ocean addicts

European waveski Titles 2012

2012-01-20T01:25:00.000-08:00

Countdown to the Europeans has officially started.
Check out www.waveski.pt for more info in the coming weeks.

Few pix from the gopro

2012-01-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year !

2011-12-30T04:52:00.000-08:00

OA wishes everyone a happy new year and the strength to stick to those resolutions and goals for 2012 and beyond!
I intend to do more river running this winter. look out for inland courses next year. looking forward to the new surf ski my Dad won in South Africa arriving March. There is plenty of scope for this sport in the North West that's for sure. Also there are the European Waveski Titles in Ericiera Portugal to look forward to. Thats in April/May, and there should be a few folk from Ireland going to that.
Some exciting news too. OA has a new partner for 2012. DUEM kayak gear has come on board so we are looking forward to working with them and the Irish dealer. More news to follow on that one.
So, once again thanks for all the support during the year and happy new year to all!! See you on the water in 2012, Carry on!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2011-12-23T11:16:00.000-08:00

Greetings All,

Ocean Addicts would like to thank everyone who has participated in our courses during the year and to all the coaches, athletes and supporters who have inspired us to do what we do. We would also like to thank Mitchell Blades, Polar, Gath, Patagonia, kayaksurf.net and Buff for their continued support and belief in the Ocean Addicts philosophy.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, good waves, good river levels and see you on the water in 2012!

Paddlefest 2012

2011-12-22T11:26:00.000-08:00

Paddlefest is back in Donegal for 2012. Moville is the venue and offers a range of facilities for the surf paddler, river runner, freestyler and sea kayaker.

There will be a range of workshops in all disciplines.
I will be doing a session on the fundamental movement skills that underpin surf kayak and waveski. This will be based on and off the water and is aimed at developing a greater understanding of the core skills that support athlete development.

Expedition paddler and founder of the ‘Association of Paddlers and Coaches’, Olly Sanders will be a guest coach as will Olaf Obsommer. Olaf is the man behind ‘Adidas Sick Line’, is an all round hellboater adventurer and has his name in the Book of legends! I can’t wait to hear his boating stories from around the world!

I think this one will sell out pretty quick so book early!

The Book of legends

January 2012 courses

2011-12-06T10:37:00.000-08:00

We are running one Inland and Two Surf UKCC 3 star courses in January 2012.
Contact oceanaddicts@gmail.com for details or book a place.
There are six places per course and a discount for CANI clubs who would like to fill a course.
Please read the BCU literature surrounding the syllabus.

3 Star UKCC/BCU	Residential	Cost per person	Venue	Date
Inland	Non-residential	£100	Co. Donegal/Tyrone	7^th & 8^th Jan 2012
Surf	Residential Bushmills OEC (full board)	£165 £100 non res	Co. Antrim	13^th – 15^th Jan 2012
Surf	Residential Bushmills OEC (full board)	£165 £100 non res	Co. Antrim	20^th – 22^nd Jan 2012

K1's & Surfskis from South Africa

2011-11-24T14:37:00.000-08:00

If anyone is looking for a K1 or Surfski then have a look at this link http://www.irishmarathoncanoeing.com/index/display/id/1043

Dermot Hudson of Canoe Marathon Ireland is bringing in a container from Knysna Racing Kayaks.

This is a really good opportunity to get your hands on a boat for a good price.

Canoeing Ireland Coaches Workshop

2011-11-20T04:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Benny Cullan, Neil Flemming and Canoeing Ireland for the coach update workshop on Saturday. During the day long session we looked at the coaching structure of CI and the LTAD plan. Later we looked at periodisation and how & where this fits within the LTADP depending on the age group being coached.

The afternoon session was based around the results from our lactate tests. How these tests determine how we should adapt our training for better results. Really useful info and something that we will incorporate into the Irish Kayak and Waveski riders programmes.

Typical results of an almost all anaerobic training programme. More aerobic base needed I think! That line will be flat in a few months!

2011-11-12T11:04:00.000-08:00

Two new pictures from the training week

2011-11-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

Final Day Highlight France Championship 2011 Waveski Surfing

2011-11-11T05:07:00.000-08:00

Sport NI Physical Literacy Pilot

2011-11-11T03:32:00.000-08:00

The Sport NI Coaching Children Physical Literacy Pilot course ran last weekend at the teacher Training College Stranmillis. Three sports involved in this scheme are GAA, Netball and of course Paddlesport. Each sporting group was represented by coaches and coach mentors who will explore and implement their knowledge/findings in the coming months.

