Aims, Objectives, Policies, Training Subsidies and How to Join

To represent, promote, develop and advance the activity of sea kayaking in Ireland, by

• The provision of a means of communication amongst Irish paddlers
• The provision of a means of communication between Irish paddlers and other paddlers
• The fostering of respect for and encouraging the protection of the flora and the fauna and the amenity of the Irish maritime environment
• The promotion of safe paddling by the encouragement of formal and informal training.

The Irish Sea Kayaking Association is a voluntary group with the aim of developing and promoting the sport of sea kayaking in Irish waters, in harmony with the environment, the local people and landowners. The ISKA encourages the responsible enjoyment of our marine heritage and low-impact recreation. This includes sea paddling, exploration of and camping on deserted islands, education and safety. A strong emphasis is placed on training and education, in order that the sport can be enjoyed with minimal risk to the participants.

The ISKA is loosely run by a committee of volunteers, distributed around the island. The full details of the ISKA committee can be found here.

Membership of Irish Sea Kayaking Association is available to anyone. Click here for a Membership Application Form in in Adoble Acrobat (PDF) format.

Training Subsidies
Members of the ISKA may benefit from subsidies for training to recognised (ICU/BCU) qualifications, or relevant skills (VHF, REC3, etc.) provided by accredited training bodies. Half of fee, up to a maximum of 50 euro per course or assessment, can be requested from the ISKA. The granting of the subsidy is at the discretion of the Committee, who encourage training by active ISKA members. Members may request the subsidy by sending the receipt for the course fee to the Committee. Courses already subsidised by the ISKA are not eligible. You must apply for subsidy during the same year that you take the course.

ISKA Policy on Young Paddlers and Parental Waiver now online. Download from policy.doc and waiver.doc.

Note - under-18 paddlers will not be taken on ISKA trips without a signed waiver, even with a parent present. Leaders will not have the waiver - it's up to the paddler to download and bring it.