We now have a new fleet of double sea kayaks. These allow us to go out on bigger trips and also allow less experienced people to join in on our trips. Full Day excursion - 100euro per person per day in singles or 10% off if two days booked see below for trip description .
- Novice Trip: July Sat 12th,and Sat. Aug.16th : Union Hall to Squince Beach via Adam & Eve Islands.
July Sun.13th .and August Sun. 17th: Squince Beach to Reen Pier Castlehaven Bay via Rabbit Island & Hi and Lo with Seal Colony Snorkel. - Intermediate Trip: July Sat. 26th & Aug. Sat. 30th .Baltimore to Sherkin Island and Cape Clare and back.. ......
- July Sun. 27th & Aug. Sun . 31st . Baltimore to Lough Hyne via Kedges Island and Barlogue Creek.
- Mixed Ability Trips: Available Daily . Minimum number 4 People.
- Half Day trip - Available every day minimum number of two.
10.00am - 1.00pm Or 2.00pm - 5.00pm
Price : 50 euro p/p
- Moon light / starlight tours. See the phosperesence on the water and the starry sky from a kayak.
Available every evening (minimum number of two) Begins 1 hour before darkness. All abilities
price 45euro p/p
- L1/2 beginners course
July 5th, 6th July; Sat.19th Sun. 20th .... August. Sat.9th Sun. 10th - August 23rd,24th Sept.6th,7th Oct.11th,12th
Price : 150 euro.
- L3 course improvers
July 12th,13th Aug 16th,17th Sept 13th,14th Nov 1st,2nd
Price : 150 euro.
- L4 course
Please Contact us to arrange . Min. Number 4 People.
- Family trip
Available every day minimum number of 1 adults and two kids . - Available in all Locations.
Price: 30 euro Per adullt & 15 euro Per Kid under 16.
- Kids and Teen Summer Camps.
Dates Reen Lough Hyne/Baltimore All Locations. June 30th – July 4th Kids Kids Family Trips
July 7th – July 11th Kids Kids Family Trips
July 14th – July 18th Teens Kids Family Trips
July 21st – July 25th Kids Kids Family Trips
July 28th – Aug. 1st Kids Teens Family Trips
Aug 4th –Aug 8th Kids Kids Family Trips
Aug 11th – Aug15th Kids Kids Family Trips
Aug. 18th- Aug22nd Kids Teens Family Trips
Aug 25th – 29th Teens Kids Family Trips
Courses in Various aspects of Sea Kayaking
Scroll down and see if anything here suits your needs . We need a minimum number of 4 people to run any course. Rolling clinic: 2 Hours in a heated swimming pool at the Clonakilty Leisure centre. . Learn the graceful art of righting a capsized kayak. Learning all the techniques necessary, we go to the pool and get wet but stay warm. Putting all the techniques together and voila we're rolling.
Duration: 2 hours
8.30pm – 10.30pm Introduction to Kayak Navigation.
Feel safe at sea. Know where you are, where your going and how to get there.
This one-day course introduces paddlers to navigation for sea kayaking.
Programme.
10.00am Registration.
10.30am –1.00pm.
Introduction off the water
We will be learning about compasses, charts, relevant chart symbols, OS maps, tidal streams,
Basic trip planning. How to measure distance and time on a trip.
1.00am – 2.00pm Lunch
2.00pm –4.00pm.
We now take to the water and put all of our new skills to the real test.
How to take a bearing while in a kayak
How to follow a bearing from a kayak
Using transits and feature to help navigate.
Timing and reckoning our speed.
We will finish the day with a debriefing.
Forward Paddling Clinic.Want to lengthen your trips and stay up with the hotshots in the group?
Day 1, The forward paddling stroke is the most used stroke in sea kayaking, unfortunately it is also the most neglected and abused stroke.
An economical forward stroke makes trips more enjoyable, safer, and also lessens the chances of injury, i.e. Blisters, wrist injury, shoulder, back or elbow injury.
No matter what boat you use or what paddles you prefer an efficient use of boat, paddles and body all combine to make forward paddling more economical.
10.00am Registration.
10.00am Introduction to the philosophy of forward paddling.
10.30 am – 1.00pm . On the water Covering paddle length, the perfect stroke. Wasted effort, correct posture. What muscles to use. Stroke play.
Video session.
1.00pm –2.00pm Lunch and looking at videos from morning session.
2.00pm. – 4.00pm On the water correction of technique, fine tuning paddle and body movement. Learning exercises to improve technique.
