Recreational Canoeing

Flat Water

Inland touring is a purely recreational aspect of canoeing and involves a trip or journey in your boat.

Touring by boat gives you the chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery. The real beauty of touring by canoe is that you can choose your own pace and savour every moment.

Touring is as enjoyable when you're on a solo adventure as it is with family and friends. You can grab a picnic and head out with no particular destination in mind or you can pack your camping gear and travel for several days or even weeks, living on what you're carrying in your boat. You only need basic paddling skills but the possibility for enjoyment and adventure are endless.

Click here to view flat water canoeing locations in Northern Ireland.

Sea Kayaking

The coastline of N. Ireland has something to offer every paddler. From the sheltered islands in Strangford Lough to the tidal races and Atlantic swell of Rathlin Island the essence of our coast is variety. There is however a dominant theme and that is the strength of the tidal streams. Tides flow parallel to our coasts at considerable strengths (2knots +) around most of the coast and so due care and good planning must be exercised before journeying on the sea.

The sea is extremely fickle and so good training and experience under a competent leader are essential until sufficient experience and skills enable a party to venture on to the sea. The North Coast is very spectacular with cliffs, caves and arches in both striking white limestone and black basalt - however the Atlantic swell can be off-putting to many. The East and South Coasts also have their own charms with strong tides and beautiful backdrop scenery such as the Glens of Antrim and the Mourne Mountains.

Click here to view sea kayaking locations in Northern Ireland.

White Water Kayaking

River running is the backbone of recreational white water paddling - it involves following a river downstream in your boat, negotiating any rapids you come across. You'll find rollercoaster wave trains, 'haystack' and 'stopper' waves and a view of the countryside that you'll never see except by boat.

'Creeking' is a more specialised type of paddling that searches out steeper, more committing rapids, usually on tight mountain streams that give bigger drops, harder rapids, tight rock gardens and waterfalls.

Click here to view white water kayaking locations in Northern Ireland.

Open Canoeing Touring

An open canoe can take you on voyages of discovery down lowland rivers, on relaxing family lake trips or down the rapids of Northern Ireland's best white water runs. Wherever you go, you'll be able to take to the water with minimum effort and maximum enjoyment.

The boats tend to be wide and stable, which makes them popular with outdoor centres and beginners as well as with less mobile paddlers and those who don't want to struggle into the tight confines of a kayak.

Click here to view the Canoe Trails in Northern Ireland.

Kayak Surfing

Kayak surfing is a committing sport - there are few things more exhilarating than screaming down a powerful ocean wave. Speed, precision and fast reactions are essential if you’re going to tear up the wave face and finish with a spectacular airborne exit.

Click here to view kayak surfing locations in Northern Ireland.