#paddlefest – Olympic Gold Medallist Etienne Stott will be a key member of the coaching panel at the forthcoming annual Canoe Association of Northern Ireland (CANI) Paddlefest being held at Share Discovery Village on 21st - 23rd March 2014.
Paddlefest is a fun packed weekend of skills clinics, quality coaching, great trips, inspiring evening talks and of course a social each evening. Stott, a gold medallist in the C2 class at the London 2012 Olympics will not only provide an inspirational talk but he will also join the coaching panel made up of experts from across Ireland.
Speaking in advance of his trip to Lough Erne, Etienne Stott, Gold Medal Olympian enthused "I've heard Lough Erne is an awesome place to go canoeing and I can't wait to visit for the first time. It will be great to experience what the area has to offer, it's always exciting going to new places. I am really looking forward to meeting some of Northern Ireland's promising athletes, sharing my knowledge and hopefully creating a positive impact. It's a really exciting event to be involved with and I'm really keen find out what's going on in the canoeing community in Ireland and meet some of the people involved in it."
Accompanying Etienne are legendary paddlers from across the UK and Ireland including Ross Montandon. Ross is part of the Peak UK paddling team and a British Freestyle Champion. At only 23 years old he is one of the youngest, most qualified British coaches. However the event is not just for the aspiring athlete, as Paddlefest with support from Waterways Ireland is offering free taster sessions on Saturday from 10 am – 12.30 pm for locals to come and try canoeing provided by experienced, qualified instructors from Share.
Share Discovery Village located on the Lough Erne Canoe Trail in Co. Fermanagh provides an ideal venue for the event due to its proximity to venues for lake, sea, river and surf paddling. A wide range of accommodation choices are also available including en-suite rooms and chalets as well as the Trannish Island Bothy – a renovated island dwelling and campsite that provides shelter from the elements.
'The programme has been developed to maximise the venue and the surrounding area. Whatever your ability or discipline there will be a number of choices for you at Paddlefest. This will be a joint event with Canoeing Ireland. We are lucky to have top quality coaches from all over Ireland running the sessions and passing on their many years of top tips and handy hints.' enthused Ashley Hunter, Development Manager, CANI
The event is part sponsored by Waterways Ireland and Fermanagh District Council and will showcase all the latest equipment for sale on the paddling scene with a wide range of exhibitors including Lisnaskea based Paddling Store, North South Marine.
Bookings for the event close of Wednesday 19th March. The CANI Website has further information on the programme and the wide range of accommodation options available.
