IT'S wild, it's wet and it's taking Ireland by storm -- surfing is gaining huge popularity around the country and for lots of different reasons. Only surfer chicks need apply for the Ladies' Surf Weekend in Tramore where budding and accomplished female boarders can apply for up to 60 all-expenses-paid places at the two-day competition held during the Tramore Oceanic Surf and Sea Festival from September 24 to 26.

The fully sponsored places in the all-women's event are due to support from the Women in Sport Initiative, the Irish Surfing Association and Oceanics Surf School. Practice These three surfers, instructor Lorna Walshe, Surfers.

Emer Kelly and Grace Doyle, were getting some early practice in time for the festival which includes a full programme of activities to suit landlubbers and surfer dudes alike. Entertainment for families and outdoor lovers include eco-walks, kite and windsurfing demos, rock-climbing instruction, beach volley ball, seaweed workshops, historian sessions and much more.

The festival will close with a parade along the promenade and the casting of a giant seaweed doll into the waves. For details on the full programme of events, go to www.oceanics.ie Meanwhile, more than 40 young people with autism and their families this week took part in the Surf2Heal summer camp on Banna Beach, Co Kerry.

The water skills camp helps the children with their fine motor skills and their balance as well as providing the ideal environment for them to relax in. The Surf2Heal summer camp is run by 60 surfing enthusiasts from all around the country who travel to Kerry to give hours of training and care to the children.