The Euro Juniors is in full swing out in Ireland. Heats are taking place in Bundoran at both The Peak and Tullan Strand. We caught up with 15-year-old Welsh shredder Josie Hawke, who is still rolling deep in the main event of both the U16 and U18 girls.

01A few days in and you're still rolling in the main event of the U18 and U16s. How's the event been so far?

It's been amazing, the waves have been brilliant and it's been great to surf heats in such good waves. There have been a couple of tricky heats with the high tides and wind, but we're in the Wild West of Ireland, so it's to be expected. I've also learnt so much in terms of heat management and priority. The event setup is amazing in terms of being able to see priority and hear scores.

02Which other girls have impressed you?

Everyone has been shredding. It's brilliant to see such a high standard of surfing in these waves, especially from some of the younger girls like Charlie Leguay, the young surfer from France.

03What's it like surfing a heat at such a great wave like The Peak at Bundoran?

It's been incredible. The Peak is such an amazing wave and to be able to surf it with only a few other people out there has been epic. I love the left-hander as it has got such a steep wall and it runs for so long, which is a welcome change from a beach break. It's definitely got to be the best waves I've ever surfed in a heat and I feel so lucky to be able to surf it further into the competition.

"The best waves I've ever surfed in a heat"

04How's the Welsh team set up? Who are some of the big characters in your team?

The team this year is awesome, everyone is so supportive and proud to represent Wales on the European stage. We have two coaches, Phil Sadler the WSF Junior coach, and we also have Amelia Dickinson, who's been helping out all of us but especially the longboarders. We also have Greg Owen and Steve Phillips out here who've also been supporting all of us, which is amazing. Some of the bigger characters are definitely Coby Williams, who's been shredding and also giving us some advice, and Kat Gale has also been keeping us all on our toes.

05What boards have you been riding?

I've been riding my Fourth Boards. I've taken my Rockstar, which I've mostly been surfing in the 2-4ft range, but I have also surfed my Freshblade when it's been slightly bigger. They've both been feeling great out there, especially on rail.

06How are you preparing for your next heat?

I'm keeping hydrated, eating well and resting, while keeping my confidence and believing in myself. The standard is sky high here, but I know I'm up there with the best, so I'm just going to keep pushing and displaying my best surfing on the European stage.

Follow Josie on Instagram at @josiehawkesurfer.

Words: Joel Gray · Photos: Phil Sadler