British Transplant Games 2011

Volunteers needed for the British Transplant Games – 6^th August at Shaw’s Bridge

CANI are running a flat water sprint and flat water slalom event on the 6^th August at Shaw’s Bridge as part of the British Transplant Games and are looking for volunteers to help on the day. We need a team of volunteers to help with general on and off water logistics, rescue cover and timings. There are 20 competitors all with differing levels of mobility and competency in a boat so lots of help will be useful.

If you are available to help out we would really appreciate your help. We will need help for the set up from 9am and we hope to be finished by mid afternoon.

Please contact ashleyhunter@cani.org.uk if you / members of your club are able to help out and make this a great event for the competitors.

Richard Lineham departs for his Round Ulster Expedition

Richard Lineham departed Crawfordsburn at lunch time today to paddle around Ulster; with the weather on his side which should mean they will have fast days for the start of the trip. Richard will be accompanied for the whole journey by  Gethin, a long time friend, and was also joined today by a fellow Belfast Kayak Club member John Cunningham for the first day. Richard hopes to complete the trip within three weeks and welcomes paddlers to join him at any point throughout the journey. For more information on Richard and Gethin’s journey and daily blog updates check out www.ulstercircumnavigation2011.co.uk

For more pictures follow this link to our flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/42841148@N02/sets/72157627153178157/with/5974463680/

Big Bann Canoe Challenge

THE BIG BANN CANOE CHALLENGE

The Big Bann Canoe Challenge is an official event of The Canoe Association Of Northern Ireland taking place on August the 20th and 21st.

It is open to both novices and experienced canoeist and kayakers, so perfect for families too! The event is a paddle along the Lower Bann from Newferry to Drumaheglis; thats a total of 29 km over the two days with camping on the 20th at Portneal Lodgem Kilrea ( or a B&B for the less adventurous can be booked independently.

A large part of the entry fee will go to Asterias, a charity who do a wonderful job of providing a future for people who would otherwise have little hope in life, and are certainly much less fortunate than we are.
The entry fee will also entitle every individual and team participant to one of our "I've been Banned" T shirts which will be issued to everyone who has completed the challenge (surely worth the cost of entry on its own!!) Family registration entitles the entrant to 2 T shirts.

We have set entry cost as a MINIMUM donation to encourage participants to seek sponsorship, and all money raised over the minimum cost will be donated to Asterias.

Bookings should be made ASAP at office@cani.org.uk - don't miss out !!

Richard Lineham and Gethin Thomas to circumnavigate Ulster starting Monday !

Next Monday the 25^th of July Richard Lineham and Gethin Thomas are setting off from Crawfordsburn Country Park to kayak around the province of Ulster. The circumnavigation will involve paddling the coast line of Northern Ireland, Donegal and crossing Ireland from Dundalk to Ballyshannon using rivers and waterways. The total distance covered will be 350 miles (560km) and will take 3 weeks.  The aim of the journey is to raise £3500 of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan provide a large range of cancer support services including counselling, complement therapies and endless cups of tea. Macmillan have been stars over the last two years helping Alex (His wife) whilst she was sick and helping Richard get back on his feet after she passed away in September 2010. It is important to Richard to raise money for Macmillan so that they can help others as they helped him. It would be great if you could help increase the profile of the trip in the media and enable him to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Richard would like paddlers to come along and wish him a good journey and paddle along with him if you want. More information about the circumnavigation can be found at www.ulstercircumnavigation2011.co.uk there is a Facebook Page Ulster Circumnavigation 2011  

The first woman to make a solo navigation of Ireland... Shooters home !

Shooter has completed her round Ireland expedition

 At 11.30am on 13^th July, Shooter ( aka Elaine Alexander)  arrived back at Antrim Yacht Club in Whitehead to a hero's welcome.   She's the first woman from Northern Ireland (and possibly further afield) to make a solo circumnavigation of this island, and the fact she did it during some of the worst summer weather there's been in years makes her feat all the more outstanding. Despite the conditions,Shooter  paddled around the coast as if on a day trip and took just 79 days to complete her expedition.   In true hero style the local fire service laid on a water arch as she arrived on shore to be welcomed by her manager from the Share centre, Robert Livingstone,  with a bottle of champagne.   There was also a long and noisy ovation from the many friends and colleagues who'd gathered to watch her homecoming. Shooter was delighted that so many people came to welcome her and was keen to get back to normality and enjoy the unaccustomed luxury of a long, hot shower etc.

