Last Friday, the 22nd of March, 21 members of ULKC travelled to Sligo for a weekend of paddling fun, training and adventure. The groups stayed in holiday homes in the small seaside town of Enniscrone. On the Saturday there was an early start and the whole group went to the Deel River, a nice consistent Grade 2 river with plenty of rapids for training. This involved practicing boat maneuvering skills such as breaking in and out of the main flow on rapids, travelling across rapids as well as more advanced members practicing some safety skills and group leading skills. Saturday evening five members took on the challenge of paddling the Ballysadare rapids. This was a short but very technical and challenging set of rapids culminating with a twenty-five foot waterfall at the end. On Sunday the group Paddled the Upper Clydagh, Co. Mayo. However due to low water levels to group only paddled a short section of the river, which included the “Five Steps” rapid.
Overall the trip was a great success and enjoyed by all. Over the next few weeks there will be many more river trips run by the club and for anyone who wants to get involved can contact the club at [email protected].
