International Liffey Descent

The Liffey Descent no in its 56th year is one of the true spectacles of marathon racing both within Ireland and worldwide, being mentioned in the same sentence as both the Dusi and the Fish, it certainly holds highly amongst athletes.
The Liffey descent is a blue ribbon event for Canoeing Ireland and amongst Irish paddlers, with many training and challenging purely for this event each year the standard is high
The International Liffey Descent is one of the International Canoe Federations World Series Events with points available towards the world series of races.
As well as the true racing classes the Liffey descent is made up by a large number of recreational paddler whom are still entered in the race but for many the challenge is to merely complete the 28km course before sundown.
Before the event the pretension is high with athletes arriving from across Europe and others from further afield the days leading up to the event are spent scouting the weirs and prepping boats and nutrition for the event the K2 event is one of the most fiercely contended and leads out the event.
At the evening registration its all smiles as bibs are collected and t-shirts chosen but with one eye on the start lists to see who else is in the field there's certainly an air of caution, with the competitive paddlers filing out quickly to finish preparation and get an early night the job is still to do.
As a general purpose paddler the registration is an excellent opportunity to sit down relax and grab a drink with friends you haven't seen in the last year whether is travelling or other commitments the descent brings everyone together.
As the sun rises on Saturday Liffey Descent morning the calm misty waters of Dublin's River Liffey are peaceful and still, the glasslike texture awaiting the thundering waters to be released from above and engulf the morning air with electricity and excitement.

As the Sun lifts from its night time slumber the paddlers start arriving the sleepy heads are filled with excitement the Liffey descent morning provides a feeling like no other to simply stand at the start with people setting up and last minute airbags and bailers the atmosphere is alive with activity. As the crews start their slow paddle upstream to the start line the thoughts of the days racing ahead, a last peak over the mighty Straffan weir to pick the line will it be the tight fish shoot or the far right plunge a swim at this early stage would leave you behind the field with ground to make up, do you play it safe or go fast? With all these thoughts passing through the heads this and the other 9 Weirs, 1 portage and other river obstacles the thought process is utmost. how far ahead are you thinking is it luck or skill? a mistake by another crew can make or break your race. as you look at the start lists the favourites are picked but the difference with the Liffey Descent to many other events is the what ifs, its never a clear race and the winner can never be picked, and to many that's what really makes the race, the strongest are never necessarily the best, you need to have both clean lines and pulling power to get out the way of the pack but with the dam open and 40 tonnes of cool white water pouring through the gates every second its not as simple as it sounds.

As the starters hold the racing lines up above the bridge and banks are loaded with spectators all waiting for a glimpse of the pack. The racers pushing the line until finally “BANG” and away are the first wave the K2 crews are tearing up the flat water as they approach Straffan the first weir on the journey to Liffey descent glory. Approaching the top as the crown peer on, the crews drop into file giving way to hope for a safe pass, as they feel the concrete flex on the hulls of there carbon and Kevlar racing boats the crunch and scrape as the rudder catches and lifts on the hard rock below and the scrape of the brace as they reach out with their winged paddles for purchase to keep their tippy racing machines upright. The crashing wave as they hit the bottom and the last reach for purchase in the airiated water below as the K2 pushes out into the clearwater and aims for the bridge arch and onwards to the next challenge rumble in the jungle the twisty turns and overhanging trees gives little space for attacking and overtaking so crews must pick their way unable to tap a constant rate the power is pushed to just as quickly be lost. By now crews will have in their minds who and where they are and this is where experience will pay knowing where and when to attack and push on with the crew in front measuring their efforts to avoid being caught its a careful balance that requires a huge amount of mental strength to stay on your game plan as well as the physical strength to hold on.
As the K2s steam into the jungle other waves will have started with a whole host of other boats from racing K1’s, WWR, then the General purpose class.

