Aileen’s, the perfect wave break at the base of the Cliffs of Moher that exploded on to the world’s surfing radar in recent years, now has a new rival as Ireland’s most spectacular surf spot.

The latest wave, dubbed “Prowlers” by the hardy crew of Irish, British and South African surfers who first ventured out on it yesterday, breaks on an undersea reef about 2km (1.2 miles) off the west coast. While they are refusing to disclose its exact location, the surfers, including Andrew Cotton, reveal they have been waiting five years for the type of conditions required to surf it.

These materialised when the massive swell generated by Hurricane Tomas slammed into Ireland yesterday, creating intensely heavy, tubing waves with 12-15m (40-50ft) faces.