A stone’s throw from Surf Co, Gerald’s cafe Foam serves up hearty fare for hungry sea-goers. The coffee enthusiast imports his own custom roast beans from Nicaragua, but any spare time is spent chasing the next wave. “I love this time of year when it quietens down,” Gerald says. “I have more time to escape to the sea.”
With a roomy boot and the roof as well, there are plenty of options to load up the Kia Niro with boards for a day out on the waves. Photograph: James Connolly For the surfers, the Niro’s additional features can significantly elevate their experience. LED headlamps and power-folding mirrors mean it’s equipped for reaching off-road coves before sunrise, while the dual-zone climate control and heated seats are the little comforts that make all the difference. “Being able to heat up after a swim is a big plus,” Ciaran laughs.
As the trio’s driver, Ciaran appreciates the additional space in this vehicle. “Surf vehicles tend to get battered,” he admits. “All three shortboards fit in the back or on a roof rack, and the boot is automatic, which is so handy when you have an armful of wetsuits and boards to load up at the end of a long day. I even drove the Niro home to Cavan to my parents’ house, did their shopping, gave it a quick charge in the town, and then drove back. I’m really impressed with the range.
For Danielle, the EV has a dual advantage. “Fuel is expensive, so I love the idea of being able to skip filling up the tank. As a zoologist and surfer, I’m invested in the environment. You either get into surfing because you love nature, or you begin surfing, which makes you fall in love with the natural world,” she says. “Either way, you can’t help but always think about your environmental footprint and every mark you leave on a shore. For me, EVs are the future. It just makes sense.