Day 2,
10.00am - 4.00pm We now go on a trip and fine tune our skills in real conditions.
you will be amazed by the difference , Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award
General Aims
Course outline
Requirements prior to assessment
Assessment
Guidelines
Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Syllabus
1.00 General aims of the Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award
The Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award aims to enable participants to
1.01 kayak safely and competently on flat water and calm seas as a member of a group.
1.02 assist in basic rescues.
1.03 foster further participation in canoeing
2.00 Requirements for the Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award
To obtain the Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award, a participant must successfully demonstrate the following techniques and skills
2.01 an understanding of the Basic Safety Rules of canoeing.
2.02 an ability to Enter and Exit a kayak correctly.
2.03 Forward Paddle, Reverse Paddle, and Stop.
2.04 An ability to turn while stationary using Forward Sweep Stroke, Reverse Sweep Stroke and a combination of Forward and Reverse Sweep Strokes.
2.05 Simple Draw Stroke.
2.06 Low Brace.
2.07 Low Brace Turn.
2.08 Edging while the kayak is moving.
2.09 Capsize Drill.
2.10 An ability to assist in an Assisted X Rescue.
2.11 Lower Body Rotation.
3.00 Assessment for the Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award
3.01 During an assessment all techniques and skills must be performed to an assessor's satisfaction in order to achieve this award.
3.02 No part of an assessment may be taken in a swimming pool. All assessment criteria must be demonstrated outdoors on flat water (i.e. water of Grade I difficulty).
3.03 It may not be feasible for a junior or disabled person to assist fully in rescues - such candidates should, however, have a full understanding of the correct sequence of each of the required rescues and have some role to fulfil in the completion of these rescues.
3.04 A spraydeck must be worn throughout an assessment.
3.05 All strokes should be demonstrated in relevant situations i.e. use of a simple draw stroke to manoeuvre the kayak to the bank. Strokes should be demonstrated on both sides of the kayak.
3.05 The Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award is not a compulsory pre-requisite for any subsequent Irish Canoe Union awards.
3.07 All required assessment rescues to be kept until the end of an assessment.
3.08 No age restriction applies to this award.
Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award Assessment Guidelines
· The Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award can only be assessed by a currently registered who holds, at minimum, an Irish Canoe Union Level 2 Kayak Instructor qualification
· The assessment will be carried out with a maximum of six candidates to one assessor; however, a ratio of 4:1 is preferable.
· Generally guidelines will be given, should a candidate fail an assessment, as to the areas that they need to improve on.
Safety Rules of Canoeing
1. You must be able to swim.
2. Always wear a buoyancy aid and ensure that there is adequate kayak buoyancy.
3. Never canoe alone.
Entry and Exit
Can be carried out with or without the use of paddles, depending on what is most appropriate to the situation.
Forward Paddling
Some directional instability is allowed for. This should not include complete loss of forward movement or continuous veering from side to side, aiming for a point/gap as a task.
Reverse Paddling
Some directional instability is allowed for. This should not include complete loss of reverse movement or continuous veering from side to side. A wider stroke than that used for forward paddling is permissible.
Stopping
Stopping should occur in a straight line allowing some leeway, but not veering from side to side. Ability to stop should be demonstrated while paddling forward and in reverse.
Forward Sweep Stroke
There should be full arm extension. The sweep should be initiated at the front of the kayak and continued to stern with trunk rotation evident.
Reverse Sweep Stroke
Trunk rotation to place paddle in the water at stern should be evident. There should be continuous sweep to the front of the kayak as the trunk unwinds. There should be full arm extension throughout.
Draw Stroke
The paddle should remain in the water throughout. Some slight bow or stern swing is acceptable. An ability to maintain the paddle shaft vertical, should be evident. Some body rotation towards the paddling side should be evident.
Low Brace Support
The kayak must be sufficiently tilted for water to reach the spraydeck. A good push down with the elbows above paddle and associated knee lift and lower body rotation should be evident.
Low Brace Turn
The kayak should be moved at an acceptable speed and a turn induced by applying a sweep on the opposite side, followed by edging into the turn, the back of the blade on the surface of the water for support on the turning side and at a suitable angle/feather.
Capsize Drill
While wearing a spraydeck, and followed by a 10 metre swim towing the kayak and paddle to the bank, then emptying the kayak correctly. The paddle should be retained.
Lower Body Rotation
A demonstration of the use of the lower body in controlling the kayak, for example the initial stages of an Eskimo Rescue.
