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Where can I try out my kayak (Dublin/Wicklow area)

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  • 05-11-2011 11:44pm
    #1
    hibby
    Registered Users Posts: 273 ✭✭


    I bought an inflatable kayak from Lidl a few months ago. I want to try it out and get a feel for how stable it is, what it's like to sit in, how easy it is to paddle, and so on. For this purpose, I preferably want to launch it in a lake or pond (not river or sea).

    This morning I decided to take advantage of the fine weather and drove down to Roundwood with the kayak in the boot (as well as a foot pump and life-jacket). When I got there, I found there was a sign saying "No boating without permission". Never mind, I had a nice walk along the lake-shore.

    From there I drove up to Lough Dan, but there was no access to the lake-shore from the road.

    I drove over the Sally Gap to Lough Bray, but there was a sign saying "Private - No Boating".

    So, can anyone suggest a lake or pond in the south Dublin/Wicklow area where I can legally put my kayak in the water?
    Tagged:


Comments

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    #2
    Gingko
    Registered Users Posts: 532 ✭✭✭Gingko


    Blessington lakes? Lots of shoreline! :)


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    #3
    Tails142
    Registered Users Posts: 2,117 ✭✭✭Tails142


    You could kayak in the canals, no permit required.


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    #4
    thetonynator
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,234 ✭✭✭thetonynator


    Gingko wrote: »
    Blessington lakes? Lots of shoreline! :)

    Permit required for blessington, and could be dangerous if windy for somebody on the first time in an inflatable boat.


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    #5
    hibby
    Registered Users Posts: 273 ✭✭hibby


    Thanks for the suggestions. It seems that the canal might be my best bet. I'm thinking Grand Canal Basin - open and sheltered with good access.


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    #6
    MugMugs
    Registered Users Posts: 17,875 ✭✭✭✭MugMugs


    thetonynator wrote: »
    Permit required for blessington, and could be dangerous if windy for somebody on the first time in an inflatable boat.

    Not to mention the flooded village under there that likes to claim lives now and again.

    OP - Be careful and seek instruction if you can.


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    #7
    connel42
    Registered Users Posts: 175 ✭✭connel42


    You can't actually get a permit for an inflatable craft on Blessington Lake.
    The canal might be a good place to start as safer if windy.
    Please be careful on open water with an inflatable canoe.


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    #8
    whitesands
    Closed Accounts Posts: 326 ✭✭whitesands


    I have one of those inflatables, I've used it on rivers in dublin & wicklow.
    I just paddle upstream & come back to where I started, great craic :D

    I've found it fairly stable, just don't be going over waterfalls...


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