Belfast Kayak Club BKC

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This is a peer paddle. Individuals participating do so at their own risk. Club (CANI affiliate) insurance does not apply. Participants are recommended to have their own insurance (Full CANI membership) in place.
This is a club paddle, and will be organised along the lines recommended by CANI with the appropriate ratio of leaders (coaches and experienced paddlers) to participants.
This is not a club event, e.g. a CANI event, a Tollymore event or supporting a third party organisation, e.g. swimming cover.

Beginner : 1* and above

More relaxed trips. Suitable for first time paddlers (who can swim) and anyone with a basic level of fitness.

Sea - These would take place in light winds and calm sea conditions.

River – Well known sites such as Shaw’s Bridge. Moving water, unobstructed and without technical difficulties. There may be small waves and riffles to challenge the paddler.

Improver : 2* - 3*

Typical paddle. Plenty of opportunity for landing and resting. You are not required to be able to roll or self-rescue but, you should be able to exit your boat in the event of a capsize and be assisted back into your boat by a rescuer. Any particular additional prerequisites will be specified.

Sea - Generally coastal paddles not more than ½ mile (c.800m) from the shore - potentially some slightly choppy seas, wind up to force 3, minimal tidal flows.

River – Waves, small stoppers and other minor obstructions to avoid. Eddies and cushion waves may be strong. Drops will not have dangerous stoppers and can be easily portaged if necessary.

Intermediate : Confident 3* and above

More testing conditions or longer paddles where paddle fitness is important. You should be able to roll.

Sea - May involve short open crossings. Longer gaps between landing opportunities (more committing paddles) with the potential for more difficult landings and some moderate surf. Potentially some choppy seas, wind up to force 4, tidal flows up to approx 2 knots max.

River – Waves, stoppers and technical difficulties are more severe. There may be drops with challenging stoppers and powerful constrictions. The paddler may have to follow a recognisable route to avoid obstacles and hazards.

Advanced : Very experienced 3* and above

These trips are for experienced paddlers who are capable of looking after themselves in fairly testing conditions. These trips may well extend beyond the technical 4* remit and will usually be outside any available leadership remit. Participating in this type of paddle is a personal decision for each paddler.

Sea - You would be expected to be able to roll in "moderate" seas (1m - 2.5m waves) and be able to perform a self-rescue if required. Swell, confused seas, tide races and overfalls may be encountered on these trips.

River – Challenging waves, drops, stoppers and other obstructions. The route may not be easily recognisable and will usually require careful inspection from the boat or bank. Advanced paddles encompass a wide range of rivers, from those with pool-drop rapids to those with extended continuous rapids; so there is a huge variation in difficulty.