Kayaking alone in Blessington Lake

katy39

Hello all,
Can you tell me is it safe to go Kayaking alone on Blessington Lake? I ask on behalf of my brother who's 52 ,
Thanks

NathanKingerlee

According to good practice guidelines kayakers should always be at least three. Things can go wrong so easily and so quickly and a kayaker by themselves can find themselves in major difficulties, whereas if that same kayaker had one or two other people with them the situation can generally be defused before it becomes a major emergency.

That said it comes down to personal proficiency and assuming responsibility. Plenty of kayakers do solo trips; guidelines are really just a suggested guide. Ideally you want to have a very good skill level before taking on any solo kayaking.

He could try joining a kayak club, completing a kayak skills training course or just posting on this forum to find another couple of paddlers...

rgfuller

He will also need a permit - http://www.esb.ie/main/sustainability/poulaphouca.jsp

obriendj

OP- Would you be interested in joining a club for a paddle on the lake?
I am in a club there and it will save the hassle of getting the permit.

katy39

Thanks for ur replies , he;s gone and done it solo, fly fishing from a kayak must be mad LOL