinteria California, Santa Barbara, Surf, Travel, Vacation by Julie Miche

“Surfing”

 

Rincon Surfing, Carpinteria California, Santa Barbara, Surf, Travel, Vacation by Julie Miche

“Splash”

 

Rincon Surfing, Carpinteria California, Santa Barbara, Surf, Travel, Vacation by Julie Miche

“Balance”



















Filed Under: Santa Barbara Tagged With: 365 Photography Challenge, Beach, California Tourism, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, ocean, Santa Barbara Photographer, surf, Surfer, Tourism in California, Ventura

Rincon Surfers and a Lensbaby

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Photographing Surfers with a Lensbaby at Rincon

Rincon is one of the best places to photograph surfers… And, surf too!  It’s also just a great day trip, and not very far from Santa Barbara. I decided to bring out my Lensbaby, which has quickly become my favorite lens to use at Rincon. The Lensbaby is the perfect lens for playing with the motion of the water, and photographing the surfers out at Rincon.

Manipulated Reality is supported by readers. Product links on Manipulated Reality are referral links for things I like & believe you will too! Read more here.

Rincon Surfers, Ventura CA, Day Trip, Travel, Ocean, Santa Barbara Day Trip, Surfing at Rincon by Julie Miche
Waiting For A Wave
Rincon Surfers and a Lensbaby
Surfer Going In
Rincon Surfers and a Lensbaby
Rincon Surfers
Rincon Surfers, Ventura CA, Day Trip, Travel, Ocean, Santa Barbara Day Trip, Surfing at Rincon by Julie Miche
Surfing Rincon

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Filed Under: Lensbaby, Santa Barbara, Surfers Tagged With: Beach, big waves, CA, California Tourism, Carpinteria, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Lensbaby, Lensbaby Composer, lensbaby double optic, Rincon Beach, Rincon Surfers, Santa Barbara Photographer, Silhouette, Surfer, Surfing, Tourism in California

Venice Beach Day Trip

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Day Trip to Venice Beach, CA

When my friends suggested a day trip to Venice Beach, I couldn’t resist.  It had been several years since I had last been there, so I packed up the Lensbaby and headed out. Venice Beach is a visual paradise, with no shortage of characters.

We started our day on the boardwalk.  With so many shops, restaurants, and things to check out, you can wander for hours.  And, it’s definitely a great place to people watch!

Next it was time to hit the beach, and bust out the surfboards.  The waves weren’t huge, but they were big enough for the kids.

We finished our day with a Margherita Pizza and Beer at Danny’s on Windward Avenue.  Yum! What a perfect way to end a super fun day!

Manipulated Reality is supported by readers. Product links on Manipulated Reality are referral links for things I like & believe you will too! Read more here.

Travel, Venice Beach Day Trip, Day Trip from Santa Barbara, Venice Beach Artist
Venice Beach Artist
Venice Beach Day Trip, Venice Beach CA, travel California, Day trips from Santa Barbara, Venice Beach Art
Venice Beach Art Mural
Travel, Venice Beach boardwalk, Venice Beach Day Trip, Venice Beach Ca, Day trip from Santa Barbara California
Dancing with the Devil, Venice Beach
 Day Trips from Santa Barbara
Venice Beach Wall Graffiti Wall
Beach day trip
Venice Beach Surfer

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Filed Under: Lensbaby, Venice Beach Tagged With: Beach, Julie Plevak, Lensbaby, Santa Barbara Photographer, Surfer, travel, Venice Beach, Venice Beach Art, Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice Beach Day Trip

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