[01:27.30]WOMAN:Jack, I’m thinking of taking the kids to the seaside on a surfing holiday this summer and I wanted to ask your advice – as I know you’re such an expert.
[01:38.96]JACK:Well, I don’t know about that, but yes, I’ve done a bit of surfing over the years.
[01:44.21]I’d thoroughly recommend it.
[01:46.25]I think it’s the kind of holiday all the family can enjoy together.
[01:51.08]The thing about surfing is that it’s great for all ages and all abilities.
[01:56.10]My youngest started when he was only three!
[02:00.37]WOMAN:Wow! But it’s quite physically demanding, isn’t it? I’ve heard you need to be pretty fit.
[02:06.71]JACK:Yes. You’ll certainly learn more quickly and won’t tire as easily.
[02:11.33]WOMAN:Well – that should be OK for us. You’ve been surfing a few times in Ireland, haven’t you?
[02:17.86]JACK:Yes. There’s some great surfing there, which people don’t always realise.
[02:23.40]WOMAN:And which locations would you recommend? – there seem to be quite a few.
[02:28.61]JACK:Yes, there are loads. Last year we went to County Donegal. There are several great places to surf there.
[02:36.22]WOMAN:What about in County Clare? I read that’s also really good for surfing.
[02:42.16]JACK:Yes, it is. I’ve been there a few times.
[02:45.32]Most people go to Lahinch.
[02:47.37]My kids love it there. The waves aren’t too challenging and the town is very lively.
[02:52.94]WOMAN:Are there good hotels there?
[02:55.11]JACK:Yes – some very nice ones and there are also a few basic hostels and campsites.
[03:01.85]It’s great if you need lessons as the surf schools are excellent.
[03:05.89]WOMAN:Sounds good.
[03:07.24]JACK:Yes and there’s lots to see in the area – like those well-known cliffs – ... I’ve forgotten the name of them ...
[03:14.0]WOMAN:Oh don’t worry – I can look them up.
[03:17.2]JACK:I’ve also been surfing in County Mayo, which is less well-known for surfing, but we had a really good time.
[03:24.66]That was a few years ago when the kids were younger.
[03:27.82]There’s a good surf school at Carrowniskey beach.
[03:31.35]WOMAN:How do you spell that?
[03:32.88]JACK:C-A-double R-O-W-N-I-S-K-E-Y
[03:43.61]WOMAN:OK.
[03:44.72]JACK:I put the kids into the surf camp they run during the summer for 10–16 year olds.
[03:50.30]WOMAN:Oh right. How long was that for?
[03:53.48]JACK:Three hours every day for a week. It was perfect – they were so tired out after that.
[03:59.96]WOMAN:I can imagine.
[04:01.63]JACK:One thing we did while the kids were surfing was to rent some kayaks to have a look around the bay which is nearby.
[04:09.24]It’s really beautiful.
[04:10.54]WOMAN:Oh, I’d love to do that.
[04:49.00]WOMAN:Now the only time I went to Ireland it rained practically every day.
[04:53.94]JACK:Mmm yes – that can be a problem – but you can surf in the rain, you know.
[04:59.40]WOMAN:It doesn’t have the same appeal, somehow.
[05:02.30]JACK:Well, the weather’s been fine the last couple of years when I’ve been there, but actually, it tends to rain more in August than in the spring or autumn.
[05:11.85]September’s my favourite month because the water is warmer then.
[05:16.12]WOMAN:The only problem is that the kids are back to school then.
[05:19.79]JACK:I know. But one good thing about Irish summers is that it doesn’t get too hot.
[05:25.96]The average temperature is about 19 degrees and it usually doesn’t go above 25 degrees.
[05:33.58]WOMAN:That sounds alright. Now what about costs?
[05:37.40]JACK:Surfing is a pretty cheap holiday really – the only cost is the hire of equipment.
[05:43.42]You can expect to pay a daily rate of about 30 euros for the hire of a wetsuit and board – but you can save about 40 euros if you hire by the week.
[05:54.94]WOMAN:That’s not too bad.
[05:56.19]JACK:No. It’s important to make sure you get good quality wetsuits – you’ll all get too cold if you don’t.
[06:03.67]And make sure you also get boots.
[06:06.83]They keep your feet warm and it’s easier to surf with them on too.
[06:11.29]WOMAN:OK. Well, thanks very much ...
