For over 15 years, Shane Young has been pushing the boundaries of sea kayaking along the wild and beautiful west coast of Ireland. After years of challenging expeditions—from crossing the Irish Sea to competing in the Devizes to Westminster race—he discovered a new passion: surf ski. Now, as the founder of the Connemara Surf Ski Weekend, Shane is on a mission to grow this exciting sport in Ireland, combining the adrenaline of surf ski racing with the stunning scenery of Connemara. In this interview, he shares his journey, the inspiration behind the event, and why Connemara is the perfect destination for surf ski enthusiasts.
Hi Shane, You’ve been kayaking for 15 years, primarily along the west coast of Ireland. Can you tell us how your passion for surf ski began?
Yes, I’ve been kayaking in sea kayaks for about 15 years, mostly on the west coast of Ireland. What really drives me are the longer, challenging expeditions that push me beyond my comfort zone. Over the years, I’ve crossed the Irish Sea in sea kayaks, participated in four 200km Devizes to Westminster races, and even embarked on an expedition to Greenland. After completing these adventures, I discovered the world of surf ski about three years ago, and it was a game-changer for me. The first time I took my new surf ski out, I was instantly hooked. The speed, especially in big conditions, is thrilling. It’s a whole new way to experience the ocean, and it’s incredibly enjoyable.
What is it about surf ski that keeps you coming back for more?
For me, it’s the combination of speed and challenge. I love being out on the water, and surfsking lets you really connect with the ocean in a unique way. It’s fast, and when you’re paddling in tough conditions, it tests you both mentally and physically. On top of that, I’ve found an amazing community within the sport. Even though I’m not the fastest paddler, the camaraderie and shared passion for the water are what make it so special. It’s a sport that just keeps pulling me back.
You run an adventure business in Connemara, Ireland. How did that influence your decision to start the Connemara Surf Ski Weekend?
That’s right, my day job is running an adventure business that offers activities like cycling tours and sporting events across Ireland. Since we already organize races and provide accommodation, setting up my own surf ski race seemed like a natural next step. It’s still a niche event—we had almost 20 participants in our second year—but it’s growing. My long-term dream is to host the European Championships in Connemara.
What motivates you to grow the sport of surf ski, especially among younger people?
I’ve always wanted to introduce more young people to surfsking. It’s an incredible way to connect with nature and the sea, and it’s perfect for people who love adventure. In Ireland, we tend to have a cautious relationship with the sea—we’re often a bit scared of it. But I think we should embrace it more, like the French do.
What can participants expect from the Connemara Surf Ski Weekend?
The weekend is all about building community. We encourage people to stay for the whole weekend, not just come for a day and leave. The real connections happen when everyone spends time together. Over two days, we organize a variety of activities: short races, longer races, and “come and try” sessions for those new to the sport. We also have peer paddling sessions where participants can share tips and experiences with each other.
How did this year’s race go? What were some of the highlights?
This year was pretty eventful! It started with flooding on Friday, but by Saturday, we had perfect conditions—Force 4/5 downwind winds, which made for a great race. The race itself was a 16km course, starting from a beach in Renvyle and finishing at our water site. We have showers, a slipway, and storage space for all the boats, which makes it comfortable for the participants.
One of the standout moments was having Alan Hunter come over from Scotland with his range of Carbonology surf skis. People got to try and buy new boats, which really helped grow the sport here in Ireland. Alan’s visit was memorable for more than just the boats though—his camper van roof was torn off by a storm on Sunday! Despite the wild weather, the race was fantastic. David Horkan won the race, fresh from coming 4th in the Masters at the World Championships in Madeira. It was also great to see young Sam Stevely from Scotland come in second, so we had an international podium.
What makes Connemara the perfect location for this event?
Connemara is an ideal spot for an international surf ski event. For one, we have everything in place—accommodation for up to 100 people, boat rentals, safety boats, and all the necessary equipment to run the event. Even in bad weather, we can still host a race thanks to the safety of the fjord. All participants really need to do is arrive in Connemara with their paddles, and we’ll take care of the rest.
The west of Ireland is also breathtaking, and the race gives participants a chance to experience that beauty. Plus, it’s a great excuse to spend a weekend in Galway! Next year, we’ll hold the event a bit earlier—the last weekend of September—so we’re expecting even more participants and an even bigger event.
Where can people stay connected with you and learn more about next year’s event?
We’re active on social media. You can follow us on Facebook at Killary Adventure and on Instagram at @killaryadventurecompany. We also have a WhatsApp group here for updates.
For more about our adventure company, visit Killary Adventure, and for our sporting events, check out Gaelforce Events. We also offer cycling and walking tours through Connemara Adventure Tours,
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