#IRISHICEBOX 2025: mystery edition
Surf, Schabernack and Surprises
Ready to trade routine for cold water surfing and a little taste of the unknown? Join us this November for #IrishIcebox—a 7-day surf holiday to our favourite D-Place in Northwest Irleand.
Guided by local surf coach Duncan, this trip blends daily surf coaching with spontaneous adventures and a touch of mystery. Expect one focused surf session each day, some free time to explore or relax, and unexpected twists that keep the stoke high.
Small crew, big adventures
Crack Open the Icebox – Join Us in Ireland!
Secure your spot and join our small crew for a week of surfing and Schabernack on Ireland’s wild west coast.
Trip Overview
16/11 – 23/11/2025
max. 6 travelers
Dublin Airport (Ireland)
daily breakfast & dinner
7 nights accomodation
daily surf coaching & equipment
all transfer during the trip (except flights)
fun activities & mystery surfday
goodie bag, surf photos & work book
Who's this for?
For Surfers Who Love Cold Water and Good Times
#IrishIcebox is for surfers who thrive in colder waters, like a challenge and enjoy a bit of mystery.
This trip is designed for intermediate surfers who are confident paddling out and catching unbroken waves independently.
We’ll be a small, dynamic group—six surfers max—sharing not only the waves but also the excitement of discovering what’s around the corner.
Whether it’s paddling out into unknown waves, learning new techniques, or just sharing a post-surf coffee and a laugh, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded surfers who love the ocean and know that a good time isn’t always about perfect waves.
#IrishIcebox creates a fun, supportive atmosphere where progression, stoke, and a bit of Schabernack go hand in hand.
If you’re looking to push your limits, refine your surf skills, and be within a stoked group, this trip is for you.
The Magic of Ireland’s Wild West Coast
Ireland offers world-class waves, especially in winter. Hit by north/west swells from the North Atlantic, it can get huge! But don’t worry: the rugged landscapes provide a lot of beach and reef breaks which are sheltered from big swells and wind. A promising prospect for a week of everyday quality surf!
Cold water and outside temperatures keep away most of the holiday surfers, allowing for empty line-ups surrounded by mountains, green grass and wild cliffs. Doesn`t get much better than this!
About Ireland
Ireland is a rugged island on the edge of Europe, where green fields, wild cliffs, and endless waves meet. A land shaped by ancient myths, Celtic culture, and a deep connection to nature.
You’ll hear English and Irish spoken, and the locals are known for their warm hospitality, dry humor, and love of a good chat. The pubs are cozy, the music flows freely, and the weather changes by the hour—so always pack an extra layer.
Ireland runs on euros, tea, and plenty of potatoes, but it’s the ever-changing coastline and the raw beauty of the Atlantic that make it a surfer’s paradise. There’s something special about catching waves with mountains behind you and the wind in your face.
Direct flights connect major European cities to Ireland, and no visa is needed for EU citizens. So grab your wetsuit, pack your stoke, and get ready to experience Ireland’s wild side with #IrishIcebox.
Ireland's waves
November is a prime time for surfing in Ireland. The North Atlantic comes alive in autumn, sending powerful swells straight to Ireland’s rugged west coast. With consistent north and west swell directions, the waves light up a variety of beach, reef, and point breaks—some offering shelter, others delivering raw energy.
Wave size in November ranges from chest-high to well overhead, depending on the spot and conditions. Thanks to the diverse coastline, there’s usually a wave to suit your mood—whether you’re after long walls or a punchy beach break.
The water is chilly, hovering around 10°C, so bring your 5/4 wetsuit, boots, gloves, and a good attitude. Mornings often bring lighter winds and cleaner conditions—perfect for surf coaching and plenty of time in the water before the weather shifts.
Ireland’s surf is wild, raw, and beautiful—just like the landscape. November offers the perfect mix of empty line-ups, consistent swells, and that special feeling of sharing waves in a rugged, remote setting.
Ireland's climate
If you’re into wild skies, salty spray, and that bracing, fresh-air feeling, November is a special time to surf in Ireland. The weather is classic autumn on the Atlantic—unpredictable, moody, and full of drama. Expect a mix of grey skies, scattered showers, and moments of golden sunlight breaking through the clouds.
Air temperatures hover around 8–12°C, so you’ll want warm layers for when you’re not in the water. The ocean? Chilly but surfable, at around 10°C—perfect for a solid wetsuit and the cozy post-surf feeling of peeling it off with a hot drink in hand.