You can still donate money to Shooter and help her reach her £10,000 target to buy a wheel chair accessible mini bus for the Share Centre http://www.canoearoundireland.com

 Congratulations to Shooter on the completion of her expedition.

Paddle with Shooter on her last leg !

Hi Guys

I have just been talking to Shooter and she is keen for paddlers to join her for the final leg of her journey tomorrow. She is camping tonight at the cottage on the Whitehead side of the Gobbins (Just beside the path to the Gobbins). Shooter will be departing the cottage at 10am and will expect to arrive at Whitehead just before 11am.

If you are planning to paddle in with Shooter be at the cottage before 10am as not to hold her up. If you are just planning to come and welcome her to the shore I suggest arriving at Whitehead around 10.30 in case she paddles like a demon.

Please circulate this to all your contacts and get a crowd to welcome shooter back after her fantastic journey.

See you all tomorrow

Ashley Hunter

Coaching and Development Manager

The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland

Unit 2 Rivers Edge

13 - 15 Ravenhill Road

Belfast

BT6 8DN

O: 02890738884

M: 07875092928

W: www.cani.org.uk

E: ashleyhunter@cani.org.uk

Shooter nears the end of the voyage !

Shooter will be finished her trip next Wednesday

It would be great to get as many people as possible to welcome Shooter back from her round Ireland paddle next Wednesday at Whitehead yacht club. This has been a great achievement for Shooter so let’s make it a great home coming.

All the details are bellow on how to keep an eye on how she is progressing on her last few days and if she will be in on Wednesday, if I hear there is any change I will let you know.

Please circulate this to all your paddling friends and club members and help welcome Shooter back in style.

See you all on Wednesday

Ashley Hunter

Coaching and Development Manager

The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland

Please find below and attached a press release on Elaine ‘Shooter’ Alexander’s Imminent return from Irish Solo Circumnavigation by kayak.

Press Release - Thursday 7th July 2011

Record Setting Kayaker Returns – Irish solo circumnavigation by kayak draws to a close

Elaine Alexander is set for hero’s welcome early next week as she returns from an epic voyage to become the first woman from Northern Ireland to circumnavigate Ireland by kayak.

On current progress Elaine will arrive in Portrush on Friday 8th July evening / Saturday 9th July morning.  It is then expected to take four days to reach the finish line at County Antrim Yacht Club in Whitehead (directions below).

Elaine will be available for photo opportunities and interviews along the Northern Ireland coastline between Saturday and her expected arrival on Wednesday 13th July.

Elaine is carrying a tracking device which will highlight her location at the following link http://www.spotadventures.com/user/profile?user_id=70589 

Further updates are available at
www.canoearoundireland.com  
www.facebook.com/canoearoundireland

Full press release attached and below

Photo attached - Caption - Elaine battles against headwinds on her record breaking challenge

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Record Setting Kayaker Returns – Irish solo circumnavigation by kayak draws to a close

Elaine Alexander is set for hero’s welcome early next week as she returns from an epic 1000 mile voyage to become the first woman from Northern Ireland to circumnavigate Ireland by kayak.

Ms Alexander affectionately known as ‘Shooter’ set off from County Antrim Yacht Club in Whitehead on the 3rd May 2011 launching into a large swell and ferocious head wind; little did she know that these brutal conditions would set the tone for what lay ahead over the next 71 days.

The challenge was never going to be easy with cliffs, headlands and tides to contend with but the relentless bad weather has pushed her to near breaking point on several occasions. Elaine has been storm bound for a total of 21 days throughout the challenge often only with a small tent for shelter.

