1Jack, I'm thinking of taking the kids to the seaside on a surfing holiday this summer
2and I wanted to ask your advice
3as I know you're such an expert.
4Well, I don't know about that,
5but yes, I've done a bit of surfing over the years.
6I'd thoroughly recommend it.
7I think it's the kind of holiday all the family can enjoy together.
8The thing about surfing is that it's great for all ages and all abilities.
9My youngest started when he was only three!
10Wow!
11But it's quite physically demanding, isn't it?
12I've heard you need to be pretty fit.
13Yes. You'll certainly learn more quickly and won't tire as easily.
14Well - that should be OK for us.
15You've been surfing a few times in Ireland, haven't you?
16Yes.
17There's some great surfing there, which people don't always realise.
18And which locations would you recommend?
19There seem to be quite a few.
20Yes, there are loads.
21Last year we went to County Donegal.
22There are several great places to surf there.
23What about in County Clare?
24I read that's also really good for surfing.
25Yes, it is.
26I've been there a few times.
27Most people go to Lahinch.
28My kids love it there.
29The waves aren't too challenging and the town is very lively.
30Are there good hotels there?
31Yes - some very nice ones
32and there are also a few basic hostels and campsites.
33It's great if you need lessons as the surf schools are excellent.
34Sounds good.
35Yes and there's lots to see in the area,
36like those well-known cliffs...
37I've forgotten the name of them...
38Oh don't worry - I can look them up.
39I've also been surfing in County Mayo,
40which is less well-known for surfing, but we had a really good time.
41That was a few years ago when the kids were younger.
42There's a good surf school at Carrowniskey beach.
43How do you spell that?
44Carrowniskey
45OK.
46I put the kids into the surf camp they run during the summer for 10-16 year olds
47Oh right.
48How long was that for?
49Three hours every day for a week.
50It was perfect.
51They were so tired out after that.
52I can imagine.
53One thing we did while the kids were surfing
54was to rent some kayaks to have a look around the bay which is nearby.
55It's really beautiful.
56Oh, I'd love to do that.
57Now the only time I went to Ireland it rained practically every day.
58Yes, that can be a problem,
59but you can surf in the rain, you know.
60It doesn't have the same appeal, somehow.
61Well, the weather's been fine the last couple of years when I've been there,
62but actually, it tends to rain more in August than in the spring or autumn.
63September's my favourite month because the water is warmer then.
64The only problem is that the kids are back to school then.
65I know.
66But one good thing about Irish summers is that it doesn't get too hot.
67The average temperature is about 19 degrees
68and it usually doesn't go above 25 degrees.
69That sounds alright.
70Now what about costs?
71Surfing is a pretty cheap holiday really,
72the only cost is the hire of equipment.
73You can expect to pay a daily rate of about 30 euros for the hire of a wetsuit and board,
74but you can save about 40 euros if you hire by the week.
75That's not too bad.
76No.
77It's important to make sure you get good quality wetsuits.
78You'll all get too cold if you don't.
79And make sure you also get boots.
80They keep your feet warm and it's easier to surf with them on too.
81OK. Well, thanks very much...