NARRATOR:
You will hear a woman asking her friend Jack for advice about taking a surfing holiday in Ireland.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions one to six.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions one to six.
WOMAN:
Jack, I'm considering taking the children to the coast for a surfing holiday this summer, and I thought I'd get your advice since you know so much about it.
JACK:
I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I have served quite a lot over the years.
JACK:
I'd certainly recommend it.
JACK:
It works particularly well as a family holiday because people of almost any age or ability can take part.
JACK:
My youngest was only three when he began.
WOMAN:
It must take a fair amount of physical effort, though.
WOMAN:
I've been told you have to be reasonably fit.
JACK:
If you are, you'll pick it up faster, and you won't become tired so quickly.
WOMAN:
We should manage that.
WOMAN:
You've gone surfing in Ireland several times, haven't you?
JACK:
Yes, and the conditions can be excellent, although a lot of people don't realise that.
WOMAN:
Which places would you suggest?
WOMAN:
There seem to be plenty to choose from.
JACK:
We were in County Donegal last year, and it has several very good surfing spots.
WOMAN:
I've also read that County Clare is a strong choice for surfing.
JACK:
I've visited more than once.
JACK:
La Hinch is where most visitors go.
JACK:
My children really enjoy it, the waves are manageable, and the town has a lot going on.
WOMAN:
Is the accommodation there any good?
JACK:
Yes, there are some high-quality hotels, as well as simpler hostels and campsites, and if you want tuition, the surf schools are very good.
WOMAN:
That sounds promising.
JACK:
There's plenty to visit nearby, too, including those famous cliffs.
JACK:
I can't remember what they're called now.
WOMAN:
I'll be able to find the name.
JACK:
County Mayo is another place I've surfed.
JACK:
It isn't as widely known for the sport, but we had an excellent trip there when the children were smaller.
JACK:
There's a good school at Caroneski Beach.
WOMAN:
Could you spell that for me?
JACK:
C-A-R-R-O-W-N-I-S-K-E-Y Got it.
JACK:
During the summer, they run a surf camp for children aged 10 to 16, and I enrolled mine in it.
WOMAN:
How long did the camp run?
JACK:
They had three hours of instruction each day for a week.
JACK:
It was ideal, and they were completely worn out afterwards.
WOMAN:
I'm not surprised.
JACK:
While they were at the camp, we hired kayaks and explored the bay close by.
JACK:
It's a really attractive area.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 7 to 10.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions 7 to 10.
WOMAN:
The only time I've been to Ireland, it seemed to rain nearly every day.
JACK:
Yes, the rain can be an issue, though it doesn't actually stop you from surfing.
WOMAN:
Somehow it doesn't sound quite as enjoyable.
JACK:
The weather was good on my last couple of visits.
JACK:
In fact, August is generally wetter than spring or autumn.
JACK:
I prefer September because by then the sea is warmer.
WOMAN:
Unfortunately, the children will have returned to school then.
JACK:
Still, an advantage of summer in Ireland is that it rarely becomes too hot.
JACK:
The average is roughly 19 degrees, and it normally stays below 25.
WOMAN:
That seems comfortable.
WOMAN:
What should I budget for?
JACK:
It's quite an inexpensive holiday, since hiring the gear is really the only expense.
JACK:
A wetsuit and board cost around 30 euros a day.
JACK:
If you rent them for a whole week, though, you can save about 40 euros.
WOMAN:
That's fairly reasonable.
JACK:
Just check that the wetsuits are good quality.
JACK:
Otherwise, you'll all feel too cold.
JACK:
I'd also hire boots.
JACK:
They keep your feet warm and make surfing easier as well.
WOMAN:
Thanks very much for all your help.
NARRATOR:
That is the end of part one.
NARRATOR:
You now have one minute to check your answers to part one.
