With the warm bright evenings, I-Canoe decided to do something a little different, As Ireland Premiere Kayak retailer we decided that with all this experience instore we should put it to use on the water so we started running Sea Kayak Sessions, easy beginner sea kayak trips around Dalkey or Howth, two beautiful trips for novice and expert alike, with the Irish Seas ever changing conditions no two trips are ever the same from the glass like seas upto the rolling wet stuff to keep everyone entertained.
Over the past few weeks these trips have become ever popular, and no with the evenings getting shorter again we have had the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful sunsets this side of Ireland
With only a few weeks left of bright evenings if your thinking about coming along get in touch we hope to run these through to late september but as always it depends on the weather.
So after I spent some time with Muireann outfitting her boat I recieved a number of messages asking for input and help outfitting their boats
So heres a video guide to help outfit your boat
Boat Outfitting Video Guide
I used a Wavesport Project X and then shows The Jackson Rockstar at the end but most of the sections will cross over to most boats.
The most important thing is to be comfortable you will learn more and have better control if you you have good point of contact with the Seat, Backrest, hip pads, thigh braces and footrest. If you are missing any one of these you will move independantly of the boat and cause the wibbly wobblies!
After a short 3 days to recover from the marathon I was back on the road, this time headed for Northern Ireland and the town of Antrim. I arrived Thursday afternoon to a clear view across lough Neagh. The sun was beginning to set as the familiar freelander rolled up to greeted by Sonya and Kevin to unload boats into the eye feel good container. After a quick bite we then set off headed even further North to the Atlantic coast which would mark the end of our trip. with the shuttle done we hit the hay for a few hours sleep before setting off early Friday morning. As the dawn broke we greeted the participants at the lake we packed up the boats with barrels and bags of all our needs for the next 3 days.
The trip was a charity fundraiser to paddle from Antrim across lough Neagh to Toome before heading onto the River Bann through Lough Begg and all the way to the Atlantic in Coleraine. As the group gathered for pre trip photos and smiles the craft were launched with a selection of boats, mad river canoes, Legend, explorer and journeys in a selection of materials along with a fleet of Venture Prospectors made up the majority of the flotilla. 2 Dogs, 39 paddlers in 20 boats plus a small rescue rib made up our trip. As we set off with the wind in our sails or umbrellas we made a good start heading around the Lough headed for Toome. As we hit the dog leg into Toome the wind decided to hit us with a nasty headwind slowing the hole group to a slow crawl. A few boat changes and we made the trip to Toome with no dramas. At Toome we hit the first of 5 locks we would descend as we paddled into the lock and the water started dropping the group disappeared into a lonely basin away from the wind above a moment of rest before emerging onto the River Bann and around into Lough Begg. As we pushed on the wind battered the boats creating small waves spilling into boats. The group pressed hard working to keep the boats straight and moving with the rafter Canadians struggling with the wind pushing harder to keep the extra weight moving. The safety boat really made its money worth, towing canoes back to the front of the group to stop them being left behind. As we turned at the end of the Lough the faces painted the picture grimacing and frustrated the group were battered but not beaten as we took to our first nights camping the sun withdrew from its cloud to give us a beautiful evening sun to set up camp and enjoy our first evening of camp food and tales.
The next morning we arose to the sound of sizzling sausages and boiling water. The morning broke with frost on the ground to give everyone a slight chill as we packed up camp and got set for the off knowing the hardest day was now behind us, all we could hope was that the wind would be good to us. With a slight headwind we made our way along the Lower Bann headed for the promised land of Pub soup and sandwiches only 6km away. We wound our way along the meandering river with green fields and trees lining the banks with no other water users we were secluded calm gracefully paddling along our way.
As we reached the pub ahead of schedule everyone was looking in anticipation a warm pub filled with tea, coffee and a log fire lay behind the large wooden locked doors, as we waited patiently we looked at each other looking for expressions and signs of movement from within. As the clock struck 11 we heard the large metal bolt pull open and like the lock gates we all flooded in. The warm food was just what the doctor ordered, with warm drinks and food to fill ourselves up ready for the next stage of our journey. As the group peeled themselves from the warmth of the pub for the cooler climate outside knowing we had plenty of miles ahead of us. Back in the boats and with another change of crews to keep things social we paddled our way on. With the group making great progress the powerhouses of Ole and Elizabeth taking the lead pushing hard at a great pace leaving others in their wake With Kevin excited by the game of Margery kept everyone in great humour and well motivated. With more locks to negotiate the feeling of achievement was starting to set in with half the trip already in the bag the group were running at a good pace and eating up the kilometres.
As we reached the Movanagh Fish Farm we knew we were finished paddling for day 2. As we pitched camp we already had a gathering party collecting firewood ready for the cool evening ahead. The tents were pitched and the group fed as we sat around the campfire sharing stories and chatting till the early hours the tarot cards even made an appearance. This was the part of the trip which really pulls the group together motivating and relaxing. With future trips and ideas being planned even before this trip is finished.
