Dublin/Kildare/Wicklow locations for learner kayakers.

Menas

Hi all,

Ok – first off – don’t laugh!

We bought two of those inflatable kayak’s in Lidl a few weeks back, got the wetsuits and lifejackets too. So, we are all set to hit the water.

The idea is that we want to give kayaking a try without spending a lot of money. If it works out then next year we will invest in more..eh…worthy kayaks.

But the thing is , I have absolutely no idea of suitable locations for kayaking. We are based in Dublin and I suppose at this stage all we are interested in is gently lakeside kayaking.

So, can any of you give us some locations that we can try out and best placed to launch etc? We went to blessington at the weekend and enjoyed it there, but a pity the shore side is so dirty.

Would any of the clubs accept us with our inflatable lidl kayaks?

Cheers!

KenHy

Inflatable Lidil Kayaks probably aren't the best job really, but no reason you cant have fun in them, I'd keep them on flatwater like Blesington or some stretches of the Liffey around Lucan, there is a park at the Junction for the M4 on the Galway side, you can walk from their up to above a weir where there is a good accessible flat section.

Most clubs probably would not allow ye to use them on their trips. But plenty like Wild Water Kayak club (who are also running beginners course at the moment learntocanoe@hotmail.com ), would have club gear that ye could borrow and use so that you don't have to buy new stuff straight out.

thetonynator

Most clubs wouldn't expect you to have gear for a good while after you start.

If you want to use then on a lake, maybe Leixlip lake on the Liffey?

But you would probably be better do one of the beginners courses.