Irish Windsurfer Qualifies for 5-Star World Wave Tour Event

Galway windsurfer Julius Byrne has qualified for his first 5-star World Wave Tour event, the Hawaii 5 Star Quatro Maui Pro, which takes place at Ho'okipa Beach, Maui from March 29th to April 2nd.

The Salthill native is a two-time Irish Wave Champion (2021 and 2024) and two-time Vice Champion (2022 and 2023), and currently sits 50th in the World Wave Tour rolling rankings. Byrne also finished 4th at the Tiree Wave Classic in Scotland in 2021 and was Irish Freestyle Vice Champion in 2025.

Byrne began windsurfing as a child through summer camps at Rusheen Bay Watersports, where he now works as owner and manager. He started competing at 17 and continues to compete in Irish and UK events while running the Galway watersports centre.

“This is my first time qualifying for a 5-star event so it’s a nice milestone after years of competing and trying to improve,” Byrne said. “It’s also a great opportunity to represent Galway and Ireland at this level.”

Byrne is sponsored by Starboard UK and Severne UK and hopes the experience will further support his coaching and development work in Galway. His qualification also reflects the pathway from grassroots windsurfing in Ireland to competing on the international stage.