Book a flight. Pack a bag. Put your head down and go — a proper strike mission allows no time for hesitation.

When Aritz Aranburu and Leonardo Fioravanti saw a swell lining up for a slab in Ireland a few weeks ago, they wasted no time in pulling the trigger. Their decision resulted in a scramble of last-minute flights, all-night drives, a three-hour night of sleep and, finally, some of the best waves of their lives. Yep, it was worth it.

Footage: Andy Benetrix // @andybenetrixproduction

Water footage: Clem Mcinerney // @clemmcinerney

Music: The Chiwoks