JackieOnassis

Heres a nice video of Clifden with a selection of Irish paddlers. Its a tidal feature that works during spring tides throughout the year and is very popular in summer when the rivers dry up.

Thanks to Barry for making a video and remembering to include everyone else this time !

Enjoy : )

Competing at National Freestyle Championships 2010

From the end of summer 2009 til the end of February I struggled with a niggling back injury that refused to go away. I did try ignoring it but after a week of spasms following the Irish Surf Kayak Open in October I threw in the towel on paddling.

Ignoring the pain at Easky     picture by John Mc Carthy

This more or less meant I was off the water but with lots of hard work, lots of physio and the discovery of Pilates Im back and finally rid of the back issues!

To keep me entertained while on hiatus I was busy helping the crew at Nui Galway run the 2010 Kayak Intervarsities. I was left in charge of the Freestyle event. This took place out at Clifden and was well received by all the competitors. Instead of the standard heat format each college was given the hole for 4 minutes with each team members best run counting to the colleges final score. Id love to see this format used again as it suited both beginners and experts alike. For further info on the Intervarsities see here.some-picture-highlights There is also an article in Outsider magazine (april/may issue)

In march I was back in better form thanks to Pilates and I recommend it as a great way of improving core fitness and stability. This year I competed at team trials for a place on the Irish Freestyle team to compete at the European Championships in Lienz this June. I was delighted to be selected for the 1st spot after a win at the Sluice event and a second place at the Clifden event.

Me at the Sluice event, pictures by Fran O Donnell

Im enjoying being back in a boat and feel stronger than ever! In April Ive been busy freestyle training at my local hole spots Tuam, Clifden and Oranmore. Last weekend we were treated to a nice level at Curragower for the first round of the National Championships. I finished in joint second place with Dee. Sinead O Donnell stole the show with some convincing rides to secure her first win. Fair play to her!

Sinead O Donnell, Picture by Dave P.

Also to note were Emer Farrells strong performance to win the Junior Ladies class in spite of a pulled muscle in her neck and the 1st , 2nd and 3rd place finish by the UL boys in the senior mens class. Dave O Sullivan was delighted with his first win in Senior Mens, while Conor Bredin was delighted to beat Tom O Donoghue to second place.

Conor in the Molan, picture by Dave P

full results