Preparations are well advanced for a weekend of sea, lough and river kayaking at the 4th annual Crana Canoe Weekend, which takes place on 20-21 October in Buncrana, Co Donegal. Entries to date stand at over 165, which is already higher than last year’s total, says founder and organiser Adrian Harkin of Just Kayak outdoor centre in Moville – also on Donegal’s Inishowen peninsula.
By its second year, this event became the second biggest kayaking event in Ireland but it is the only event of its kind on the island, explains Adrian, who is himself a qualified and experienced coach and guide. “We are the only event which offers such a wide range of kayaking races – slalom, wild water, sea, freestyle and boatercross – and we have a high performance standard.”
Crana Canoe Weekend is open to all levels and abilities and attracts participants from Ireland, the UK and Europe. “A lot of big names in the kayaking world have attended in the past including Han Binjen from Holland (Olympic silver medalist), who worked as a coach in Belfast for the NI slalom team, and 2012 Olympian Hanna Craig who has ranked 4th in the ladies world slalom.”
Online registration is open until 16th October but participants can also register at the event, says Adrian. As well as booking for races, participants can also book coaching session with key figures such as Dave Carroll , Benny Cullen, Jim Morristy and Dave Rosseter as well as some coaches from the Wazesport and Dagger teams.
Adrian Harkin says it will also be a great event for spectators and everyone is invited to come along and watch, and to bring the family….. For details and to register, go to www.justkayak.ie
The Crana Canoe Weekend is being supported by Failte Ireland’s Festivals & Events Initiative, in conjunction with Inishowen Tourism. Visitors planning to come to Buncrana for the event can log onto www.visitinishowen.com to find out more about the Inishowen Peninsula and to check out accommodation.