from the super competitive Gola sprints and deceptors looking for the win, these boats specifically built by Irish manufacturers in days gone by to fit into this general purpose category and really bring it into a racing class. behind them then roll on the plastic boats, dancers, Europa's long and slick but nowhere near as fast as the carbon racers then the creekers the club paddler out to complete the task and enjoy every minute of it. last up come the Canadians, no not the country, the boats two or three person boats provide one of the most fun and exciting rides down the turbulent Liffey, being open top provides the danger of swamping and falling in with little ability to roll and being able to share the event with friends makes it a truly exciting way to spend a day out
.
As the last of the paddlers drop over Straffan and the crowd still cheering the mass exodus begins, with worried parents and determined partners heading downstream cameras and water supplies in hand planning the next location to catch a shot or hand over the valuable drink.
The portage takes place following a 2km flat paddle across the Lake this is where the K2s can really open up the distance on the field hitting a rhythm and able to mentally push out the thoughts of the race gone and focus now on the race ahead, pulling into the beach at the far end its a 700m run with boats in hand around the Leixlip Dam. Along the service road and down the sloping path to end up riverside once more as you set back into your boat paddling out to avoid the threat of the Bridge arch and onwards towards the lower Liffey weirs, Sluice, Lucan, Shackletons, Wrens Nest, Palmerstown and Chapelizod weirs all ahead.
With plenty of potential for error and mistakes the race follows on the Sluice providing options of safe lines down the weir or running the main Sluice gate more commonly known for its freestyle hole and slalom course provides plenty of grounds for an unfortunate dip the fast paddle through to Lucan this is the second most famous weir on the river as it provides huge spectator areas and its famous High Drop on River Left or the sloping weir face river right both proving its own dangers as the spectators again line the bank eagerly awaiting the competitiors, waiting to see whos leading this far and whos made it or retired its all eyes on the lip as the first K2s hit the weir.
As the race follows onwards the highdrop becomes ever used providing some of the best photos from the day with smiles and wet times for many.with the rescue teams on hand to assist swimmers and safely reunite them with their boats and paddles and allow them to hopefully continue the race.
Meanwhile at the finish line the anxious feeling is rife, organisers, caterers and sponsors set up in a festival finish all awaiting the moment the first boat rounds the corner in the distance, all ever hopfull its an Irish crew out front. will it be a race for the line a sprint finish or a pulled out lead. the wait is on.
As the crew rounds the corner the anxious wait is short lived sub two hours from start to finish, the binoculars identify the leaders its an Irish driver and this time out on their own, all they need to do is ride to the finish line but they are still pushing driving, you can feel the intensity and grit in every stroke. The moment they cross the finish line and the relief followed by jubilation of hard work having paid off.
Whether its their first win or 10th it makes no difference the feeling of achievement and accomplishment having picked their way through the minefield and come out unscathed and out front is a feeling which is hard to match. the magic of the Liffey Descent lives on in all its winners, competitors and spectators its the one day a year where everyone comes out together forgetting any politics and stand together to feel the intensity and emotion the Liffey descent beholds.

As the field filters its way into the finish the stories of clean lines, tumbles and spills develop the day involved will sit deeply within its competitors all taking away positives from the day and having an aim and challenge for the future. For many spectators the Liffey Descent is the reason they want to get into kayaking for world class athletes its about aiming for the records and for the avid paddlers its about the fun and enjoyment on the way down.

The Prize giving is applauded by all and achievements congratulated, before the evening party starts in typical Irish fashion the Guinness tap on overdrive pouring as many Pints as water flowing out of the dam today as the steady stream of drinks bring the stories and tales late into the night as the paddlers and athletes depart back to their homes around the country or out to the airport to catch a flight further afield everyone of them takes home a part of the Liffey descent magic and the drive to come back to this peaceful river flowing through the Irish countryside once more to the Magical Irish Liffey Descent.
See you next year

Here's the start of the 2015 Liffey Descent from Straffan Weir.







For More information on the International Liffey Descent keep an eye on the Canoeing Ireland page HERE

Why Canoe?

So a few years ago we ran a video comp by the same name, during those videos were a mix of freestyle and whitewater kayaking vids from a selection of Irish paddlers, showcasing the fun and enjoyment they had on the water, but over the past few years some of these paddlers are still pushing hard while others may have fallen from the horse,

some see kayaking as a young mans game but with paddlers like Eric EJ Jackson still paddling and competing at the top of his game at a tender 50 years old and closer to home Confident paddlers like Bernard Walsh a late starter in the kayak game but still loving every second and really pushing his own ability,

So why do we paddle?

People can paddle for many different reasons whether as a child pushed into a kids camp where they will learn the basics or joining a club set up to offer development training to bring along their skills, Or an adult who wants to try something new and exciting kayaking is a game for everyone without prejudice.

But the real question always unfold in how to hang onto new members, to hang onto these people you must first understand their motivations for participating,

was it

-to make friends

- to learn a new skill

-enjoyment

-fitness

- lose weight

- peer pressure

- relationship

-monetary

- Parent Pressure

the options are almost unlimited, as a guide the majority of people participate in outdoor recreation for a couple of key reasons

Enjoyment/fun People do things because they enjoy it!

and because friends participate by paddling with peers and friends it can only help you have a better time on the water.

with this in mind the way to hang onto people is to offer fun sessions and get people talking to each other.

