Sports » Water Sports » Irish Canoe Union

Each year the Union appoints a Touring Officer with assistants in each of the four provinces, to help the canoe tourist and to provide him with advice on where best to paddle. The Union is affiliated to the International Canoe Federation. All levels of tuition are available.

As with all adventure activities there are certain risks involved which are minimised by following recommended safety guidelines and wearing appropriate gear.

Within the sport there is an opportunity to take part in different disciplines such as Slalom, Touring, Marathon and Sprint Racing, Freestyle, Canoe Polo or just the highly popular Recreational canoeing.

Canoeists use Kayaks (Eskimo Style) with a small cockpit or the larger open Canadian. Canoes (as used by the Indians) to paddle down rivers, or on lakes or out to sea.

The Irish Canoe Union will be running a series of evening kayaking courses throughout the spring and summer months at its Training Centre which is located in the Strawberry Beds, Chapelizod.

On Blocks 1 & 2 the six- session courses are from 7.00 until 9.30 pm one evening per week over six weeks. On Blocks 3 & 4 the six- sessions are from 7.00 until 9.30 pm one evening per week over 4 weeks with the final 2 sessions on a weekend day from 10 am until 4pm. The courses are of introductory level and operate under the guidance of qualified Irish Canoe Union Instructors.

Assessment for the Irish Canoe Union Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Certificate can be arranged at the end of each course.