What happens at an ISKA Meet?
The meet is where kayakers get together for a weekend in the outdoors and go on paddling trips.
The Meet Organiser
- specifies the location, date and time
- checks and specifies any conditions, e.g
- any limits on numbers? How many can the camp site accommodate?
- if wild camping do you need permission from the owner?
- any concerns about livestock, gates that must be closed, etc
- are fires allowed? LNT fires only? Is a fire-pit available?
- If not at a commercial campsite, what toilet facilities are to be used? If necessary
- arrange a group to dig a latrine the day before and fill in after, or specify LNT.
- Posts information about the meet on the iska forum and opens an online registration form.
Before the meet, the Meet Organiser co-ordinates experienced paddlers and/or paddlers with local knowledge to:
- Review the experience level of those registered. Is there a suitable ratio of experienced:inexperienced paddlers for the expected conditions?
- Discuss paddle options
- Identify paddlers willing to lead or assist with Mixed-Level-Group recreational paddling trips.
- Specify if any particular kayaking level is required.
- Review conditions a few days before and adjust plans, make Go / NoGo decision.
- Fill out a Risk Assessment before the first paddle.
At the meet, paddlers will organise one or more Mixed-Level-Group recreational paddling trips. In some cases there will also be training courses or led paddles at a meet, though this is not the norm.
Everyone taking part in a Mixed-Level-Group (MLG) recreational paddling trip must
- understand that an ISKA MLG trip is a group of paddlers of varied experience and skill levels where each paddler is an adult responsible for themselves, choosing to paddle with the group and has signed the waiver absolving ISKA officials and members of the group from any legal duty of care towards them.
- be able to paddle to skill level 2 or equivalent
- have a sea-worthy kayak, wear a PFD and clothing suitable for immersion and wear a helmet if rock-hopping or entering caves.
- have checked the weather forecast, sea state, swell and tides
take part in the briefing on the shore - contribute at the briefing and on the paddle based on their experience and local knowledge.
- discretely inform a trip leader of any health conditions that may affect their ability to paddle safely and the location of any medication if appropriate. It is the paddlers own responsibility to decide about their fitness to paddle and they should seek medical advice if in doubt.
- be group-aware and look out for others
- be willing to rescue or be rescued should the need arise
- be willing to adapt paddle plans as needed. (We’ve moved to a different paddle 20k away on seeing more whitecaps than expected, split the group at the briefing on seeing the readiness of some paddlers, changed direction on the water once noticing someone uncomfortable with conditions, etc. No plan is sacred.)
At the briefing the group should
- agree the plan for the paddle: duration, distance, breaks
- discuss forecast and expected conditions
- agree how to communicate on the water, VHFs, hand signals, etc
- discuss potential risks and get out locations
- know how many are in the group and assess if there is a suitable ratio of experienced:inexperienced paddlers for the expected conditions and whether the group should be split into smaller groups
- decide who’s leading on the water and if any particular formation will be used, e.g. diamond formation, someone at the front and rear, buddy, etc.
- check that the group has suitable safety kit for the paddle.
- call the coastguard, with a trip plan, group size and expected return time. Call back once off the water.
While those with most experience or local knowledge will lead the briefing and share their knowledge, they are typically not coaches, qualified instructors or providers and undertake no legal duty of care to the group. It’s up to every individual to take part, raise any concerns, and ultimately decide if the paddle is appropriate for them based on their skill, experience and fitness level. Discuss any concerns with others in the group, and if you’re not sure, don’t get on the water.
Weather and public health guidelines permitting, we hope to be able to run the following meets in 2025.
2025 Meets Schedule
Check back regularly as we expect to add more over the next few months.
| Dates | Where | Meet organiser | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03-04 May | Streamstown, Co. Galway | Beth Colohan | Actons campsite |
| 28-29 June | Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare | Fiona Trahe | |
| 16-17 August | Ballycastle, Co. Antrim | Joe Rogan | |
| 06-07 September | North West meet | Gerry & Valli | |
| 04-05 October | Mulranny, Co. Mayo | Fiona Trahe | Mulranny Park Hotel |
Further information will about exact location, etc. will be posted on the forum. Attendees will need to pre-register for meets to facilitate planning.
ISKA Committee