I personally paddle almost every day and I paddle for very much the same reasons, I enjoy being out on the water, if im not enjoying it I shouldn't be their. and for friends I have a lot of friends who paddle and I met most of them by paddling, its a social sport being able to bounce off each other and trust in each other to help you out when the time comes, whether its the drive out to a river, surf or a playspot travel with friends makes the drive much more enjoyable.and by chatting after the session of monster swims epic rides or just enjoying a great day chat about the day and see how everyone felt, when everything goes right that warm feeling inside is unbeatable, when things go wrong you have people their to look upto and who can help you improve.

Paddling every day takes its toll on both the body and your mental capacity,

Your body needs days off by pushing too hard you will be tired, once tired you are prone to the occasional silly mistake which will probably leave you upside down. Variety is the spice of life shorter sessions in a variety of different disciplines / boats or conditions will keep things fresh whilst being able to transfer skill across the board,

Every good paddler can hop into any boat whether a K1 or a Freestyle boat, They wont be the best but the other skills they know will transfer giving them a good initial level of ability.

With the light evenings arriving its really time to get out in the boat as a beginner its time to find a course or a club as an instructor you need to lose the bad habits ready to teach all the newbies and as a paddler its time to get out and enjoy the water once again.

So before you head out just take a second a think why you paddle and look at what you can achieve.

Junior Paddlefest 2013

Paddlefest Promo

 

20th – 22nd September – Hidden Valley Campsite, Rathdrum Co Wicklow

ORIGINS OF PADDLEFEST

Whilst still messing around in competition boats, I decided to try downriver racing boats, even competing in a Lower Liffey ranking race,

didn’t place anywhere but, great fun. Whilst I was dabbling with the

Wavehopper at the time, which was the only WWR boat that I could get my hands on or afford, the realisation of the skill that I had drawn from other elements of the sport became very apparent. This is where the original thinking behind Paddlefest began.

At this time I had also taken on Open Boating and the old saying of ‘half the paddle and twice the man’ is true in open boating, brute force and

ignorance will get you nowhere fast you have to use the flow so much more to steer those beautiful boats. When you paddle one of these craft in a straight line, the angle of attack of the blade shaft is reminisce of amarathon stroke, yet when you want to turn you really have to get your sweeps like in a river boat.A friend of mine introduced me to Sea kayaking and it was like a kick back to my school years. They handle like Marathon Boats and Down river racers. You have to edge the same, the stroke is the same. Happy days.Marathon paddling on the open sea! Big waves like in a river! Sustained adrenaline, the constant changing scenery, wildlife, caves, I am so there! You put all of these adaptive and honed skills that you have learnt fromall the aspects of kayaking and canoeing, put them in a washing machine and turn it on, full spin. The result is the physical torque and power of the Freestyle discipline, 0 to 100kph in three seconds. Thankfully for me I had a little bit of knowledge and muscle memory from the other disciplines,and so when I got into the washing machine and went for a spin, I survived, a little bruised, colour faded but all in one piece. Whilst learning

to cartwheel I heard the expression ‘double pump’ I asked for

clarification on this and was told that it is how you use your feet to

transfer the energy from the paddle pushing the hull. I thought to myself,this is nothing new to me, I do this all the time on the horizontal plane

when I’m in my river boat, a skill which I took from my marathon days.

The concept of Paddlefest is to try and expose young paddlers to the disciplines, and to try and impinge on them the diversity of the sport but,also how all of the aspects of the sport are interconnected and help the mover all to tweak, tune and hone certain skills in isolation and then bring them back to their chosen area. Remember, from a recreational stance,the more honed your skill and strokes, the more enjoyable the experience. From a competitive stance, the difference between first and second place, winning the sprint at the start of a match, making that splitwheel could be as little as a 100th of a second or having a more effective stroke. This extra edge can be achieved by diversifying your training and honing a skill that you can practice in isolation in another discipline. ‘The proof is in the pudding’.

