Learn to canoe this summer
Posted on June 28, 2010 @ 5:20 PM in 
Learning to canoe in Northern Ireland couldn’t really be easier. We are essentially surrounded by water; almost every house in Northern Ireland is within a few miles of a waterway whether it is the coast line, rivers or expansive loughs.
Couple this with a vast array of qualified canoeing providers and you have all the vital ingredients to learn this exciting sport during the summer.
Before you dash down to your local outdoor shop and buy all the gear let’s just take one small step at a time. As with any outdoor activity there is an element of risk but this is vastly reduced if you know what you are doing.
Try it
Although most of you will have tried out canoeing whilst on schools trips or with youth clubs etc, it is best to start with a quick refresher.
So to begin with a ‘Have a Go’ session with your local canoeing provider is the best place to start. These are typically 1.5 – 2 hour sessions on flat water; you will be grouped together with people of a similar ability and taught some basic techniques by a qualified instructor. They will also supply all the necessary equipment; boat, paddle, wetsuit and buoyancy aid.
Here are some of the top activity providers offering ‘Have a Go’ sessions over the next few weeks:
Paddle Power for Adults
Clearsky Adventure Centre, Castle Ward Estate, Downpatrick, Co Down
Especially designed kayaking sessions for beginners on the beautiful Strangford Lough. No experience is necessary.
Takes place on evenings: 7pm-9pm. Pre booking is essential.
All specialist equipment & instruction is provided.
From £36pp
Every Saturday Go Canoeing
Mobile Team Adventure Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast
Held every Saturday (except July Fortnight) on the peaceful Lagan in the middle of Belfast’s parklands. Just turn up - no need to book!
9 - 11 AM Splash! Kids session (kids only)
2 - 4 PM Family open session - everyone welcome. Children (under 15) must be accompanied by an adult. (16+)
4.30 - 6.30 PM Adults open session (16+ only)
From £10pp children £15pp adults
Share Summer Extravaganza
Share Holiday Village, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh
SUMMER EXTRAVAGANZA 2010 is the exciting and innovative summer activity programme available for visitors to Fermanagh and Lough Erne.
The programme offers regular canoeing and kayaking sessions ranging from 1-2 hours.
From £7.50pp
Summer Sessions: Canoeing
Action Outdoors, Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh County Down
Spend some time on Strangford Lough, learning a few strokes and enjoying the scenery. An ideal family activity.
From £10pp
This is by no means an exhaustive list so check out our canoeing events section to find a ‘Have a Go’ session near you.
Learn it
I have no doubt that you will enjoy whichever ‘Have a Go’ session you try so the next step is to sign up for a course so you can take your skills to the next level.
Courses can range from one day, weekend or one evening a week for six weeks. Joining in with a group of like minded people is not only a fantastic way to learn, it is great fun and an excellent way to make new friends.
Again you will be provided with all of the necessary equipment and taught all the essential skills such as paddling in a straight line, turning, stopping and capsize recovery.
Here are some of the top activity providers for learning how to canoe this summer.
Introduction to Canoe / Kayak Skills
Activities Ireland, Belfast
This 2 day non-residential course will give you all the necessary skills to be able to paddle a canoe or Kayak safely and enjoy the local waterways. You will also work towards and receive a nationally recognised, Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, certificate.
From £65pp
Improvers Paddle Power
Clearsky Adventure Centre, Castle Ward Estate, Downpatrick, Co Down
For those with that little bit of experience, try out a range of modern crafts on the water and progress your skills.
From £49pp
6 Week Kayaking Course
Mobile Team Adventure, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast
6 Tuesday evenings from 27th July – 31st August learning how to kayak on the River Lagan.
From £85pp
Taking it further
Once you have ‘graduated’ from your course then Northern Ireland has so much to offer.
You can take trips on one of Northern Ireland's Canoe Trails, with five currently on offer and with three more arriving in the spring you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland (CANI) is well worth joining. Among the many benefits you can avail of their recreational paddler which are really well organised, great social weekends, exploring Northern Ireland’s Canoe Trails.
Chris Scott Activity Tourism Manager (aka Big Chris)
Big Chris has worked with the marketing team for the past 4 years with responsibility for adventure activities and canoeing.
He has made it his personal mission to get as many people as possible out enjoying Northern Ireland's outdoors.
Having 'retired' from competitive sailing he is trying to find something new to fill the void. A recent convert to cycling and running - triathlon is quickly becoming an appeal despite the fact he can't really swim!
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Posted by paul on September 20, 2010 @ 4:24 PM
Brilliant time the kids enjoyed every moment. I thought it was better than going abroad. If your not happy with exspensive holidays look no further. Worth every penny Thanks Again Paul