Hello and welcome, Rapid Kayaking had a very successful first year in operation running B.C.U Paddlepower 1 and 2 Star Paddlesport courses throughout the year. Over the winter period we ran our swimming pool sessions in the following leisure centres-Jacksons Hotel Ballybofey, Magherabeg Downings and the Ostan Hotel Dungloe. The pool sessions will begin again in the new year. Please ring or email for details and bookings. During the summer we also ran water sports activities for several Irish colleges, youth groups and summer camps in and around  the Gaeltacht area. Some of the festivals we took part in over the summer included the Mary From Dungloe, the Burtonport Festival, and the Magic of the Sea Festival. All proved to be a great success and introduced lots of people to paddle sports.The highlight of the season proved to be the very popular kayak trips running from the Boatstrand Carrickfin, Roshine Pier Burtonport, and the harbour Kincasslagh. On a lighter note Conor and I also found time to continue with our obsession of kayak surfing and are clawing our way up the ranking in the NI Leaugue.

Burtonport Festival 18th-26th July

Considering it was July and the the middle of summer, for this 'Come and Try It' event day the weather wasn't great or ideal but I thought I'd give it a go. Luckily I had selected a great location at Roshine Pier and although the weather was blustery I got good shelter from the wind.There was a good turn-out of adults and children and I decided to take groups up and down the channells. Everyone seemed to really enjoy their time on the water and having a go in a kayak - some for the first time.

Mary from Dungloe Festival 26th July-4th  August

This 'Come and Try It' day was good craic and a great success. We hit lucky with the weather-good conditions and there was a really good turn-out of people (locals and visitors alike) showing up to have a go. Lots of families involved and they had great fun playing games and having a tour around Dungloe Lake. Overall a fantastic day.

Magic of the Sea Festival (Downings and Magheroaty) 30th August

I took part in this festival at Magheroaty but it was hampered by the weather-rain. A free 'Come and Try It' family event day there was plenty of activities on offer (horse riding, bouncy castle, surfing , fireworks, free food-etc) all good family fun. A fairly good turn-out considering the weather, and it didn't stop me taking a good few adults and children out on the water. Hopefully this event will run again next year with more people coming along.

Summer Camps and Colleges

Although the weather wasn't great through-out the summer this didn't seem to bother the children and students of the colleges and summer camps who couldn't wait to get into the water and feel the freedom to splash around and have fun. Although there was a range of age and ability playing games and going on trips were great ways of team building and for the younger ones a good way of building up confidence in the water. All the children and students alike loved the experience of kayaking and the enjoyment of being on the open water. 

So, why not drop by if you're in the area next year for the 'Come and Try It' days of the festivals and do some-thing original and environmentally friendly. Or, you could always come along on a kayak trip on the open sea and enjoy the Rosses beautiful coastline. Anyway, lets hope for some sunshine and warm weather in 09 and hope to see you on the water.

                                                                James