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Inspirational Paddle around Ulster
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Twenty six days after leaving the calm waters of Lough Erne, local lass Elaine Alexander AKA ‘Shooter’ completes her toughest challenge to date – the circumnavigation of Ulster by Kayak.
Shooter’s expedition started in difficult weather conditions which gradually deteriorated.
Departing from Share Holiday Village on June 26th she faced two days of tough paddling to Ballyshannon into a head wind across the Broad Lough – Lower Lough Erne, which due to its size can be similar to paddling on the sea. On reaching Ballyshannon Elaine became slightly nervous about leaving the inland waters to brave the rolling seas, but eventually made it out through the breaking surf. A local lad who was fishing saw the kayak struggling in the surf and called the coastguard. After several attempts to contact Shooter, the coastguard helicopter was scrambled to ensure that this intrepid Kayaker was ok, as Elaine explains;
“Due to the tight weather conditions, I was concentrating on not capsizing as a sea kayak laden with gear can be very difficult to roll, so I missed the two phone calls from the coastguard. But on arrival in Teelin I checked my phone and realised that the helicopter that was circling overhead was probably for me! I’m glad to see that the people on the shore were looking out for me and that the coastguard was on alert however am sorry for any inconvenience I caused them.”
Leaving the fishing community of Teelin, Shooter accompanied by a pod of Dolphins paddled up around Malinbeg and the fantastic coastline of Donegal in splendid weather where she was guided through caves and arches by a herd of Seals. On arrival at Rossbeg she stopped for some guidance from Rob Henshall, an ex employee of SHARE, who has circumnavigated Ireland 3 times in a kayak, sailing boat and canoe.
Unfortunately the good weather didn’t last and as she set out for Arranmore and Burtonport the wind and sea state increased.
“Local knowledge on an expedition like this is key, and can stop you from making some big mistakes. The locals around the coastline were extremely friendly and gave useful information freely. I couldn’t have done it without all the help and support I received along the way. In the bad weather I got very frustrated that I wasn’t making any progress, but fortunately I gained motivation and help from a friend – Adrian Harkin www.justkayak.ie whose knowledge of the tides and sea state helped me to get round the Inishowen Peninsula. This was definitely one of the toughest parts of the journey.”
Once Elaine had made it round Malin Head the wind and swell were with her and she began to make real progress and get back on track. With a number of paddling partners she paddled from Glengad Head to Shroove and onto Portrush and Ballintoy in strong winds. From Fairhead and Torr Head the weather began to ease and she made it on as far as Cushendun where she had her second acquaintance with the emergency services.
I passed a boat heading the other direction who must have radioed the coastguard to say they saw a kayak out at sea in windy conditions. On arrival at Cushendun I saw a coastguard van close to the shore that was checking to see I made it to shore safely. It’s funny that the first two things people say to you after you come ashore are ‘what are you doing out in weather conditions like that’ and when they hear about my expedition they ask ‘are you mad?!’
Elaine paddled on to Glenarm, Larne and Whitehead then across Belfast Lough to Bangor in a small window where she would not have to deal with the swell created by the Stena HSS. From Bangor the weather turned bad again, the wind swung into the South East which meant that she had to deal with the head on wind. Hugging the shoreline for safety she found herself caught in several eddies (where the tide flows the opposite direction) which was making it even tougher.
“I was quite surprised about the tidal range on the East coast and with the strengthening head on winds, it felt like I was paddling uphill. I must have been too close to the shore, but I didn’t want to venture too far from land in case some unexpected weather closed in.”
Crossing the Strangford Narrows proved to be a challenge too far in the weather conditions and Elaine had to rest up in Portaferry for the night with SHARE’S chairman – Bill Hosford. The Narrows is one of Ireland’s greatest tidal races with tidal ebb and flows of up to 15 knots. Bill describes his admiration for Elaine’s journey;
“As I watched Elaine paddle out through the swell, I was overwhelmed by this one lady’s determination, Elaine was concentrating hard on her paddling and crossed the waves quickly and skilfully! She made it safely across to Gunn Island, but for a few minutes, my heart was in my mouth!
However the hairiest part of her trip was yet to come. After stopping in Dundrum Bay for the night, Elaine attempted to paddle out through the surf at Newcastle which in a heavy boat can be extremely difficult. Realising that she may well capsize Elaine turned and ‘Bongo Slid’ back in loosing some of the gear strapped to her boat. “I had to wait for 1.5hrs until the tide dropped and the sea state flattened. This experience had taken its toll on her boat as she found that her kayak had started to take on water. She stopped in Cornmill Quay courtesy of Life Adventure Centre to fix the damage to her boat.
