Canoeing Ireland would like to welcome Adam O’Shea to the team in the role of regional development officer. Adam will be working closely with local clubs, schools, and community groups to increase participation in paddle sports and ensure the highest quality experience for all participants in our sport.
With a wide range of experience in paddle sports and the outdoors, Adam will be creating new pathways for people to be both introduced to the sport, and to develop their skills and capabilities. Hear a bit from Adam below about his experiences in the sport and his intentions for the role.
Could you give us a quick highlight reel of your background in paddle sports? Competitions, favourite trips and favourite discipline?
Ive been a paddler, instructor, guide and coach for the past 10 years, over this time I’ve used these skills to travel, explore and grow, seeing areas around Ireland and the world. Having seen the benefits that the outdoors and paddle sports have had on myself, other individuals, and groups I’ve worked with, I’m passionate about making these opportunities and pathways accessible, inclusive and sustainable while in this role. Personally an expedition I did in Nepal on the Sun Kosi river over 10 days was a highlight, spending all day paddling big volume rapids and the nights sharing food and time with the Irish and Nepalese participants was something I’ll always remember.
Do you have any particular highlights from your work in outdoor education over the years? A project you are particularly proud of?
Over my career I have had a lot of success using the medium of the outdoors to work with people of all ages and backgrounds, and have seen the transformative effort this can have individuals and their communities. One group I feel showed these benefits was a group I worked with that were in direct provision. These young people from all over the world came together as a group through a youth work and outdoor learning process gaining hard skill and soft skills while being supported and working with other groups in the service and the local communities. Seeing two of them completing and passing a skills course on the Hook Head after a lot of adversity and still smiling was a proud moment for me.
What are your plans for helping develop paddle sports in Ireland? How do you hope to get involved in strengthening the offering of Canoeing Ireland to the community?
In this role I want to develop new pathways and infrastructure to increase participation, build capacity and create the conditions for empowerment for individuals, groups and the paddle sport community as a whole. Seeing the wide range of disciplines and strengths the community has, I see us in Canoeing Ireland as the link to improving and assisting all aspects of paddle sports from grassroots to high performance.
You can find Adam’s contact details below –
