Try Sea Kayaking Day

Learn to sea kayak safely and competently with our introductory Try Sea Kayaking Day. Read More

Kayak Skills Development Day

Improve and develop your sea kayaking skills and confidence on the water. Read More

Please Note

All courses delivered by fully insured and highly qualified instructors and according to Irish Canoe Union safety guidelines. All equipment supplied. Customized courses organized on request - please contact us for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Howth Harbour with RNLI Station in the
right background

What should I bring?

We provide all the necessary sea kayaking equipment (kayaks, paddles, buoyancy aids, spraydecks, waterproof cags and sleeveless wetsuits). However, we recommend that you bring:

A warm, comfortable underlayer (i.e. fleece) to wear under a waterproof cag.
Swimwear or thermal fleece layer to wear under a wetsuit.
Old runners, sandals or wet suit booties to protect the feet on slipways and rocky shorelines.
Lunch including hot drink and snacks. (not necessary on the Try Sea Kayak Day as we lunch in the Oarhouse Restaurant)
A towel.
Dry clothes to change into afterwards.
Sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen….. hopefully you will need these!!

Are there toilet facilities in Howth?

There are no public toilet facilities on the Middle Pier. The closest toilets to the RNLI slipway are the public toilets on the East Pier. If you need to use the facilities, we recommend that you do so before you check in with us.

When should I arrive?

We would appreciate very much if you would arrive 15 minutes before the briefing to give yourself time to change into your wetsuit, organize your kayaking kit and visit the toilet facilities if necessary. We will start the session as promptly as possible. Please try to be on time.

Where will I meet the group?

All Howth-based courses will depart from the RNLI slipway at Howth Pier. See the map under FAQs on our website. The RNLI slipway is on the Middle Pier Howth and adjacent to the Sailing Club which has the very distinctive blue and white roof.

Winter Pool Sessions will take place in Clondalkin Leisure Centre. See Winter Pool Sessions for more information.

Is there parking close by?

There is usually plenty of parking on the Middle Pier. Occasionally, if there is a big sailing event on, it may not be so easy to get a place. For your convenience, it is a good idea to park close to us as you may wish to change in your vehicle.

Am I suitable for an Introductory Course?

Choose an Introductory Evening or Try Sea Kayak Day if :

You have never kayaked before.
Your previous experience was on a sit on top. There are many new turning and balancing skills to learn even though you may be very fit so we would strongly recommend you take an Introductory Course.
You kayaked many “centuries” ago, are keen to take it up again but are maybe a little anxious about how you will cope.

Do you cancel if weather conditions are horrendous?

Rain will not stop play but occasionally, we have to cancel due to very strong winds. In these conditions, you will get no enjoyment from an Introductory or Improver course apart from the obvious safety considerations. As forecasts are changeable, we generally do not make our final decision re cancellation until the previous day or even the morning of a course. We will text or call you with this information on the mobile phone number you supplied at the time of booking. If you do not book online, please make sure we have your mobile phone contact details. Following a cancellation by us, you may choose to be reimbursed but we hope you will choose another date from our wide selection of courses. Email us these details and we will make sure you are re-scheduled.

Further Questions

Feel free to call either Eileen (087-9885658) or Sean (086-8368736) if you have any further questions.