Cold-Water Eden

by Richie Fitzgerald

An immersive memoir about a groundbreaking surfing career, and a stunning portrait of Ireland as one of the world’s most captivating big-wave surfing destinations.”A brilliant story” – Ray D’ArcyBorn and raised in Bundoran, with the waves of the west coast of Ireland breaking at his doorstep, Richie Fitzgerald was moulded by his environment – from his initiation to surfing at the age of 9 in the cold Atlantic water to becoming Ireland’s first ever pro surfer and competing on a global scale.But learning to surf in 1980s Ireland wasn’t without its challenges. With little to no equipment, Richie duct-taped Marigolds over woollen gloves to protect his hands from the freezing water and even melted Christening candles to pour on his board in place of surf wax.Yet the west of Ireland boasts waves of size and quality to rival those in California and Hawaii, attracting surfers from all over the world who want to test their mettle, and Richie has surfed the biggest, and most dangerous, of them.Cold-Water Eden is not just a captivating memoir about a transcendent it is at its heart a coming-of-age story about one man’s pursuit of big waves and the dawn of Ireland as a singular destination on the global surf scene.

Genres: Adventure

352 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2022

Reviews

[Art O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great memoir of Irish surfing. Written with the non surfer in mind too. Definitely made me really stoked to surf some more!

[Lee-Reader Currid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book that has surfing at its core, but tells tales of so much more; a very different Ireland which was not so long ago, friendships, travels, families and the passion to explore. Brought to mind 'Round Ireland With A Fridge' by Tony Hawks (no, not that Tony Hawks) and William Finnegan's 'Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life' and all told with an immense knowledge of pop culture, politics and Irish history with a vivid blast of comforting nostalgia.

[Katie McGettigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel like Im an expert in surfing now

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a real privilege to read about Richie and the pioneers of Irish surfing. Richie depicts memories in such a vivid manner that I felt pulled into his world. The book is written in a way that is accessible to everyone, even without any knowledge of the surfing world, but it doesn't make it any less exiting for surfers, on the contrary!
As a surfer moving to Ireland in the near future, I have been nervous about this change, especially in how it would affect my surfing lifestyle. I am now not only reassured, but absolutely fired up to experience it. Thank you for this amazing piece!

[Tina Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful look at the world of surfing in Ireland and a moving memoir of an Irishman and his family that had me in tears several times. Inspirational, well written, tense, and beautiful. Worth reading even for those who know nothing about surfing. You will by the end! This book is about more than surfing though; it's about going after what you want in life and discovering what you're made of. Ultimately, it's about what really matters.

[Paul Radda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and touching story about an Irish lad who grew up in a small town on the north west coast of Ireland. How the sea and surfing became his life, taking him on a quest to conquer big wave surfing around the world and ensure this growing sport was aware of the majestic and challenging waves to be experienced in his backyard. An enthralling read for lovers of the surf and historians alike.

[Mike Mulkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Richie! I am a lifelong surfer who enjoyed every page of this book. Very well written and incredibly interesting to learn about the Irish surfing industry -- I had no idea. My hat is off to you for documenting how you and a small band of others literally pioneered the Irish surfing scene. What a story!

[Ryan Mc Caffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute fantastic read, a great story but also a behind the scenes insight of one man’s gut’s, determination and self belief to push himself to his limits for his dream.
As a surfer I enjoyed it immensely, but definitely a book that can be enjoyed by all.
Inspirational 👌

[Brian Tivnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is much more than a surfing story. It is a funny and poignant account of a young man growing up in Ireland's wild North West. Brilliantly funny descriptions of life and some amazing tales of early surfing exploits on unexplored coastlines. I loved it. Highly recommended.

[Marc Mc Menamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning book. So much more than a surfing story this is equal parts travelogue, social history and memoir. A love letter to the Ocean and the wild north West of Ireland.

[Eilish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really enjoyed this book beginning to end. It is a book about surfing but also about so much more, it is a wonderfully told story and you don't have to be a surfer to enjoy it.

[Sarah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly entertaining and interesting read. I'm not a surfer nor am I Irish but I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Declan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read , great story. If you are interested in surfing get this book.

[Aoife Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredible story teller and interesting memoir of Irish surfing… a must read! Couldn’t put it down!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book and enjoyable account on the roots of surfing in Ireland and surfing adventures of the author. It is accessible to non-surfers without being distracting to readers who do surf.