Coaches and Coach Mentors (LR Ashley Hunter, Roger Hamilton & Marty McCann)

Roger giving the Kayak Pro a run for its money

Exploring movement and connectivity

Day 2 France Championship 2011 Waveski Surfing

2011-11-07T03:17:00.000-08:00

5 Star training Surf with ASSR

2011-10-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

The OA crew are three days into a hectic 11 day schedule. This weekend we delivered the new UKCC Advanced Surf Safety & Rescue course (ASSR) as well as the new 5 star surf training. The 5 star training was being moderated by OA friend Robin Ruddock. Tomorrow we hit the road for our Waveski & Surf Kayak development trip. 5 days of high level coaching and pumpin surf by looks of things. Then its off to the teacher training college Stranmillis for Sport NI physical literacy course! keep er lit!

Trainer Paul Harrington with some candidates including world junior surf kayak champ Andy McClelland.
More news soon.
All students at a solid level. A few tweaks and some consolidation time and these guys will be great advanced surf leaders.

Some old boatin footage

2011-10-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

European Waveki Cup 2012 Commercial

2011-10-21T03:59:00.000-07:00

IrishOpen11

2011-10-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

2011 Irish Open

2011-10-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

The IO ran off successfully on Saturday at Easkey left. A small turn out for both kayak and waveski divisions but the surfing was top notch. All riders where enjoying the waves and the relaxed atmosphere. Gerry McGahey ran the show with the help of Richard and Morgan.

Morgan O Sullivan is back on the ski after a lengthy period out of the water following a mountain bike accident. His surfing hasn't suffered though as he made it to the finals. Gerry Mcgahey surfed exceptionally well with powerful top to bottom surfing and winning the HP. Fantastic to see dessie McGlinchey surfing in the waveski division, watch this space.

A brilliant free surf session took place after the comp in even better conditions as the tide filled over the reef.

Waveski

1) Marty McCann

2) Morgan O Sullivan

3) Mark Taylor

4) Dessie McGlinchey

HP Kayak

1) Gerry McGahey

2) Dessie McGlinchey

3) Eoin Keyes

4) Anthony Coyne

IC Kayak

1) Eoin Keyes

2) Dessie McGlinchey

3) Anthony Coyne

4 Star 'Surf' Leader Assessment

2011-08-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the candidates on the recent 4 star surf leader assessment. It’s really encouraging to see such a solid level of paddler coming through the BCU scheme. Keep up the good work and push on for 5 star!

5 star training at the end of October

Students having a shot of some Mitchel Blades

2011-08-26T11:03:00.001-07:00

BCU 4 star surf assessment this weekend!!

Oceanspirit (6ºfeira) waveski,bodyboard,kite,padle

2011-08-20T00:03:00.000-07:00

Worlds

2011-08-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

Over twelve hours of competition at Santa Cruz today. Surf was still 2 metre plus but the wind had dropped making it more managable. All Irish had multiple heats but as it stands now we are all out of the main open comp. Top 16 will compete tomorrow man on man format from here on in. We have a final chance to pull something out in the reps of our respective age divisions tomorrow.
Some savage close outs today and one ski broken in half!
More news soon!!

World Waveski Surfing Titles 2011, Pre Event

2011-08-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

World Champs so far

2011-08-08T07:34:00.001-07:00

We have been here a few days now and had a few sessions at the comp spot. Team managers meeting went well last night and the judges seem to be top notch and very professional. The break is typical Portuguese beach break. Bit of shore dump especially on the high tide and at low tide a close out axe murderer! Today though is a lay day as it is windy with small conditions. Tomorrow should be running.
Some real standout surfing coming from the young French riders as was expected. The likes of Pablo Paillou’s style is fresh and inventive and real exciting to watch. The old guns haven’t gone away though and the usual suspects are here with medals on their mind. Rees Duncan, Lance Milnes, Steve Farthing, Blair Moore, Ben John, Dale Randal and more represent Australia. Kieron Davies is here from the UK and looking for his Masters title back. Also for UK is Mike Orsmand originally from SA but settled in England. Mike was a former world champ and showed at the last WWT in Reunion that he still has it! The ladies division will be exciting with the absence of Caroline Angibaud. Carolie Jouset (FR), Malissa Hardy, Jacki Dillon (Aus) and Sandra Peinar (RSA) all battling for the female title of World champ.

