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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Day 35 Strangford Lough to Drogheda (hopefully)

one of the bigger jellyfish spotted during the trip,this fellas tentacles were well over the length of my kayak!Also had an up close experience with a sea otter today. Illustrating how good of a tool sea kayaks are for viewing our wildlife. The otter didn't realise I was there until I was about 10 feet away!


Rose this morning after a lie in til 7am and decided we wanted to hit Dublin by Friday. So we dropped into Ardglass to pick up the sugary supplies needed for the 50 knot day planned. The shopping list (each): A can of coke, 3 cans of Boost energy, large bag of Doritos, 2 large bags of haribo, 2 large bars of Cadbury's, a 6 pack of muffins, and a chicken and stuffing sandwich!
E.T.A. in Howth tomorrow 5-6pm. Paddy (floating somewhere in Dundalk Bay)

Day 34 - Wed 29th


Leaving the lovely golf course where we camped in Larne we made our way across Belfast Bay. Big ships are still to be seen coming towards us! We battled on hard for the day and made it to Strangford Lough just before it got dark.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Day 33 From somewhere to Larne golfcourse


After a difficult rise this morning from our sleeping bags at 4am we were quickly greeted by the most epic sunrise we have ever seen! (photos to follow). We rose early in order to run with the strong tides between the north east and Scotland (up to 6.5 knots) and were soon making great time. Paddled our greatest distance today, 40 knots and hope to try and beat it tomorrow! I hope no one in Larne plays golf too early in the morning...
Paddy

Monday, June 27, 2011

Timpeall na Tíre Day 32 - Monday 27th June

Today we set out from Culdaff and it was a beautiful day, with little wind and a bit of sunshine. We soon left Donegal and headed across Lough Foyle, bypassing Derry altogether, and stopped only after we passed Bengore head, a good 6 hours later. The nicest part of the day was seeing the Giant's Causeway and the rock formation. Also ending the day being able to see Scotland was great!
Danny

Round Ireland 2011

32 Days in and Paddy and Dan are nearly home.

They won't be breaking any records (this time) but this will be a major personal achievement for the two lads and we are massively proud of them!!

They aim to finish within the next week but there's still time to sponsor the guys and make a donation to a very worthy cause - please click the link below:



Timpeall na Tíre Day 31 - Sunday 26th June


After a good sleep in Dunfanaghy we set forth across Lough Swilly. The wind was blowing across us but we battled on and made it across with no bother. From there we headed for Malin Head and with the wind now at our backs we moved swiftly on. After we got around the head we sheltered for a bit and then paddled on. Then, to our surprise, the wind turned in our favour and pushed us all the way to Culdaff where we finished the day.
Danny

Paddlers Guide Plattling, Germany

After spending time in Plattling its only right we let everyone know just how they can also paddle there

Destination

Plattling, Germany

Feature

River wide stopper on the Isar, Works best between 180-220cm on the gauge but will work from approx. 140cm-250cm in lover levels becomes very shallow in places and in higher levels creates a green wave in the centre.

Live gauge available online updates every 15mins

Generally river left side is better feature where all hole tricks and combos are possible. But wave can be paddles all the way across with different levels of retentiveness.

Easy eddy access and get on / get off

Transport

Fly to Munich (Airlingus) then train straight to Plattling

Fly to Memmingen (Ryanair) then take the shuttle bus to Munich Train Station 15e if pre booked plus 3e for boat. then onto train to Plattling.

Ryanair is relatively cheap with extra 40e each way for boat, max 20kg weight

Dublin Airport is very strict for weight memmingen didn't even bother weighing them!

AirLingus a little easier but generally more lenient on boat weight

Accommodation

Free Campsite on the riverbank next to the wave

Hotel Isar close walk to feature

Supermarket

Globas is the largest store we have ever seen with just about everything you could imagine all very cheaply priced

Breakfast 3 bacon 3 egg and glass of orange juice 2.25euro

Beer 20 x 0.5l Bottles 5.70euro plus 3.10 deposit you get back when you take the bottles and crate back.