Humidity? Low. Winds? Changeable, with mornings often the best for clean waves. And rain? It’s Ireland—you’ll probably see some, but that’s part of the charm. The moody weather keeps the crowds away and the line-ups quiet.
It’s the kind of climate that makes you feel alive, connected to the elements, and stoked to jump in and chase waves—no matter the forecast.
Conscious Surftravel
We love to travel around the globe chasing waves. Who doesn't? At the same time we are aware of the impacts surftravels causes. Adapting to the methods of sustainable tourism is the only way for us to operate. Therefore we strive for economical, socio-cultural and environmental sustainabilities in all our surftrip operations.
How does it work? It means, that we deliberately work with local surfschools & partners and travel in off-seasons to leave economic benefit in the hosting community. It means, that we look for socio-cultural exchange and carefully integrate our surfteam by being open, showing respect and participating in local events. It means, that we leave any location in a better state than how we have found have it.
We know that tree-planting or offsetting alone doesn’t erase the impact of travel. So instead of just balancing emissions, we want to create real, local value. That’s why we invite you to take a closer look at our Environmental Policy and support our non-profit partner NOMB Changes. They work on ocean education, community projects and environmental action, right where we surf.
Daily Surf Coaching Overview
Surf coaching 100% tailored to you
Let’s be real: no two surfers are the same.
That’s why this isn’t a “line up and copy me” kind of surf coaching.
It’s all about personal progression and celebrating every little win along the way.
Expect:
Personalized coaching plan
1:1 feedback in the water (2 surf coaches for 6 students)
Video analysis & feedback
Surf theory and drills
Support with mindset blocks or fears
Paddling into better waves – with more confidence
You’ll be coached by Angie (ISA Level II + certified lifeguard + ocean whisperer) and Duncan, our local guide and excellent surf coach. And you never know, maybe there will also be a mystery surfcoach visit 😉
Minimum surf level
This surftrip to Ireland is open to all experienced intermediate surfers and up (surf level 3–4).
You don’t need to rip – just bring a solid foundation and a willingness to learn. This trip is all about building skills, gaining confidence, and having a blast with a supportive crew.
To get the most out of the experience, you should:
Be able to catch unbroken waves & surf along the waves face
Feel comfortable in the ocean and able to swim confidently
Be open to coaching, feedback, and a bit of healthy challenge
There's more to our trip than surfing
This isn’t a bootcamp, it´s a surf holiday in Ireland. Which means:
- Time to explore the wild coast and chase rainbows
- Pub nights with local music and a cozy fire
- Storm watching and scenic drives
- Hearty vegan/vegetarian meals made from local produce, hot tea, and sweet treats
- Sharing stories, silly games, and laughs that warm you from the inside out
Trip Accomodation & Food
Sleep well, eat well
Welcome to James’ Palace, our quirky, cozy Irish home tucked away in a quiet spot near the coast. It’s a typical Irish house—full of character, a little bit cranky, with ocean (and rainbow) view and run by the most wonderful host, James.
You’ll share a room with another surfer (unless you book a single room), and the vibe is all about feeling at home: warm, welcoming, and filled with good company. Chilling in front of the fireplace is included.
Good food is key to keeping your energy up and your stoke high. On #IrishIcebox, you’ll enjoy daily breakfast and dinner prepared by Chef Ray—nourishing, plant-based/vegetarin meals that fuel your surfing and leave you satisfied.
Ray’s food is fresh, seasonal, and packed with the nutrients you need to stay strong in the water, meals that taste amazing and keep you going and active. Lunch is up to you: explore local cafés, grab a snack on the go, or cook something simple together.
Mystery Edition
Expect the unexpected
This isn’t just a repeat of our classic Ireland trip you’ve heard about. Sure, it’s still all cold water glory — wild cliffs, solid surf, cosy evenings. But this year, we gonna do things a little bit differently and include: A mystery surfday. New surf tools & exercises. Random discoveries – in and out of the water.
The magic lies in the unknown. That’s where growth hides, and the fun begins.
Still you’ll still find the familiar NOMB Surf vibes: structure meets spontaneity, surf meets soul, community meets individuality. Only now, there’s a little more surprise packed in.