KS on facebook

2011-07-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Click for the KS Facebook page

Not long to go!

2011-07-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

Not long now until we leave for the World Waveski Titles in Portugal.
Only three of the Irish Waveski Team are competing this year, Mark Taylor, Guillame Desprez and me.

It should be a very interesting comp. First World Champs in Europe since Bakio in 2001 (I think). Most of the young European riders would have been as young as 9 or 10 back in 2001, if not younger. It will make quality viewing watching the young first time world competitors competing against guys and girls that have been on the scene for years and who are no strangers to the pressures of World title competition.

www.subgraviti.com will no doubt be streaming heats and daily updates on worldriders TV.

World Waveski Surfing Titles 2011

2011-07-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

Ocean Addicts qualification courses autumn/winter 2011

2011-07-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

Course	Date	Venue	Cost
4 Star Surf assessment	26^th – 28^th August 11	North Donegal	£150
5 star Surf assessment	24^th – 25^th Sept 11	West Coast/TNOC course	Contact admin@tollymore.com
3 star surf training/assessment	8^th – 9^th October 11	South Donegal	£110
4 star training Surf	15^th – 16^th October 11	South Donegal	£150
5 star training Surf including ASSR	(evening start) 27th– 30^th October 11	Antrim or Donegal TBC	£210
Surf kayak & Waveski development trip. The aim of the trip is to get Waveskiers and Kayakers together to develop manoeuvres, techniques and experience lots of different breaks.	31^st October – 6^th November 2011	Follow swell on West coast of Ireland. We will be travelling the West coast as swell & wind dictates to avail of best conditions. Accommodation will be on spec and probably hostel or surf lodge based.	This course is Supported by Gartan OEC www.gartan.com and subsidised by Ocean Addicts. It is staffed by two BCU level 5 surf coaches. £110 includes coaching, video analysis and T shirt. Does not include meals, diesel or accommodation.

Donegal Bay with 'Gartan Outdoor Education Centre'

2011-07-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

Gartan OEC is running Waveski Surfing lessons all summer in the Donegal Bay area. Also on offer are Sea Kayaking trips and instruction. The service is mobile and will meet clients at their preferred venue. So if your after the thrill of ripping up the Ocean swell or exploring the remoteness of the Donegal coastline by kayak then give Gartan a call. 074 91 370 32 or mobile 086 238 2392
Prices are €35 for a half day session and €60 for a full day. Group and club rates available.
email office@gartan.com

Recently Qualified Lifeguards

2011-06-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the recently qualified RLSS national beach lifeguards! 7 candidates took the assessment all made the grade after a long day of pool, open water work, basic 1st aid, CPR & life support examination. Paul Darby of Ocean Wise did the training and I had the pleasure of assessing them through Ocean Addicts.

4 candidates also took the additional 'malibu board' module, successfully I may add!

MB's Demo Service

2011-06-09T05:59:00.000-07:00

Ocean Addicts is proud to announce the continued sponsorship and support from Mitchell Blades paddles, www.mitchellblades.co.uk
OA has become a demo centre for Mitchell Blades and will have a variety of blade designs, feathers and lengths of paddles for course participants to try out.

I've been personally using MB's for nearly ten years and they are simply the best in my opinion. Solid and predictable catch, great power transfer, the carbon kevlar loom provides strength, light weight and also enough flex to alleviate repetitive strains or tendinitis.

Now we are in the excellent position to give our customers the chance to try them for themselves!

LCP Coaching day

2011-06-05T03:30:00.000-07:00

Good day in the surf yesterday with the 'Lisburn City Paddlers' canoe & kayak club. Noticeable progression made by all and hopefully a little more knowledge to help them progress further on their own.
Some pictures here

4 Star 'Surf' Leader Assessment

2011-06-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

The August course is filling up. 3 Places left so if you are interested in doing your 4 star leader assessment please get in touch asap.

Tollymore are running a 5 star surf assessment on 24/25 Sept for £150 for those interested.

There are also provisional plans afoot to run a 5 star surf training this Autumn. In addition we will be also running the 'Advanced Surf Safety & Rescue' (ASSR) module during the 5 star training. The ASSR is a prerequisite to the final 5 star assessment, therefore leaving successful candidates in a position to go for assessment. And to top it off you will be doing it in Ireland in Autumn, say no more!!

OA on FB

2011-05-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

Ocean Addicts has gone all facebooky! Check the fb page out here

Eleven newly qualified 'National Beach Lifeguard's'

2011-05-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Well done to all the successful Beach Lifeguard students!

