This Friday 5,000 music aficionados will descend on the sandy shores of Bundoran, Co Donegal, for the annual Sea Sessions surf and music festival. The festival, in it's 8th year, will play host to a wide range of indigenous and international acts such as Seasick Steve, Example, The Riptide Movement and Maverick Sabre.
But when not attending gigs, what’s there to do at Sea Sessions?
Beach Soccer
Football fans travelling to the festival can swap the pitch for the beach if they want to stretch the legs after a sleepless night in a crowded tent. The Beach Soccer Event, which is open to weekend ticket holders only, will see 16 teams compete over two days to be crowned champions of the tournament. The winners will be invited to the Barefoot Wine Bar for their presentation, pictures and prize money and hopefuls can register for the event at seasessions.com
Watch the wave-catchers
While there’s ample opportunity for punters to catch a few waves over the weekend, for the less energetic a spectating extravaganza awaits is an invitation-only surfing competition with some of the sport’s biggest names visiting the town.
The Quiksilver Expression Session is run over three days when the weather conditions are most optimal. Rather than being judged on their technical skills, participants are given two hours to perform the biggest single maneouvre possible. Last year Gearoid McDaid became the first Irishman to emerge victorious in the competition since it began, while two more native hopefuls, Aaran Reid and Steven Kilfeather will be flying the flag.
In a similar vein Sea Sessions also run a surf event for bodyboarders and amateur surfers. Hopeful bodyboarders will have two hours to showcase their best single technique while the Retro Surf event allows participants to only use old surfboard designs from the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Get your skates on
Skateboarding often goes hand-in-hand with surfing and this year will be no different. Following on from the success of last year’s skate jamboree, for the first time a 20ft mini ramp has been commissioned for the skating showcase. With action set to take place over the three days and nights of the festival, a BMX crew will take to the ramps in the “Lets Get High” prize for BMXers who boost the biggest airs.
Tag Rugby
A beach tag rugby competition over Saturday and Sunday will pit teams from across the country against each other. The competition is open to weekend ticket-holders only and the winning team will be invited to a reception at the Barefoot Wine Bar to receive their prizes.
Volleyball
Volleyball Ireland will once again bring a leg of their national tournament to the seaside resort. Running for it's sixth year, the beach volleyball competition is open to both beginners and experienced players to compete as a team or as individuals. Teams will be assigned to groups suitable to their level. For more information email info@volleyballireland.com
Ultimate Beach Frisbee
Back for a second year, the ultimate beach frisbee competition is described as a fun mix of rugby and frisbee. What started as a demonstration last year, this event is returning with a fully fledged competition. Organisers have penned it as a visually attractive and sometimes competitive battle while a huge interest has already been expressed from soon to be attendees. Register in advance through the Sea Sessions website to be guaranteed a place or hopefuls can register on the day with the events crew.
Donegal Equestrian Centre
Situated just over a mile from the festival site, the Donegal Equestian Centre can provide a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of the festival. The centre offers instructions for all levels of rider and has a wide range of horses and ponies for all ages and abilities. Horseback tours start from €35 for adults and advanced booking is recommended on the centre’s website.
To ensure you’re up to date with everything happening all weekend download the official Sea Sessions app for right-here right-now event news and information, the day-to-day line-up as well as updates on stage times during the event. The app for iPhone and Android handsets can be downloaded from seasessions.com or on the Google Play or iTunes store. The app will also provide surf reports and tides updates.
