Weirs and rapids on rivers are a great place to safely try things you would like to do on the sea and we can help and support you develop those skills and enjoy good experiences and build confidence in your skills.This experience will also help you build confidence in your ability to take the challenge of doing the 2026 Liffey Descent as well as paddling in big sea flows and tides!
You will:
Shoot weirs and play in rough water
Ferry Glide across river flows as preparation to paddling in tide races
Break in, break out and manoeuvre your sea kayak in moving water
Roll your kayak in rough water or practice T rescues so that you can stay in your boat and avoid a swim and boat emptying.
This trip is for Level 2 paddlers and more experienced paddlers who would like to develop moving water skills.
Paddling on the sea doesn’t always mean that you will get rough conditions and when you do it may not feel safe for you. Weirs and rapids on rivers are a great place to safely try things you would like to do on the sea and we can help and support you develop those skills and good experiences.
After the success of our Barrow, Inny and Liffey paddles in 2024, we are offering a series of trips on the Barrow, Inny, Shannon and West Cork to help sea kayakers develop rough water skills.
This course is an ideal opportunity for accomplished river paddlers to try sea kayaks as you will find them an easy adaptation.
Meet at Clashganny at 10.30am. There are toilets on site.
If you are early, we can meet at the Goodly Barrow Cafe in Goresbridge which opens at 930 on Saturdays.
Get on water at Graigue at 11
The trip is a loop paddle that can be done several times depending on peoples preferences and progress but we will be on the water for about 4 hours, including a lunch break so we will be off the water close to 4pm.
We will stop for lunch half way down and tea/ Filter coffee will be provided, prepared using our Kelly Kettle. Please bring a sandwich/snack and a mat to sit on.
Family or friends walk: there is a lovely towpath walk along this route if you have family who walk or cycle.
You must provide all your own equipment and sea kayak.
Sea Kayak and equipment can be rented for an additional €30.00 for the trip.
Preferably wear a dry suit or heavy wetsuit and bring extra clothes and layers for staying warm over lunch break.
Food for a lunch break and something to sit on
Tea and Coffee will be provided.
You must provide all your own equipment and sea kayak.
Sea Kayak and equipment can be rented for an additional €30.00 for the trip.
Preferably wear a dry suit or heavy wetsuit and bring extra clothes and layers for staying warm over lunch break.
Food for a lunch break and somthing to sit on
- If you cancel 5 days before your class or trip we can offer you a full refund or we will reschedule your tour or camp for a new date. Cancellations made less than 5 days or not attending for your booking will result in the full fee being forfeited. (Cancellation or changes of dates MUST be made by email or phone call only. Voice message or WhatsApp will not be accepted).
- If you cancel 5 – 2 days in advance we can offer you 50% refund or book you onto another course or tour as availability allows.
- If you cancel between 48 and 24 hours in advance we will book you onto another class, course or trip as availability allows.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours in advance we cannot guarantee that we can reschedule a class, course or trip for you and we will not refund your money.
- Rain will not interfere with our tours or events, so they will run as planned. In very severe weather conditions where the river is in flood or a Met Eireann severe weather warning is in place, it may be necessary to cancel an activity. In that case, we will contact you, giving you as much notice as possible and we will offer you a new booking or a refund.
- Kayak Tours: Kayaking tours are not affected by rain and will proceed.
- Rescheduled tours and classes may not be in the exact same location due to weather.