Ms Alexander is currently off Donegal and is expected to reach Portrush on Saturday.  It is anticipated that it will take four further days to reach the finish line at County Antrim Yacht Club, bringing this inspirational challenge to a close on Wednesday 13th July.  When asked what home comfort she was most looking forward to, Ms Alexander simply replied “…a proper toilet and some clean clothes.” items we all take for granted every day.

The motivation for the challenge is to raise much needed funds for the registered charity – SHARE. In 2011 SHARE based in County Fermanagh celebrates 30 years of providing outdoor activity programmes which promote the inclusion of disabled & non-disabled people in a wide range of arts, land and water based recreational programmes.  This money will be allocated towards a fully accessible bus.  Donations can still be made via www.canoearoundireland.com

“I expected and had trained for the physical challenge but I don’t think you can ever prepare mentally. It has been a real struggle coping with the repetition of paddling, getting changed into wet clothes and packing up a wet tent every day.  Especially on the windy days it has been hard just to push on that extra few miles each day” commented Ms Alexander

The courageous kayaker’s skills were tested to the limit on several occasions, one such moment was when a severe bout of sea sickness was brought on by large swell during a 12 mile crossing near Brandon Bay on the Dingle Peninsula “I was fully committed with a cliff face on one side and a long paddle to America on the other, so I had to continue despite being severely ill.”

Another such occasion was on a 25 mile crossing on Donegal Bay “…visibility closed into only a few metres so I had to continue on a compass bearing for a few hours until the main land appeared from the mist” explained Ms Alexander.

The challenge hasn’t all been doom and gloom, one of the highlights included being accompanied by a pod of 6 dolphins for over an hour near Easkey on the west coast. As well as sampling extraordinary wildlife and scenery it has been the people who have left a lasting impression “The support from the kayaking community and local fisherman has been great. Kayakers have paddled stretches with me, met me with tea and biscuits, gave me warm beds and hot showers, shared invaluable local knowledge – I can’t thank them enough.” enthused Ms Alexander

Ms Alexander’s trip has certainly caught the imagination; over 1100 Facebook fans have showered her page with messages of support each day.  “The Facebook page has really been a lifeline.  There is nothing more motivating than coming off the water after a tough day to read so many supportive and funny comments from well wishers” added Ms Alexander

Ms Alexander’s trip has been made possible with generous support from Valley Sea Kayaks, Desperate Measures, Lendal Paddles, North South Marine, River Lake Sea, Yak, Brookbanks Canoes and Kayaks, Signal Signs, Asda Enniskillen, Canoe Association for Northern Ireland and Blackthorn Design.

-Ends-

For more information on the ‘Canoe Around Ireland’ please contact:

Rory Martin – Share Marketing Officer 

+44 (0)28 6772 2122

+44 (0)7909 721 898

rory@sharevillage.org

www.sharevillage.org

Shooter is on track to complete her round Ireland circumnavigation next Wednesday

Record Setting Kayaker Returns – Irish solo circumnavigation by kayak draws to a close

Elaine Alexander is set for hero’s welcome early next week as she returns from an epic voyage to become the first woman from Northern Ireland to circumnavigate Ireland by kayak.

On current progress Elaine will arrive in Portrush on Friday 8th July evening / Saturday 9th July morning.  It is then expected to take four days to reach the finish line at County Antrim Yacht Club in Whitehead (directions below).

Come along and welcome her back and help celebrate her sucessful circumnavigation of Ireland.

Elaine is carrying a tracking device which will highlight her location at the following link http://www.spotadventures.com/user/profile?user_id=70589 

Further updates are available at
http://www.canoearoundireland.com/  
www.facebook.com/canoearoundireland

C3 Canoe club on 2011 Clubfest

ClubFest has proven to be a very popular event for paddlers in C3 canoe club with 16 of its members attending the weekend. The club, which is based in Portadown, Co Armagh, has for the second year running eagerly supported the event both in attendance and by running coaching sessions. Club coaches Tony Duffy and John Flett ran course on Open Canoe technique which looked at trim, edging and forward paddle strokes. Tony said: “This is the second time the club has run a coaching session on canoeing. It was fantastic to see so much interest in open boating among the different clubs and the feedback from participants was very positive.”