Waveski 'basic cutback' & 'snapped turn'

2011-05-01T16:19:00.002-07:00

Some old footage from 2006 filmed by Harry. In the demo the surfer exaggerates & highlights a few fundamental waveski and surf kayak skills.

1st turn 'basic cutback' 2 key points 1) Look in the direction of travel (future wave)

2) Lead with arms and blades as if handlebars of bike leading into turn.

2nd turn 'gouged or 'snapped turn'' 2 key points 1) Lead with arms and blades 2) 'Wind up' and 'unwind' torso

Waveski & Surf kayak come and try it

2011-05-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Andy McClelland and Peter Hodge ran an excellent 'Waveski' & 'Kayak' try out day in Portrush on Sat 30th April. Their initiative was supported and funded by 'Sport Relief'. The day saw 24 young people between the ages of 10 and 18 being introduced to waveski surfing. Andy and Pete had brought in Paul 'Harry' Harrington and Johnny 'BingBong' Bingham to run the on water sessions and coach the young people. Corin King, Chloe Hamilton and I were also at hand.

Each participant left with a T-Shirt, a full belly thanks to Ian and his BBQ skills and a BIG SMILE!

Well done guys, an excellent day!

UKCC/BCU 4 star Surf Assessment

2011-04-26T02:58:00.000-07:00

We are running a 4 star assessment (surf) during the last weekend of August 2011. That's the 27th and 28th. Area will be the North West, venue confirmed closer to the date depending on swell forecast. Why not combine your 4 star assessment with a surf trip to Ireland?

Cost is £150 per candidate

Accommodation not included but will likely be hostel based approx €20 per night

Assessors both experienced and importantly 'active' level 5 surf coaches.

Contact OA for more details oceanaddicts@gmail.com

Comp 2

2011-04-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

County Clare was the host of comp 2 on the 'Paddlesurf.ie' calender for April. I drove down on Thursday evening after a mammoth 6 hour session on a perfect Donegal reef. Needless to say Friday was a washout as I was completely punctured from the surf and drive the previous day.
However Saturday lifted spirits when a 3 metre swell pushed in, wind was moderate onshore but the sun shining made up for the chop on the water. Richard Greeves ran the comp with help from Mr Brendan Barry, small numbers turned out so we were finished in time for a free surf. The free surf was the highlight of the weekend for me. When we meet it is normally under comp conditions so it was refreshing to catch up and surf together in a relaxed environment and watch others get plenty of waves.

(Competitor begins the arduous paddle outback)

Results for Waveski are:

1) Marty McCann Donegal

2) Brendan Barry Cork

3) Mark Coleman Meath

4) Guillame Depreze Cork

Mark Coleman who competes mainly in Slalom C1 finished in 3rd place. Mark competed on his customised C1 Waveski. For those that don't know that's a waveski that you kneel on and paddle with a single bladed paddle like an SUP, C1 kayak or Open Canoe!! He got some clinker waves during the free surf and I reckon the potential for late late takeoffs is massive. Good on ya Mark!

(Marks C1 beside a regular HP surf boat)

It takes allsorts, C1 Waveski madness!

Off to work we go!

2011-04-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Comp update from Paddlesurf.ie

2011-04-21T02:19:00.001-07:00

Surf looks good for the weekend.

Surf Comp.... GOING AHEAD.

Registration 9am at Surfers Entrance, Doonbeg, Co. Clare

First Heat 10am... SHARP

Also please remember Paddle surf membership is also being collected this weekend.

Richard

2011-04-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

Greetings All!
Ti's mighty drying weather altogether!! Comp on this weekend in Co Clare somewhere. keep an eye on the paddlesurf facebook page for details and also www.paddlesurf.ie for the official call, probably made on Thursday.
Thanks to Conor who was kind enough to take some pictures of Mondays session. Wasn't as good as Sunday but some fun waves, not too busy and the sun, that's right 'SUN'! was shinning.

Go shooter!!

2011-04-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

Elaine Alexander aka 'Shooter' is embarking on a circumnavigation of Ireland by kayak in aid of the Share Centre. You can follow her adventures here here canoe around Ireland

donegal delivers

2011-04-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

Got to love Donegal on days like this! 3.5 metre NW swell and 13 second period. Had this spot all to myself today!!