Restaurants

Cafe Stern is based in the middle of town with good pub grub and drinks

Al Borgo is the pizzeria closest to the campsite. big pizza cheap

Chinese restaurant large portions about 8-14e for dinner and drink

adria pizzeria in town good food slightly more expensive

Pizza square building good pizza outside seating only.

Saray Grill, Musty the kebab man with good kebabs chips and free wifi and power.

Swimming Pools

Elypso spa and pool, 3 big slides, jets, lazy river, Jacuzzi, steam room 3 outdoor pools 5.50 Euro for 3 hours 1o minute drive from feature

Local pool 1-2Euro for as long as you want 10 minute walk from feature, all outdoor, 1 slide, small lazy river, big inflatable dog, 5 diving boards, swimming lanes.

Other Info

Remember to take euro power converters.

everything closes on a Sunday except Pubs and cafes

As a rule all water is fizzy ask for no gas!

All plastic and glass bottles a deposit is paid and you will receive unto 25c per bottle returned.

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Worlds Day 17

With today the day we fly home after a solid 16 nights in Germany its time to reflect on some of the scenes of the past few weeks,

  • Ireland send a 12 strong team to Plattling, Germany to compete in the ICF World Freestyle Championships. Against the worlds top paddlers.
  • With team paddlers travelling from as early as May the town was sussed for our arrival.
  • Being met at the airport myself and Bowsie by Tom to really kick off our time away.
  • Training each day in warm water with a variety of weather conditions
  • Camping for 15 nights- looking forward to a bed
  • Junior team members arriving with big hungry eyes ready to achieve and learn.
  • Day 12 the day those juniors grew up into real future contenders both at home in Ireland and on the international scene.
  • The Volksfest – Taking in German culture in an unforgettable night.
  • Kipper on the mic, cartwheeling those tricky’s and milking those Dunphy.com jokes
  • a live feed going global really putting freestyle kayaking on the map.
  • Billy Reaching a semi final at his first major event.
  • Me hitting my first head under mystery moves
  • Ronnie finding his mojo with big loops
  • solid rides and big scores from all team members
  • The opening ceremony team Ireland photos joined by all!
  • Friday funday of events and chilled out boating.
  • 5.70 euro for 20 bottles of good German beer
  • Elypsos fun slides and carnage
  • Local slides and diving boards 2 broken noses and a trip to hospital.
  • Enjoying Munich a beautiful European City

A fantastic trip with pile of fun! roll on NOC 2013.

Worlds Day 16

After another epic champions party with martial arts display and rodeo bull all in the tent on the campsite took with it the close of another world championships and a farewell to many friends until next time,

Today we chilled out relaxed and cleared the site packing bags and tents away tidying the rubbish. With the event over we sat around watching others paddle until it was time to depart Plattling where myself and Bowsie headed to Munich for another night of culture.

 

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2011-06-26 21.24.03

Worlds Day 15 Finals Day

With the water levels holding Saturday would see all of the finals take place.

‘From ICF Web Site’

Plattling, 25.06.2011 - What's numerous well-humored audiences were on the final day of the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup to see in Plattling could be described as a good conscience, Dane Jackson Show '. The 17-year-old Jackson, who had qualified as the first athlete ever to all four classes of a Freestyle World Cup, got a total of three gold medals (C1, Squirt, K1) and one bronze (OC).

Philip received the most applause, however, Hitzig Rath (GER), who secured the silver medal in the C1 behind Jackson. The Ulmer, who had set itself a target of a top-10 placement could take immediately after the race his happiness. "I can not believe that I became vice world champion.The finals was already a huge success for me and now this. Simply incredible, " so heated council.

Also, the teams from Great Britain and Spain had plenty of reason to celebrate: Claire O'Hara and James 'Pringle' Bebbington brought a total of three gold medals for the British, in O'Hara and Squirt K1, Bebbington also in the K1.