Meet the #IrishIcebox team
Angie Ringleb – surf coach, ocean junkie, queen of clarity. ISA Level II certified, with over a decade of coaching surfers around the world. She meets you where you’re at and helps you build from there – with confidence, honesty, and a splash of silliness.
Duncan Halliday – our local guide at the D-Place, an excellent coach, co-owner of Narosa Life and never short of a joke. An honour to have him joining us and sharing his waves.
Ray Klein – kick-ass journalist in real life, epic campchef and kitchen queen on our surftrips. Stoked to have Ray spoil us once more with her tasty dishes and crazy attitude.
Read more about Angie
‘Many years ago I decided to live my life outside the box. My travels brought me to a lot of different corners of this planet, like the D-Place for example. I now live in Fuerteventura, where I run this small female-led surf school and the beautiful NGO NOMB Changes, spreading my love for the sport of surfing and the ocean on a daily basis.
Surf tripping and exploring new places is a big part of who I am. I love creating shared experiences that go beyond surfing—especially when they include a healthy dose of Schabernack, rainbows and unreal sunsets.
I am an ISA level II qualified surfcoach, trained lifeguard and have over a decade of coaching experience. I can coach in English, German and Spanish.
I believe that everyone can surf and enjoy the thrill of the waves, you just have to adopt the methods of teaching. I am looking forward to guiding you through this incredible trip in my beloved D-Place!
Read more about Duncan
Duncan grew up in a competitive environment in Northern Ireland, excelling in sailing as Ireland’s Junior Laser champion before falling in love with surfing while at Edinburgh Uni. Also a master of bad jokes, it is a pleasure to have him around.
A passionate coach, Duncan focuses on equipment selection, progression, and pushing limits in the water. When he’s not chasing waves, he’s an accomplished snowboard instructor, guiding trips in Japan and the Alps, and a fierce competitor on his road bike. Just don’t get between him and the bakery!
We are super stoked to have Duncan look after our surfteam this year and promise to spoil him with bad jokes and homemade baking.
Read more about Ray
We are excited to have Ray once more joining us for our trip to Ireland. Surely it wouldn´t be the same without her and her kitchen stories.
In real life, Ray is an amazing journalist with a deep love for cooking and surfing—a perfect blend for stepping back into the NOMB Surf apron and bringing her signature flavors and leopard vibes to our kitchen. So pumped to have you on this trip, Raaaaay!
Pricing
Price per person
All services included (except flights)
That gets you 7 days of wild Irish surf, personal coaching, nourishing meals, plenty of Schabernack, and memories you won’t forget anytime soon.
€ 2.020
Any questions left?
Whether you need more information about Ireland, our surf coaching format or anything else regarding this trip: send us a message and we will get back to you asap! Or check the FAQ below.
Need more impressions surftripping in Ireland? Check out our tripnotes of #IrishÍoc, our 2023 surftrip to the D-Place.
Ready to reserve your spot?
Secure your spot for #IrishIcebox! We are thrilled to see you in Ireland.
FAQs
When should I arrive in Dublin?
We ask all participants to arrive at least one day prior to the beginning of the trip. Meeting point will be Dublin Airport, around 7.00h.
It’s a 4 hour drive to our homebase, and we plan on getting the first day in on Sunday 16th Nov. At this time of the year we are battling with sunlight, explaining the early departure in Dublin.
Should I bring my own surfboard?
We do offer you a rental surfboard on the trip but highly recommend you to bring your own. If you have your own surfboard, please consider taking it on this trip (stuff your boardbag with your clothes). This way you won’t loose a session (or two) adjusting to a new board. Knowing your surfboard can be a real confidence booster.
What does a surfholiday entail?
#IrishIcebox is a surf-focused holiday with daily coaching, but it’s not all about the waves. There’s time to rest, explore, and enjoy everything around you.
We stay in one homebase—no packing bags and moving around, just good surf, good company, and space to breathe.
We normally plan with one surf coaching session per day, so if you are looking for surfing all day long, this trip might not be the right one for you. However, if waves are epic, be sure that we will squeeze in the odd extra surf.
How can I cancel my trip?
Can’t make it? We understand that sometimes plans change unexpectedly. If you need to cancel your participation in one of our surftrips, our cancellation policy – as detailed in our Terms & Conditions – will apply.
To protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances like illness or emergencies, we strongly recommend taking out travel cancellation insurance. It gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on the stoke ahead.