UKCC/BCU 4 star Surf

2011-04-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

After a two year process I am finally in a position to deliver the BCU/UKCC 4 star surf qualification.
I spent the weekend on the beautiful North Antrim coast assessing candidates from around Northern Ireland.
The 'personal performance' standard was very high and all the candidates showed a wealth of knowledge and experience throughout the two and a half day assessment process.
Thank you to all the candidates, Paul 'Harry' Harrington and Robin Ruddock for approving my final assessment and of course all the paddlers that came along from Causeway Coast Kayak Club to act as students for the candidates.
I will be arranging a 4 Star Surf training and assessments in the near future. If you or your club is interested please get in touch

This weekends office!
Dunluce Castle perched on top of Antrims basalt sea cliffs. Portrush to the left, the 'Skerries' to the right and the coastline of Donegal in the distance.

Matt explains various bits of rescue kit and what situations each is best used.

Lawrence Mcbride founder of 'Far & Wild' delivers a wee session on personal development and paddlesports.
http://www.farandwild.co.uk/

Ian delivering a lecture on surfers ear, what it is, how do you get it and more importantly how to prevent it?!

The whole gang (LR)
Lawrence, Ian, Harry, Norman, Peter, Andy, Matt, Robin and Patrick.

A 'sign of the times'? Over the years there has been a lot of work done between surfers, kayakers, bodyboarders, waveskiers and the council. providing showers, toilets and an inclusive and respectful attitude in the water. This info sign at whiterocks says it all. Bottom right is former world surf kayak champ Johnny Bingham and bottom left is French waveskier and former European champ Yannick Laousse.

2011-04-01T02:01:00.000-07:00

UCC Coaching in Cork, Bey!

2011-03-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have to thank good people of Cork invited me down to do some 'Surf Kayak' coaching last weekend. The day was organised by University College Cork and Paddlesurf.ie. Most of the students had only been paddling for around 6 months and for some it was just their second time in the surf. I definitely noticed improvements over the course of the day, and hopefully some of the key points will stick with them. Remember folks it takes time on the water and consolidation time before skills become natural and an unconscious action but you will get there, I've no doubt about that! There is a short report on the 'Munster Dive & Canoe' blog here
http://mdactripreport.blogspot.com/2011/03/surfs-up-ucc-paddlesurf-intro-day.html
Thanks for the great welcome I hope to do some more sessions with you in the future.

Paddlesurf.ie Comp 1

2011-03-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

The first competition of 2011 took place on Saturday 5th of March, followed on Sunday by a team coaching session. The comp was initially scheduled for the Sligo area. But the swell forecast for that area was not sufficient for organisers to take the chance, so the venue was changed. We moved North to a beach break in Donegal (probably the most consistent spot in Ireland) were we could choose from a variety of contestable peaks without infringing on other water users.

The wind was very light offshore, 1.6 metre swell at 13 second period and the sun actually made an appearance once or twice.

Watching the heats throughout the day I was struck by the overall improvement in standard. Most notable were Mickey Barry (Cork), Conor O'Donnell (Donegal) and Kieran McDyre who combined fluid runs with explosive end manoeuvres off the lip.

Finally I would like to thank all who participated and helped out on the day. It was really appreciated and I will return the favour at the next comp in Co Clare next month.

International Class
1) James O'donnell (Donegal)
2) Paddy McGovern (Dublin)
3) Mickey Barry (Cork)
4) Aisling Griffin (Cork)

High Performace
1) Mickey Barry (Cork)
2) Brendan Barry (Cork)
3) Conor O'Donnell (Donegal)
4) Kieran McDyre (Donegal)

Waveski
1) Marty McCann (Donegal)
2) Mark Taylor (Fermanagh)
3) Brendan Barry (Cork)
4) Declan O'Donnell (Donegal)

Reef day

2011-03-04T04:17:00.000-08:00

It was great to get back on reef following a few days of working hard on the beach. Only Seamus the waveskier from west Donegal and me out. Water still cold but the air temp is slowly heating up, spring is here! Picture don't do the conditions justice, crackin day!

1st Comp of 2011 kicks off tomorrow followed by team training and coaching. Check out paddlesurf.ie for details

Surfed out!

2011-03-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Surfed a small beach break today with Donegal Surf kayakers James and Conor O'Donnell. Conor is surfing very well although still getting used to his new boat. Fatigue setting in so only manged the one session as I have to soldier up for another day in the saddle tomorrow!!

