Who surfs Ireland's big waves with more gusto, Spanish kid or adored world champ?
Recent footage has emerged of Natxo Gonzalez, a young charger famous for beating the world’s best big-wave pros at heavy Punta de los Lobos when he was just 17, surfing the same Irish slabs that inspired Mick to return to professional surfing.
Who does it better?
Oh let’s examine!
For starters, they both make the same mistake at the same spot — 1.59 (Natxo) and 2.35 (Mick).
Aileens, as the wave is called, looks as if it’s going to let them out, they relax, then right on cue the end section turns into a guillotine.
In terms of makes Natxo comes off best, getting significantly deeper than Mick who, after his initial fall, surfs as though he were at The Cave (the infamous Portuguese barrel that even Kelly can’t get deep at).
However, Natxo continues to flirt, eventually getting spat out of a few just as deep as his wipeout. Mick then surfs a glassy, mini version of Mullaghmore, which I find infinitely more appealing (but far less impressive) than Natxo’s XL antics at Ireland’s premiere big wave.
My favorite part is when Mick talks about how how stressful it is to book accommodation. Closely followed by the realisation that Natxo and his pals would’ve scored almost the exact same waves if they’d just stayed at home (see Rona Puta and Mundaka).
But enough about me, who did you prefer?
Is it easier to get deep backside or frontside? A
And when are we going to see Filipe or John land a full rotor at Aileens?
amen
If anyone has been to Mully they know that Natxo wins just for paddling out.
5mm, sir. 6mm is for the tourists.
Do they make 7mil?
Nah, you wear your summer rubber under your winter rubber for that level of immobility.
One crew do but you do not need that anywhere … well, maybe great lakes.
Heavy. Natxo has a much cooler name though for the win
Natxo smashed it. Although I appreciate the half-hearted turn from MF at 3:04.
I hadn’t seen the Fanning clip before.
I found it delicious he was describing a dream entailing his desire to escape cameras and attention while a drone slowly but surely advanced on him on a deserted cliff top and then every wave was captured by drone, land and water cameras.
No love for blue water?
Water is clear
Boothy are you the new Mike?
You filthy cunt, get back in your cell.
eh?
the avatar…. sorry, I wasn’t paying attention Gobbler.
People have compared our “thinly veiled superiority” and “insecure placement of self”, but my muscular skeletal injury is at least 6 months ahead of his and I’m substantially taller. And I’m taking any comparisons to his writing as a complement!
My home country is calling! Epic stuff! Minus the neck breaking wipeouts and wetsuit gloves and hoods. I do like booties though. You could say that I’m a bootie man.
I like what you did there JB, comparing a euro big wave pro with a wsl champ, drilling right down to a wave-for-wave unforced error they both made. That shows you know what you’re talking about, have a keen eye and have watched a shitload of clips.
Natxo on another level to MF in those conditions.
And the glass ceiling on paddling Mully has just been smashed. Best paddle big wave in the world now.
Jaws would like a quiet word in the carpark Mr Worm.
Filipe would die in Ireland – too cold, John prob not far off hypothermia either.
Liked the glassy perfection of Micks piece – loved the charging of Natxo!!!
Natxo dun good. Enjoyed the recent vid with Ramón Navarro in Rapa Nui too. Briefly made me wish I was goofy.
Wow what a concept for an article wow
infinite content
That wave that Patch Wilson stuffed himself into nonchalantly was mental.
Does an Aussie with chattering teeth in a blisteringly cold Aileens line-up sound like an Irishman?