News

The Lower Liffey Race 2011

2011-10-29T20:43:00.005+01:00

Sligo Kayak Club was represented at the Lower Liffey Race, Saturday 10th of september 2011 when a few of us headed up for the race which runs from Salmon Leap canoe club in Leixlip and ends at the Garda Rowing club, Islandbridge 9 miles later.

Pictured L to R: Rachel Bourne, Daniel Burke, Karl Byrne, Emer Conway, Raurai O Heir.

The sun shone all day and although the water didn't have much flow to it everybody was is the great spirit of the day.

A Huge congrats to Raurai who won the under 18 section of the race and Rachel who came second in the ladies category.

And a Very special well done to the special three of Emer, Daniel and myself who were strongly holding up the end of the race. Watch out next year people.

A great day out kayaking and would highly recommend this race as an introduction to the full Liffey Descent.

2011 Sligo Kayak Club BBQ

2011-10-29T20:15:00.006+01:00

Tuesday 30th August 2011 and the Sligo Kayak Club BBQ marked the nearing end of the summer evening sessions. There was a brilliant turnout on the night with over 30 people stuffing their kayak loving little faces with burgers and sausages cooked to perfection.

We were planning this since July and the weather never seemed like it was going to be in our favor so we decided to just go for it and see what the weather throws at us and it paid off, it was a great evening and YES we did run out of burgers, but we had some sausages and buns left over, everyone left with full bellies and smiling faces.

With all these members together it would have been a shame not to get the box

of clothing out and get flogging club gear. Which turned out to be a fantastic little money maker on the night.

The BBQ was a huge success and a big thank you to all who turned up and an extra big thank you to Donovan and Rachel for the BBQ's and all those who cooked and organized the night.

I'm starving myself for next years.

Lough Gill 28 Aug 2011

2011-08-29T22:10:00.003+01:00

Lough Gill was the setting for our paddle on Sunday the 28th of August. On a very windy day we paddled against the wind from lake Isle Of Inishfree along the southern shoreline and across the small bay at Slishwood and then across to Beezies Island to stretch the legs , also a cuppa and a food boost. Our plan was to go around Church Island but with strong wind and 1 to 2 foot waves on the lake we decided to shorten the route. The first hour was hard but the wind lightened a little and we made it to Beezies in 2 hours. A 20 minute stop and we were back at the boathouse in Doorly Park in another hour and ten minutes. We had 11 paddlers on the water. In total the trip was 8 to 8.5km (felt like 20) and we did it in 3.5 hours. A tough paddle but very enjoyable.

Sunday 21 August 2011

2011-08-29T21:32:00.003+01:00

Sunday the 21st of August and Boyle River was our first club river trip of the 2011/2012 season. There was low water and not much of a flow but the sun was shinning and we were dying to get back onto the river since May.

Not very challenging for the experienced paddlers but for some of our new members it was their first ever river trip and it was perfect conditions for them. Finally we could explain edging, eddies and flows alot better. Everybody done great with nobody taking a swim. We had 15 paddlers on the water, which was a great turnout, if this keeps up we are going to have a really good season. If we get 15 people out in January in the snow and ice that will be a miracle :-)

As usual we ended the day with our customary picnic, based on that it will be a very good season......... we will all weigh 2 stone heavier April next year.

Shelly River Boat Race

2011-07-16T20:13:00.004+01:00

As part of the Cairde summer festival there was the Shelly River Boat Race. Children from local schools made model boats out of recycled materials and raced them down the Garavogue River. The Sligo Kayak Club was asked to lend a hand in keeping the boats afloat and on coarse. With very low waters some boats hit the rocks.

Warrior Of The Sea

2011-07-05T10:46:00.003+01:00

The Warrior of the Sea 2011 took place on Sat. the 25th of June on an overcast and dull but not too cold day. And again Sligo Kayak Club were only to happy to help out with the safety on the day.

The warrior of the sea is a 6km open water swim race thruogh strong surf, currents and winds. Starting at the Sligo Yacht Club in Rosses Point and finishing on the beach in Strandhill.

We had a quick breifing and a Good warm up before hitting the water.

Once out past Coney Island winds picked up a little but visibilty became very bad and the main land reference for the swimmers, The Ox Mountains, could not be seen. Also the small swell made it impossible to see the yellow markers from the waters surface and swimmres started going a fair distance of coarse and large gaps were widening between the swimmers which made it very hard to keep an eye on all of them.

The end was finally in sight after an hour for some but 3 hours swimming for others.

Emer keeping a close eye on Anthony. ( Just before he got sick on her kayak )

The final swimmer finally makes it around the last marker. It was astrong wind by this time blowing against the swimmers.

