Harry Bryant Escapes Pubs, Scores Irish Slabs With Barely Legal Rental Car

Few professional surfers have the storytelling ability of one particular Australian wave rider. Whether he’s recounting how his dog caused chaos in a crowded car or how he convinced a group of tradesmen at a pub to drink glasses of milk, he has a knack for getting into outrageous situations and coming out with a laugh.

 

His multi-year effort filming Motel Hell was no exception, packed with wild adventures. However, the very first day of their initial trip was an ordeal. Upon arriving in Ireland, he and his crew—including fellow surfers and filmmakers—spent four frustrating hours trying to secure a rental car. The problem? Not a single one of them had a proper driver’s license. One was too young, another didn’t have his wallet, a third lacked a license altogether, and the last had one that was snapped in half.

After much persistence, charm, and pleading, they managed to persuade the rental agency to hand over a vehicle using the broken ID. Still exhausted from jetlag, they drank hot toddies for warmth and immediately set out to surf. The session turned out to be one of the most intense of the entire film. A powerful and freezing lefthander delivered incredible waves, but also came with serious consequences for those who mistimed their rides.

 

Throughout the project, a documentary-style series chronicled the journey. The team approached it in an unconventional way—nothing was rigidly planned. Instead, they picked surfers they thought would fit the vibe and let things unfold naturally. The result was a raw and original perspective on what goes into making a modern surf film. One moment, the group would be casually hanging out, and the next, a full-blown film shoot would erupt in the middle of a pub, with cameras rolling on unpredictable antics.

The Ireland segment of the film also featured guest appearances from renowned surfers, including an accomplished British big-wave rider. Known for his fearless approach in massive surf, he left the group in awe with his ability to prepare for, forecast, and recover from extreme sessions—especially at Ireland’s notorious break, Mullaghmore. Watching him charge enormous waves without hesitation was a humbling experience for his peers.

 

The episode also highlighted a variety of challenges the crew faced. A precarious trail leading to a remote right-hander beneath the towering Cliffs of Moher proved just as terrifying as the wave itself. Additionally, the group discovered that one of their photographers was a talented bodyboarder—though his return to Irish waters ended in a painful collision with a rock.

 

Their final session in Ireland took place at a dangerous slab called Riley’s. It was a fitting conclusion to their trip, showcasing both the lead surfer’s daring approach and his ability to roll with setbacks. Despite never having used a jet ski to tow anyone into a wave before, he partnered with a local expert. However, on the very first attempt, he snapped his partner’s surfboard into three pieces. Undeterred, he paddled out and rode some of the biggest barrels of the journey—despite using a board with a broken nose and a cracked fin box.

 

This episode marked the last behind-the-scenes look at Motel Hell, meaning no more “postcards” from this journey will be coming. However, when the lead surfer embarks on another adventure, it’s safe to say his fans will be eager to hear the next round of wild stories.

 

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