Al Mennie, a renowned Irish surfer, speaks out: "I began venturing into the sea during the dark hours. My vision was impaired, leaving the world shrouded in obscurity, and in turn, I remained undetected by the world."
Al Mennie: The Big-Wave Surfer Turned Night Swimmer
Al Mennie, a native of Derry in Northern Ireland, has made a name for himself as a pioneer in Irish big-wave surfing and an advocate for mental health. Standing tall at 6ft 5in, Mennie has left an indelible mark on the global surfing community, with recognition from the Nazaré city lighthouse's Surfer Wall of Fame in Portugal[1].
Beyond his surfing exploits, Mennie runs The Surfer’s House guest accommodation in Portrush, Co Antrim, and has ventured into acting and modeling, often focusing on sea-related projects[1]. He has also penned nine books, ranging from memoirs about his big-wave surfing adventures to self-help books on anxiety, fear, bereavement, and surf progression[1].
Recently, Mennie has shifted his focus from big-wave surfing to night swimming at Castlerock Beach, Co Derry, a practice that has become a therapeutic aid for his mental health[1][2]. This newfound passion led him to write the book, "Night Swimming: How to Swim Through the Darkness," which delves into the experience and benefits of swimming in complete darkness[2].
For Mennie, night swimming offers a unique form of escape, allowing him to be "unseen by the world" and providing a meditative, calming experience[1]. This connection to the ocean ties into his personal history, as his father, a fisherman, instilled in him a deep love for the sea[3].
Tragically, Mennie lost his father to a heart attack when he was just 22 years old[3]. Since then, he has felt a profound connection to the sea, viewing it as a place of solace and healing. This connection is evident in his night swimming campaign, Swim through Darkness, which has raised approximately £28,000 for mental health charities in Northern Ireland, including Aware and Pieta House[2].
Mennie's night swimming campaign aims to raise awareness of depression and intergenerational trauma in Northern Ireland, a legacy from the Troubles[2]. He believes that night swimming can help people who feel lost and hopeless, offering a form of therapy and a sense of peace in the dark waters[2].
Through his work, Mennie continues to push the boundaries of Irish big-wave surfing and promote mental health, proving that the sea can be a source of healing and inspiration for many.
- Al Mennie, known for his advocacy in mental health, has ventured into new territories, such as writing self-help books on topics like anxiety, fear, bereavement, and surf progression, demonstrating his interest in health-and-wellness and lifestyle.
- Mennie's latest passion, night swimming, originating from Castlerock Beach in Co Derry, is not just a fitness-and-exercise routine but also serves as a therapeutic aid for his mental health, showing his emphasis on balanced living and mental-health care.
- Beyond his surfing career and books, Mennie's home-and-garden project, The Surfer’s House guest accommodation in Portrush, Co Antrim, and his sea-related acting and modeling work further demonstrates his diverse lifestyle choices and connection to the sea.
- Mennie's night swimming campaign, Swim through Darkness, has generated funds for mental health charities in Northern Ireland and raises awareness about depression and intergenerational trauma, demonstrating his dedication to sports-analysis and making a positive impact in his community.