A great morning in the sea providing safety to the triathlon club And another great turnout from Sligo Kayak Club with 9 of us on the day plus another 4or5 sit on tops, several boats from civil defence, Rnli and private owners and Gary from Outerpoint surf shop.

Till next year.

Last of the swim series 2011

2011-06-19T11:49:00.004+01:00

Saturday 11 June 2011 saw the last of the four leg swim series by the Triathlon club and again safety provided by The Sligo Kayak Club, along with the civil defence.

We saw a great turnout for this one with 14 kayaks in the water. (nothing to do with free BBQ aferwards). Conditions were perfect on this sunny day in the point.
Hard to see but pic on right is swimmers getting ready on the beach.

14 Boats...... 1 Van. Not bad.

And still room for a couple more.

Framed memento presented by the Triathlon club to the Kayak Club

Then presented to david to look after..

A big thank you to Harry's bar for the hospitality, BBQ and number of drinks.

Thats the Swim Series till next year, but other events are happening through the summer that we will be doing rescue for also.

Club Clothing - SALE SALE SALE

2011-06-11T00:44:00.007+01:00

Clothing available through the club.

T- shirts €15

Polo shirts €20

Hoodies €30

Metal Man Swim Series

2011-05-23T21:13:00.003+01:00

Sunday the 22nd of may 2011 saw the first of the four legs of the Metal Man swim series, in Mullaghmore this year. Due to high winds this week the event was moved from Rosses Point . The event is a great success and now in its third year and will be run over four weekends.
Sligo Kayak Club once again provided rescue support for the swim.

Great Opportunity to christen the new and shiny SKC Hi-Viz vests.

Club sunshades available on request. One size fits all.

Warming up before hitting the cold water.

It was tough enough staying in position with the strong winds but it was worse for the swimmers with wind making the normally very still bay very choppy, but no casualties. We were there when some swimmers needed rests or to stretch out cramps.

Good turn out and we are very much appreciated by the Sligo Triathlon Club, people needed for next the three weekends so if you can make it then come and help out, Keep an eye on the forum http://http://sligokayakclub.darkbb.com/.

Sligo Kayak Club AGM 2011

2011-05-22T00:20:00.004+01:00

Sligo Kayak Club AGM took place on March 25th and went smoothly, where the new committee for 2011/2012 was elected.

Chairperson : Caroline Finn

Secretary : Eddie Loftus

Treasurer : Donovan McMorrow

Children's Protection Officer : Bernie Burns

Parents Representative : Carmel Bourke

Training Officer : Tim Fullwood

Safety Officer : Gunnar Bojkovsky

Equipment Officer : Karl Byrne

Table Quiz

2011-05-21T23:42:00.004+01:00

(stolen Photo)
Club table quiz was held on 10th Feb. in the Harp Tavern and was a great success with €300 raised for the club and all thanks to the hard work of chairperson Caroline Finn.

Fair play to all who turned out and hope to see yee all again at the next quiz.

(Anybody looking for club t-shirts contact the Loftus'ss's.)

Winter 2010/2011

2011-05-21T21:11:00.003+01:00

Alot has gone on over the winter in Sligo Kayak Club. The club enjoyed peer paddels on the lake, river & surf trips nearly every weekend since September, even with snow and ice! Nothing stops us. The pool sessions every Saturday proved to be very successful. Way too many trips to details so here's a few pics for proof, incase it's needed.

Garavogue...

Streedagh...

Tulan Strand...

2011-05-21T20:47:00.007+01:00

Boyle River (our second home)...

River Inny...

Duff River...

2011-05-21T18:03:00.001+01:00

Metal Man Swim Series 2011 Launch

Sligo Metalman Swim Series 2011

By Catherine McGlinchey, Swim Series Committee P.R.O.

The waters are getting warmer and the sea beckons – the Sligo Triathlon Club members cannot resist, the desire to swim overwhelms. The Metalman Sea Swim Series begins. Four races, timed to the second, men and women will test their metal to see who is open water champion at Rosses Point this year.

The series begins on Sunday May 22^nd, continues on Saturday 28^th May, and Saturday 4^th June, with a final swim on Saturday 11^th June. Distances will start at 750m and will progress to 1,000m and a final 1,500m.

The majority of entrants are in for their second or third year of open water racing. Their experience will stand to them, but the new talent that has emerged in the club this year will keep everyone on their toes.

Lisa Dunne, Lyndsey Dunne and Sheila Ryan will be pulling out all the stops for the women's outright title. Matt McGarrigle, Shane O'Doherty, Jason McMorrow, Alan Shaw and Scott Reid will be taking to the sea seeking the outright male winner title.

