In Northern Ireland you will find everything from calm lakes and meandering rivers to dramatic coastline, raging white water and powerful waves. Beginners will love the quality of instruction and excellent choice of canoeing disciplines on offer while experienced paddlers will be blown away by the access to superb waters and great facilities. And that's not to mention the breathtaking scenery and rugged settings.

For families and novices, flat water touring is an excellent option. There are numerous activity centres that offer lessons and tours, and for those who are a little more confident, why not set your own itinerary using the Lough Erne Canoe Trail with its camp sites and canoe steps along the 50km stretch.

And then there is sea kayaking... The Northenr Ireland coastline is spectacular and just waiting to be explored, whith a choice of sheltered inlets or more exposed stretches. There are clifffs, headlands, sea arches, caves and islands, and you will see porpoises, seals, eider duck, cormorants and shags. Or for a real adrenalin rush try some of our surf kayaking - one of the world's best extreme sports!

You will need lessons to make sure you have the basic skills required. These can be booked with any of the activity centres listed on this website.

The level of experience and skill required depends largely on the type of canoeing / kayaking you wish to take part in. For some disciplines, such as open canoeing, where boats are stable and you are not enclosed, its easier to learn the basic skills you will need. You may only need a few lessons before you feel confident on flat or gentle water. Others require more skills and you can learn these by attending British Canoe Union (BCU) approved centres where qualified instructors are based.

If you book a lesson with an activity centre your equipment and any safety gear is normally include in the price.