Level 3 I.C.U. Sea Kayaking Personal ProficiencyThis course is held over two days with an assessment on the final day.
It is suitable for paddlers who have done their level 2 personal proficiency or who have a lot of paddling experience and wish to enter the Irish Canoe Union award system.
While on the water we also try and encourage environmental awareness, i.e. Bird life, marine life, flora and fauna. We also have a no trace policy, which means we leave the sea and shore as we found it . In some cases even better as we always try and take home any plastic we find.
Programme:
Day 1.
10.00am Registration
10.30am 11.00am : Introduction to equipment . i.e. different types of sea kayaks. paddles, personal equipment and safety gear.
11.00am: What safety preparations to take before getting on the water, i.e. weather forecast, tides, what effect these have on the sea conditions, personal ability. In the event of a problem what emergency plans, procedures are in place.
11.30am – 4.00pm : Including lunch stop.
On the water: teaching of strokes, transits, efficient forward paddling, draw strokes, sweep strokes, sculling draw, braces, reversing, effects of weather on the sea, tidal streams, eddies and overfalls, clapotis.
Day 2:
10.00am
Checking the weather forecast and tides before making a trip plan.
11.00am - 4.00pm On the water including a lunch stop.
During the trip we will : Re cap on strokes learned yesterday.
Introduction to leading a trip and group safety.
Introduction to towing and rescue.
There will also be an assessment for the I.C.U. certification .
Day will finish with a debriefing. Level 4 Sea Proficiency Award
General aims of the Level 4 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award
The Level 4 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award aims to ensure that successful candidates have sufficient skill and knowledge to undertake simple sea journeys with safety under the guidance of other more experienced paddlers.
Course Outline
The course should cover all practical and theoretical elements of the syllabus. The course may take the format of a weekend course or a number of individual days of instruction. Where candidates have the necessary previous experience they may be assessed on the second day of a weekend course. Attendance at a course is strongly recommended before a candidate presents for assessment. While attendance at a course is normally necessary. Exemptions to that rule are accepted based on the candidate's presentation of an extensive range of logged sea trips. Before assessment the candidates must present their logged trips. (See details of qualifying trips in Guidelines)
Requirements for the Level 4 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award
To obtain the Level 4 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award a participant must successfully explain and/or demonstrate the following techniques and skills. It is recommended that the practical skills and rescues are assessed in sea state 2-3 and not, if possible, within harbours.
* 3.01 an ability to control a kayak in following and beam seas.
* 3.02 an ability to deal with breaking waves.
* 3.03 efficient forward and backward paddling, turning into and away from the wind (360 degrees in both directions).
* 3.04 an ability to perform an Eskimo Rescue (Paddle Presentation).
* 3.05 an ability to perform the following:
Draw Stroke
Low Brace Support.
Stern Rudder
Sculling Draw
Low Brace Turn
* 3.06 an effective X Rescue of a capsized kayak.
* 3.07 effective method of towing another kayak. An assessment candidate should be familiar with the Fan and Tandem Tow. The Towing System must be accessible and have a quick release mechanism.
* 3.08 Transits. Transits are very important in Sea Kayaking. The candidates should be able to explain and demonstrate the use of transits up ahead, laterally and behind.
* 3.09 an ability to follow a compass bearing.
* 3.10 a basic knowledge of First Aid, to include the symptoms and treatment of exposure and an awareness of the technique of artificial resuscitation.
* 3.11 an introductory knowledge of the coastal environment.
Theory
The candidate should demonstrate a basic knowledge of the following:
* 3.12 Tidal Streams, causes and effects and how to predict them.
* 3.13 Weather Forecasting, obtaining and understanding forecasts.
* 3.14 Sea Kayaks, equipment and clothing.
* 3.15 Sea Kayaking Camping Procedures.
* 3.16 Sea Kayaking Safety Procedures.
* 3.17 Sea Charts.
* 3.18 The effects of wind on sea conditions.
Assessment for the Level 4 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award
* 4.01 Normally assessment will be scheduled between May and September, subject to weather conditions being suitable.
* 4.02 On the day of an assessment there will be a short written assessment followed by a sea trip.
* 4.03 The assessment trip will be of 3-4 hours duration and will include a lunch break. The practical skills taught on the Level 4 Sea Proficiency course will be assessed on this trip.
* 4.04 The assessment must be taken at sea under moderate conditions (wind or sea state 2/4)
* 4.05 Before setting off on the trip the candidate will be required to produce a route summary for the day based on information gleaned from the chart, tide tables, pilot and weather forecast.