2011-03-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

Like lots of folk I have had my fair share of 'ear issues' over the last few years. Constantly being outside working and playing on the hills, rivers, ocean and surf takes its toll. I've been trying out the 'Sorky' earplugs from French company 'Phonographic' since they arrived a couple of weeks ago.

They are very soft and light rubber and quite small. Inside the rubber is a tiny membrane that allows you to still hear (within reason). The idea is to push them in quite far into the ear so that the little tail is just visable. I've had no water trapped in my ear in weeks and ears have stayed pretty dry. Really good product but slightly more expensive than usual plugs at €39 a pop. However they do come with a metal tube that goes on your keys so that you dont loose them. And could prevent you from having to go under the knife!

All the details including a video demonstration available here 'Sorky plugs'

Training day 2

2011-03-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

Another full day on the water. Just myself and Mark today. Much more power and opportunity for airs with the onshore sea breeze that came up around mid day and didn't drop until evening. Back again tomorrow for some more of the same.

Training day

2011-03-01T00:38:00.000-08:00

We had an impromptu training day yesterday at a local beach break. All the reefs were working but we settled for a spot that would make us work a little harder and was uncrowded. It took quite a while for the fog to lift but when it did we were blessed with sunshine for the rest of the day.

Surf has been pumping here for weeks now, and the next week looks like it will be no different.

Today and tomorrow around the 4 metre mark, light offshores and a 16 second period ! Where would you get it??!!

The first comp of the season is this weekend followed by team training and coaching day. All the details will be on the events page of this site, the ‘paddlesurf.ie page and also the club facebook page.

Eoin and Mark

Eoin and his 'Jemski'

More footage from Dessie.

2011-02-23T15:12:00.000-08:00

Competition and Team Training 2011

2011-02-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

The Paddlesurf Ireland competition and training calender for 2011 is below.
The Northern Ireland league dates are included, as well as Surf Kayak worlds and World Waveski Titles.

March 5/6 Team Training/Event 1 Sligo Area
March 12 NI Comp 1 Portrush
April 23/24 Team Training/Event 2 Clare
April 30/May1/May2 Team Training Sligo/Donegal Area
April 30 British Open England

May 7 NI Comp 2 Rossnowlagh
May 14/15 Introduction/Improvers Cork Area
June 18 NI Comp 3 Magheroarty
June 19 Team Training North west to facilitate folk coming back from NI Comp 3)
July 16/17 Introduction/Improvers Clare Area
August Ladies Introduction/Improvers TBA
August 6-14 Waveski Worlds Portugal
September 4 NI Comp 4 Portrush
September 10/11 Irish Open/Event 3 Easky
Sep 28 Oct 9 Kayak Worlds US East Coast
November 5/6 Event 4

WWS Titles 2011

2011-02-11T03:31:00.000-08:00

Entries for the World Waveski Surfing Titles will open online in the next 48hrs.
Registration closes in July.
Venue, Santa Cruz Portugal
Date 6th - 14th August 2011
Keep an eye out on the World Waveski Surfing Association website for further information. http://www.worldwaveski.com/

Far & Wild

2011-02-06T01:54:00.000-08:00

Follow the link to the 'Far & Wild' website http://www.farandwild.co.uk. Far and wild is the brainchild of Lawrence McBride. It is a social enterprise that uses the outdoors to develop self awareness, reflection and personal development with a strong emphasis on feeding back into the local communities and environment used.

2011-01-30T12:39:00.000-08:00

Although it has been very cold over the past few weeks, there has been plenty of opportunity for waves. Granted , one surf is all we can take most days but we are getting at least two hours out of each session. Today I was out with one of Ireland's promising young Waveski riders, Declan O'Donnell. Fairly new to waveskiing Declan has been kayaking rivers and doing freestyle from an early age. Just his 3rd time out on his KS ski and he aint worried about taking a beating!

(Left -Right)
Eoin, Ciaran, Declan

Level 5 Coach Conference 2011

2011-01-30T09:51:00.000-08:00

The level 5 coach's conference took place on 21st - 23rd of January. The venue was the all new Tollymore, National Outdoor Centre for Northern Ireland. The new building is really beautiful designed and is comfortable with plenty of social areas and lecture facilities.
The conference itself was excellent and is always a great opportunity for BCU level 5 coaches to share coaching methodologies and theory and how all these new ideas translate into practice. It is also an opportunity for aspirants who are on their 3 year mentored and practice year to find out about and question the assessment process.
Dave 'The Bullet' Carrol opened the conference with a presentation questioning the very reason why we paddle and are coaches guilty of taking ourselves too seriously? Are we forgetting why people get involved in paddlesports by getting too bogged down in NGB bureaucracy and coaching jargon?
Following on from Dave was chartered business psychologist 'Stephen Gibson' who talked about mentoring v's coaching, achieving rapport and trust with students, recognising anxiety and giving feedback.