The following day Elaine paddled from Annalong to Kilkeel and headed for Carlingford and into Dundalk Bay where she would enter the quieter inland waterways of the Fane River. However as she was paddling against the flow, the two days paddling to Lough Muckno was longer than she had first anticipated. From Lough Muckno she hit dry land where she got a lift 7kms to Ballybay where she entered the Dromore river system stopping at Tanagh OEC. Paddling on to Belturbet and Crom, Elaine entered the home straight to Share on Upper Lough Erne, where she had started 26 days earlier. She was greeted by Share Staff.
Although the initial paddle forms part of her training, Shooter’s long term goal for 2011 is a goal is to complete the 1000 mile clockwise circumnavigation of Ireland in 2011 as a fundraiser for SHARE whose leisure suite was flood stricken last year.
If you are interested in following Shooter’s Challenge you can join her facebook group: Canoe Around Ireland which will have regular updates on her progress as well as blogs for each day and photos and video footage en route.
Click here to find out more
Tree Obstructing River on Lagan
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Lagan at Shaw’s Bridge - tree obstructing river
Following recent heavy rainfall a large tree has become lodged in the river between the second and third weir below the Old Bridge. Paddlers should exercise extreme caution when paddling this section.
The Strangford Challenge is back for 2010
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
The ‘Strangford Challenge’ is set to return in September 2010.
Details of this exciting event have just been launched today which is a challenge of paddling skills, navigation and seaman ship, fitness / endurance and team work on the beautiful Strangford Lough.
Organised by the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland in partnership with Tollymore National Outdoor Centre and Sport NI, last year’s inaugural event attracted over 30 paddlers from through Ireland.
On Saturday 11th September participants will be able to choose the category that suits their ability, choosing from a 10 mile treasure hunt, 15 or 25 mile challenge.
Sunday 12th will be a bit more relaxed with participants taking a guided paddle along sections of the Strangford Lough Canoe Trail with a local expert.
Click here to find out more
Lough Erne Canoe Trail provides the perfect venue for the CANI Club Festival
Monday, 28 June 2010
Not since the time of the Vikings had County Fermanagh been invaded by so many people paddling boats. Only this time rather than plundering the islands and surrounding area the participants on the Canoe Association of Ireland (CANI) Club Festival 2010 enjoyed everything the majestic Lough Erne Canoe Trail had to offer.
This was the inaugural CANI Club Festival and what better place to host it than on Fermanagh’s lakes. The fact that over 100 paddlers were attracted from no less than nine canoe clubs around Northern Ireland plays testimony to what the Lough Erne Canoe Trail has to offer. “When we began planning the event we expected in the region of 30 -40 canoeists so to have over 100 is absolutely amazing. It demonstrates the strength and potential of canoeing in Northern Ireland.” stated Rodger Hamilton, CANI Participation Officer.
The paddlers started at The National Trust’s Crom Estate on Saturday morning, paddling through arguably the most enchanting area of the Erne system. “There really is no better way to explore this area than by canoe. Crichton Tower, the boathouse, the old and new castle look amazing from the water.” enthused Rodger.
Having continued paddling en mass northwards the group ended their day trip at the Share Holiday Village at Smith’s Strand. Ireland’s largest outdoor centre provided the perfect overnight resting place.
Sunday saw a change of tack with the canoeists concentrating on improving their skills. In the true spirit of a Club Festival each club delivered a training session in their own area of expertise ensuring each participant was able to take in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Mid Ulster Canoe and Kayak Club delivered a session in competitive area of canoe polo whilst Lisburn City Paddlers, Blazing Paddles and Boots and Paddles demonstrated the best games for kids.
Clubs taking part in the festival were, C3 Craigavon Canoe Club, Mid Ulster Canoe and Kayak Club, Lisburn City Paddlers, Belfast Kayak Club, Blazing Paddles, Inter City Paddlers, Boots and Paddles, Canoe Slalom Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Surf Kayak Club and CANI.
“I would like to extend a big thanks to all the clubs, for their time and enthusiasm over the weekend. In particular the kids sessions were fantastic whilst over 20 kids having an absolute blast. Just great for the future on the sport” commented Rodger.
On Sunday the group also took a trip to Trannish Island to view the proposed site for a new bothy. The Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) in partnership with the Share Holiday Village are currently seeking funding the restore an old farmhouse dwelling so it can be used for overnight stays by visiting canoeist to the area.
The Lough Erne Canoe Trail developed by CAAN in association with CANI stretches 50 kilometres from Crom Estate on Upper Lough Erne to Muckross on Lower Lough Erne. Launched in 2005 it has grown to become a jewel in the crown of canoeing in Northern Ireland and a great addition to Fermanagh’s tourism offering. “We are absolutely delighted to have CANI organising events of such a scale on the Lough Erne Canoe Trail. It is great to see so many people continuing to have a positive experience on the trail” stated Chris Scott, Activity Tourism Manager CAAN.
Chris’ statement is backed up by a recent on-line survey for all of Northern Ireland’s Canoe Trails which found that since the development of canoe trails 50% more people visit the area more often, 85% said it enhanced their experience of the area and most importantly 91% are keen to use the trail again.
