Cold-Water Eden

Richie Fitzgerald was born and raised in Bundoran, Ireland, and was molded by his environment, from his initiation to surfing at the age of 9 to becoming Irelands first ever pro surfer and competing on a global scale. Cold-Water Eden is an immersive memoir about a groundbreaking surfing career and a stunning portrait of Ireland as one of the worlds most captivating big-wave surfing destinations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Born and raised in the picturesque coastal town of Bundoran, Ireland, Richie Fitzgerald's life was shaped by the rugged beauty of the west coast and the endless waves that crashed against its shores. From a young age, Richie's fascination with surfing grew, and he was determined to conquer the cold Atlantic waters that surrounded him. At the age of 9, he took his first hesitant steps onto a surfboard, and his passion for the sport only intensified as he grew older.

Despite the lack of equipment and resources in 1980s Ireland, Richie's determination and ingenuity led him to overcome the challenges and pursue his dream of becoming a professional surfer. He would duct-tape Marigolds over his woollen gloves to protect his hands from the freezing water and even melt Christening candles to use as surf wax. His unwavering commitment to the sport and his love for the ocean drove him forward, even in the face of adversity.

Despite the lack of infrastructure and support, the west coast of Ireland has become a Mecca for big-wave surfers from around the world. The waves here are of size and quality that rival those in California and Hawaii, attracting surfers who are willing to risk their lives in search of the ultimate thrill. Richie has surfed some of the biggest and most dangerous waves in the world, including the infamous Jaws in Hawaii, which is considered one of the deadliest surf spots in the world.

Cold-Water Eden is not just a memoir about a groundbreaking surfing career; it is also a stunning portrait of Ireland as one of the world's most captivating big-wave surfing destinations. Richie's journey from a young boy with a passion for surfing to a professional surfer competing on a global scale is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Irish people and their love for the ocean. Through his experiences, Richie has become a spokesperson for sustainable surfing and has worked to promote the conservation of the marine environment.

In conclusion, Cold-Water Eden is a captivating memoir that tells the story of Richie Fitzgerald's journey from a young boy with a passion for surfing to a professional surfer competing on a global scale. It is also a beautiful portrait of Ireland as a singular destination on the global surf scene, with waves of size and quality that rival those in California and Hawaii. Richie's determination and ingenuity have led him to overcome the challenges and pursue his dream, and his experiences have inspired others to follow in his footsteps. Through his work as a spokesperson for sustainable surfing and his commitment to the conservation of the marine environment, Richie is making a positive impact on the world and leaving a lasting legacy.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008550592