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In Ireland there are several references in archaeology to finds of ancient wooden canoes, so if you are a canoeist, or plan to get a canoe, you are following in a wonderful tradition practised by our ancestors. In more modern time, canoes have been constructed of fibreglass, kevlar etc, but the 21st century is surely the age of the inflatable canoe and inflatable kayak. Of course, inflatable boats are not such a recent invention and during the second world war, inflatables were used with great effect by the military whether on planes - as a means of life preserving after ditching - or as small assault craft used by commando style units. |
Stearns BackCountry Inflatable Canoe
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Advantages
So far we have looked at some of the advantages, i.e., portability, ability to bounce of rocks (to a degree) and transportability. To this list we can also add, storage in the home, even in an apartment if necessary, and the quick preparation time once you get to where you are planning to paddle. Most kayaks can be inflated in a few minutes; the canoes are ready in from ten to fifteen minutes. Cost is another advantage as inflatables are generally half the price of rigid canoes. The better quality inflatable canoes can also carry a load of 500 pounds!
Stearns BackCountry folded and ready to go...
There is some suggestion that paddling an inflatable in a straight line is difficult, but experienced canoeists dismiss this and claim that with practice, these craft are every bit as 'steerable' as their rigid cousins. Most have small tracking strakes underneath as an aid to directional paddling, and some canoes can have a skeg fitted at little cost which makes them very easy to steer.
Another disadvantage is that, ideally, the canoes are dry before being stored away. For some, towelling the canoe dry before packing away is a chore but most will see it as part of the fun of the day, like taking down a tent after a camping trip, or tying a boat to a trailer after a fishing trip.
I have read a few complaints about the air-valves but most were about ease of use (or difficulty) and not a safety issue. Satisfy yourself before purchase.
Where and what to buy.
I bought my inflatable Canoe from the UK. The price and the choice were the factors which sent me in that direction. In fact, the Sevylor Colorado, which was my choice, is difficult to locate in Ireland. I am a big fellow and needed a sturdy boat under me. The Stearns Back Country was my second choice and I only rejected that because I prefer the seats in the Colorado. The 2009 Colorado, however, does not have the great seats that were in the 2008 version. Even allowing for the postage, it was easy to purchase from the UK.
Other makes to consider as well as the Sevylor Colorado and the Stearns Backcountry are the Sea Eagle, the Egalis, and Gumotex.
Inflatables Canoes Ireland
Recommended Lakes and Rivers.
Lake
One of the most accessible canoeing lakes in Ireland and perhaps the one that can be most highly recommended for beginners is Lough Gur in County Limerick. It has a strictly enforced 'no motorised craft of any size' rule, and is used by a local outdoor recreation centre as a place in which to introduce young people to canoeing and kayaking. Most of the time you will have the place to yourself. If you see a 'beyond middle age' gent paddling about the lake in a Sevylor Colorado inflatable canoe, say 'hello'...it may well be me.
Lough Gur is one of Ireland's foremost archaeological sites and some of the sites within the greater Lough Gur area show that people lived here 5000 years ago. Perhaps, they too, padled on the lake. Ringforts, a wonderful wedge tomb, and Ireland's finest stone circle can all be found here and the archaeology brings an extra dimension to a days canoeing. A great picnic area at the edge of the lake makes this a must for those who just want flat water lake on which to try out their inflatable canoe or inflatable kayak.
Swimming is discouraged in summer (and when else would we swim in Ireland?) because of weed growth on the lake. I prefer to paddle around the rafts of weed rather than going through them when I am canoeing. Altogether, Highly recommended.
I look forward to this years Liffey Descent, not as a participant but as a spectator. If I had come to canoeing a bit earlier in life I would love to have had a go. In spite of the danger involved in any river descent of this magnitude, on the day, the safety provided by the marshals is second to none. Anyone who gets into trouble is plucked from the water by a team of kayakers and by the amazing abseiling rescuers who dangle from the bridges to rescue any who become trapped by the volume of water pressing boats against the bridge. My interest this year will be to see the inflatable canoes making the descent and to see how they deal with the variety of conditions thrown up in such a long course. Inflatable canoes bounce off rocks and slightly bend themselves over weirs and white-water and could well be the craft to beat in future. Their is also a portage section and I imagine that running while carrying an inflatable canoe is far easier than running with a heavier solid canoe.
But this section of this webpage is meant to be recommending rivers on which you can canoe in Ireland. The River Suir is well worth considering when planning a downriver trip and access is easy enough. If you were planning to camp overnight, it is best to reconnoitre and get permission. It's usually no problem, but land-owners like to know why someone is sleeping in the bottom field near the river. It's also a good idea to ask just in case the farm animals are going to be in that field later in the day after you have settled down for the evening. The Suir is safe enough and is never very wide but remember to wear your life preserver at all times. The river does have depth and does have fast water in places. Occasionally you will have to help the canoe over a weir when the river is low. If you know of a lake or river that can be canoed or kayaked in relative safety, do let us know and we will publish your recommendations here. |
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Disadvantages
Inflatables are susceptible to very sharp items such as glass on the shore line when beaching, or extremely sharp rocks. The floor area is most vulnerable and barbed wire could be hazardous on small rivers in rural areas where farmers have wired the river. However, to allay unnecessary fears, let us tell you of two men who canoed 120 km down river in a Sevylor Colorado inflatable canoe through the jungles of Borneo. They carried all provisions in the canoe and made it safely to journey's end.
Sea Eagle Canoe
Man and Dog in Sea Eagle canoe
Canoe Pumps
The choice in pumps is between a stirrup pump and a foot pump. Most reviewers recommend the stirrup pump, and all recommend that you bring a pump with you on the water. Apparently a pump will heat the air and when you are on the water, that air will cool and contract causing slight loss on air pressure. Don't ever be tempted to over-inflate as this can lead to problems.
Paddles
Kayak type double-bladed paddles are recommended for paddling the canoes when solo paddling while the traditional single-bladed type are recommended for paddling with a partner. The person in front provides most power and the person behind also provides steering, either by using the paddle as a rudder after every thrust, or by adjusting paddling rate.
Paddlling in North Canada from Wikipedia.
Photo (above) by Thomas & Dianne Jones from Okmulgee, USA
Above photo of inflatable boats from Wikipedia Taken by Anthony Appleyard
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