As the group packed the kit into the boats for the final time knowing the distance to the finish line was ever closing we got underway after a slight delay as the Lock doesn't open until 10am we pushed on with the group refreshed and revitalised we caught up the time. On the trip we had a couple of dogs bounding boat to boat exploring each persons craft except for the odd leap of faith into the water they were great company and happy to go with the flow.
As we approached the cuts we knew the finish line was in sight, with only a few kilometres to go. On clearing the lock at the cuts the flotilla took to formation being led by flagship (a rafted Canadian with the eye feel good banner proudly waving in the wind.
As we passed the RNLI Atlantic lifeboat our goal was in sight the slipway at marina with parents, friends and family awaiting our arrival.
As we reached land their were hugs kisses and hand shakes all round their was a massive sense if achievement from everyone with the devastating headwind from the first day all but forgotten as the boats were pulled up and the final talk given from the expedition bosses Richard Fee and Mark Kennedy the trip was over. Well done to everyone who took part paddled, supported or sponsored their was a great deal of support to make the trip possible.
Thank you to Richard Fee and Mark Kennedy for organising a very successful safe and professional trip for all.
Eye Feel Good is a charity foundation based in Northern Ireland. Our aim is to raise money through organised events donating to those living with cancer within the community.
Click the logo to find out what they are upto!
For anyone looking to do the trip their are a great series of open canoe trails which have been produced by CANI, this trip would be excellent for both sea and touring kayaks as well as open canoe. They can also be found online
After 2 months 93 races with 44 juniors paddling a combined total of 142KM the 1st SLCC Indoor league has finished. Participants challenged one another to leapfrog up the table, With a high standard from all participants ranging from between 10 up to 16 years old. Comprising of Salmon Leap Canoe Clubs Junior C and D Squads.
THE FACTS
Races 146 Distance 1km Sprints = 146KM or 146,000 metres Participants 44 Juniors Fastest Time – 5.18 Minutes – Stephen Hyland Biggest improvement – Sean o Malley Gannon – 166 seconds Most raced – Mark Waldron (9) = 9KM Most Wins – Stephen Hyland (5) Fastest Loser – Brian O Neil 5.26 minutes
2011 League Table
Place
Name
Best Time
1
Oisin Casey
5.20
2
Stephen Hyland
5.18
3
Brian O Neil
5.26
4
Mark Waldron
5.27
5
Mark Slattery
5.27
6
Ryan O Hara
5.45
7
Brian Mcrann
5.46
8
Dylon Flynn
5.42
9
Ben Kelly
6.14
10
Ryan O Connor
6.11
11
Kiaron Kilbane
6.21
12
Thomas Connolly
6.13
13
Conor Keating
6.20
14
Killian Tully
6.09
15
Alex Smyth
6.33
16
Odhran mac Aireinn
6.52
17
Martha Buckley
7.03
18
Stephen Harris
6.21
19
Cahal Brady
6.49
20
Gerard Quinn
6.40
21
Conor Beegan
7.14
22
Brian Loughlin
7.22
23
Karl Doherty
7.28
24
Ciaran Connolly
7.12
25
Mathew Byrne
7.34
26
Sean Kelly
7.45
27
Liam Mcarthy
8.11
28
Rebecca O Hara
8.02
29
Thomas Abraham
8.02
30
Aisling Duggan
8.55
31
Eoin Mcarthy
8.09
32
Thomas Nolan
8.11
33
Daniel Farrow
8.37
34
Michael Bierne
8.38
35
Andrew Tate
7.59
36
Cian Simms Powers
9.07
37
Sean O Malley Gannon
8.22
38
Claire Croc
11.08
39
Ruby Lawlor
9.15
40
Ben Murray
9.37
41
Emma Mullins
9.47
42
Carlos Pancorbo
10.33
43
Sam o Brien
9.54
44
Eoin Sweeney
15.30
The League champion 2011 was Oisin Casey Who has won himself a Long Sleeve Craft Thermal courtesy of the league sponsor I-Canoe.com
Well done to everyone who took part.
(Some of the junior C squad)
.Adrian Durrant (Coach)
The weekend started with an early morning start leaving Dublin port on a long and slow moving path for Worcester, UK
Once we arrived we set up the tents on a quiet corner of the Worcester Race Course. This was followed by a quick paddle to learn the course and to practise the portage. As the night closed in we headed for a hearty dinner and early night before the Saturday races.
Saturday was upon us bright and early with clear skies and warm sun showering the tents. As competitors and coaches arrived and the course filled up their was a buzz off excitement around the place.
The venue was Worcester Canoe Club a large clib house located on the banks of the magnificent River Seven. The course ran from just downstream of the club heading upstream in a lap based course with different distances for each group. The portage was a tight beach in and beach out set up with tough hill to get up from the river. The track was grass and tarmac with lots of spectator space. The finish line was then back outside the club house for all to see.
With Wave upon wave of starts heading up the course all under strict instructions from the started giving the commands, The constant show of coloured boats and determined faces leading off into the distance, With different classes and distances set for each group some were off to achieve just a single lap, whilst others the tough 7 lap course encompassing 6 portages.