Professor Dave Collins delivered two excellent tutorials on the subject of memory retention and application, creativity in setting practice for longterm students. The later included theory of adventure sport coaching, classical v's Naturalistic decision making. Also discussed was a model of declarative knowledge, procedural and tacit knowledge. There are clearly similarities between coaching, youth work and outdoor education theory and practice. Dave's presentations were excellent and gave plenty of food for thought. Dave was responsible for drawing up the BCU coaching processes course and actually delivered the first course in NI at Tollymore back when it was a log cabin.

Olly Sanders presented the APC (association of paddlers and coaches) see the link above or click here http://www.apcpaddlerscoaches.co.uk/ Exciting times ahead for this initiative.

All in all it was a really great weekend of upskilling and getting up to speed with current best practice. Big thanks to all at Sprt NI & CANI who put in loads of hours work to bring the L5CC to Northern Ireland, especially Roger Hamilton, Ashley Hunter and Oisin Hallisy. See you all at the Brenin for the next one!

Finally CANI will publish the PP's from the lectures shortly and I will (with CANI's permission) put them in the resources section of this site. Well worth a read if you are a level 5 aspirant or someone progressing through the new BCU/UKCC coaching scheme.

peak2011

2011-01-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

New footage from Dessie McGlinchy's deck mounted camera. 3' day at a South Donegal reef break. Crisp and clear footage! Thanks for the feature Dessie!

Hold tight

2011-01-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

The Irish Waveski and surf Kayak league for 2011 will be published shortly. We are tweeking the final draft so as to accommodate the British Open, Waveski Worlds and the NISK 2011 calendar. So please take no notice of the training days and comp dates currently on the site until the final draft is up.

Courses & Events Date change

2011-01-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys but the Team Training day planned for th 2nd of April clashes with a 4 Star surf assessment I am being moderated running. I have changed the April event to the 22nd. I hope that you can all come along.

Portugal

2011-01-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

Portugal delivers!

(L-R)
Luis, The Cisco, Mathieu, Marty

Caro and Portuguese female junior waveskiers, post
coaching session.

The Cisco post new year party!

Vincent and the new 'double concave fish thing'

Fish Thing

Vincent of KS

Portugal day 2

2010-12-21T09:31:00.000-08:00

Well swell arrived but so did the wind. Blown out today so went in search of Vasco de Gama's birth place.

Portugal

2010-12-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

Boa tarde! Just arrived yesterday in Portugal after a bit of a hectic drive through snowy France. Called in with Vincent on the way to check progress of new KS boards.
Got some waves at Santa Cruz this morning and will get in for second surf later 2.4 metres and 13 sec period. Looks like it will be bigger in a day or two.
In a week or so Disco Cisco will be hosting a coaching event 'Waveski Time'. Really looking forward to catching up with everyone, getting some coaching and experiencing diffrent coaching styles too.
Carry on!!

Day 3 International Breizh Ocean Racing

2010-11-26T01:15:00.000-08:00

Breizh Ocean Race result

2010-11-17T11:04:00.000-08:00

Results from the 23 km down wind race on Sunday past

1st Bevan MANSON
2d Yannick LAOUSSE
3d Benoit LEROUX

Adventure and Training in Scotland

2010-11-17T10:58:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for quality mountain training this winter check out Andy Spinks company, Hebridean Pursuits Ltd. Andy is based in Oban, Scotland
http://www.hebrideanpursuits.com/
http://www.scotlandoutside.blogspot.com/

Waveski Time

2010-11-14T12:09:00.000-08:00

The man the myth, the one and only 'Sisco' (aka Frasisco Sariavo) is hosting a coaching and competition event in Ericeira from 29th December 2010 to 2nd January 2011. Knowing Sisco there will be a big party too!
For more info contact him directly at geral@waveski.pt

Breizh International Ocean Racing 2010, Quiberon

2010-11-14T02:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Mamgoz productions and the crew at Breizh Riders TV

for bringing us these reports on the Breizh International Ocean Race in Quiberon
Brittany.

Today (Sunday) is the long downwind race
Good luck Yannick!

