PROGRESSIVE PADDLES - NEXT WAVE OF COACH & LEADER DEVELOPMENT DAYS!
Following a successful relaunch earlier this year, Paddle Northern Ireland is excited to offer a new series of Progressive Paddles. These dynamic training days are designed for coaches and leaders looking to elevate their paddling skills across a range of environments.
Whether you're refining Sea Kayak techniques, mastering White Water Kayak manoeuvres, or building confidence in Open Water Canoeing, each session is tailored to your needs and delivered by experienced practitioners. You’ll build confidence and refine your ability to navigate diverse conditions, empowering you to excel in your working environment. This year’s programme includes new sessions in Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Surf Kayak (dates to be confirmed).
These engaging sessions will take place at various locations across Northern Ireland, each session will run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with timings subject to water conditions.
Places are limited, so book early to secure your spot and continue your journey toward paddling excellence.
Cost Per Session
Paddle NI Member - £35 (Please note the cost of these sessions is subsidised as a benefit to members)
Non Member - £70
**Participants will earn 10 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for every Progressive Paddle session they attend—making it a valuable step in your coaching and leadership journey.**
Participants are required to bring their own boats and equipment. However, if additional gear is needed, please contact the team at Paddle Northern Ireland for assistance.
email: admin@paddleni.org.uk
telephone: 07526 691171
Details for each session and links to book are below:
Sea Kayaking Sessions
These courses are specifically designed for coaches and leaders to enhance moderate water paddling skills, focusing on safe sea kayaking techniques and maximising the potential of your sea kayak in the ocean.
The aim is to build your confidence, allowing you to enjoy and explore your working environment with greater ease. Tailored to your needs, these sessions provide an opportunity to advance your skills in areas such as rock hopping, surf landings, navigating headlands, moving water, and more.
The sessions will take place along the North and East Coasts, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, weather permitting.
Sunday 19th October 2025 - Rough Water Paddling
Sunday 9th November 2025 - Rock Hopping & Surf Skills
Sunday 14th December 2025 - Tide Races & Moving Water
Sunday 11th January 2026 - Sea Kayak Safety & Rescue
Sunday 8th February 2026 - Rough Water Paddling
White Water Kayak Sessions
These sessions are designed for coaches and leaders to enhance your moderate water paddling skills, focusing on safe river running techniques and how to maximise your performance in the boat and on the river.
The goal is to build your confidence, enabling you to play and enjoy your working environment. Tailored to your specific needs, these sessions offer an opportunity to advance your skills in areas such as choosing lines, manoeuvring, boofing, flaring and more.
The sessions will take place on rivers such as the, Bann, Mourne, Derg, or others in Northern Ireland, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, depending on water conditions.
Saturday 29th November 2025 - Safe Group Paddling and Safety & Rescue
Saturday 6th December 2025 – Choosing Lines, maintaining momentum, flaring and boofing
Sunday 18th January 2026 - Safe Group Paddling and Safety & Rescue
Sunday 22nd February 2026 - Progressive White Water Techniques
Open Boat Sessions
These sessions are designed for coaches and leaders to enhance your moderate water paddling skills, focusing on safe open water techniques and how to optimise your canoe performance in open water.
The goal is to build your confidence, allowing you to enjoy and thrive in your working environment. Tailored to your specific needs, these sessions offer an opportunity to progress your skills in progressive white water techniques, traditional paddling style, decision making and much more.
The open water sessions will take place on the Strangford, Lough Neagh and other locations throughout Northern Ireland. The river sessions will take place on rivers such as the, Bann, Mourne, Derg, or others in Northern Ireland. All sessions will take place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, depending on water levels and weather conditions.
Saturday 8th November 2025 - Traditional Style, White Water Techniques, Poling and Lining/Tracking
Saturday 22nd November 2025 - Open Water Paddling Skills, Decision Making & Group Management
Saturday 13th December 2025 - Safe Group Paddling and Safety & Rescue
Sunday 18th January 2026 - Progressive White Water Techniques
SUP Sessions
These sessions are designed for developing paddlers, leaders, and instructors looking to enhance their SUP skills in varied environments, with a focus on progressive techniques, effective board control, and confident decision-making in dynamic conditions.
The aim is to build your confidence, enabling you to enjoy and perform in your paddling environment. Tailored to meet your individual needs, these sessions offer the opportunity to progress in areas such as efficient paddle strokes, environmental awareness, moving water skills, self-rescue techniques, and more.
Saturday 18th October 2025 - SUP Skills
Saturday 28th February 2026 - SUP Handling in Dynamic Environments
Saturday 21st March 2026 - SUP Surf Skills
SUP Touring Skills - Date TBA
Surf Kayak Sessions
To be confirmed