The main event, the time handicap title will be open to everyone and will reward improvements in swimmers' times. It promises to be exciting again this year, so place your bets early.

New club members and developing swimmers will get the opportunity to experience what is an exciting and challenging race series. It doesn't come much better than swimming out across Rosses Point beach, sighting the yacht club, steering into a roaring welcome on the beach. The support from fellow competitors is super, everyone wants each swimmer to make the shore! Safety on the day is paramount and the organisers will have done everything to ensure each competitor makes it back to shore safely – and not Coney Island, or beyond! To prepare for the event a pre-race swim will take place on Monday 16^th May at 7pm. This race will give novices and anyone who wants some pre-race experience the chance to 'test-the-waters', cold as they are. If you have a new wet-suit it's a great chance to try it out before the first race.

Fantastic support and back-up will be provided once again from Sligo Kayak Club, Sligo Civil Defence Lifeboat, RNLI and Harrys Bar, Rosses Point. This event couldn't happen without them and the club is eternally grateful for their continued help and support. Other valued sponsors include Chain Driven Cycles and Sligo Credit Union.

Pictured at the Launch night on Thursday last were Tim Fullwood (Sligo Kayak Club), John Foley (Civil Defence Lifeboat) David Kelly (SKC) Gunnar Bojkovsky (SKC) John Fallon (CDL) Donovan McMorrow (SKC) Christopher McLoughlin (CDL) Orla Lee (Sligo Credit Union) Fintan Ewing (Harrys Bar) Scot Reid & Shane O Doherty

Club Trip to the Boyle River

2010-09-17T15:28:00.012+01:00

On Sunday 12th September a few members of Sligo Kayak Club did a run of the Boyle river. This was a very significant exertion as for some it was their first experience of real whitewater. We gathered bright and early at the club container and made our way in a convoy to the get in (again we'd like to thank some of the parents for giving people lifts and helping with the car shuttle.)

For our beginners the moving water and eddy lines provided a safe and gentle spot for practicing skills such as breaking out and ferry gliding; while the more experienced members practiced rolling, tail squirts and cartwheels.

As we made our way down there were a few swims, but thankfully the Boyle is a forgiving river and nobody was hurt or too shaken up. Paddlers were in good spirits for the duration of the trip, the beginners were buzzing so much from their first spin on Assilyn that some even hiked up the hill along the river bank to do it again!

We had brought along throwbags in the hope of doing some rope practice, however by 4 O'Clock we were pushed for time and light and so we didn't get a chance. Not to worry though, we plan on having another trip this Sunday (19th September) and many more in the coming months.

Metal Man Swim Series 2010

2010-06-20T13:01:00.003+01:00

For the second year in a row members of Sligo Kayak Club have helped out as safety boaters for the Sligo Triathalon Club's 'Metal Man Swim Series.' This event consists of four swim competitions during the months of May and June, with an average of 50 swimmers in each competition.

For more details of the Metal Man Swim Series go to http://sligotriathlon.blogspot.com/

Sligo Kayak Club Cleans the Garavogue!

2010-06-20T12:50:00.004+01:00

As part of a world wide clean up initatitive ten members from the Sligo Kayak Club turned out for the clean up of our local play spot the Garavogue River. The day was a terriffic success - with nearly thirty full bags of rubbish collected! A big thank you to all club members who paritcipated and also the kind people of Sligo County Council and the Garavogue Bar for taking care of our rubbish afterwards. Many people have already commented on the noticeably cleaner riverbank.

For more information on this clean up intiative and details of other clubs' participation go to

http://icucleanupday2010.blogspot.com/

Sligo Kayak Club St Patrick's Day 2010

2010-06-20T12:34:00.005+01:00

Sligo Kayak club has had an eventful year so far. The pool sessions have wrapped up making way for our summer sessions in Doorly Park, members have been involved in lots of surf and whitewater trips and the boathouse has been given a nice spring clean! In March we took part in the St Patrick's day parade with our very own float. Big thank you to Valli for her amazing costumes and props, Alan for the loan of the trailor, Tim for the kayak club signs and not to mention all the volunteers who sacrificed their time (and dignity!) to walk the parade route. Feedback from the public was fantastic and it proved to be great publicity for the club. Let's make next year's one even bigger and better!

The Float

Caroline the Mermaid

The Lads

Hoodies, T-shirts etc are in.

2009-10-21T14:27:00.000+01:00

The club clothing range are finally in. So far what we have are;
T-shirts: sizes S M L XL in black, printed front and back. price: 15 euro.
Polo shirts: sizes S M L XL in black and in navy. stitched on front, printed on back. price 20 euro.
Hoodies: sizes S M L XL in black with grey hood lining and draw string. stitched on front, printed on back. Price: 30 euro.
Hoodies: sizes S M in purple with yellow hood lining and draw string. stitched on front, printed on back. price 30 euro.