Paddlesurf.ie T-Shirts

2010-11-11T11:02:00.000-08:00

Back print (large)

Sport an exclusive Paddlesurf T-Shirt and support Irish Waveski and Surf Kayaking while your at it! €20 including postage and packing.

Front breast print (small)
The logo is yellow on black or blue shirts. The image is of a goat skull with paddle, below is a surf kayak and waveski whilst the top left and right has some Celtic knot work.

www.paddlesurf.ie

Sessions

2010-11-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

Taking off in between set waves

Some big and windy conditions lately. Spots that I've surfed hundreds of times before take on new characteristics and seem like different waves completely. Wind makes it difficult to stay in position and so much water running off the reefs doesn't help.

BCU - Advanced Surf Safety & Rescue Course

2010-11-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

Demoing use of Peterson tube

In August I ran the first ASSR course to be run in Ireland. I was being moderated by Glyn Brackenbury of Skern Lodge. Just got the final piece of paper work to tie things up and I will be able to deliver the course myself. Check out the courses page for 2011 dates.

Gerry securing casualty (Eoin)

I had some excellent candidates for the course, namely Johnny Bingham, Andy McCMurray, Gerry McGahey and Eoin Halliday. All these guys were doing their BCU 5 star surf training. The ASSR is a pre requisite for 5 star assessment.

2010-11-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

Below is the humbling & beautiful short film by Séan Mullens 'Birthright'

The bottom film is Dessie McGlinchy and I surfing a local beach during the summer. Thanks Harry for taking the footage and Dessie for editing.

ocean addicts

European waveski Titles 2012

Few pix from the gopro

Happy New Year !

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Paddlefest 2012

January 2012 courses

K1's & Surfskis from South Africa

Canoeing Ireland Coaches Workshop

Two new pictures from the training week

Final Day Highlight France Championship 2011 Waveski Surfing

Sport NI Physical Literacy Pilot

Day 2 France Championship 2011 Waveski Surfing

5 Star training Surf with ASSR

Some old boatin footage

European Waveki Cup 2012 Commercial

IrishOpen11

2011 Irish Open

4 Star 'Surf' Leader Assessment

Oceanspirit (6ºfeira) waveski,bodyboard,kite,padle

Worlds

World Waveski Surfing Titles 2011, Pre Event

World Champs so far

KS on facebook

Not long to go!

World Waveski Surfing Titles 2011

Ocean Addicts qualification courses autumn/winter 2011

Donegal Bay with 'Gartan Outdoor Education Centre'

Recently Qualified Lifeguards

MB's Demo Service

Ocean Addicts is proud to announce the continued sponsorship and support from Mitchell Blades paddles, www.mitchellblades.co.uk OA has become a demo centre for Mitchell Blades and will have a variety of blade designs, feathers and lengths of paddles for course participants to try out.

I've been personally using MB's for nearly ten years and they are simply the best in my opinion. Solid and predictable catch, great power transfer, the carbon kevlar loom provides strength, light weight and also enough flex to alleviate repetitive strains or tendinitis.

Now we are in the excellent position to give our customers the chance to try them for themselves!

LCP Coaching day

4 Star 'Surf' Leader Assessment

OA on FB

Eleven newly qualified 'National Beach Lifeguard's'

Waveski 'basic cutback' & 'snapped turn'

Waveski & Surf kayak come and try it

UKCC/BCU 4 star Surf Assessment

Comp 2

Off to work we go!

Comp update from Paddlesurf.ie

Go shooter!!

donegal delivers

UKCC/BCU 4 star Surf

UCC Coaching in Cork, Bey!

Paddlesurf.ie Comp 1

Reef day

Surfed out!

Training day 2

Training day

More footage from Dessie.

Competition and Team Training 2011

WWS Titles 2011

Far & Wild

Level 5 Coach Conference 2011

peak2011

Hold tight

Courses & Events Date change

Portugal

Portugal day 2

Portugal

Day 3 International Breizh Ocean Racing

Breizh Ocean Race result

Adventure and Training in Scotland

Waveski Time

Breizh International Ocean Racing 2010, Quiberon

Paddlesurf.ie T-Shirts

Sessions

BCU - Advanced Surf Safety & Rescue Course

Ocean Addicts is proud to announce the continued sponsorship and support from Mitchell Blades paddles, www.mitchellblades.co.uk
OA has become a demo centre for Mitchell Blades and will have a variety of blade designs, feathers and lengths of paddles for course participants to try out.