Barrow - Rough water skills for sea and other kayakers - River Barrow March 2nd, 2025
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 2024 Liffey Descent.
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 paddle rivers.
Leaders are very experienced kayakers who lead sea and river trips professionally and are Canoe Ireland level 3 Instructors.
You should have your own sea kayak and equipment but if you need one we can rent you one for the trip.
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 Trip before the 2023 Liffey Descent, we are offering a series of trips on the Barrow, the Liffey, and the Inny to help sea kayakers develop rough water skills.
A training program will be available to increase your fitness to complete the Liffey Race.
The first trip will be on the Barrow River from Graiguenamanagh (Graigue) to St Mullins.
Meet at Graigue rowing club at 10am, where there are toilets and a coffee shop.
Organise your gear and be ready to shuttle cars to finish point at St Mullins at 10.30.
Get on water at Graigue at 11.15
Trip is 12km and will take approximately 4.5 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.
There is a SuperValu with a good deli in Graiguenamanagh or there is a good service station on the approach to the village with toilets and a good deli. Location R705, Borris, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny, R95 A0CK
When we finish, your clothes and most of the cars will be at the finish and there is a good coffee shop called Mullichain Cafe there, location The Quay, St. Mullin's, St Mullin's, Co. Carlow, R95 XY93
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.