In the Open Canoe showed the Spaniards Adria Bosch and Odej Areta its strength and took gold and silver for her team. Joaquim Fontane won a bronze medal in the Junior K1, Aitor Goikoetxea again in C1.

The U.S., Britain and Spain were therefore the most successful nations in this World Cup and took 17 of a total of 24 medals. A total of 222 athletes from 26 countries took part in the competitions in Plattling. As Kanu-Freestyle still not among the Olympic sports that make the world championships which are held in a two-year cycle, the climax of the competition calendar for the athletes dar. The next World Cup in 2013 in the Nantahala fought Outdoor Center in the USA.

Summary of the final races of the day.

Squirt women

Claire O'Hara, who had dominated throughout the World Cup this discipline had, from the start back at all the critical attacks on the World Cup title. Already in the first run, they reached a score of 946, which proved too great advantage for the other finalists. Silver medalist Motoko Ishada (JPN) reached 580 points and Devon Barks from the United States won bronze (356 points).

Squirt men

The 17-year old Dane Jackson won his first world championship gold medal with a 1293-point run in the second round, which surprised even himself. Jamie Gold favorite Austen (GBR) moved up to the end of 1103 on 1173 points, but handed the 'only' for the silver medal. Toru Ishihara, who is from the Squirt powerhouse Japan, finished the race with 903 points and finished in third place.

Open Canoe

The Spanish team won their first medals in the competitions of the Open Canoe Class. Adria Bosch, who participated for the second time in a World Cup, reached in his final gold medal run 131 points ahead of his compatriot Odei Areta. Areta, who fought a neck-and-neck race for the silver medal with Dane Jackson could well prevail in the end with five points. Jackson took third place with his second World Cup medal.

K1 Junior Women

The 15-year-old Lauren Burress (USA) proved in their final run last nerve. Thanks to a big-scoring loop and a Space Godzilla Burress ran a 196 points, which was enough for the world title. Vice World Champion from New Zealand Courntey Kerin managed a 166-point run and then the British Gabby Bates pointed to third. Burress, who had dominated in the U.S. this season, all competitions in her age group, said that her secret to success is simple. "I'm preparing for each race before the same whether it is a World Cup or the World Cup final " , the world champion of the junior K1.

C1

Dane Jackson won his second World Cup title thanks to a 686-point rides. Jackson put a move by one point - Back Loop, Felix, Space Godzilla and a split Wheel Cartwheel combination, which created no other in the C1 - and won the race ahead of Philip Hitzig Rath (GER) Hitzig Rath, the good performance of German team was crowned with a medal, could hardly believe it myself, to have become vice-world champion. "I had set myself before the World Cup semi-finals as the target. That it has passed the end even for a medal is just madness. In the final, everything worked and I am overjoyed, " said the Ulmer, who referred the Spaniard Aitor Goikoetxea to third.

K1 Junior

U.S. teenagers Dane Jackson once again proved why he is referred to as the greatest young talent in freestyle. Jackson dominated the K1 class of juniors at a consistently high level and won his third world title with a furious 1020-point run. That would have served in the men's class for the shared second place. Silver medalist Joaquim Fontane had in his last attempt to put everything on one card after he had scored only low scores in the two previous runs. He kept his nerves under control and showed a great performance which was rewarded by the judges with 773 points. Bren Orton (GBR) tried nachzulegen, Fontane could not overtake anymore. Thus bronze at Orton, who got 733 points for his last ride.

K1 Women

With a world championship title in the bag Claire O'Hara was mentally prepared to go well in the race for the title of the women's K1. The reigning world champion Emily Jackson (USA), sister of Dane who paddled in all previous rounds of high scores towards the title defense, had to settle for the silver. O'Hara showed especially in the second ride all their skills and took 663 rating points."Right from the first move on, I felt good, everything else will happen by itself," Sun O'Hara."has the K1 women at this World Cup again made ​​a big step forward. I am thrilled that I could be a part of it, " said the likeable Brit. Jackson, in the finale could not get their best performance, became vice world champion with 583 points ahead of training partner Ruth Gordon Ebens from Canada (450 points).

