Excuse the silly question....but....I'm new to canoeing/kayak'ing and am just wondering what grade is the Liffey Descent ? what experience do I need ?

I'm planning on taking my first lessons soon and joining a club....any suggestions...I live near Enfield, Co. Meath ??

If I'm only starting now is it very ambitious to plan to do the liffey descent ? I'm mid 30's fairly fit and co-ordinated and an average swimmer ??

Initially I would plan to avail of club equipment but is there any stuff you'd recommend I need to get for myself at the beginning...helmet ? PFD ? etc ??

Thanks for any advise help.

Thanks.

Eric.

www.wwkc.net

I was in the same situation as you are now, a few years ago.

Yes, the LD is very ambitious for somone as new as you to the sport.   You would realstically want to be at Level 3 Kayak proficiency before attempting it.

HOWEVER it is not unachievable because all that is required from you to take part is one or other of the following:

Obviously if you have taken lessons and your instructor thinks that you are well able for the LD then you should go for it.

I would not attempt it without being somewhat proficient because it is dangerous for both you and other participants. 

Ask your Kayak instructor after all it is s/he who will have to sign the official entry form declaring that you are competent to take part.

If you have not started taking lessons yet you should forget about the LD until next  year.   But definitely make it one of your goals, it is a fantastic experience.

In my previous post please disregard this line@  "HOWEVER it is not unachievable because all that is required from you to take part is one or other of the following:"

It is out of context and I had meant to delete it.

Apologies.

Just to add to what has already been said - you can "qualify" to do the LD if you have done 3 rough water marathon races in the year of the race. I'd recommend this even if you do get the entry form signed by a level 3 instructor as there really is no substitute for experienceing a few rough water marathons before the LD.

If you're looking at next year I'd espcially recommend the Lower Liffey ranking race as it takes place over the lower part of the LD course, so is very good practice. also the Upper Liffey covers part of the upper section of the LD course.

Good luck,

Madeye