About Al Mennie

Al Mennie is an Irish big-wave surfing pioneer, ocean explorer, author and speaker whose life and work have been shaped by more than four decades in and around the North Atlantic. Born in Belfast during the Troubles, Al grew up in Northern Ireland with the sea as both an escape and a classroom. It became the constant thread through a life and career spent exploring the North Atlantic.

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Long before Irish big-wave surfing became internationally recognised, Al was exploring some of Ireland’s most demanding coastlines, searching for new waves and learning how to operate in powerful and unpredictable ocean environments.

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That experience grew into pioneering work at Nazaré, offshore exploration around Ireland, traditional boat building, ocean innovation, endurance challenges, books, films, campaigns and international speaking.

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Alongside his ocean career, Al has also worked in surveying, construction, media, acting and modelling. These are separate professional ventures, but they draw on the same qualities developed at sea: preparation, judgement, adaptability and calm under pressure.

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Selected Career Highlights

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Exploration & Adventure

• Pioneer of Irish big-wave surfing.

• Pioneer of the early exploration of Nazaré's giant waves, among the small international crew who helped establish the location during its formative years.

• ​First person to paddleboard across the North Channel between the Giant's Causeway and Islay.

• Multiple endurance and awareness expeditions, including long-distance cold-water swims and charity challenges.

• Internationally recognised for exploring some of the world's most demanding ocean environments.​

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Writing

• Author of more than 20 published books

• Titles ranging from autobiography and adventure to personal development, children's fiction and practical guides

• Published internationally in multiple languages

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Speaking

• More than 20 years of public speaking experience

• Corporate events, schools, universities and conferences

• Conversations focused on resilience, performance, leadership and decision-making under pressure

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Personal Safety

• Third Degree Black Belt

• Former licensed Close Protection Officer

• Practical Personal Safety instructor specialising in awareness, prevention and confidence

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Competitive & Performance Record

• Nazaré Tow-In Championships, Portugal — 2nd place (2011)

• World Tow-In Cup Championships, Chile — 10th place (2008)

• La Vaca Gigante, Spain — Big-wave paddle-in finalist (2011; final called off due to conditions)

• Mananan Big Wave Challenge — Winner (2004)

• Irish National Surf Team — multiple selections

• British Universities Surfing Championships — Winner

• Guinness Surfing Champion

• Causeway Coast Junior Champion

• South West Britain Student Champion

• Red Bull Tour — Winner

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Major Endurance & Awareness Projects

• Swim Through Darkness — 100km surf swim at night during the Irish winter to raise awareness of mental health struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021)

• Rode 154 waves in under two hours, in darkness, for Pieta House and 14 partner charities (2023)

• Ambassador for Pieta House – Darkness Into Light Campaign (2024)

• The Giant’s Crossing — paddled a surfboard from the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland to Islay, Scotland in aid of NI Chest Heart & Stroke (2010)​

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Recognition

Institutional & Archival Holdings

• Archive comprising over 300 press clippings, photographs, and documents held in the Linen Hall Library Sporting Archive, Belfast (ent. 2025)

• Broken helmet and replica surfboard from Mullaghmore exhibited in the Ulster Museum, Belfast (ent. 2022)

• Recognised by The City of Nazaré, Portugal, with board and plaque installed on the Nazaré Surfer Wall / Hall of Fame (ent. 2018)​​​

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Awards & Media Recognition

• Nominee, Surfer Magazine – Heavy Water Award (2007)

• Freeflow Magazine Award Winner (2007)

• Multiple Billabong XXL Award entries

• Named one of the best big-wave surfers of all time by Surfertoday.com