C3 secretary Ciaran McKerr also ran activities for the younger club members on the Saturday night. Ciaran said: “There was a great turnout for the activities on the Saturday evening with children and young people from every club taking part. The session was aimed at helping break the ice among the young people and to help them get to know each other. The activities went late on into the evening which helped everyone get a good night’s sleep. It was very positive to see so many children and young people at ClubFest and it bodes well for the future of paddling in Northern Ireland.

Colm McStay, who brought his son and daughter to ClubFest for the second year running praised the event as an ideal way to get families involved in canoe and kayaking. He said: “ClubFest is the perfect introduction to paddling and camping in Northern Ireland and there is an incredibly friendly atmosphere about the weekend. The sing-along  on the Saturday evening was another high point of the event.”

Circumnavigation of Ulster

UPDATE
Things are well on track for next months launch of Richard Lineham's paddle arround Ulster at Crawfordsburn Country Park (1230 'ish on the 25th July)  The fund raising is going well with over £2,000 raised at the moment with another £1000 pledged and his boats have arrived from Pand H kayaks. Help Richard raise a bit of media interest in the launch so he can raise the profile and raise as much money for Macmillan as possible.
Good luck with the rest of the preperations

CANI

Richard Lineham circumnaigates around Ulster

Circumnavigation of Ulster by Richard Linehan

In May 2009 Richard's wife (Alex) was diagnosed with terminal cancer started on a course of Chemotherapy that would last nearly 18 months, to slow down the spread of cancer. During this time Alex made a conscious decision to keep living life to the full and even 3 days before her death was still organising a party. Over her last 18 months Alex managed to raise over £9,000 pounds for charity. Alex lost her battle with cancer on the 10^th September 2010.
This summer Richard is going to be sea kayaking around the province of Ulster to raise £3500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Macmillan have been stars over the last two years helping Alex whilst she was sick and helping Richard get back on his feet after she passed away. Macmillan provide a large number of services for people effected by cancer these services include practical, medical and financial support. After the support Macmillan gave Alex whilst she was sick Richard is keen to give something back to Macmillan and help them continue their work.
The circumnavigation of Ulster will involve paddling the coast of Northern Ireland, Donegal and crossing Ireland from Dundalk to Ballyshannon using rivers and inland waterways. The total distance paddled will be 350 miles. Richard is intending to cover the distance over a period of 3 - 4 weeks depending on the weather and sea conditions.
If you would like to become involved in the journey by collecting sponsorship, putting up some posters or even joining me on for the odd headland then please get in contact and we can put you in touch with Richard. One hundred percent of the money collected will be donated to Macmillan cancer support.
"Richard will be paddling with Gethin Thomas (the best man at his wedding), the pair will be setting off from Crawfordsburn Country Park on the 25th of July."

In May 2011 Elaine ‘Shooter’ Alexander embarked on the challenge to become the first woman from Northern Ireland to circumnavigate Ireland by kayak.

The motivation for the trip is not only the 1000 mile challenge but also to raise much needed funds for the registered charity - Share Centre.
In 2011 SHARE will celebrate 30 years of providing outdoor activity programmes which promote inclusion between disabled & non-disabled people.

Elaine ‘Shooter’ Alexander is a well-known personality within Irish canoeing circles with recognised pedigree.  Elaine, a keen canoeist for nearly 20 years, has successfully combined a career as an outdoor pursuits instructor at SHARE along with competing in local, national and international canoeing events.
A long list of qualifications demonstrate Elaine’s competence, currently a British Canoe Union Level 3 Sea, Surf and Inland Coach and Aspirant Level 5 Canoe Coach.  This measure of competence is coupled with a competitive streak which reached its pinnacle in 2005 and 2007 when representing Northern Ireland at the Surf Kayak World Championships in Costa Rica and Mundaka respectively.

Yesterday she reached Burtonport on Monday and Magheraroarty last night- the end is in sight now and she is set to complete on Tuesday ! To keep up-to-date with Shooter and see her journey so far visit canoearoundireland.com !

CANI Clubfest weekend 2011 !

CANI Clubfest Sunday 26th June 2011, a set on Flickr.