K1 Men

After James 'Pringle' Bebbington would be eliminated in the semifinals and almost his first final run was rather dull, he kept his nerve in the third and final attempt at control. The 23-year-old Briton, who changed regularly wintered in Uganda, his mental preparation for the finale. He found that he was too loose in the previous rounds, and thus had difficulty finding the contest. In the second race he put it, mentally pumped up, his best run so far with 1020 points out. This he could even with a number of his best tricks - Move to the beginning of an entry in the shaft, and both sides McNasty's Phonix Monkeys, loops, a Space Godzilla and a lunar orbit - and once again improve in the third run was an incredible 1053 points. This score, he also had to present, as the Slovakian Peter Csonka for his final ride was also 1020 points. Csonka, who had dominated the quarter and semi finals, was runner-up thus against the Americans Stephen Wright, who received 940 points for his best run.

During the morning we found some fun and games on the Segways with Ronnie taking a fall in the mud and Joey showing skill and composure in dominating the ramp of doom!

 

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Worlds Day 14

With the high water levels expected Friday was used as a rest day to allow high flows to clear before the finals on Saturday,

Fortunately the high flows never materialised and left a day of recovery and fun events on the water.

The Fun events planned were

1. SUP Race

The course was set to ferry glide above the upstream bridge before using the flow to go down through the hole river right eddy out round a buoy in the eddy before coming back across the flow to the finish line in the river left eddy – Sounds Simple

Myself, Niamh and Caoimhe took the challenge with no prior experience what’s the worst that could happen?? – Well…. Niamh made a good start but got stuck in the flow and ended up 200m down stream for a long walk back up, Caoimhe did quite well and I spent 5 mins swimming around an eddy after getting the leash between me and the board snagged around the marker buoy, loads of fun and a great way to cool off in the hot Plattling Sun.P5220189

2. Teva Big Trick

each competitor was given 2 attempts to plug the biggest trick possible the event was won jointly by KATCHA and those crazy Germans with their 3 man loop – 3 kayaks lashed side by side dropped into the hole before plugging for a loop and sticking it!

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2.5 Party Wave

As a side show to get some nice photos we had a party wave session getting as many people surfing the wave as possible – as usual lots of carnage but great spectator sport!

3. King of the wave

Unlike all other king of the wave competitions this one was different,

A le mans style start competitors run to their boats jump in, deck on and seal launch from the river right bank upstream of the hole, drop onto the hole and surf across to the river left side where their prize was being held by a raft suspended above the hole,

The prize was a raw fish slippery and wet, the winner needed to grab this from the raft, unfortunately at the same time the raft crew would be propelling all kinds of nasty stuff at the competitors – ketchup, mayo, potatoes, fish guts, eggs, flour

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Coming out on top was Sam Stevens from Team GB a hard fought battle.

The evening was spent around a campfire chatting and drinking before the following day of finals.PICT0256PICT0255

Worlds Day 13 Eve

The evening entertainment was a trip to the Volksfest a beer festival held in Plattling for all competitors, coachers, and supporters. PICT0224

we arrived to a live band and performers on stage and a party atmosphere with litres of beer the order of the day and waitresses wearing traditional attirePICT0162PICT0160

outside there was a funfair with all the usual rides.

As the party continued it really showed both German hospitality and culture at its best!

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The Dress 2011

As a continued tradition amongst Irish teams started last summer.

By law the senior male competitor who scores the lowest points MUST wear a dress to the losers party.

Rules

  1. The dress must be chosen by the team manager and their decision is final!

  2. The dress must be presented in front of the team.

  3. the dress must be worn for the entire evening.

