Course itinerary
Go learn to canoe on this Open Canoeing course located on an island in Enniskillen midway on the award winning Lough Erne Canoe Trail.
The skilled and dedicated instructors are all highly qualified and will teach you the basic theories which you can put into practice during your ‘Island Hopping’ journey during the course to include Devonish Island, home to one of Northern Ireland’s ancient monastic settlements.
The centre is committed to looking after its natural surroundings and you will learn to enjoy the local environment responsibly using the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’.
This canoeing course is ideal for both beginners and those who want to improve their existing open canoeing skills. With excellent waterways extending into the Shannon, the centre is the perfect place to learn to canoe.
Suitability
- Ideal for complete beginners
- Also suitable for those who have tried canoeing and are looking to take things to the next level
- Minimum age 12 (if you are under 18 you must be accompanied by an adult)
- A sense of adventure is recommended!
Canoeing Start Days
- Open Canoeing starts on Tuesdays and Fridays all operates all year round
- You will need to arrive at the centre by 10am on the first day of your course ready for your first lesson
- Your first night's accommodation will be on the Tuesday night or the Friday night after you have had your first day of lessons
- You can book additional nights before or after your course as an "extra" during the booking process if you wish
Canoeing Course Itinerary
- You will have 6 hours of coaching/guidance each day for 3 days
- The course will start at 10am each morning
- Basic theories will be covered, with other elements introduced over the 3 days
- Emphasis on the practical application of the theories will take place whilst out and about paddling each day
- All of the basics shall be covered on days 1 and 2 during two local journeys
- Your newfound knowledge will then be put into practice on day 3 on an island hopping journey to include Devonish Island, home to one of Northern Irelands’ ancient monastic settlements and round tower
What Will I Learn
- As a beginner you will learn the basics of journey planning and preparation to include route choice, fitness and equipment choice
- Lessons will include the basics of open canoe flat water canoe handling and paddle strokes
- You will also learn the basics of open canoe safety to include hazard awareness, avoidance and emergency procedures
- All lessons are taught by skilled and enthusiastic instructors
- You will learn to enjoy the natural environment responsibly
Weather and What To Bring
- Due to the versatility of the region and flexibility of the courses weather rarely gets in the way but it is recommended that you bring suitable clothing for your course for the time of year - waterproofs and warm clothes with practical shoes are essential
Free Time
- During your free time enjoy the hospitality of the town of Enniskillen with all of its pubs and restaurants nearby
- Enjoy the sights, sounds and attractions of county Fermanagh using the free shuttle services where available
- If you find yourself hooked you can hire a canoe and enjoy a range of local trails at your leisure
About The Centre
- The centre has been offering a variety of canoeing courses since 1996
- All staff are highly qualified with a wealth of experience, teaching beginners to seasoned pros
- Located on an island adjacent to the island town of Enniskillen, the centre has a beautiful setting, with restaurants and pubs conveniently located in the nearby town
- Extensive specialist canoeing equipment is used, alongside highly qualified coaches all with excellent local knowledge
- Free car parking is provided at the centre and there is also a free island ferry service
- A duty warden is on site and there is an information point for local information or assistance
About The Accommodation
- The centre is a residential centre offering facilities for both residents and non-residents
- There are around 40 beds in 5 spacious dormitory rooms (all linen is provided)
- There is a shower with changing facilities
- A fully fitted communal kitchen (self-catering or fully catered options available)
- A lounge, training and conference rooms are all accessible
- Full stores and drying rooms
- Outside social area with barbeque
- Please note that your first night's accommodation will be on the Tuesday night or the Friday night after you have had your first day of lessons
Want To Stay Longer
- If you would like to stay at the centre for additional nights, either at the beginning or end of your course, you can add this during the booking process under the ‘extras’ section