In the land of extortion, you have to watch your back, as word has it ...

Continued from previous page...since last October, but the wave, known as Aileen’s, is attracting alot of attention in the surfing world these days.Part of the allure is the wave’s location, as it breaks just beyondIreland’s famous Cliffs of Moher. This panoramic stretch of coastalcliffs is a rugged glimpse of nature and beauty that attracts morethan a million tourists a year. I’ve stood on the edge of these cliffsand marveled at the crashing waves, but thanks to the cold Irishweather, frigid waters, and rocky conditions, I could never haveimagined someone would actually surf out there. But people are.For those less brave (like me!), Ireland also offers a brilliant varietyof locations and breaks to suit everyone’s tastes. For me, the bestsurf is located along the coast of Sligo, Clare and Donegal. Lahinch,Dunmoran and Strand Hill are places where a scenic drive coulduncover awesome waves and breathtaking views.In County Clare, my favorite spot is Spanish Point, a left-handbeach break with rides from 50 to 100 meters long and usually nottoo crowded! In Donegal, I love Bundoran, a left-hand reef breakwhich, when going off, is awesome, with rides between 100 – 200meters in length. It’s not for beginners though!!!The main difference between the surf in Hawaii and Ireland, andprobably the most obvious, is the temperature. Average temperaturesrange from 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit in January orFebruary, and from 57 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit in July or August.So wetsuits are an absolute must!!But, anyone who has ever been to Ireland can attest to the fact thattrying to predict the weather is impossible, so you just never know,you could have snow and get sunburnt in the same day!But one thing you can guarantee is that no matterhow cold you get in the water, you can always expect awarm welcome in whatever pub you wander into aftera session!Like the people in Hawaii, the Irish are relaxed, friendly and renownedfor how social they are. So while you freeze your bootieoff (theoretically speaking!!) in the water, bear in mind that there’s anice pint of Guinness, a bowl of Irish stew, and a bit of craic*waiting for you when you get out!! y* Craic: Irish phrase to have fun!Photos courtesy of Grady Varner30 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm