Old Otter Rock Footage

I first surfed Otter Rock back in 2004, long before drones, GoPros or film crews. I’ve returned many times since, usually alone, and always cautious.

I’ve documented it in books, film, blog posts, and radio. The BBC even joined me once.

Over the years I’ve shared what I’ve learned, answered questions, and offered help to others, including some of the people now featured in the latest stories. I won’t get into screenshots, but I have them.

I believe in respecting the truth. When history is carefully tiptoed around or rewritten to fit a narrative, the culture suffers. Unfortunately, I’ve seen this happen far too many times in surfing; people trying to place themselves in a time, they simply weren't part of.

That wave has a story and it deserves to be remembered honestly.

I’m working on a film at the moment and came across some old clips from my early days out there, from when I was still finding my way in big surf. Some of that footage has already appeared in books and online over the years. I might share more of it in my Instagram stories.

I remember the first day I rode proper waves there, I was lucky to have friends filming. Afterwards, a few of the older surfers who’d watched that wave for years spoke to me, one had even seen me from his window. That became a theme as I ventured out at other spots around the coast. It’s part of the natural evolution of surf, equipment and experience.

Because I learned so much here, and because it’s such a complex spot, I’ve also used Otter Rock and nearby Whitepark Bay to train other aspiring surfers over the years.

Even the BBC’s Mark Patterson came with me once and recorded a show here.

Al Mennie Otter Rock 2004 footage

In more recent times training some others.... If you know the area from walking the coast, you may recognise the cliffs running to Whitepark Bay and Ballintoy and the outcrop of rock known locally as the Carrick at the very start of this little clip...

In more recent times approx 2017 at Otter Rock training some others.... If you know the area from walking the coast, you may recognise the cliffs running to Whitepark Bay and Ballintoy and the outcrop of rock known locally as the Carrick at the very start of this little clip...