A Donegal surfer, named after a famous west coast break, has joined the surfing elite after receiving international surfing’s most prestigious honour.
Easkey Britton, whose father and uncles pioneered surfing in Ireland, has made history after being nominated for the Billabong XXL Women’s Performance of the Year Award.
“An Irish woman has never been nominated before and I am the only woman representing Europe.
“Only a handful of women in the world are considered for this big-wave award,” explained a delighted Easkey, from Rossnowlagh.
The Big Wave Awards have also recognised Ireland’s north west coast as a premium surfing location.
“”We all know about the waves off the Donegal coast this year, they have been absolutely world class and are really catching the attention of the world media.
“In particular the waves off Mullaghmore have offered surfers the opportunity to surf waves that they would normally find in some of the more remote corners of the world,” she explained.
Easkey was captured in action by a surf photographer at the recent Billabong sponsored Tow-in Surf Session off Mullaghmore Head completing a “20 ft plus roaring barrel” and could now go on to win the ultimate XXL title.
The award is decided by a panel of judges based on the wave ridden with the most power, size and commitment.
“It’s great to be representing Ireland on a global stage and to represent women in the big wave world in what is perceived as a male dominated hard-core environment,” she said.
She is now part of an elite group of women from all over the globe chosen by Billabong.
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