That meant nothing to the surfers who live for the waves which batter this part of the coast. While the conditions weren't absolutely optimal for a major tow surfing competition, the Mully crew knew that come Monday there would be waves and amber light or not, they would be out there chasing huge barrels.

First out on Monday morning was the young UK pair of Lyndon Wake and Jayce Robinson. The 22 year olds have decamped to Ireland for the winter with the express aim of gaining experience in waves of consequence. After sitting through a month of wind and rain, the lads were ready.

"In the morning the wind was still onshore, but the swell wasn't as big as predicted and we wanted to get out there and have look," Wake told MSW. "We sat in the channel for a half hour and saw a few sets. It was still a legitimate 20 feet, and I ended up catching about six or so waves. The wind then slowly started to swing more offshore. By the time Jayce grabbed the rope it was looking good and he scored an absolute bomb."

Unfortunately for Robinson, he took a slightly wrong line, which at Mully with 20 feet of swell slabbing down a reef can prove disastrous. "Jayce got licked, and ended up snapping his tow board and dislocating his knee," continued Wake. "It was that type of drama filled day. Another ski went over the falls and was written off, there was some crazy wipeouts and some amazing waves."

With Jayce out of the water, and no spare drivers, Lyndon has to sit out the rest of the session out and join the crowd on the hill cheering on the gladiators. Inevitably Fergal Smith and Tom Lowe turned up and decided the waves didn't require jetski assistance.

"Tom Lowe and Fergal Smith actually paddled out there and fair play to them, they sat right on the peak and looked super comfortable. It was pretty impressive to watch," said Lyndon.

© Roo McCrudden