Firstly, I want to thank you for the support you have shown towards the new club. It has been a fantastic start and I hope you will enjoy the journey.
We have over 45 kids (aged from 6 to 15 years) actively paddling every Saturday which is an incredible achievement. The enjoyment you displayed during the kayaking sessions was a pleasure to see and your resilience during the colder months as we headed towards Christmas was inspiring, particularly the final session before Christmas when you waded through the cold water to make it to the session.
My name is William and I have been involved in canoeing since 1982. I am actively involved with Canoe Ireland (www.canoe.ie) who are very supportive of our new club. The purpose of the club is to give kids the opportunity to learn to kayak in a fun and safe environment in Broadmeadows estuary and to promote the fantastic amenity that it is.
Some feedback from the kids
“I really look forward to Saturday afternoons lots of fun, wet, I have met new friends. Looking forward to the new kayaks”
“I like the instructors because they're fun and play games. My favourite games are tag and bulldog.”
“It’s fun and very thrilling, the instructors are very nice, and I like it”
What’s next
When the current COVID restrictions are lifted and we can get back on the water we will continue with the Saturday sessions and there will be assessments for Canoe Ireland Awards.
We are currently planning a trip to Lough Derg, including Dromineer, Garrykennedy and Portumna in August 2021.
We will also take part in the annual Moy Canoe Race in Ballina, County Mayo and the Junior Liffey Descent.
Thank You
A big thank you to the following clubs and organisations who have supported us
Moy CC, Ballina, County Mayo
Salmon Leap Canoe Club www.salmonleapcanoeclub.com
East Wall Water Sports Centre www.eastwallwatersports.ie
Skerries Sea Scouts Dublin
West Cork Canoe Club www.westcorkkayakingclub.com
Wild Water Kayak Club www.wwkc.net
Canoe Ireland www.canoe.ie
Crosscare www.crosscare.ie
National Parks & Wildlife Service for their helpful guidance and information www.npws.ie
Fingal County Council www.fingal.ie
Thanks in particular to Fingal County Council for the use of their land beside the estuary for storing the kayaks. We share this with our neighbours Crosscare, Omega SubAqua Club and Animal Therapy Ireland (www.animaltherapyireland.ie).
Coaches
The sessions could not have happened without the commitment and positivity of our coaches, Ronan Foley (Olympic hopeful), Tess (the kids favourite coach) Odhran Henson and Diarmuid O Hanrahan.
Jon Simmons (National Irish coach) has been hugely helpful during the earlier summer months and also in providing guidance to the cub as we continue to expand the club. Jon is fundraising for the charity Jigsaw by kayaking a marathon every day over 7 consecutive days this February. See link https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11396494_7x7--7-marathons-in-7-days-for-jigsaw-in-a-kayak-.html.
(c) Seb Daly Sportsfile
Some history of the area
Seatown Castle (beside the club storage area)
The Russell family were Old English settlers, who claimed their origins in Ireland went back to the Anglo-Norman conquest. Although visible in the records from the 1200s, the Russells did not have a large, landed base. Their main seat was Seatown, situated in present day Malahide, north county Dublin. Fragments of Seatown Castle survive to the present day and have been incorporated into a modern dwelling. The archaeological records of Seatown Castle indicate that it was quite a modest structure and was probably built to avail of the £10 government grant available in the late 15th Century. The main interest of Seatown Castle is in its site, close to the water’s edge and with moorage.
Newport Old Quay Wall on the Donabate side was a harbour of which part of is still standing. www.oldyellowwalls.org
Flora and Fauna
Broadmeadows estuary is designated as a Special Protection Area (Special Area of Conservation) under EU law and is also valued as a recreational and sporting amenity.
The club is committed to ensuring the preservation of this important amenity for all and will be continue to assist in facilitating keeping the area clean from rubbish.
Clothing – some tips
For paddling the best approach is to have layers including a base layer of Under Armor type clothing, plus a wind-sheeter (cag) or light rain jacket. Booties or old runners. Avoid cotton as it soaks up water.
Outlets selling canoeing gear are
Decathlon also stock suitable clothing in both the kayak and sailing section.
For Booties aim to get them with zips and that they are above the ankle.
Hat – especially important.
Contacts
Website: www.mscc.ie
Phone: 087 2444522.
Email: Wirwin44@gmail.com
