River Grading & Area Definitions
It is important to note that the following grading system is meant as a general guide with regard to river grades. The Training, Coaching & Accreditation Scheme is based upon the Training & Development Committee’s interpretation of these grading’s.
The final decision, however, as to the grading of a river’s conditions is ultimately the responsibility of an Instructor who must make decisions based upon experience, knowledge, ability, and level of qualification.
Area Definitions for Inland Waterways
These definitions imply weather conditions, which are not in themselves likely to cause problems. Care must be exercised when water temperatures are low.
| Very Sheltered Inland Water | Rivers | Specified sites on extremely slow-moving river, where a beginner paddler could paddle against the flow. |
| Canals | Canals with bank side access and egress and which have a minimum of commercial traffic. | |
| Lakes | Small lakes which do not have difficult landing areas and which are not large enough for problems to occur if there is a sudden change in conditions. |
| Sheltered Inland Water | Rivers | Flat slow moving rivers without weirs or rapids. |
| Lakes | Discretion and common sense must apply when considering the use of lakes. This definition includes lakes with a diameter of no more than 250 metres from shore to shore. To paddle in offshore breezes on large lakes requires the same degree of caution as for the sea |
Moderate Inland Waters | Rivers | Grade II rivers and equivalent weirs. |
Lakes | This definition includes lakes of up to two miles diameter. Caution should to be exercised while paddling on lakes and this definition excludes conditions where there are offshore wind conditions of above Force 4. |
| Advanced Rivers and Lakes | Rivers | Grade III + rivers |
| Lakes | Very large lakes. |
Area Definitions for the Sea
In all cases the wind and weather conditions must be favourable.
Irish Freestyle Kayaking Annual Meeting 2026
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting (“AM”) of Irish Freestyle Kayaking Committee will be held via online meeting on Tuesday 28th April 2025 at 7pm.
People registered with Canoeing Ireland are eligible to attend and vote. Registration for the Annual Meeting is available below.
Motions should be submitted by Canoeing Ireland members, who are eligible to vote at an annual meeting, to the Freestyle Committee at least 14 days before the AM. To be submitted to – support@canoe.ie by 14th April 2026.
The following positions are available for election –
- Chairperson
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Competitions Officer / PRO
- Women and Junior Officer
- Whitewater League Officer
Attached below are the Accounts and relevant documents for the 2026 AM, if you have any queries, they must be submitted 14 days prior to the AM – by 14th April 2026.
The Committee positions are currently filled by –
- Chairperson – Gus Kearney
- Secretary – Brian Ogilvie
- Treasurer – Sean Kearney
- Competitions Officer/PRO – Eidin Dowling
- Training and Development Officer – Leah Hough
- Women and Junior Officer – Rory Kearney
- Whitewater League Officer – Matthew White
- Supporting member(s) – Barry Lougnane
Annual Meeting Agenda
- Chairperson’s address
- Apologies & Correspondence
- Quorum
- Adoption of Minutes of the 2025 Annual Meeting
- Committee’s Annual Report
- Treasurer’s Report
- Election of Committee
- Motions Received
- Policies & Objectives for 2026
- Meeting close
Meeting Registration and Documents
Update 15/04/26
Motions submitted on behalf of the Freestyle Committee –
Motion 1
To divide the role of Competitions & PRO Officer into two new committee positions: (1) Competitions Officer and (2) PRO Officer.
Motion 2
To divide the role of Women’s & Junior Officer into two new committee positions (1) Women’s Officer and (2) Junior Officer.
Motion 3
To remove the position of Whitewater League Officer from the Freestyle committee.