JackieOnassis

Co. Cork and was a roaring success. The combined surf

kayaking and waveski league is a welcome addition to the

Irish kayaking calendar.

Sharing the waves

Having missed the first event I was looking forward to this one

and although the surf was small I wasn’t disappointed and had a

great weekend!

Leaving early on Saturday with Pencil in tow we met Mickey Barry

in Cork city and headed towards west Cork.

Let’s just say the journey was entertaining,

you try keeping up with Mickey in a car!

Mickey Barry trying out one of the Watertech demos
With a quick stop in Garretstown it was clear that the surf would be

small and clean I didn’t mind because the sun was out and it

was looking like it was going to be a pleasant weekend.

Arriving in Inchadonney all the usual faces were there but the best

thing to see was all the eager newcomers waiting to try proper

surf kayaks and wave skis for the first time.

ME in the club IC boat.

This event was not about competition but a come and try day for

new comers and training and coaching session for the more

experienced.

Big up to Noel Maguire and Co for helping the novices and

Morgan O Sullivan for handling the rest of us!

I really learned a lot and it’s great to get some structured positive

coaching!

The Saturday format for the novices included on and off the water

training. They were using plastic kayaks and most were playboaters

as well as a strong turn out from UCC canoe club.

After both on the water sessions and a break for lunch the evening saw

them try glass and composite boats as well as wave skis for the first time.

The newcomers enjoying the sun and sea

The more experienced group of ten divided into two and operated a tag team

system of 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off the water.

While one group was on the water the other group discussed their progress

and decided which were the better runs and why.

After the session everyone got individual feedback from Morgan and the group.

This was very specific and positive and gave us all something to focus on for our

next session.

The coaching certainly helped and everyone improved on the first session.

After lunch there was a free-surf over near the point.

I hadn’t done much kayak surfing since Mundaka.

One session in Cornwall in February being the exception and it was great to get

back in the sea after a long stretch away. I’ve been doing a lot of playboating and

freestyle training and needed to try something else for a change.

The Saturday night was great. A few of us headed to Clonakilty for the night and

the crack was mighty, ask the boys why!

A few pints and great music followed by a dodgy night club always

brightens the spirits!

Three of us were staying in the local hotel, and the resemblance to Fawlty towers

from the inside was hilarious!

Len Kelleher
A lot of us had sore heads the next day. I was determined to get out even if the

surf was small. I wanted to try some hp boats, I am planning on buying but not

sure what I want yet.

First up was the Watertech Lucifer. I told Pencil I’d only be about half an hour, but

I liked it so much he had trouble getting me to bring it back to the beach.

I found it very comfortable, pretty stable and easy to turn. I’m definitely taking it

for another spin; I’d also like to take the speedy for a spin pretty soon.

The Watertech boats are so unbelievably light. They feel more like a playboat than

other brands when you sit in them.

Myself and Pencil (a.k.a. Shane Lynch)
Next up was the Neutron, I also liked this one but for different reasons.

It wasn’t as comfortable and didn’t turn as easily but it was certainly fast.
Not going to rush the decision going to try a few more boats before I spend any

money.

The weekend ended with a raffle for the newcomers with prizes sponsored

by Munster Dive and Canoe.

Emilene Galvin walked away with the top prize of a new helmet.

We headed home after a long and sunny weekend.

I really enjoyed the weekend and can’t wait for the next one in May!

All pictures by Dave P. cheers.

And links to his videos