Interested in canoeing - possible to learn outside summer months?

JDxtra

Hi. Myself and a friend are two adults interested in an introductory training course in canoeing. I had a look on www.canoe.ie and www.salmonleapcanoeclub.com but both only seem to offer this over the summer months.

Is there anything we can do over the winter – even to prepare for a course next summer? Based in west Dublin.

Thanks.

NathanKingerlee

Hi. There's definitely kayak and canoe courses on around the country during the winter, especially white water courses. It's just a case of going onto Google. You could also try some of the Dublin sea kayak companies for suggestions, or there's a Wicklow based company called Total Experience.

JDxtra

Many thanks, I will check them out.

Taltos

Not sure about rivers
But for sea in Dublin alone there are 2 that I know of

Southside - Deep Blue Sea Kayaking
Northside - Shearwater

Both have really good reputations - provide all the gear etc.

kayakboy

Try Wild Water kayak Club http://www.wwkc.net - your probably a bit late for a beginners course but you'd be able to go to pool sessions during the winter.

Fresh_Air

If you haven't lucked out by now then send me a private message and I can pass on details of friends involved in Kayaking and canoe polo - as far as I know they get together all year round

Steve.N

Most good clubs have Level 2 training all year round (this is what you want!). I joined a club in Drogheda (it uses the Boyne in Slane/Navan) lastyear - Silverbridge Kayak club www.sbkc.ie
Every Sunday the beginners go out with senior members who will coach and guide them. Pool sessions run through Jan-March so as to get your roll sorted.

There's also a great Kayak school I've discovered - It's a bit of a hike but with the new motorways it's a grand drive. It's up outside Mullingar - I travel over an hour to get there! The guy is VERY good - Although I'm in the club I'm doing private lessons with this guy to iron out my bad habits. Check out the website (www.outdoordiscovery.ie) well worth a look and worth the small money he charges. If you did the level 2 with a school like this you could join any club and be good enough to go paddling with them anytime - all clubs paddle throughout the winter

JDxtra

Many thanks all. Your info is much appreciated.