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Posted On: July 12th 2026, 07:16 pm
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Our @bridgethegap_ire Womens Progression finally got under way after many false starts, mainly due to adverse weather conditions earlier in the year. The participants changed a number of times due to new dates so we had our final 6.
@atu.mayo Kevin O O'Callaghan was our Instructor and the remit was:
Lots of navigation off and ultimately on water in real time to complete the Essential Navigation Course.
Kayak camping. What to bring, what will fit in the boat. How to pack for the weather to prevent weather cocking and improve tracking in the predicted high winds.
How to paddle a heavy laden kayak.
Night Navigation. So taking all the days lessons and seeing how to work together in the dark of night and again how to equip ourselves for safety.
(All bar one had not Island camped so it truly was a whole new experience)
With a small craft warning in place on both days the learning was don't get fixated on one location. The elements ultimately dictate. To that end our first day was a long one. Meeting at 9.30. Lots of teaching then packing boats and leaving cars at the get off for the following day.
We took turns leading the previously worked out trip plan. So the first leg was just over 5nm so just over 9km. Lunch was very welcome!
Everyone contacted Malin Coast Guard to either log a TR or close it off. The 2nd leg ended up being a further 5nm as a more severe forecast was predicted for Sunday morning (F5/F6) so we had to adjust accordingly. We got to our night Island and set up camp. Cooked dinner and prepared for our night Navigation trip.
Finally getting off the water just after midnight and approx 20 km paddled we were ready to get into our tents and sleeping bags.
There were great sounds being carried on the night air as Mayo celebrated the win against Louth and the scramble for all Ireland tickets took place 🤣😅😆
Serious amount of learning took place.
Night Navigation up next 😁
#bridgethegap
#seakayaking
#womenonwater
@atu.mayo Kevin O O'Callaghan was our Instructor and the remit was:
Lots of navigation off and ultimately on water in real time to complete the Essential Navigation Course.
Kayak camping. What to bring, what will fit in the boat. How to pack for the weather to prevent weather cocking and improve tracking in the predicted high winds.
How to paddle a heavy laden kayak.
Night Navigation. So taking all the days lessons and seeing how to work together in the dark of night and again how to equip ourselves for safety.
(All bar one had not Island camped so it truly was a whole new experience)
With a small craft warning in place on both days the learning was don't get fixated on one location. The elements ultimately dictate. To that end our first day was a long one. Meeting at 9.30. Lots of teaching then packing boats and leaving cars at the get off for the following day.
We took turns leading the previously worked out trip plan. So the first leg was just over 5nm so just over 9km. Lunch was very welcome!
Everyone contacted Malin Coast Guard to either log a TR or close it off. The 2nd leg ended up being a further 5nm as a more severe forecast was predicted for Sunday morning (F5/F6) so we had to adjust accordingly. We got to our night Island and set up camp. Cooked dinner and prepared for our night Navigation trip.
Finally getting off the water just after midnight and approx 20 km paddled we were ready to get into our tents and sleeping bags.
There were great sounds being carried on the night air as Mayo celebrated the win against Louth and the scramble for all Ireland tickets took place 🤣😅😆
Serious amount of learning took place.
Night Navigation up next 😁
#bridgethegap
#seakayaking
#womenonwater
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