For more information on the Lough Erne Canoe Trail see www.canoeni.com and for more information on Canoe Association of Northern Ireland see www.cani.org.uk?
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Perfect family canoeing holiday in Northern Ireland –NEW Blog
Friday, 23 April 2010
Robbie from Scotland tells us about his perfect family canoeing holiday in Northern Ireland in our recently updated outdoor adventure blog.
To find out more about his fantastic trip on the Lough Erne Canoe Trail click on the link below.
Click here to find out more
National Trails Day to be held on 3 October 2010
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
National Trails Day has been announced as Sunday 3 October 2010.
National Trails Day is a celebration of Ireland’s wonderful variety of trails and a chance for everyone to enjoy some of our most beautiful countryside, forests, mountains and lakes. It’s primary objective is to raise awareness of outdoor trails.
Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) will be leading the organisation and marketing of National Trails Day for Northern Ireland in partnership with our financial partners Inland Waterways and Inland Fisheries Branch of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Waterways Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and support partners National Trust and Forest Service.
There will be lots of opportunities for everyone to get out enjoying trails in a variety of ways. Events could include the likes of nature walks, mountain bike cycles, family orienteering, horse riding, try canoeing, heritage walks and just plain ordinary walking! Several events were held in Northern Ireland last year but this year it is hoped that in all areas of Northern Ireland we will have a fantastic range of interesting and exciting things on a trail, be it on land or water.
The events organised will be included on www.nationaltrailsday.co.uk.
For more information on organising an event contact Aideen Exley at aideen@countrysiderecreation.com or on 028 9030 3931
Click here to find out more
New Canoe Access Point on the Upper Bann
Monday, 22 March 2010
Canoeists will be delighted to hear that a new canoe access point on the Upper Bann has been agreed with Banbridge Council.
The car park in Gilford just after the roundabout on the right is owned by the council and they would like to encourage canoeists to use this Access/Egress point rather than going through the Graveyard at Tullylish.
Banbridge Council are very keen to develop canoeing in the area and would like to put in canoe steps at the proposed new sports complex in Gilford.
On the opening of the new access point, Rodger Hamilton, Participation Officer, Canoe Association Northern Ireland stated “it is a nice section of water down to Gilford with 2 more weirs which can be good fun and some small shoots similar to those at Seapatrick which are good for developing moving water skills.”
The Linen House Tea Rooms and Restaurant at the access/egress point in Gilford also provides a nice place to get some refreshments and chill out after a good paddle.
For more information on where to paddle in Northern Ireland check out www.canoeni.com
Click here to find out more
Redevelopment of Tollymore , the National Outdoor Centre
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Work at Tollymore, the National Outdoor Centre is nearing completion, with the new facility due to open at the end of May.
This £5 million project is funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, through Sport NI, who own and manage the centre.
New facilities will include a kayak rolling pool, vastly improved residential accommodation and dining areas, drying room and equipment stores, meeting rooms and all other facilities expected in a state of the art centre.
To see photos of the redevelopment, have a look at our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/pages/Tollymore-Mountain-Centre/101227117084
All of our 2010 courses are now on our website.
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Sympathy expressed for canoeist on Bann
Monday, 14 December 2009
“The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland and the Countryside Access and Activities Network wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Stephen Chapman who has died following a tragic accident on the river Bann. Stephen was a very active member of the Causeway Coast Kayak Association and a member of the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland. His loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him”.
Clanrye Employment and Training Services & East Coast Adventure
Monday, 7 December 2009
Clanrye Employment and Training Services & East Coast Adventure are proud to announce that, from the 3rd of January 2010, we will be offering a wide range of activities from the Clanrye fantastic and recently refurbished Slieve Gullion Courtyard.
In conjunction with Clanrye Employment, East Coast Adventure we will be offering a wide range of land & water based activities in the forest, Camlough Lake and Slieve Gullion Mountain, to include the following: - Orienteering - Eco Trails - Archery - Rock Climbing and Abseiling - Rope Traversing and Bridge Building - Team Building - Survival and Leave No Trace Training - Mountain Biking - Kayaking - Canoeing - Canoe Sport skills courses - Banana Boating - Power Boat rides - RYA Personal Watercraft (jetski) Courses - RYA Power Boat Courses - RYA First Aid Courses.
The above activities are available to groups ranging in size from 8 people to 300 people in any given day.
Everyone is welcome, from schools and youth groups to corporate and stag and hen. Food and accommodation is available locally and all programmes are custom built to suit each group.
For further information contact: Rachel Mullen East Coast Adventure at the Slieve Gullion Courtyard 89 Drumintee Road Killeavy Newry Co Armagh BT35 8SW 02830250496 rachel.mullen@clanryegroup.com
Click here to find out more
