| 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. |
| Well, I don't know about that, |
| but yes, I've done a bit of surfing over the years. |
| I'd thoroughly recommend it. |
| I think it's the kind of holiday all the family can enjoy together. |
| The thing about surfing is that it's great for all ages and all abilities. |
| My youngest started when he was only three! |
| Wow! |
| But it's quite physically demanding, isn't it? |
| I've heard you need to be pretty fit. |
| Yes. You'll certainly learn more quickly and won't tire as easily. |
| Well - that should be OK for us. |
| You've been surfing a few times in Ireland, haven't you? |
| Yes. |
| There's some great surfing there, which people don't always realise. |
| And which locations would you recommend? |
| There seem to be quite a few. |
| Yes, there are loads. |
| Last year we went to County Donegal. |
| There are several great places to surf there. |
| What about in County Clare? |
| I read that's also really good for surfing. |
| Yes, it is. |
| I've been there a few times. |
| Most people go to Lahinch. |
| My kids love it there. |
| The waves aren't too challenging and the town is very lively. |
| Are there good hotels there? |
| Yes - some very nice ones |
| and there are also a few basic hostels and campsites. |
| It's great if you need lessons as the surf schools are excellent. |
| Sounds good. |
| Yes and there's lots to see in the area, |
| like those well-known cliffs... |
| I've forgotten the name of them... |
| Oh don't worry - I can look them up. |
| I've also been surfing in County Mayo, |
| which is less well-known for surfing, but we had a really good time. |
| That was a few years ago when the kids were younger. |
| There's a good surf school at Carrowniskey beach. |
| How do you spell that? |
| Carrowniskey |
| OK. |
| I put the kids into the surf camp they run during the summer for 10-16 year olds |
| Oh right. |
| How long was that for? |
| Three hours every day for a week. |
| It was perfect. |
| They were so tired out after that. |
| I can imagine. |
| One thing we did while the kids were surfing |
| was to rent some kayaks to have a look around the bay which is nearby. |
| It's really beautiful. |
| Oh, I'd love to do that. |
| Now the only time I went to Ireland it rained practically every day. |
| Yes, that can be a problem, |
| but you can surf in the rain, you know. |
| It doesn't have the same appeal, somehow. |
| 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. |
| September's my favourite month because the water is warmer then. |
| The only problem is that the kids are back to school then. |
| I know. |
| But one good thing about Irish summers is that it doesn't get too hot. |
| The average temperature is about 19 degrees |
| and it usually doesn't go above 25 degrees. |
| That sounds alright. |
| Now what about costs? |
| Surfing is a pretty cheap holiday really, |
| the only cost is the hire of equipment. |
| 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. |
| That's not too bad. |
| No. |
| It's important to make sure you get good quality wetsuits. |
| You'll all get too cold if you don't. |
| And make sure you also get boots. |
| They keep your feet warm and it's easier to surf with them on too. |
| OK. Well, thanks very much... |