The 1^st Irish Open Canoe Symposium - August 2003 

Friday night saw a dozen people gather in a local hostelry for a pint and a bit of a craic. It was very relaxed, informal and set the standard for the rest of the weekend. Already there were a number of debates and discussions well underway and it was looking like this would be THE weekend for learning new skills and having lots of fun.

Saturday morning came bright and early and a generous supply of tea, coffee and biscuits soon had everyone perky and ready for a fun filled day of learning and discovery, and although everyone was enjoying meeting new people and talking the water was calling.

Throughout the day, there were a variety of workshops covering topics such as poling, sailing, tracking and lining, playboating, canoe rolling and safety and rescue. There were also introductory sessions both flat water and moving water. Some people also had the opportunity to begin making their own wooden paddles, whilst others learned how to bake breads on a stove or open fire.

Early evening saw the majority of people participating in a voyageur race and although it turned out to be very competitive, everyone had made up by the time they were settling down to the BBQ. So with full stomachs everyone settled down to an awe-inspiring slide show of Stephen Macdonald's very recent trip to Baffin Island.

Following a short prize giving covering topics like youngest participant, best swims and best-attempted canoe roles, it was off to another local hosteller for music and chat.

Sunday morning seemed to come just as early as the previous day but not just as bright for some. With the trailers already loaded it was off to Newcastle for a fantastic adventure on the sea. There was an incoming tide, good swell and a strong on shore wind and 12 canoes armed with paddlers, ready to do battle with the elements, as they travelled from the Harbour in Newcastle round to Dundrum Bay. This trip was to be one of the highlights of the whole weekend and certainly, something no one will forget easily.

By the time everyone got back to Castlewellan most people were well and truly tired and ready to sleep. It was a very busy and exciting weekend and people are already talking about what will happen next year.

All in all 47 people attended the symposium with a wide range of experience from those with very little right through to advanced paddlers.  We had people from Northern and Southern Ireland, as well as people from England and Scotland. 

Thanks must go to Stephen MacDonald for taking the time out of his busy schedule to help run workshops. Graham Tiso's for sponsoring the prizes, anyone who loaned equipment, all those who ran workshops and finally everyone who attended because it is those people that make an event like this a success.