In 2004, I began to get involved with the juniors in Wild Water Kayak Club through the pool sessions. At that time working with John Healy, we ran pool sessions right through the winter months right up to March 2005.During those sessions the emphasis was on basic strokes. It didn’t matter

so much if the stroke worked properly, just once it was technically sound.From March, the students worked with coaches like Martin McCarthy,Colm Ryan and Adrian Barber, all respected coaches in their disciplines.The students were exposed to all aspects of the sport over the summer months. They where exposed to boating and surfing too and all of this combined has laid the foundation for the next generation of Athletes.You only have to look at some of our national team members across the competitive spectrum. They are members of WWKC, the pathway works. Around 2007 I was introduced to Lar Burke, who had taken over from John Healy as the junior officer in WWKC. The juniors were heading away on the annual junior weekend away, and if memory serves me right, they were heading surfing in Sligo. The following year, Lar was arranging the weekend away and having knowledge of the Hidden Valley site in Wicklow, I suggested that he try there for a change. I was there for the weekend and following a marathon river trip with Canadians and riverboats, seven hours in total, I began to think.Following that weekend, the concept of Paddlefest began to form in my mind, drawing from years of experience and seeing how this would be beneficial to the juniors, I approached Lar with the Paddlefest concept.From the early days we knew that this was bigger than us both, it was bigger than WWKC, and this would have great benefits for all juniors from all clubs. Whilst Lar undertook the Administration side and I looked after the operational side of things, the success or failure would depend on the input of the many volunteers that so kindly gave up their freetime,.Paddlefest is bigger than two people, it is bigger than one club,Paddlefest is a combination of a lot of factors and people coming together to help develop the sport, to learn from each other in a controlled and safe fashion and to take things to a new level. The ramifications of Paddlefest will leave a legacy on the paddlers of the future, it is up to you to continue the legacy.The benefits of cross training between disciplines is of vital importance to the overall development of the sport of canoeing and to the paddler as a whole. Failure to acknowledge this will result in a lot of paddlers failing toachieve their maximum potential and development.

Herein lies the Origin of Paddlefest

Written by Paul Donnelly

GMIT Intervarsity's 2012

So the time of year was upon us, where every paddling student in the country descends on one poor helpless town to run riot paddle hard and generally drink the place dry.

This year GMIT were hosting the event in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

The Friday saw the first event in a cold Crossmolina the coaches travelled pulling trailers laden with boats of all colours and sizes, as the Students arrived the polo comp kicked off with an exciting first round of games seeing a brave trinity narrowly miss out to a strong Limerick team, The 2 pre tournament favourites MUCK (Maynooth) and the GMIT had an opening round exchange with GMIT proving strongest taking the convincing win,

As the event continued so did the weather with drizzle and rain to contend with a wicked side wind flying across the pitch, One highlight was to see Carlow or ORK IT as its more affectionally known line up with a single man against a full team of 5. On his own Orky battled hard through tiredness and pain scoring 2 goals on his was to a loss knocking him out of the competition.

DCU took the wildcard place into the Semi-finals against an improving UCD having dispatched there local rivals they were pushed into a tense final against favourites GMIT

After a strong 1st half DCU were holding out at 0-0 and GMIT just couldn't find the net hitting all sides of the goal until finally into the 2nd half Kevin Pierce stepped up to finally score the first goal from then on it was one way traffic to leave GMIT convincing winners for the 2nd year running.

Friday Night the crowds headed to a busy Castlebar for celebration and socialising before the following days events.

Saturday started bright and early with a tough team white water race claiming many swims and a lot of pride after the white water the teams headed south to Tuam Co, Galway for the freestyle event.

The freestyle event took the format of team jam sessions with the top 8 moves of each paddler combined to create a team score, with many current and ex Irish team paddlers in attendance the field was stacked with talent, smooth cartwheels from Colin Wong and fast helix’s of Barry Loughnane saw some huge scores. The point of having a team event meant it was up to the whole team to perform for their combined total with ORK IT again a single paddler making it difficult to accumulate any real points.

A super strong University of Limerick team took the win with a great display working through the score sheet. In second was NUIG led by Barry and Andrew really working the score sheet and in third with an improving performance was DCU showing it could have been anyone's game.

The Evening saw the masses return the the Royal Theatre in Castlebar for a night of Soul with a James Brown tribute band in the house providing the music of the night.

A tired Sunday morning arrived with the long distance races to be held in Castlebar with a lack of rescue meant the race was cut from a healthy 8km to a short sprint over 2km

the K1 was first with a fast race led start to finish by Tom Brennan from Trinity followed closely in second place by Liam Banks of UCD next off was the high performance class again led by Canoeing Ireland athlete Neil Fleming taking a comfortable win with Colin Wong in second place. In the women's class Laura Griffin took the win with Aisling Griffin in second place.

Varsities LD

There were a huge number of GP paddlers looking for the points for their colleges.

