About
Castlebar Kayak Club was founded in 2003. It was initially a roofrack club with approximately ten members. The founder members of the club were Michael Fahy, Michelle Granaghan, Niamh McGrath, Bryana Hindle and John McDowell. The first meeting was held in McCarthy’s Bar on Main Street, Castlebar. The name of the club was initially called ‘The Fisheads’ and it was not until 2005 it became known as ‘Castlebar Kayak Club’. It was in that year also that ‘The Club Rules and Regulations’ and ‘The Club Constitution’ was drawn up. At present there are approximately fifty members in the club and it is expanding every year. All members are registered with the governing body, Canoeing Ireland. All instructors are attached to the Training and Development Unit with Canoeing Ireland and are also trained in water safety. The club is based at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar. There is a wide range of members that participate in the sport ranging in age from eighteen upwards.
River Running
Rivers run from Grade 2 to 4. We have plenty of choice around from beginners Grade 2 such as The Black Oak in Newport to Grade 3, The Bundorragha and above.
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Sea Kayaking
We have a strong sea kayaking side in our club and with Clew Bay on our doorstep it's easy to get out to some top class paddling. The club will go on full day or half day trips and also we try to include overnight camping trips. It's a fantastic way to appreciate our local coast line.
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Beginners Courses
We run our beginners course on Lough Lannagh Castlebar usually in April. Places are limited so if interested email the club with your details.
Throughout the year we have river rescue courses and various training also during winter months hold training sessions in the local Castlebar pool.
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Tea time on Inishgort
Wild camping
Activities
Gallery
Contact
Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of the club are to encourage and promote water sports and to increase the level of participation. Outdoor activities have the capacity to promote physical and mental well being as well as promoting social inclusion and positive community development. The club also facilities, educates and train those involved in the sport. The club promotes kayaking at a community level and promotes social inclusion. We also are involved with the Special Olympics and we link in with a club that was formed in Castlebar in 2009 for people with intellectual disabilities. It is also our hope to take on Junior Members in the not too distant future.
Castlebar Special Olympics Kayaking Club
Castlebar Special Olympics Kayaking Club was founded in 2008. We have 7 athletes who have competed in Regional and national events. We usually train every Monday evening at Lough Lannagh Castlebar.
Here is a short video to watch which will give you more information . Click Here:
If you would like to become a volunteer you first need to per register. Click Here:
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Irish Sea Kayaking Symposium
The Highlight of the Sea Kayaking calendar. A full weekend taking in beautiful coastal areas of Ireland. You have the opportunity to do full or half day trips, workshops, skills etc.
Not to be missed
Pool Sessions
Swimming pool sessions are normally booked for the winter months at the public swimming pool in Castlebar. The start date is usually a Thursday, 9.30 pm to 10.30 pm. Your boat, air bags and all equipment must be washed clean of sand and debris.This is a great opportunity to practice rolls and rescues etc. The fee is €5.00 per session.
Club members only.
Click Here for a short video
Crana Fest!
Crana Fest is a 2-day event for all disciplines of kayaking; sea, lough and river from Grade 2 to Grade 4. It is based in Buncrana, Inishowen, Co. Donegal and takes place in Lough Swilly and the Crana River.
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This exciting event is now in its 9th year, it's open to all abilities and attracts participants from all over the world. For Crana Fest there are a variety of skill sessions with top coaches from all over Ireland and the UK.
Many who attend return year after year to enjoy the craic and the experience of the entire event.
​Crana Fest weekend package includes entry to races, coach-led session and a goodie bag including an event T-shirt with prizes for winners. Usually about €50.00
Yearly Club Activities
CASTLEBAR CKC AT ENNISCRONE 2013
Niamh McGrath (RIP), Denise Leahy, Stephen Fahy, Michelle Granaghan, Mick Fahy, Keith Coleman, Bryanna Hindle, John McDowell, Darren Fahy