BEGINNER’S LUCK / ½ DAY EXPEDITION:

This course is the ‘wine-tasting’ of sea kayaking!  It offers you the opportunity to sample all that the ocean and kayaking has to offer, opening up a vista for one to explore.

This half-day expedition is ideal for you, as a beginner, since the emphasis of this trip will be on safety (thus making it ideal for nervous paddlers!).  Its aims are to allow you to feel comfortable in a kayak, while taking in all of the surrounding beauty which has to be seen to be believed. 

The day will be spent exploring inlets and caves and rock hopping, hopefully encountering a few seals and dolphins (unfortunately, this is the one aspect of the trip which cannot be provided on request!)  There will be an brief talk on Safety at Sea and the group size will be limited to 8 people, ensuring personal attention.  All gear is supplied.
 

OUT & ABOUT / FULL-DAY EXPEDITION:
 

We’ll begin our journey at 10 a.m. at one of the scenic spots of Tramore, Dunmore East or other beaches on the Waterford coast depending on local weather conditions (see Nearby Places to see all that they have to offer). 

The focus of this trip will be to explore the multitude of caves and inlets to be found on the west Waterford coast.  In addition to this, it is highly likely that we will encounter local wildlife, with seals and dolphins surfacing from time to time.  Depending on the season, whales have also been regular visitor to this area.

One of the highlights of this expedition is the tuition provided by one of the most renowned sea paddlers in Ireland, Mick O’Meara.  His infectious enthusiasm will make this, not just an enjoyable journey, but an extraordinary one.  Not only will he regale you with paddling tips and enough jokes to sink your boat, he is also a font of knowledge regarding the local history and geography of the area (all you have to do is ask!) 

As with all our courses, all gear is supplied (however a discount is available if you prefer to bring your own kayaking equipment).  In brief, what you get out of this trip is what you put into it – by the end of this day, you will have a working knowledge of the basic kayaking strokes and an appreciation of all that the ocean has to offer.

SALTEEE WATER! / FULL DAY TRIP TO THE SALTEE ISLANDS:

Starting out from Kilmore Quay in the early morning sun, we will paddle at a leisurely pace to the Great Saltee Island, approximately 6 km away. This remote island is the home of many undiscovered secrets – deserted inlets and one of Ireland’s largest gannet and puffin colonies.

We shall circumnavigate the island, taking the time to admire these birds in their natural environment.   At around 1 p.m. (or when the hunger pangs are too loud to ignore!) we will stop for lunch.  We will then maximise our time on the island by exploring it on foot to discover all that is has to offer.  For those of you who prefer to spend the time relaxing on the beach, the choice is entirely yours…  As the day advances, we will pick up paddles again and return to Kilmore Quay, arriving at approximately 5 p.m. It will be a long day, but will provide a unique opportunity to perhaps undertake your first ocean excursion or discover one of the hidden secrets of the Irish coast.

OFFICIALLY SPEAKING / IRISH CANOE UNION COURSES:

Level 1 & 2 (Level 1 Syllabus or Level 2 Syllabus)

This course is essential for anyone hoping to attain their 1^st qualifications in kayaking.  It is ideal for 1^st time paddlers, as no kayaking experience is necessary and it incorporates the following aspects, which are required in any aspect of kayaking, both on the sea and in rivers.  Each of the topics is dealt with in an informative and interesting manner, and involves time on the water and theory.
 

Topics covered include: Paddling Technique - Weather/Tides - Safety at Sea - Environmental Awareness

Level 3 Sea Proficiency (Level 3 Syllabus)

This level provides a natural progression from Level 1 and 2 and encourages paddlers to become more self-sufficient.  It qualifies them to be able to participate in a group session, being led by a more experienced paddler/instructor (check out Salteee Water below for suggested excursion!)

Topics covered include: Basic navigation - Paddling Techniques - Rescues - Weather/Tides - Safety at Sea

SHOW ME THE WAY TO GO HOME! / INTRODUCTION TO NAVIGATION FOR SMALL CRAFT:
 

This 2-day course will include theory and water-based navigation exercises.  Whether it’s a 3-hour trip around Tramore Bay in a kayak or a whirlwind tour of the Irish coast in a small fishing boat, this course answers all the questions that you’ve always wanted to ask - and more importantly, all the questions that you never thought of!

In the excitement of purchasing your new ‘toy’, it is easy to forget that without being adequately prepared, and informed, the sea can become a dangerous place.  This course emphasises the safety aspects of taking to the waves and allows you to make informed decisions.  The aim of this course is to simplify weather forecasts and maps, so that you can interpret the information given and apply it to your needs.
 

Topics covered include: Chart work - Course plotting - Understanding tides and their effects - Interpreting weather forecasts and associated effects on the sea - Practical uses of VHF radio and GPS - Conditions which cause fog at sea

NOBODY TOLD ME THERE WOULD BE DAYS LIKE THIS! / EXPEDITION PLANNING AND TRAINING:
 

This course is aimed at the more adventurous among you, who have decided that the time has come to venture further than any man has gone before......
 

The day will begin with a hands-on workshop (2 hours approx.), which will focus on the initial planning stages of any expedition.  This will include an interactive session on each of the topics.

Topics covered include: Planning - Selection of Equipment - Packing a kayak - Training and Fitness - Teamwork - Food choices

While apparently self-evident, it is amazing how many expeditions have failed to go ‘according to plan’, due to neglecting the above.  After lunch, we will hit the water and concentrate on the paddling elements of the trip.  The purpose of concentrating on the following is to get you off the water earlier than you would have otherwise (therefore, less time to wait for dinner…oh, and the pub afterwards!)

Topics covered include: Control techniques used on the sea - Efficient paddling style - Navigation skills

Note:

This course can be tailored to meet the needs of individuals and/or groups embarking on a particular expedition or other project.

SPECIALISED GROUPS:

UISCE BEATHA! / CORPORATE & WORK DAYS OUT

The aim of this course is to provide an unforgettable experience for all involved.  This will be a fun day all round, and guarantees that even the shyest member of the group will take part.  We’ll start by meeting at one of the beautiful local beaches and after a quick briefing on safety and technique, we’ll hit the waves.  The beauty of this outing is that each one is unique and the more fun you bring, the more you’ll have!  Furthermore, everyone is equal on the ocean, with only one boss – Mother Nature! 

We’ll start bright and early at approximately 10 a.m. (venues can be negotiated in relation to the pub you intend to crawl into at the end of the day!)  The main focus of the day is to enjoy being out in the ocean, hopefully encountering much of the marine life such as seals/dolphins, birds and scenery that the South East coast has to offer!  First and foremost, the duration and price of the trip will be tailored to suit needs. 

 SCHOOLS:

We offer a variety of packages for students – including the Beginner’s Luck/Out & About trips as outlined above.  However, in terms of value for money, we believe that the most attractive option for students is the completion of the Level 1 and Level 2 Proficiency course, as certification by the Irish Canoe Union is presented upon successful completion of this course.  It is suggested that students completed this course over a 6 week period (2 hours per lesson).

Alternatively, we offer packages such as ‘fun’ paddling trips and are delighted to incorporate aspects of local history/geography, where possible.  The Metal Man in Tramore is easily accessible by kayak and provides a unique insight into the history of the event.  Furthermore, almost every feature of the Junior Cert Geography section on the sea is to be seen within a 4-mile radius of Tramore – sea stacks/caves/blow-holes/coastal erosion.  We’re always delighted to hear further suggestions…and learn more about what you need!