Erne Paddlers on Club fest 2011 !

Erne Paddlers

ERNE PADDLERS

6 members of Erne paddlers turned out for the Clubfest event, of which 4 are committee members, and 3 are club coaches. Like everyone attending we all arrived to a dismal and typical Fermanagh wet welcome, but spirits high for the weekends activities, the ages of our group ranged from 17yrs to 56yrs and 0 stars to level 3 coach, all chomping at the bit to get on the water and enjoy the club/group experience, this also being the first event that Erne Paddlers have attended as a club group and overnight camp.

So Friday night was a bit wet, but good craic putting up our communal master piece along with personal tents, it might have showed that we have camped a lot as individuals and a group by the length of time it took and the way it all turned out, mind you we thought it was masterful and innovative, it worked for us.
It was then time to rise and get ready (sorry Pete) we prepped ourselves for the Open Boat adventure of Crom and back, we got on the water by 11ish, late as usual, and headed out to the point and stalled in the head on wind, as we tried to adjust the trim in our boats, Enniskillen was getting closer rather rapidly, a decision was made to ditch one boat and double up, a good call Pete, we banked one boat, myself and Jon paired up and a somewhat marked improvement in our advancement towards our goal was instantly noticed, on the other hand George was towed to the Livingstone Marina and transferred to the double sea kayak with Tony and Barnie (the club mascot) was put in our boat, onward and upward, a few more minor adjustments and we had it cracked, when we turned into the small Lough to head for the white bridge at Crom, What a sight, a mass of colour and people in what must have been 100 boats of all varieties, it took my breath away, I’ve never seen that many craft together before and in such a setting, it was just magical, in its self that was worth the effort of attending the weekend, it was just brilliant, all ages all types of boats and all SMILING, when’s the next one !! Onto Crom and lunch, we stopped at the old ruin’s opposite Gad tower another class setting, Had lunch and a bit of craic and then set off for Share and a BBQ supper, on the way back Karen and myself tried a bit of sailing in the canoe, lets say its a work in progress, we enjoyed it even though it was a struggle, room for improvement !!, Jon had a go as well and he has slightly more room for improvement, a brilliant laugh had by all.

BBQ, as we shared the cooking and eating facilities with the 70 wild miles competitors, I think we benefited rather well, and what a gutsy bunch of athlete’s, quite a challenge and won  by Mr Gerry Murphy a 52 year old fireman, a veteran in the field, hope for me yet folk’s(no hope) the food was well cooked, rather tasty, and for some a little slow, a few mumblings in the queue, but mostly satisfied with the out come (thanks Share it was good grub)  More night life only this time it was enjoyed by all around a elevated camp fire, with great humour and song, till close to 5am, mighty craic, a brilliant night, funny though, how we all know the chorus and a few lines, then start humming , lets just blame it on the drink, its a good excuse.

Sunday morning, we did slightly better than Saturday, but still late, We will get it right eventually I promise,  We split into three area’s, sea kayaking skills, polo, and games,  George and myself thoroughly enjoyed the sea kayaking skills, learning a lot from the session, a big THANK-YOU for that,  Jon and Tony participated in the rough and tumble of polo with m.u.c.k. and had a ball (excuse the pun) and the girls Grace and Karen enjoyed a morning of games, useful as Grace is a  O.B.Instructor and Karen is attending a Leadership course this week  at Gortatole O.B. centre, all of our crew had a absolutely Brilliant weekend.

Thanks to all that helped to put this event together, you deserve a pat on the back and commended for the effort and commitment it must have taken, and a special thanks to Rodger Hamilton on behalf of CANI For your input and time.

On discussions with other club members over the weekend, some of us wondered why we only have one  Clubfest a year, the event is so well represented by the clubs that its obviously an event worth attending and growing in reputation.

   On behalf of Erne Paddlers I Would like to Thank everyone who helped put the event together for a brilliant job, well done !!

Steve Geoghegan-Doughty.

Chairperson Erne Paddlers.

Lisburn City Paddlers on clubfest 2011

Lisburn City Paddlers

                                             Clubfest……….….Mudfest…………….…FUNFEST!