* 4.06 using waterproof bag(s) each candidate must pack the following in their kayak:
Packed lunch
Flask
Spare clothing
First Aid Kit
Repair Kit
Emergency food/drink
Bivvy Bag
Flares(one red parachute flare and one red pinpoint flare)
Spare paddles (can be shared between candidates)
Charts (or copies)
Tow and Deck Lines
Torch
Watch
Compass
Bailer/Sponge
Whistle
* 4.07 while a candidate will not fail by not having the following items it is very strongly recommended that the candidate should seek to make them part of their personal sea kayaking equipment as soon as possible. Flares should be available for purchase at assessments and courses.
Repair Kit
Spare paddles
Flares (one red parachute flare and one red pinpoint flare)
* 4.08 All equipment must be packed and should be readily accessible. Equipment must remain secure during rescues and spare clothing should be dry at the end of the day. The candidate must be fully conversant with the use of all equipment carried.
Level 4 Sea Proficiency Award Guidelines
Guidelines for Qualifying Trips
On the sea trips which the candidate undertakes under the supervision of a recognised/qualified leader, no unnecessary risks should be taken and all the necessary planning and preparations should be seen to have been taken. It is recommended that the candidates seek to gain his/her experience in a measured way and not attempt trips they haven't the experience for.
Qualifying trips must be completed under the supervision of a competent leader who will verify details. Details of four qualifying sea trips must be submitted along with an application for assessment. At least one of the qualifying sea trips must be on the Atlantic coastline. The candidate must show active participation in navigation and planning of trips. Qualifying trips should of at least three hours paddling duration and should include a lunch stop
Level 5 Sea Proficiency Award
General aims of the Level 5 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award
The purpose of the Level 5 Sea Proficiency course and assessment is to encourage, train and qualify sea kayakers wishing to lead others on advanced sea journeys.
The course also aims to provide the candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to help develop sea kayaking and help promote awareness of safety procedures with the groups they lead.
Course Outline
The course for the Level 5 Sea Proficiency may be held on one or two weekends. Training on an Level 5 Sea Proficiency Training course prior to assessment is necessary.
Requirements for the Level 5 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award
On presenting themselves for assessment the candidate must show in their log book, evidence of having completed six quality canoeing trips (see notes on qualifying trips) in a variety of locations with no more than two on the East coast of Ireland.
In addition, one other trip with at least one hour in darkness must be shown, this can take place in any section of the coast.
The candidate must have an advanced first aid certificate such as the REC or an equivalent.
It is expected that the candidate makes safety a priority in the planning of the sea trips and that the candidate seeks to increase their experience by a measured approach. Proper attention to preparation and safety should be in evidence in the candidate's log.
Given that the advanced paddler will, in the course of their sea kayaking, be paddling and leading others with sea kayaks it is essential that the assessment be undertaken in a sea kayak.
On the logged or additional trips, evidence of having been exposed to the following should be shown:
* 3.01 Open crossing of at least 7 miles, 3 miles of which should be one mile from the coast
* 3.02 Navigation in poor visibility
* 3.03 Wind of at least Force 4
* 3.04 Tidal Streams of at least 2 knots
* 3.05 Exposure to no landing zones
* 3.06 Overfalls and clapotis
* 3.07 One of the trips should include an overnight reached by carrying all the equipment in the canoes, this camp should preferably be an island.
It is necessary to hold the Level 4 Sea Proficiency Certificate before applying for assessment.
All trips must be logged and sent to the Sea Kayaking Officer 10 days prior to the assessment.
First Aid Certificates must also be sent to the Sea Kayaking Officer 10 days prior to the assessment.
Assessment for the Level 5 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award
* 4.01 The candidate will pack the kayak with suitable equipment for an overnight camp in preparation for a two-day journey. The assessment will be carried out with kayaks thus loaded and may include an overnight camp. The candidate must be prepared for the paddling to continue into darkness, and must be able to navigate their kayak in hours of darkness.
* 4.02 Flares must be easily accessible and the candidate must be conversant with the procedures for firing them.
* 4.03 The candidate must demonstrate an ability to keep a compass course on open water and make good a course across a tide stream using transits. He/she must demonstrate an ability to take bearings on known features.
* 4.04 Candidates must demonstrate an ability to plan from a chart an alternative route to a safe landing whilst afloat on a journey, in the event of a change in weather or emergency, taking into consideration the tide stream.
