Learn To Kayak Beginners Courses 2026

Learn to Kayak

Wild Water Kayak Club are offering beginner courses designed to bring the curious participant to a Level 2 skills award. These courses are ideally suited to anyone interested in taking up kayaking or canoeing as a hobby. Join Irelands largest multi-discipline kayak club and become immersed in the world of Adventure Kayaking, Open boating, Canoe Polo, Wild Water racing, Marathon and more.

What do you get?

  • Comprehensive course teaching all the skills necessary for Level 2 Skills
  • Assessment for Level 2 skills award
  • 18 months’ membership of WWKC
  • Membership of Canoeing Ireland
  • Access to club gear through a range of club activities
  • Continuous improvement along your kayaking journey through a helpful club ethos
  • Exposure to all the different kayaking disciplines

What do you bring?

We will supply you with all the kayak/canoe equipment you need. This includes the kayak/canoe, paddle, helmet, wetsuit, buoyancy aid, etc!

All you need to bring is:

  • Non-cotton base layers for under the wetsuit (thermals, etc.)
  • A change of dry clothes for after
  • Old pair of runners you don’t mind getting wet (If you have some water booties that would be amazing)

If you want to bring some extra creature comforts like a skull cap, swimming goggles, or nose plug feel free to do so!

Further Details

Participants must be 18 years old or more.

Directions The clubhouse is located on the Strawberry Beds road near the Angler’s Rest pub. Coming from Chapelizod travel up Knockmaroon hill, veer left at the traffic lights and the club is about 400 metres from the lights on the left-hand side. Parking is available in the Angler’s Rest car park

https://goo.gl/maps/9F7BMDekMbYXL2Ts5

For further information email beginners@wwkc.net

Looking forward to seeing you on the Water!

WWKC Beginners Officers 2026

2026 Beginners Courses – Book Now!

This year, our courses are starting in April and running until August. We provide courses for Kayaking and Open Canoe separately, so be sure to check which one you’re booking! Check out the links below for availability and sign up

Important: Please note the dates on courses – Some courses are not in chronological order (e.g. Course 4 takes place before Course 3).

Kayak Courses

Kayak Course 1

Course 1 consists of five Thursday evening sessions:

  • Thursday, April 30th [6:30 PM – 9:00 PM]
  • Thursday, May 7th [6:30 PM – 9:00 PM]
  • Thursday, May 14th [6:30 PM – 9:00 PM]
  • Thursday, May 21st [6:30 PM – 9:00 PM]
  • Thursday, May 28th [6:30 PM – 9:00 PM]
Kayak Course 2 – Click here to book now!

Course 2 consists of three sessions:

  • Friday, July 17th [6:30pm – 9:00pm]
  • Saturday, July 18th [9:30am – 4:00pm]
  • Sunday, July 19th [9:30am – 4:00pm]
Kayak Course 3

Course 3 consists of three Sunday sessions:

  • Sunday, May 24th [10:00am – 3:30pm]
  • Sunday, May 31st [10:00am – 3:30pm]
  • Sunday, June 7th [10:00am – 3:30pm]
Kayak Course 5 – Click here to book now!

Course 5 consists of three sessions:

  • Friday, June 12th [6:30pm – 9:00pm]
  • Saturday, June 13th [9:30am – 4:00pm]
  • Sunday, June 14th [9:30am – 4:00pm]
Kayak Course 6 – Click here to book now!

Course 6 consists of six Wednesday sessions:

  • Wednesday, June 24th [6:30pm – 9:00pm]
  • Wednesday, July 1st [6:30pm – 9:00pm]
  • Wednesday, July 8th [6:30pm – 9:00pm]
  • Wednesday, July 15th [6:30pm – 9:00pm]
  • Wednesday, July 22nd [6:30pm – 9:00pm]
  • Wednesday, July 29th [6:30pm – 9:00pm]

Open Canoe Courses

Open Canoe Course 1 – Click here to book now!

Course 1 consists of two sessions:

  • Saturday, June 27th [9:00am – 4:00pm]
  • Sunday, June 28th [9:00am – 4:00pm]

Didn’t get a ticket? Don’t fret! Be sure to keep checking this page and our social media as we announce more courses in the near future!

A taster of what to expect!..

Testimonials

I did the beginners course in 2017. Over the year, I’ve met great people, got a lot of fresh air, went on a load of club kayaking trips, learned new skills and stepped out of my comfort zone. There is a real sense of community in the club and the people are just lovely. Two thumbs up from me 

Una L

Brilliant course! My partner and me did it last year and haven’t looked back. You get to visit and see places from an entirely new perspective and meet some great people along the way. People at the club are supportive, helpful and very knowledgeable and volunteer their time selflessly. I highly recommend it if you want to try something new and fun this summer.

Philip W

Hi there, if your reading this your probably thinking.. hey should I do this kayaking thing!? Well if u like a challenge, to do something different, to meet great people, to see those rivers and places that you may have walked past or driven over from a totally different perspective, while having fun and having a buzz, then my friend this course is for you! I started out with a few Groupon deals, a bit of sea kayaking and then did the beginners course at WWKC. The people at this club just make it awesome to be a part of. So try it, if u don’t love it, I’ll eat my life jacket 

Clayton N

I started back in 2010 and signed up to do the beginners course with a friend who was taking part in an adventure race who needed to learn how to kayak. I just went along for the craic, and here l am, 8 years later, addicted to paddling and all that comes with it. Best fun ever, adrenaline racing, calming, you build so many life skills too along with seeing the beautiful countryside from a new perspective. Don’t sit on the fence, invest in this course, its an experience, an adventure and it will change your life for the better.

Amy C

—–