  4. The dress must be visible no jackets or gowns allowed

  5. The dress must make it back to Ireland for future banter

  6. Only the named person may wear the dress

  7. The dress wearer shalt forfeit their rights to photos of them in the dress these remain property of whoever has them and can be sent to anyone who wants them!

Enjoy !

And the 2011 World Irish Dress Wearing Champion is…….

Adrian Durrant

 

Pictures to follow!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Timpeall na tíre Saturday 25th - Day 30



6 hours of downwind surfing while listening to John Butler and Faithless...Perfection! Leaving Burtonport we blasted downwind in a force 5-6 hitting an average of 5 knots. A really enjoyable day finishing by the spectacular Horn Head. Max speed reached according to the GPS: 11.5 knots (23k) while surfing. Paddy

Day 29

After a lovely stay in Malin Beg we set out pretty late, around 11am, and swiftly headed out past Gleann Cholm Chille. The wind was at our back, which was nice for a change..but guess what? It soon changed and blew across us. We put the heads down, paddled hard and before we knew it half the day was gone. The weather was crap so there was no point making lunch. We continued on and reached Burtonport after 8. Never have I spent so much time in my boat...9 hours straight. We got into the town and the man in the fish and chip van gave us a meal on the house. Nice guy and it meant we didn't have to cook.

Day 28

Rose early to paddle our longest open crossing so far, Donegal Bay! It was 18.5 knots across (37) and we managed it in just under 6 hours. All this with a good force 4-5 breeze blowing across onto our boats. After a quick lunch we sped past the beautiful Cliffs of Sliabh Liag (well worth a visit if you're in Donegal) and finished at a beautiful harbour beside Malin Beg, only to be reminded of the constant generosity we have experienced on this trip. Within 1 hour a local had given us the use of a holiday home for the night!


Day 27

We set off from Doonmadden today with a force 5 north-westerly breeze as we paddled across Ballisodare and Sligo Bay. Getting a bit sick of the windy weather now and frustrated as our progress is slower than we would like. Decided to put off the crossing of Donegal Bay until tomorrow as we're not guaranteed enough daylight. We stopped at Streedagh beach.



Saturday, June 25, 2011

Supporting the irish hospice...

Paddy and dan are now well over half way through their circumnavigation of Ireland for the Irish hospice. If you would like to support the cause please log on to http://www.mycharity.ie/event/timpeall_na_tire/ and donate a few quid!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Billy Ride Prelim 2

Just a quick video as it was to hand! Billy Brett 2nd ride in Plattling Germany

Billy Throwing down

PS. He got told how to mcnasty approximately 30 seconds before the ride started and now hes flying!

Worlds Day 13

After an epic losers party with live band, blackout Dave on the drums and beer trailer all on the campsite next to the wave kept the amusement levels up,

A late night followed by an early start saw Billy Brett on the water first up in the Junior men's Semi Finals, 2 rides best 1 counts, The first ride went well with a huge space Godzilla linked to loop but unfortunately flushing and a fast mcnasty not quite making the angles required with 90 points on the board.

The second ride went well with a huge loop, space Godzilla's and sharp clean mcnasty leaving Billy with a respectable score of 266points.

The wait was now on to see the other scores come in, P5220190

As the results were posted with loads of onlookers the results from the semi had pushed Billy up from 10th into 8th position overall, missing the Final cut but a very respectable performance of which everyone is proud!

Well done Billy!P5220209

Worlds Day 12

Today started bright and early with a scorcher of a day both on and off the water, the weather is fantastic and no sign of flooding!

The Men's K1 Prelim heats started at 7am with both Dave and Thomas in heat number one followed closely with Ronnie in heat two,

The day started well with Dave having the ride of his life putting down a solid series of tricks to leave him with 405 points next up was Thomas who showed his knowledge of the hole with a two tight rides with smooth cartwheel transitions and the crux moves of shuvits and spins dropped in for good measure. posting a ride of 472.

