The 2025 Canoeing Ireland Instructor Symposium brought together 61 instructors for a weekend of learning, sharing, and connection in the beautiful surroundings of Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre on Lough Mask, Co. Galway. Now in its third year—and the first since the introduction of the new CPD policy—the symposium proved once again to be one of the most engaging and energising weekends on the paddle sport training calendar.
Across two days, instructors took part in a packed programme of workshops led by some of the most experienced voices in Irish paddle sport. Shane McElligott explored techniques for Coaching the Roll, while Keith Fitzsimmons unpacked Coaching Processes and Models, encouraging instructors to reflect on their own coaching styles. Paddlesports and the Environment with Aoibhín Ní Bhroin brought thoughtful and engaging discussion on sustainability and stewardship, and Colin Wong and Ed Niland rounded off the weekend with an in-depth session on Stroke Breakdown and Video Analysis.
Beyond the structured sessions, the real magic of the weekend came through the informal chats on the shore, over coffee, and around the dinner tables—conversations where ideas flowed as freely as the water on Lough Mask. These exchanges between instructors from all corners of the country reflected the sense of community and shared purpose that defines the Irish paddle sport scene.
A highlight of the event was the launch of the new Level 1 Sit-on-Top Award and Paddlesport Club Coach Award, both designed to support continued development and accessibility within the sport.
A huge thank you goes to Ronan O’Connor and the entire team at Petersburg for their warm hospitality and seamless support throughout the weekend.
Plans are already underway for next year, with the 2026 Instructor Symposium set to return to Petersburg. If the atmosphere and enthusiasm of this year are anything to go by, it’s shaping up to be another inspiring gathering for the paddle sport community.