Coming soon. Womans cut long sleeve t-shirts, and kids sizes t-shirts.

To get your funky new threads, go over and post in the forum thread or contact me from the contacts info page from the main website. I can deliver out to the pool sessions, to river trips or meet people in town.

Pool sessions are GO!

2009-10-21T14:22:00.002+01:00

Sligo Kayak Club are having pool sessions in the Sligo Sports Complex every saturday from 12.45 to 1.50. Cost is 10 euro, and it is open to all club members, and should continue through the rest of 2009 and possibly beyond if popularity remains high.
The pool sessions are for the purpose of learning and improving your rolling and bracing technique. See the Forum for more imediate updates.

Boathouse, in new ventilated flavour.

2009-10-21T14:14:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Seamus and his welder Noel, the boathouse now has vandal-proof ventilation. Things should be less damp and mouldy from now on, and equipment should last longer.
Thanks guys for the sterling work.

Kids now on moving water

2009-10-21T14:02:00.001+01:00

Finally we have managed to keep our promise to the kids of Sligo Kayak Club and are now bringing them on the white-water and surf club trips. all the training through summer has paid off and they are doing really well. Hopefully we can keep this up through the coming winter. Thanks to their long suffering parents for bringing them along and, helping out. i am sure its more scary for them than it is for the kids.

Club BBQ

2009-09-22T03:08:00.007+01:00

The club BBQ went ahead on Sunday the 20th of september at the boathouse. Cyril Jinks, formerly a member of the original kayak club in Sligo (and a damn fine cook) was contracted in. Thanks for the feed Cyril! The weather was chilly enough, but thankfully stayed dry. If anyone has some pics of the event, please email them to me. I was too busy eating to take any.

sligo weekender 22nd sept 2009

We also had a chance to show off the new Sligo Kayak Club clothing (as modelled below by our fine modelling talent....and me). Hoodies, polo shirts and t-shirts will be available. The main order is in with the printers and should be ready for sale within a week or so.

Sligo Kayak Club Members Compete in the Worlds

2009-09-08T14:14:00.005+01:00

Sligo Kayak Club members Alan Moore and Siobhan McGriskin paddled for the Irish team in the World Freestyle Championships in Thun, Switzerland. Alan placed 84th, and Siobhan came 24th. Well done to both of them - hope they had a blast. I have no pics of them yet, so for now, here is their scores listing.

for full scores listing view the ICF website here

Lough Key Triathlon (6th Sept)

2009-09-08T13:40:00.006+01:00

Sligo Kayak Club braved the elements and horrible earliness of the hour on Sunday the 6th of September to provide safety and support boating at the Lough Key Triathlon. It was a large event with about 300 participants. Our contribution to the event was small but important, and ended quite quickly. So after (free!) tea and muffin time we went whitewater boating on the Boyle. We made some new paddling friends, and met up with some old ones too. Namely Kevin Currid and his gang from Lough Allen Adventure Centre.
Well done to Alice Reynolds for her work in organising the water safety, and a mega big thanks to Susanne, Gunner, Caroline, Micheal, Shirley, Sean and Seamus for coming out under such tough conditions and doing the job.

Metal Man Swim Series (5th Sept)

2009-09-08T13:20:00.010+01:00

The Sligo Kayak Club has been providing safety and support boating for the Metal Man Swim Series for its 6 week duration. The event organised by Sean O'Doherty went really well, averaging at over 20 swimmers each session. The events all went well and smoothly and greatly benefited from the provision of having kayaks in the water.
Paddlers who came and helped out were David, Gary, Susanne, Gunner and myself (Tim). We all ate and drank well after the final event on Saturday the 5th of September.
A big thanks and well done goes out from the Sligo Kayak Club to Sean for organising the event and getting Sligo Kayak Club involved, and to all the swimmers who swam the series. Well done!
http://www.sligotriathlon.com/

Sligo Kayak Club News Blog

2009-09-07T01:21:00.003+01:00

Welcome to the Sligo Kayak Club's news page!

First news should be of our shiny new website. www.sligokayakclub.com should be up and running as you read this. This blog has been set up as a way to archive the news (propaganda) for the club.It is easier to maintain a blog than to manually set up every news article on the main site. I will keep "latest headlines" on the main site, with a link to here.
There will be a mad flurry of news coming up soon as the club and its members have been very busy. Hopefully through the coming months things will maintain a level of productiveness.
Oh, for interacting with the news, or any other bit of the website, please use the forum. It will continue to be the community portal for trips, events, banter etc.

See you all on the water,

Tim.