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kayak&Canoe NEWS
Profile: Andy McClelland ANDY McCLELLAND is a 17 year old surf kayaker from the small seaside town of Portrush on the North Coast of Ireland. He started kayaking at the age of eleven when he participated in the Coleraine Borough Council’s annual summer scheme. It was here that Andy discovered his love for kayaking and consequently went on to join the local club, Causeway Coast Kayaking Association. Throughout the years, Andy has tried every discipline and competition that kayaking has to offer, such as K1 racing, slalom, sea kayaking and white water; however, he found his passion in the surfing discipline - very appropriate living beside the sea! Andy qualified for the Northern Ireland Surf Kayak team in 2008 at the age of fifteen where he really started to grow and progress as an athlete, developing his skill and setting his goals for the future. Since joining the team, Andy has gathered a long list of achievements around the world including, Junior
European Champion in 2009, 2010 and 2011, Junior Irish Champion in 2009 and 2010, Junior Northern Irish Champion 2009 and 2010, and also, he is the current Junior British Champion Andy also has maintained the local title of Coleraine Junior Sports Man of the Year for the past two years. As well as these titles, Andy travelled to Portugal in summer of 2009 to compete in the World Championships as part of the Ocean Spirit Festival where he finished in 2nd place to a fellow Northern Ireland team member, Corin King. It was after this competition that Andy set his goals to becoming Junior Surf Kayak World Champion in 2011. He will be travelling to North Carolina, USA this September to compete in the 2011 World Championships and hopes to improve on his number 2 ranking. This competition will see the top class competitors from countries from all over the world gathering in Outer Banks in North Carolina to showcase the finest surf
kayaking that the world has to offer. It is a huge privilege to Andy to be amongst these elite athletes of the world. Surf Kayaking really is Andy’s passion and he is fully dedicated to it, training up to seven days a week. He would like to thank everyone who has shown their support for him over the years, as without this support he would be unable to travel to the competitions that he does as there is just not enough commercial interest in kayaking. Andy paddles a Mega Neutron RV and a Mega Trident. He would like to thank his current sponsors Yak, Gath Helmets and Causeway Coast Chiropractic Clinic for their continued help and support. Is there anyone or any businesses out there would like to sponsor Andy and help him towards his journey to hopefully becoming World Champion in America? If so please get in touch by emailing andymcc04@hotmail.com. Andy will be travelling to the USA to compete in the 2011 World Championships
t for Dates to watch ou Saturdays from 26 March until mid October 2011
CANOEING OPEN SESSIONS Location: Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast Web: www.mobileteamadventure.co.uk Notes: No need to pre book, just turn up and paddle. Every Saturday from 26 March 2011 until mid October 2011. They will provide a boat, buoyancy aid, spray deck, paddle and helmet. All you need to do is turn up in comfortable warm clothing with an old pair of trainers and a light waterproof jacket, with a change of clothes and footwear in case you get wet. If you have your own wetsuit, gear or equipment then you are welcome to bring these too.
30 July 2011
LOUGH FOYLE SEA KAYAK RACE Location: Lough Foyle Web: www.justkayak.ie Notes: For more information email Just Kayak at adrian@justkayak.ie ir telephone 00353 (87) 2202577
27 to 28 August 2011
CONEY ISLAND LOUGH NEAGH FESTIVAL RECREATIONAL PADDLE
ENROL IN AN ACADEMY TODAY LOCATED in the heart of County Donegal, Gartan Outdoor Education Centre provides a wide variety of outdoor activities for the beginner and the expert alike. Gartan takes full advantage of the natural resources that Donegal has to offer, from sea and surf to the mountain top, and the lakes, trails, rivers and crags in between. Gartan OEC has a long and successful history of introducing people to the outdoors and this year is no exception! Once again Gartan will be running the ‘Sailsports Academy’ at Downings and Sheephaven Bay providing ISA windsurfing and sailing courses and lessons. Meanwhile www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
in the South of the County the ‘Kayak Academy’ will be delivering guided sea kayak tours and coaching as well as waveski surfing.
For more information email: office@gartan.com phone: 00353 (0)74 91 37032 visit: www.gartan.com
Location: Starts in Portadown Web: www.cani.org.uk Notes: Canoeists of all ages and abilities are welcome as are all types of kayaks and canoes. Boats can also be hired from CANI. Appropriate paddling kit should be brought, everyone should also be self sufficient for camping ie. food, stove and tent. etc. The trip plans to paddle the Bann into Lough Neagh and then head out to Coney Island to set up camp. They will also go for a paddle the next day before returning home. The cost of this trip will be free to members and £10.00 for non members.
10 September 2011
THE LIFFEY DESCENT
Kayak Academy will be delivering guided sea kayak tours and coaching
Location: Straffan weir, Kildare, to Trinity Rowing Club,Dublin Web: www.liffeydescent.com Notes: The iconic event on the Irish paddling calendar, the Liffey Descent will take place for the 52nd time this year. With plenty of weirs and portages to be negotiated, the 28km course is not for the faint hearted but everyone from novices to high end paddlers are welcome. And it’s great for spectators too!
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