Coasteering
What’s coasteering? It’s probably better to ask what is it not. Essentially, what you’re looking at here is squeezing into a wetsuit, trainers, buoyancy vest and helmet before jumping, scrambling and swimming along a stretch of the coastline. It’s pure mad, but it’s also a hell of a lot of fun… particularly when a group gets going and urges each other to jump off higher and higher ledges. You don’t need any expertise, or even any great swimming skills… it’s pretty much open to anyone. Give it a try along Wexford’s Hook Peninsula with Sheilbaggan Outdoor Adventure Centre (shielbagganoec.com), in Kerry with Mór Active (moractive.com) or in Clew Bay with Adventure West (adventurewest.ie)
SUP: Stand up and be counted…
You’ve heard of surfing. And kayaking. Now prepare for a magical mash-up of the two. SUP (Stand-up Paddling) is a Hawaiian sport that basically involves standing on outsized surfboards, paddling as you would a gondola, and soaking up the very best of coastal or riverbank scenery along the way. It’s surprisingly easy once you get over the initial wobbles… not to mention relaxing. I took my first paddle expecting adrenaline, but stepped off the board in a state of Zen. Operators include SUP for All in Sligo (facebook.com/SUPforall), Pure Magic in Achill (puremagic.ie) and SUP Co. Clare (supcoclare.com) at White Strand near Lahinch.
Kerry: Kayaking with a difference…
It’s the Segway of the sea - a contraption that first seems bizarre and lazy, but soon turns out to be surprisingly addictive and fun. Motorised kayaks are 12-foot craft that work like a cross between boats and kayaks, and Kerry-based Sunfish Explorer (sunfishexplorer.com) is currently the only tour operator in Ireland using them for group activities. Water jet engines take propellers out of the picture, meaning you can easily zoom into shallow water wildlife. I’m dying to give them a go…
Snorkelling: Ireland’s Blueways…
Can you float? Then you can snorkel. Ireland has never really embraced this sport, despite the wondrous array of wildlife off the Atlantic coast. Cold water undoubtedly has something to do with that, but increasingly affordable wetsuits and the launch of Ireland’s Blueway (blueway.ie) should change that. The series of water trails includes Keem Bay on Achill Island, Inishbofin, Killary Fjord, Old Head outside Westport, and Mannin Bay near Clifden, with there are several taster snorkelling and sea kayaking events organised for summer 2014. See www.blueway.ie
Freediving: Do hold your breath…
Nope, it’s not complimentary Scuba diving. Freediving is actually the art, sport or science of holding your breath underwater, and Feargus Callagy of Freedive Ireland (freediveireland.com) has pioneered its introduction in this country. Forget about maverick depth challenges, however. Feargus’s courses and outings are all about enjoying the ocean, getting in tune with yourself and appreciating the fantastic wildlife off our coast. Think of it as fancy snorkelling… open-water discovery courses are available in Mullaghmore, and Feargus also does pool courses around the country, as well as more intensive stages for advanced divers.
Pól Ó Conghaile is Ireland’s Travel Writer of the Year. Follow him on Twitter (@poloconghaile) or online at www.poloconghaile.com