The Tollymore Paddlesport Department was established in 1970. Tollymore is one of only three centres approved by the British Canoe Union to deliver the full range of skills and leadership courses across all disciplines namely Sea, Surf, Whitewater, Touring and Canoe
The Centre is ideally situated within easy reach of a range of ideal locations, the River Bann possibly one of the best rivers around for introducing and developing white water skill. Strangford Lough and Carlingford lough for their outstanding natural beauty and ideal training grounds for getting to grips with tidal flows, developing basic skills among the shelter of dozens of islands and the opportunity to share the water with an abundance of birds, seals, otters etc which make Strangford Lough of world significance.
On top of all this Tollymore staff hold the highest qualifications and are involved in training and coaching at the highest levels. When not on the water they are supporting the governing body in developing syllabi and developing schemes to increase participation.
And of course when ever they can they are out there doing it for themselves.
Of late our staff have paddled in Greenland, France, Italy, Sweden, the USA, Austria and of course all over the UK and Ireland. Guess what, this year will not be any different! If you do not get to meet them at the centre you are sure to see them on the water.
Tollymore Paddle sport stores are fairly unique in that we carry a wide selection of equipment from all the main manufactures, so if you are interested in getting a medium size sea kayak at Tollymore you would have the opportunity to try a Romany, Shoreline, Pintail, Capella. If you are a larger paddler or looking for an expedition boat again we carry a full range. The advantage for you is that you get to paddle the best boat for you.
‘Try before you buy’
In order to deliver the best coach training courses, Tollymore staff work in partnership with the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland and have been involved in the development of syllabi and delivering Coach Educator training on behalf of the governing body.
To complement the work of our staff we have invested heavily in resources giving those attending our Coach education, skills and leadership training courses the very best of resources from competition, creek, surf, sea boats and canoes, Paddling machines (Ergo’s), digital, still and video cameras, and of course a wide range of support material including books, DVD’s, charts, maps, handouts and presentations.
