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Sea Kayaking in Ireland has experienced tremendous growth in the past number of years. It is little wonder considering the natural environment and spectacular beauty of this island. Relatively small in size (total area of 32,000 square miles), Ireland has a twisted coastline of 1,970 miles and despite its Northern location, the Irish climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream is equable and temperatures are fairly uniform over the whole country. Winters are relatively mild, summers not too hot with a typical annual temperature range of 0-23 degrees Centigrade. In a sea kayak, the wonders of the Irish coast can be investigated at close hand. Sea Kayaking appeals in many ways. It can be a way of leaving a busy week behind, slipping away through a still sea, the only sound being your paddle splash. To canoe amongst uninhabited islands, to pass under daunting sea cliffs and camp beside deserted famine villages is a great way to spend a few days. On the Irish coastline you will find caves and tiny inlets, out-of-the-way cliffs and reefs inhabited by abundant sea birds, colorful crustaceans, seals and the occasional dolphin. None of the islands is more than 16 km out and most are within 8 km of the shore. Even the wildest of them has been inhabited at some time, if only by the anchorite monks of the early Celtic church, whose dwellings and crosses and chapels still survive. Today, most of them are uninhabited, but the people who remain have struck an enduring balance between comfort and a hardy independence. With experience and good conditions, a sea kayaker can reach any of Ireland's island outposts and explore these remote treasures.
Each year Ireland hosts an international Sea Kayaking symposium that includes workshops on topics such as safety, navigation, paddling technique as well as the opportunity to meet paddlers who share a similar interest. Part of the Union's Training and Accreditation Scheme is devoted to meeting the training needs of those interested in canoeing on the sea and to promote good and safe practice. PROGRAMS
Introduction to Sea Kayaking Classes A gentle and friendly introductory sea trip designed to give beginners a chance to try sea kayaking. Especially suited to people who are nervous on the water. Also suits younger paddlers because it is short. You will explore bays and inlets and sea caves. Suitable for beginners.
Probably the most popular trip. Here you get time to relax and safely enjoy the coast from sea level as you silently glide along. You will explore bays and inlets and venture out into the open sea. Suitable for beginners and intermediate.
Full day Sea Kayaking Expedition Great for the kayaker with time on their hands. You explore inlets, islands and sea caves. Usually you will take a lunch break during this trip on one of the many islands and watch the seals and different sea birds get on with their daily antics. Suitable for beginners and advanced.
One of the more popular trips. Beginning at dusk you paddle right into the darkness, whether there is a full moon or a star filled sky overhead. Each has it's own special magic. Combine this with the phosphorescence lighting up the ocean and you have a truly remarkable experience. Suitable for beginners and advanced.
Full Day Expedition with Overnight Camping (6p.m - 12noon following days) Very popular with families, corporate entertainment, and student groups or people wanting to get away from it all. After a few hours kayaking you land on an uninhabited island, set up camp and cook dinner. Then after an enjoyable dinner, there is time to explore the sea by kayak at night and learn the secrets of the ocean during the dark hours. Then follow the campfire back to base; later snuggle up in the tent and drift off to sleep to the sound of the sea lapping on the shore. Next morning, after an early outdoor breakfast you break camp and take to the water again for another adventurous day of sea kayaking and exploring the sea caves, getting close to the marine life such as seals, otters, dolphins, the various types of sea birds and also the occasional whale. Duration: Minimum 2 days, one night.
The ultimate in a Sea Kayaking experience. These trips take you to the real heart of West Cork, its deserted islands pristine waters, sea life and stunning views of the coast from the comfort and safety of your kayak. They can be customised to suit your group, with the addition of coastal walking, snorkelling and cycling. The trips can be based on camping, hostels, guesthouses or hotel stays or a combination of the above. Other optional activities include: Archeology guided tours. Dolphin / whale spotting trips. Bird watching and nature tours, fishing trips . Expeditions also take you to where you can experience Irish music and story telling evenings. Duration: From 3 days to 7 days
Kayak Surfing workshops. The thrills and excitement of riding kayaks on waves rolling to the beach to release their energy should not be missed. We run surf-kayaking classes for kayakers who have some flat-water experience. We teach safety and surf technique i.e. rescues, avoiding collisions handling the kayak on waves and how to enjoy it to the maximum. Duration: 4 hours
Eskimo Rolling Clinics.
Learn the graceful art of righting a capsized kayak. (In the winter we use warm swimming pool, summer classes are held out of doors in the sea)
Duration: 3 two hour classes
Sea Kayak / Small Boat - Coastal Navigation, Weather Forecast and Tides and The Use of The G.P.S.
Don't be lost anymore; at least know where you have come from. Plot a course safely and accurately. Our two-day course teaches the use of compasses and charts as well as ready reckoning from a kayak or any small boat. We also explore the tides and how they effect us. We learn how to read forecasts and predict how they will affect the sea conditions
Duration: 2 days
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The great attraction of Sea Kayaking is the opportunity it gives to journey amongst this wilderness with the freedom to explore wherever the mood takes us. At other times the appeal can be the exhilaration of crashing through rough seas, fighting against a wind whipping the sea against your face.... the feeling of urging your kayak up a steep wave face towards the curling crest willing it not to break before you reach the top.
There are a number of adventure centers that offer kayaking lessons, and a few schools devoted solely to kayaking. The deeply indented coastline of West Cork and Kerry is a sea Kayaker's paradise, with clear water, cliffs rising to dizzying heights, and rocky shorelines so full of caves in some places that they seem hollow.
Half Day Sea Kayaking Expedition
Moonlight / Starlight Paddle
3 Day to 7 Day Long Expeditions (Hotels / Guest houses and Camping)