Get Ireland Paddling. New Participation Website
In a very positive move for casual paddlers Canoeing Ireland has launched a new website www.getirelandpaddling.ie/ with a wealth of useful information for everyone from first time or occasional paddlers to enthusiasts who are trying a new craft or looking for new challenges.
With an emphasis on water safety, the site offers easy to follow guidelines on the basic requirements for safe paddling. Our recognised activity providers and watersports retailers are listed with contact details for ease of access.
The extraordinary growth in popularity of paddlesports from stand-up paddleboards to sit on top kayaks along with the more traditional craft is a good news story. The information on safety and basic equipment required for safe paddling on the new site will make sure that everyone returns home safely at the end of a fun filled day.
Present at the recent launch of the new website were Sport Ireland director of participation & ethics Dr Una May, Canoeing Ireland chief executive officer Moira Aston, Canoeing Ireland president Brian Ogilvie, and RNLI water safety delivery support officer Lisa Hollingum. The new safety campaign is also being supported by Water Safety Ireland.
‘Recite me’ Canoeing Ireland Website Accessibility
Canoeing Ireland is committed to becoming a more inclusive organisation for all and so, we have now added a new Accessibility Toolbar on our website. ‘Recite me’ is innovative cloud based software that lets visitors to our website view and use it in the way that works best for them, this set of tools allows users to remove, re-colour and enhance the website content to make it easier for all user to use.
We will be developing the accessibility information on our website in the coming months so that people of all abilities can find the information they need on paddlesports through our website. The new accessibility tools can be found through the yellow ‘Accessibility Tools’ button on the top of every page on canoe.ie.
Paddle Able. Accessible Paddlesports
With support from the Dormant Accounts Fund, Canoeing Ireland are partnering with our clubs for running an introductory paddling programme for people with additional needs in their local community.
The aim of the Paddle-Able Programme is to:
- Enable more opportunities for people with disabilities to find longevity in paddlesports within their local community.
- Increase opportunities for people with disabilities to join local clubs.
- Encourage and support club members to run the Paddle-Able programme
- Encourage and support more clubs to engage with people in their community with additional needs.
Women in Sport. Bridge the Gap Funding
Canoeing Ireland are excited to announce an increase in Women in Sport funding for 2021/2022. We thank Sport Ireland for allocating €100,000 to continue developing our women in sport initiative Bridge the Gap. This initiative aims to achieve gender equity across all levels of paddlesports by addressing key areas:
- Regular Participation
- Leadership & Governance
- Coaching & Officiating
- Visibility – online and on the water
We have seen many successes resulting from Bridge the Gap over the previous two years and are confident that we will see many more. Well done to all who have helped us to come this far, and a special thanks to all Bridge the Gap Ambassadors who have been enthusiastically developing women in sport opportunities throughout the country over the past two years.