A massive storm pushed huge surf directly toward Ireland last week just in time for Europe’s best big-wave chargers to gather for the first ever Irish Big-wave Invitational.

The inaugural tow-in competition took place at Mullaghmore Head, which proved to be a stellar venue. Francois Liets, Lyndon Wake, Eric Ribiere, Gabe Davies and Benjamin Sanchis were among the standouts on hand, and they were thrilled with the bounty, as massive lefts were dishing out thrilling tubes in pristine conditions.

Naturally the Irish crew came hoping to defend their turf, and Davies certainly did his part. He was weaving through colossal tubes with confidence all day, ultimately walking away with the prestigious award for Best Wave.

Meanwhile Lyndon Wake proved his waterman skills by earning the Best Pickup award, coming to the aid of a fellow surfer in trouble and using his ski to yank him out of the impact zone.

But it was Benjamin Sanchis of France who set a new standard for European big-wave surfing with his performance…

Click here or on the photo above to read full story and view the stellar Surfer Magazine gallery by McCall.