Gearoid McDaid’s 2023/24 season has been a rollercoaster. After recovering from a major injury, he made a strong comeback with a second-place finish at the European Championships. However, the following months brought mixed results, testing his resilience. In 2024, Gman surfed some of his best waves of his life at Mullaghmore but suffered a setback with a serious shin injury. Despite this, he remains determined, using his recovery time to rebuild and return stronger for the next winter season.
Life is a roller coaster! An interview with G Man. Film by Clem McInerney.
What were your plans for the 23/24 season?
My main goals were to catch as many good waves as possible and try to qualify for the Olympics. I was fired up after a tough year with injuries, but although the winter wasn’t great, there were still some standout moments.
Do you set goals or take things as they come?
I definitely set goals—qualifying for the Olympics and pushing myself in bigger waves. Balancing competition prep and chasing slabs at the same time is tough, so I had to adjust based on the conditions.
How were you feeling going into the 23/24 season compared to the previous year?
I felt much better this time around. The year before, a hip tear slowed me down, but it also pushed me to focus on strength training. Unfortunately, I got injured again, but it was just bad luck.
What were your highlights?
Coming 2nd in the European Surfing Championships and those special sessions at Riley’s, just me and Conor Maguire. Towing each other into bombs with no one else around was unbeatable.
What were your low points?
Losing in the Olympic qualifier after starting strong. The forecast turned bad, and I struggled in sloppy waves. Now, my leg injury has been the biggest setback, but I’m hoping to be back for the winter swells.
How did you feel after the injury?
It hit me hard at first—I was worried I’d miss the whole winter. Luckily, it doesn’t seem as bad, and I’m hopeful to be back soon.
What’s next, and what have you learned from this?
I’m learning to take things as they come and enjoy life outside of surfing, like playing golf. It’s been a fun summer of golf and cruising, which has helped me slow down a bit.