The prize giving was held back in the college with some delay while the final points were added the results were announced

1st University Limerick

2nd UCD

3rd Trinity

With the decision made that the 2013 Intervarsity's will be held in Limerick once again.

Well Done to WeeMan Mark O’Connor for putting on an excellent event, thoroughly enjoyed by all!

 

Paddy Tec feeling worse for wear after a fast 2km race

Salmon Leap Slalom Course

During the past year at work we have been trying to put together an effective Slalom course which can be used by both our high performance athletes as well as beginners introduction to slalom, with problems on route, through lots of hard work we have finally got a course together.

The Course is set in the River Liffey along the grounds of Castletown house in Celbridge, offering an excellent facility for all paddlers.

Heres a quick video showing the course

Slalom @ Salmon Leap Canoe Club

Keeping your hands warm tried and tested!

Ok so from the first day people take to the water the first thing is always “I've got cold hands” this is only normal your hands are holding a cold non insulated shaft with exposure to wind and cold water, generally the hands aren't moving too much so the options…..

You need to be able to both grip the paddle and stay warm, lots of people have lots of opinions so here's mine.

As a paddler and coach I spend a lot of time on the water and can honestly say I've tried about every set of gloves on the market here's some of my conclusions

 

The Marigold

Ok so everyone does this at some point borrow your Moms marigolds with good intentions to put them back. But what usually happens is because of the grippyness of the rubber they end up ripping on the shaft. warmth wise they are good to keep the wind off but they have no insulation leaving your hands cold.

Sailing/Kayak short finger gloves

These were the very first glove I ever tried as a new person to the sport these are great for rope work and protection but for paddling in cold conditions the fingers are exposed whilst the material holds water keeping the hands cold also I found these gave blisters due to the stitching on the inside of the thumb.

 

Neoprene Glove thin

Due to the thin neoprene these lacked insulation great grip and movement due to the thinner material. great for rope work and rescue, offering protection and minimal warmth, great for ‘warm’ people.

Neoprene Glove Thick

 

Used a set of Gull thick neo gloves after recommendation from a friend, these gloves were bulky with lots of insulation and protection, to really feel the benefits the gloves would have to be wet ‘which meant cold hands’ the neoprene would then quickly heat up ‘giving you that awful reheat phase – which really hurts!’ once warm these gloves were toasty and really nice.

Neoprene Dry glove

The NRS Mavericks are a neo dry glove with the whole glove liquid sealed and a nice dry cuff to keep the water out these again much like the other neo gloves need to be wet the difference with these is usually neoprene traps water between the skin and the neoprene with the dry glove water doesn't get into the glove leaving them cool. The mavericks also have a very rough inner which will really hurt cold hands with lots of paddling. These gloves work great if you have warm hands when you put them on as they will trap the heat.

Pogies Neo and fabric

Pogies were typically always accustomed to Sea kayakers and K1 paddlers but in more recent years they are at home both on the sea and on the river.

Theirs lots of personal preference regarding neo and fabric, the fabric being slightly lighter usually with a soft fleece lining offering warmth and fast drying whilst the neo being heavier and better thermal property whilst wet.both offer superb protection from the wind and the elements.

Many pogies now offer a short or long option allowing easier access in and out for hands in the event of a swim or rescue. other hybrid style pogies like the motion mambas are a light neo material with a fleece lining offering good thermal properties and the soft feel of the fleece.

Open Palm Mitts

I never really saw the point in these personally a bit silly putting a nice neoprene glove then cutting a hole in them which cold water will flush in and out leaving you with cold hands

NRS Toaster mitts

These are the daddy! absolutely the best glove you could ever need. I can honestly say I can use these into the coldest winter days play boating or creeking with lovely warm hands, the neoprene insulates and allows small amounts of water in which because your fingers are together heats up quickly even from cold to leave you toasty warm. As a mitt compared to the glove some will want free fingers but personally I prefer warm hands, I have set up rescue and thrown ropes with these gloves on and as always as long as you practice no problem at all. worst case just take them off and you've warm hands anyway!

 

With all gloves I think the key is use what you need. A sprint paddler hardly needs big neo gloves same way a freestyle kayaker with lightweight fabric mitts is pointless. another great tip is make sure your hands are warm going into the gloves and that the gloves are not freezing as a cold glove will suck up heat in the same way a cold hand has no way of generating heat.

Liffey Descent Video

After all the hard work all year with the liffey descent planning and meetings here is the final video put together by an outside company. Lots of footage was taken at Salmon Leap Canoe Club of Peter and Neil.

 

a great video, take a look.