Clubfest 2011 was held over the last weekend in June at Share, Upper Lough Erne, Co.Fermanagh.

23 Lisburn City Paddlers arrived at Share on Friday night to find heavy rain and a campsite quickly turning into a muddy field.

We put our tents up and quickly gathered in the Paddlers Arms (LCP drinks tent), trying to stay dry from the worsening weather. The rain was long gone when we made it to Crom Castle on Saturday morning ready for the 11k paddle. Whilst we waited for the shuttle to end, a large water pistol provided some fun for Jamie and Cameron who gave Kevin the run around and a good soaking.

  We started to paddle on Upper Lough Erne and soon the large numbers of Clubfest were winding their way through the magical waters of Crom. This has to be one of the most beautiful paddles in Ireland, passing by Crichton Tower, Crom Castle Boat House, along the heavily wooded shoreline, before open waters leading up to the Lady Craigavon Bridge. Our new members were loving their first sight of the Erne system.

After lunch we travelled on down the lough towards Share and were helped along by the breeze on our stern. Ali made the trip look easy as he was one of the first to finish the journey from Crom.  He and the rest of our younger members were keen to be back in time for the banana boat session…this session never disappoints!!

It was now 7pm and we were ready for the famous Share BBQ, the large plates of food quickly disappeared and we all relaxed back at our tents…..all except Ian who had to perform various tasks for the younger Clubfest gang who were taking part in the evening activites….hard luck Ian!

As the evening grew cold and dark we all dandered over to the campfire. This was the best campfire ever! Plenty of guitar playing, singing, dancing, and great banter! A great way for all the Clubs to end a great day.

Sunday morning 8am - Share Campsite…….not a sound………just how long did the campfire burn last night? Sleepy faces soon appeared. Ian and Derek got the huge frying pan going and before long the cooked breakfast arrived.  All the Clubs arranged a coaching session in different disciplines for a few hours on Sunday morning, our members enjoyed open boat, sea kayaking and polo. LCP assisted with the kids games, 23 kids enjoyed getting wet many times during the sit-on-top paddle games. Surely the highlight was the dance-off at the end….did anyone equal Rodger’s breakdance routine???? A Big thanks to Brian, Big Col, Ricky, Pam, Rodger, Deborah and Mo, for the exhausting kids games!

Share Centre celebrated their 30^th Birthday whilst we were enjoying their great facilities. Congratulations Share, and Congratulations to the organising committee of Clubfest for another great weekend for all CANI Club members.

As we packed up and headed back to Lisburn we all agreed that the weekend had been relaxing, chilled out, muddy, windy, smokey (campfire), loads of sand in our hair, great craic…all the ingredients of a fantastic weekend.

Lisburn City Paddlers will return at Clubfest 2012! 

Blazing Paddlers on Clubfest 2011

Blazing Paddles

The Club Fest weekend held in the Share Centre in Enniskillen was very impressive. It was well organised with many activity’s for adults and kids. Everyone was very welcoming and helpful.  On Saturday we paddled from the Share Centre to Crom and back again, at one stage I looked around me and was astonished at the beauty and colour that was spread out both sides of my boat.  It ranged from all age groups and all different types of boats; it was a lovely site to see that many people taking part. The barbecue which was held on Saturday night was fantastic, the food was very tasty, and it also catered for people with allergies, such as wheat free, dairy free and vegetarians. The Sunday workshops were really good they covered many areas of kayaking, from surfing, sea kayaking, and open boats, water polo and kids games. There were many coaches available from different clubs, who were willing to help and coach anyone who was interested in learning. I got a one-to-one lesson with a coach, this was a fantastic opportunity to improve my kayaking skills. Within fifteen minutes my coach had me rolling on both sides, rolling for the first time gave me a fantastic feeling. Thanks to the club fest I have come back home on a high with a lot more confidence on the water. Overall I thought it was great socialising event for all clubs and I will be looking forward to next year. I thank Pete Dew for teaching me how to roll and Rodger Hamilton for organising a great weekend. Thank you very much and Keep up the great work. ROLL ON 2012. J