Thanks to the boom in cold water surfing, recent years have seen an increase in surfers, body-boarders and canoe surfers at Pollan Strand. Facing the Atlantic head on, there are big waves most of the year. However, the same Atlantic-facing aspect also means that the strand is subject to prevailing onshore north-west winds for most of the year. Therefore, wave quality is good at Ballyliffin but sheltered spots are available in south Donegal and on the Causeway coast.

Despite the number of water users, Ballyliffin is best suited for advanced surfers and is not recommended for beginners, because it holds several rip systems which are regionally renowned but are much understood. At the south end of the carpark, one rip system makes its way along the coast while beyond the reefs, 200 yards further up the main strand, another massive rip current demands the skills of advanced users only.

In the heart of winter, Ballyliffin holds some of the most photogenic sights a surfer could wish for as tumultuous waves crash in, some the size of houses. Many sightings of porpoise, basking shark and occasional sun fish and orca have been reported from Pollan Bay over the years, adding to the excitement of the world of surfing.

Please see http://www.inishowensurfschool.com/ for further details.