Ulster Canoe Festival 2017

Canoeists from all over the UK and Ireland (and France) flocked to this years Ulster Canoe Festival. Gareth and John yet again pulled out all the stops to produce another memorable canoeing weekend. This years event was held at Portneal Lodge on the banks of the Lower Bann. There was a great variety of sessions aimed at ... More

Lower Bann Camping

CCKA members paddled the beautiful stretch of the Lower Bann from Drumaheglis Marina down to Loughan Island. There was a great turnout for this flat water paddle. There were canoes, sea kayaks and sit on tops. It was great to see so many juniors turn out with their families. After the usual shuttle, we were under way. ... More

Paddleboard Course

Six members of CCKA recently completed the British Canoeing Discipline Module in Standup Paddleboarding. Stephen Millar from Tollymore National Outdoor Centre ran the course for 6 members, keen to try the upcoming Paddleboard course. Adrian Hodge kindly provided the venue of the Scout Hut in Randalstown. The River ... More

Blueway 10k Challenge

Blueway 10K aims to take all the hassle out of paddling activity, allowing people quick and easy access to the water. This no nonsense workout will allow people to turn up in regular workout clothes, put on a buoyancy aid, grab a boat and paddle, and go for short intensive work out. The programme was based on a 12 ... More

Paddle4Sport Slalom Event – Ballyconnell

Last Friday evening four hard-core paddlers, packed up and set off on the 3 hour trek to the Share Centre with some beautiful snow showers, rain and blowing a gale. Catherine and I arrived, followed by Mary and Jonathan. A few beverages were had, (it would have been rude not to).  After last year’s success at the slalom ... More

Liffey Descent

This year a contingent of paddlers from CCKA set off to complete (not so much compete) our first ever Liffey Descent! The teams were: Alan Kennedy and Lydia Gault (CAPS) Catherine Scott and Marion O'Dornan Gareth Mahood and Donna (Pixie) McB (CAPS) Of the start line and 800m to Straffan weir, all 3 Canadians ... More

Summer Sea Kayaking Roundup

It’s been another busy summer of sea kayaking with CCKA members exploring far and wide. The mid week evening sea trips proved very popular and there were also a number of weekend trips to Donegal. The sea kayaking season usually runs from Apr to Sep but continues in a reduced format over the winter. Steve Smith heads ... More

May Weekend Trip – Lough Erne

This year saw around 22 members of CCKA turn up for the annual away trip to the Share Holiday Village over the May bank holiday weekend. The Share Centre was a great venue as it offered both chalet and camping options for members. As well as easy access to Lough Erne, it also had numerous other activities available. The ... More

Open Canoe Festival – France

CCKA members, Marion, Alan & Catherine attended the 26th Open Canoe Festival in Drome, France. Catherine tells us of their exploits. On 30th March we set off for Dublin airport and our onward trip to Lyon airport. Following delays consisting of headwinds and faults with aircraft, we eventually landed in Lyon for a ... More

Roe River Clean Up

Members of CCKA took to the Roe on a windy March morning to continue the ongoing battle against litter. The clean up has become an annual event in the club calendar. The members met up at Swans Bridge for the usual photos before splitting into 2 groups. One group would clean from Swans Bridge led by John Vance and the ... More