THE European Championships in Bundoran, Co Donegal, from September 19th-29th, will be Europe's biggest ever surfing competition, with the cream of the continent's top surfers - 360 competitors from 17 countries - battling it out for top honours during the 11-day competition.

Ireland has a fine record in the championships with one gold, two silver and three bronze medals since Irish teams first started competing in 1969. Currently Ireland, is ranked seventh of the countries that make up the European Surfing Federation.

Ireland previously hosted the European Championships in, Lahinch in 1972 and Rossnowlagh in 1985.