* 4.05 The candidate must demonstrate an ability to effect successful landings and launchings in a variety of situations. The ability to handle their kayak competently in 1-2 metres of surf including the full range of turning manoeuvres and rolling must be demonstrated in either breaking waves, tide races or overfalls.
* The following skills must be demonstrated in an area of choppy water as these are the conditions in which they are most likely to be needed:
* 4.06 Capsize and exit from a kayak followed by a successful solo re entry and retreat to calmer water to bail out. Rafted assistance may be given to empty out the kayak.
* 4.07 Demonstrate an Eskimo Roll after capsizing to the left and to the right.
* 4.08 Tow a capsized casualty and kayak from an area of disturbed water into a calmer area for a rescue.
* 4.09 Show sufficient leadership skills under a variety of situations.
Whilst afloat a candidate must demonstrate their ability to cope with problems of the following kind:
* 4.10 Repairing a hold kayak
* 4.11 Towing an incapacitated person. (Dislocated shoulder)
* 4.12 Safely landing an injured paddler
* 4.13 Demonstrate an approved method of resuscitation
* 4.14 Produce spare paddles
* 4.15 Produce whistle, emergency food, and bivvy bag or preferably kissue
* 4.17 They must be prepared to deal with likely emergency situations or incidents.
* 4.18 Produce flares that are easily accessible.
5.00 Theory - Answer questions on the following:
* 5.01 Repairs and maintenance of sea kayaks
* 5.02 General knowledge of sea kayaking, its history, kayak design and equipment.
* 5.03 Sea conditions and the effects of wind, particularly on: Shelving Bottoms, Lee Shore, Rips, Overfalls, Tide Races. In addition the causes of tides and tidal streams, how to allow for them, and the cause and effect of clapotis.
* 5.04 Weather forecasting from observation of cloud formation e.g. recognising approaching fronts and line squalls, and the means of obtaining and understanding weather forecasts.
* 5.05 Group Leadership and Control.
* 5.06 Estuary Canoeing to include buoyage, understanding of chart symbols, light and sound signals, particular dangers such as moorings, moorings in tide ways, and movement of shipping.
* 5.07 The Irish coastline and marine environment.
6.00 Chartwork
* 6.01 Plan an advanced sea journey using an unfamiliar chart, pilot tidestream atlas, and tide tables.
* 6.02 A weather forecast will be given which may take the form of a shipping forecast.
* 6.03 The prepared journey should be summarised to a form whereby it may be simply explained to a group as instructions for a day's paddle. Instructions should include the following information:
* Estimated paddling speed, compass bearings, and times estimated allowances made for wind.
* Tidal considerations.
* Places of interest (scenic or seascape).
* Transits for gauging progress.
* Departure and estimated time of arrival.
* Sound and light signals in the area.
* Information for shore contact.
7.00 Lecture
* 7.01 As part of the assessment candidates will be given a 'lecturette' topic at least one week in advance, and will have to prepare a 10 minute lecture on this topic and answer any relevant questions those present.
Level 5 Sea Proficiency Award Guidelines
The assessment should take place in a location where sea conditions are likely to be moderate i.e. choppy. All personal skills must be assessed under these conditions. If the conditions do not present themselves on the day reference may be made to logged experience. If possible an area with some tidal interest should be chosen.
Summer Kayaking for Kids and Teenagers
Kids Kayaking:
This year we are delighted to offer kayaking camps for kids of different ages and different abilities. .
We will split the group according to their age and abilities and progress them through the levels.
So if you were with us before we will assess you during the first day and then make sure you are challenged and progress with your learning over the week.
The course is designed with safety and fun in mind .
Some of our time is spent on land as well as on water.
Some of the skills we will be covering during the week will be:
Safety on and off the water such as the importance of buoyancy aids, dressing for the conditions – Kayaking skills: forward and backward paddling –sweep strokes –stern rudders –draw strokes –rescues –towing –games – capsizing -weather awareness.
During the course we place a big emphasis on environmental awareness and flora and fauna of the area.
Land drills and fun as well as kayaking on the water are a big part of our summer fun.
Teenage Kayaking;
Teen camps will run be run each week.
We realise our teens needs .. With this in mind, our week will be challenging, educational and of course fun. Learning new strokes, about tides and weather, trip planning , compass work, rescues and team leading are some of what we will be covering over the week. On completion of a weeks course you will then be assessed for Irish Canoe Union Certification..
There is an additional charge of €6 for an ICU certificate.
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