Organisers of the Galway Sea Festival have compiled a terrific programme of water activities to cater for all levels, so whether you are a first timer, or an advanced water dweller, the Galway Sea Festival is the place to be this summer.
From kayaking to windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding to scuba diving, it is all happening in Galway over the June Bank Holiday weekend from May 31- June 3. And with special discounts and family/group bookings available from the participating water sports providers, this is an event you will not want to miss. For something more adventurous, try stand up paddle boarding - the fastest growing water sport in the world. Stand-up-paddle boarding involves standing on a giant surf board and propelling oneself along with a single ended paddle.
Danny Mulryan of Rusheen Bay Windsurfing, will be delivering introductory sessions at Salthill on Saturday June 1. He explians, “Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP ) is one of the most accessible water sports. It is simply a big surfboard and a paddle. We now even have high quality inflatable boards which fit into a backpack. SUP can be practised on any strip of water be it a river, lake the open sea and even waves. It is a simple and great way to introduce watersports into your life and enjoy the nature around you."
Mr Mulryan continued, “Not only can you lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol and feel more energised after a session, but the overall experience of being on the water is often touted as aqua therapy and is a much better experience than the mundane clinical environment of a gym. It is low impact on all joints and is also being used to improve balance and core strength for people recovering from serious injuries. It is a fun way to get fit.”
Rusheen Bay Windsurfing is also offering introductory sessions in windsurfing. This exhilerating sport made headlines recently when Galway doctor and four times Irish Windsurfing Champion Katie McAnena became one of the first women to surf the infamous ‘Jaws’ wave off Maui in Hawaii.
Introductory sessions in Windsurfing take place in Rusheen Bay on the Barna Road on Saturday 1st June and Sunday 2nd June. All equipment is provided, just bring togs and towel. Full details on www.rusheenbay.com You can also sample energetic world of kayaking under the supervision of Jim Morrisey of Kayakmór as he conducts some introductory sessions in sea kayaking on Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2.
He remarked that Galway is an exemplery maritime location, “The unspoilt water resources of County Galway, both sea and inland, offer a myriad of choices of ideal paddling locations, awaiting discovery.”
He encourages families (children from age 10 upwards ) and groups of friends to come along to the Galway Oceans Sports Club, Galway Harbour Enterprise Park. All equipment is provided and participants are asked to bring towel, old runners, and a fleeece top. See www.Kayakmór ie for more details. Alternatively, you can learn the art of kayaking with Giveitago Sea Kayaking at the Pamerls Rock, Salthill on Saturday June 1. Safety is a priority for all water sports and participants on all sea kayaking introductory courses will be provided with wetsuit, buoyancy aids and a waterproof jackets. Full details on www.giveitago.ie Kayaking, wakeboarding and a Treasure Island Taster Camp for Children will be offered by Bow Waves in an extensive programme of activities over the June Bank Holiday Weekend. Full details on [email protected] or call 091 560560
For a comprehensive journey through the underwater, why not try scuba diving.
Scuba diving is swimming underwater using a self contained underwater breathing apparatus and it is a sport that is growing recreationally year on year. Charlie Brehony of Galway Dive School asserts that scuba diving is an addictive pursuit. “To go underwater and be breathing in an environment that we are not used to, with no feeling of gravity and 360 degree movement is very exhilarating,” he said.
For full details of all water sports in the Galway Sea Festival Programme log on to www.galwayseafestival.com Note that bookings must be made directly with the individual water sports providers and times may be subject to change. It is advisable to confirm times directly with the individual water sports provider.