As a team Salmon Leap were one of the biggest clubs in attendance and with the addition of Neil Fleming the Irish were among the most successful,
with Neil Sweeping the honours both senior men's K1 and with the help of trusty partner Peter Egan taking the Senior men's K2 title as well.
Also in the Senior men we saw some excellent performances from Dermot Hudson (6th) and Pedro Lopez (9th)
In the under 18 junior men saw Sean McCarthy continue his excellent season with a 10th Place finished closely by Iomhar Macgiolla Phadraig with a noble performance paddling the last lap and a half without his rudder. Following them up was Dan Grimes (16th) Donal Devenney (18th) Kevin Croc (19th) and Brian Mcguinness (20th) once again the curse of the Zedtech continued one lost rudder earlier and Bearach then taking a spill early on leaving him out of contention. This was followed by Brady dropping out halfway through to record his first DNF of the season.
Through to the under 16 and Jack O Hagan who has been in flying form all season coming back from a bad injury to just go faster and faster with every session took a well deserved 15th in a very competitive class. Down the field Jack Seery took an unlucky spill off the start line got himself back into contention with an excellent performance pushing himself up into 24th Place just in front of Michael Croc in 26th. Unfortunately Fiachra ran out of steam clocking up his first DNF.
Down to the U12 category with Kate McCarthy steaming off the start line with an excellent start pushing her right up into contention and coming in a very good third place this was followed on the Sunday by an excellent K2 performance with Kieran Kilbane taking a well deserved 5th place these are 2 of Salmon Leaps youngest athletes and definitely have strong bright careers ahead of them.
In the U14s Brian, Mark and Osin have been making a splash all season training daily with huge improvements and strong performances this was their first international race with a tough field Mark came home in 29th just in front of Brian who took a spill just metres from the line and Osin in 35th Place a great achievement in their first attempt.
Into the veteran classes with some very strong performance Tadgh de Barra took a strong 2nd place staying with the lead group from the start in the over 34’s this was followed by Liam McCarthy continuing his fine form in the over 49’s with a 5th place.
Then the one man who like a wine just gets better with age, Deaglan O’ Drisceoil (Digger) taking the win on the over 44’s category by over 2 minutes in his distinct bright orange Nelo he is sure to reek havoc in the coming season giving many of the seniors a run for there money
The Sunday was followed with K2 racing again with some very strong performances and some just blowing up after 2 hard races. Needless to say the bus journey home was a quiet affair!
Well done to all and here's some videos of the weekend
August bank holiday weekend saw the Clifden Beach party rodeo weekend return after a break,
This year was set to be bigger and better with 45 people in attendance,Thank has to go to team paddlers Billy, Bowsie and Barry giving flat-water coaching clinics on a wild windy salt lake, this was followed by a small flat-water competition and a 45 person long eddy queue for the evening hole session.
The Evening beach party was a little washed out but as always the Galway crew made themselves a party under the cover of the IFS tent with bottles of Bucky and anything else they could find.
Sunday saw a slow start to the day with most people opting to hide away from the rain in search of warmth and food.
The comp kicked off Sunday afternoon with a large tide due,
We ran he event as 15minute jam sessions a format favoured by most as it gives time to really work the score sheet.
Off went the heats with big loops and flurries of ends right up until the tide changed when we ran a quick inflatable comp, this was won by Orky and his Airplane off the bridge. The Heats restarted with the Expert men, unfortunately the timing was slightly out as we spent 15 minutes getting eaten by the hole we were followed by another expert heat which as the hole died saw big rides from both Barry and Bowsie to see them take 1st and 2nd spot in the comp, other winners included
Expert Men – Barry Loughnane
Masters – Garvan Smith
Sport Men – Lee Doherty
Sport Women – Caoimhe Farrell
Junior Men – Billy Brett
Flat-water – Billy Brett
A special mention has to go out to Mairead Barnwell for finishing 2nd in the masters a great performance, well done!
Sunday saw clear sky's and the wind drop just in time for a nice BBQ on the beach,
Monday we decided to head to Oranmore to find out what all the fuss is about, a small tidal feature just outside Galway,
We were very impressed an extremely good spot! very jealous its not on the east coast!
To mark the clubs 50th birthday Salmon leap took the opportunity to host the 2011 National Marathon Championships, a prestigious race with Irish titles at stake.
For 2011 Salmon Leap set about inviting top European paddlers to attend to really make this a special event. in response World Champion Ben Brown, Rene Olsen, Mark Childerstone and Jon Simmons made the hop across along with other British teams for a great weekend of racing.
Saturday saw the K1 events with a fun race for juniors over a short 2.5km course with 25 participants an excellent spectator sport.
The afternoon kicked off with short course and long courses some fine racing and some fast portages kept the races close with World Champion Ben Brown taking 1st place just ahead of Neil Fleming from Celbridge paddlers
Saturday K1
Sunday went ahead after a night of BBQ and dancing, with the K2 crew boats in action some very noble performances today once again Ben Brown and Rene Olsen just sneaked 1st place by a metre from Irelands powerhouse of Neil Fleming and Peter Egan,
Sunday K2
Once again it was a fantastic weekends racing with some very close races,
Thanks to everyone for taking part, here's a few images captured by Mick Feeney.
