BUNDORAN, Donegal, Ireland (Thursday, May 8, 2025) - The World Surf League (WSL) is excited to announce the Wild Atlantic Way Junior Pro as the first-ever WSL Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) in Bundoran, on the Northwest coast of Ireland. The four-day competition will take place at the iconic wave "The Peak" from 4-7 September 2025 as part of the Salt Water Festival.
Europe's top under-20 men and women will head to Bundoran, where Ireland's coastline will serve as the next stage for young surfing talents, further strengthening the country's reputation on the global surfing scene.
"This is huge for Irish surfing and recognition of the quality of surf, the talent emerging in Ireland and the importance of surfing along the Wild Atlantic Way," said Salt Water Festival co-organiser, Pete Craig.
The main competition will be held at the iconic wave "The Peak" in Bundoran, with Tullan Strand, and Strandhill designated as backup locations.
"WSL Europe are very excited to be part of this new project," said Rob Gunning, WSL Europe Tour Manager. "For the first time we will be taking our athletes to Ireland and the exceptional quality waves of Bundoran. Adding such a stop to our European Junior Series is a great plus for the WSL and our members."
"The European Junior Pro Series is very important to the development of the future surfing stars of Ireland and Europe as a whole. I would like to thank the organizers, Failtes Ireland, Bundoran and all the event partners who have made this inaugural event possible. I am certain it will be a great show and a great platform to show the world the waves and surfing talent Ireland has to offer," said Gunning.
The Salt Water Festival will celebrate coastal life with a diverse lineup of beach sports events, food experiences, film screenings, and a music trail, offering an unforgettable experience for all.
Over the course of the weekend, Strandhill will also see the "Expression Session" surf event for all contestants to take on the top Irish surfers, creating a unique opportunity for local up-and-coming stars to take on some of Europe's best.
The same weekend will also see the European Surf Ski Championships held in Easkey Co Sligo with over 100 competitors from across Europe battling it out on another of the region's iconic waves.
In Rossnowlagh, the Liquid Therapy Open Day will see Liquid Therapy, the award winning charity, welcoming surfers with special needs into the Atlantic waters, celebrating diversity and inclusivity in surfing.
Entries are now open for the Wild Atlantic Way Junior Pro, which will run from 4-7 September 2025.
The Wild Atlantic Way Junior Pro is proudly supported by Failte Ireland, Donegal County Council, the Wild Atlantic Way, and Monster Energy.