Paddle Northern Ireland

❗Location Change

Our Recreational Paddle on Saturday 26th September 2026 will now be taking place on the River Blackwater.

Our Recreational Paddles are designed for everyone—whether you’re new to paddling or highly experienced—and are open to both members and non‑members of Paddle Northern Ireland. They’re a great way to get outdoors, meet others and explore some of Northern Ireland’s most scenic waterways.

So far this year we’ve had four fantastic outings on the Quoile, Blackwater, Roe and the River Bann, Cusher and Newry Canal each offering a mix of enjoyment, skill‑building and great company.

Equipment hire still available - don't miss out!

Please click here to book - https://cani.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=C339C54BBCD749FA620FEF4E1C21B805DF4E8B63

Spaces still remaining on the Youth Start and Discover Programme with Erne Paddlers taking place at Gortin Glen!

This 4‑week programme for young people aged 10–17 runs from Monday 31st August to Monday 21st September, 6.30pm–8.30pm.

Prices & Equipment
Erne Paddlers Members: £32
Non‑Members: £48 (includes a 1‑year EP membership)

All equipment is provided!

Throughout the programme, participants will:
🚣 Make new friends
🚣 Work as a team
🚣 Build communication, creativity and resilience
🚣 Challenge themselves in a supportive environment

Every session is designed to be engaging, welcoming and rewarding.

Please click here for more information and to book onto the programme - https://cani.justgo.com/Workbench/i/r/EventsAndBookings/details/B72F4F633C6DAAEADA16D7A27A9B7C1CABFDDA4C/

Progressive Paddles

Next up in our Progressive Paddle Series is our SUP Progressive Paddle - SUP Skills and our Sea Kayak Progressive Paddle - Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue taking place on Saturday 5th September and Sunday 6th September 2026!

These sessions are practical, supportive development days for paddlers already confident in moderate water.
✔ Refine technique
✔ Build decision making
✔ Explore new environments
✔ Progress toward coaching & leadership

Member rate: £35 • Non member: £70

Click here for full information on our sessions - https://www.paddleni.org.uk/progressive-paddles

👏 A fantastic achievement for Effie and Cathaoir!

We’re delighted to recognise Effie and Cathaoir on successfully completing Paddle Northern Ireland’s highest White Water Leadership award — the Advanced White Water Leader Assessment.

This accomplishment reflects many years of paddling experience, technical development and leadership progression, culminating in an assessment in the French Alps, within the challenging White Water of the Hautes‑Alpes.

We are also proud to note that Effie is the first female member from Paddle NI to achieve this award — an important milestone and a testament to her commitment and capability within Advanced White Water Leadership.

A significant achievement for both paddlers and a strong demonstration of advanced technical skill, judgement and leadership.

Congratulations to Effie and Cathaoir — a thoroughly deserved milestone. 🛶👏

❗️Tree Blockage

We have been notified of a potential hazard on a section of the Owenkillew River.

The tree which can be seen in the image below is blocking a significant length of the river.

Please take care when paddling in this area.

Cold Water Shock

Cold water below 15°C can trigger an instant shock response — and with UK & Irish waters averaging 12°C, the risk is year‑round.

What happens:
❗Involuntary gasp (risk of inhaling water)
❗Hyperventilation - Our breathing rate can increase by up to 10 times. This leads to panic and a feeling of suffocation.
❗Cardiac stress from sudden blood‑vessel constriction which causes a spike in blood pressure which could lead to Cardiac Arrest.

Stay safer:
🚣 Prepare: Dress for cold water, wear a buoyancy aid, carry a phone, pack warm clothes.
🚣 Respond: Float to Live until your breathing settles, then call for help or move to safety.
🚣 Recover: Get warm, change clothes, and seek medical help if you inhaled water or feel hypothermic.

Spaces still remaining on our Progressive Paddles across all disciplines!

Our Sea Kayak, Open Boat, White Water and SUP sessions are delivered by experienced practitioners at locations across Northern Ireland.

Last year 100% of participants progressed toward their paddling goals, and 87.5% increased their confidence in moderate water.

If you’re ready to refine skills, explore new environments and push your paddling further, this is for you.

For more information, please click here - https://www.paddleni.org.uk/progressive-paddles

Our Open Boat Progressive Days cover Traditional Style, White Water Techniques, Decision Making and Safe Group Paddling.

First up in our series is our Open Boat Progressive Day - Open Water Paddling Skills, Decision Making and Group Management on Saturday 22nd August 2026!

This session is designed to push your paddling to the next level. Led by experienced coaches, you'll get hands-on guidance, tailored feedback, and plenty of time on the water to hone your technique. This is a brilliant opportunity to refine open water technique, strengthen judgement in varied environments, and practise effective group management.

If interested, please click the link to book - https://cani.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=70D62BAA663774CB07BDFAAF1180CB12B4724EA3

Well done to all at Blackwater Paddle Sports for their beginner sessions that took place over the weekend.

A great day learning new skills and gaining experience on the water!

Sport NI's National Lottery funded Creating Opportunities Programme offers up to £5,000 in match funding to support projects delivered by sports clubs, community groups, charities and PTAs.

To help potential applicants find out more, Sport NI are hosting a number of online lunchtime drop-in sessions:

Wednesday 12 August | 1:00pm-2:00pm
Tuesday 18 August | 1:00pm-2:00pm
Tuesday 25 August | 1:00pm-2:00pm

The sessions will cover the programme, eligibility criteria and application process, and provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.

Groups interested in attending must email their date of interest to: [email protected]