Ronnie dropped in, well and truly finding his mojo, with one fantastic entry move sending the Irish supporters wild! he increased his advantage with sharp loops and quick cartwheels for a smooth 310 score.P5220210

Bowsie was next of the Irish down in heat 12 showing international experience with clear composed ride plans linking well to post a ride of 345.

Last but by no means least Barry stepped up to the plate last of the Irish men sealed the deal with two fast and furious rides really showing what the Irish are capable of big loops, space Godzilla's helix’s to post a best score of 696 points leaving him in 30th position.P5220187

With the cut set to the top 25 unfortunately the seniors missed out, but their was plenty more to come.

After Lunch was the junior girls turn to prove a point two of Irelands best junior paddlers full of confidence and showing constant improvement up first was Niamh with an unlucky flush and some squirt boats in a whirly on the eddy line taking valuable time, but still composed second ride saw a great shuvit to put points on the board and leave her in 19th place

Caoimhe was up next with the junior ladies separated by one move she had a lot to do, with good movement and vision she saw the opportunity's for spins not quite finding the angles on the shuvits and unfortunately not finding the plug for the loops left her in 17th position

The flood meeting was called for 1400 to be explained that the high water is due for tomorrow afternoon evening so tomorrows schedule is set to start early and finish by 1400 with a further meeting tomorrow – sounds like the Irish weather.P5220199

Junior men were last up with Conor, Robbie and Billy all ready to rock, the music was playing and all that was left was for three young Junior boys become Men with conors huge loops Robbies clear controlled cartwheels and helix’s and Billy's mcnastys all three became men!

Conor saw the huge loops and space Godzilla's leave him with 300 points, Robbie's cool control gave him a stylish 275 and Billy's huge bonus gave him a whopping 456 and leaving him in number 10 spot and a place in tomorrows semi finals!P5220214

Today was a hugely successful day and one of the proudest of Irish freestyle with the emergence of five young athletes who have gained bags of experience the future is bright for Irish Freestyle kayaking.

.Adrian

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Name Points Position
Conor Macken 300 21
Robbie O Shea 276 22
Billy Brett 456 10
Barry Loughnane 696 30
Thomas Dunphy 471 39
Brian Cahill 346 47
David O Sullivan 405 44
Ronan Brennen 310 54
Adrian Durrant 156 20
Niamh Cleary 5 19
Caoimhe Farrell 20 17
John O Rourke 298 13

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Worlds Day 11

A scorcher of a day saw continued high levels of water in Plattling, Germany
Today was the first day of competition with C1 and Squirt, Orky led the irish with 2 superb rides with big loops and lots of movement posting a score of 298 leaving him in a respectable 13th Place.
Next up was Adrian who after only seeing the new squirt rules the day before was confident, 2 solid rides later posting a flurry of ends, splits and oververt moves but missing the mystery moves and missing the big multiplier ended up in 20th Place.
As well as the competition excitement captains were called into a meeting to discuss potential flooding and evacuation of the campsite this would surely end the competition with more info to be given tomorrow at 1400.
With a bumped up schedule for tomorrow showing all prelims as well as quarter finals for the men and women running from 7am until 10pm tomorrow is set to be a long day!
.Ad

Day 26





Today we started off early after our lovely stay in Joe and Martina's house. My god the weather was far from ideal! Getting changed in the rain was fun...and spending 6 hours after that in the pouring rain wearing damp thermals wasn't great either. It was slow moving across Cill Ala Bay with a choppy swell. We had lunch under the tarp on the side of the bay and soon set off for Doonmadden Bay in Sligo. As we came around the first headland we spotted a school of dolphins playing in the surf. They didn't let us get in their way and passed under and around our boats, popping up every few seconds. It was amazing. We moved on in good spirits after that, the weather improved dramatically and we had a lovely calm sea for the last few hours of the day.