Waterford surfer set to make waves representing Ireland at World Surf Championships

Waterford's National Surf Champion, Grace Doyle, is set to represent Ireland at the World Surf Championships in Puerto Rico later this month.

Grace, a surf coach and RNLI volunteer from Tramore, is one of four Irish competitors competing at the World Surf Games this month.

Grace has represented Ireland at three World Surf Games (2018,2019,2021) and two European Surfing Championships (2015 and 2023). She has been a surf instructor since she was 17 and an International Surfing Association Level 2 Surf Coach.

She is well known in Tramore as a coach for all ages and abilities of surfers for the Irish Surfing Association. Previously, Grace also used to be an International competitive swimmer and has competed for Ireland on the Irish Surf Lifesaving team and won European silver and bronze medals.

Waterford-based Bausch + Lomb have sponsored Grace with a new surf board so she can compete at the highest level representing Ireland.

“We are proud to support Grace while she is representing Ireland on a global stage. To have a national champion from Tramore is a matter we should all take pride in," said Niamh Hayden from Bausch + Lomb of the sponsorship.

"Outside of surfing, Grace is a RNLI volunteer in Tramore; alongside volunteering with Tramore Sea Rescue which underpins her dedication to her community.

“We want to wish Grace the very best of luck in her upcoming competitions representing Tramore, Waterford and Ireland.”