Who Can Take Part?

This event is suitable for experienced paddlers who are comfortable completing approximately 20km on open water.

Participants will be expected to:

• Bring their own kayak or suitable canoe.
• Bring their own paddle and buoyancy aid.
• Attend the mandatory safety briefing.
• Complete the participant declaration.
• Follow all safety instructions.

All craft and equipment will be inspected before launch.

Every euro raised through Kayaking for CARI helps CARI provide specialist support for children, young people and families affected by child sexual abuse.

By taking on this challenge, you’ll help ensure more children and families receive the care and support they need.

Safety

Participant safety is our priority.

The event will include:

• Qualified safety team
• Safety boats
• First aid cover
• Equipment inspections
• Participant briefing
• Event insurance
• Weather monitoring

Further safety information will be provided to all registered participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kayaking for CARI?

Kayaking for CARI is a 20km fundraising challenge taking place on Saturday 5th September 2026 across the beautiful waters of Lough Derg. Every euro raised will support CARI’s specialist services for children, young people and families affected by child sexual abuse and children up to 12 displaying concerning or sexually harmful behaviours.

When and where does the event take place?

The event will take place on Saturday 5th September 2026. Participants will paddle approximately 20km from Garrykennedy to Flanagan’s on the Lake, Ballina/Killaloe.

Who can take part?

The event is open to competent paddlers aged 18 and over. Participants should be comfortable completing a 20km paddle on open water.

Do I need to bring my own kayak?

Yes.

Participants must provide their own suitable kayak or canoe, paddle, buoyancy aid (lifejacket) and any other equipment required to complete the challenge safely.

Can I hire a kayak from the organisers?

No. Participants are responsible for providing their own craft and equipment.

Can I take part in a canoe?

Yes. Suitable canoes are welcome, provided they pass the pre-event safety inspection and are approved by the event safety team.

Will my kayak be inspected?

Yes.

All kayaks, canoes and required safety equipment will be inspected before launch. Only approved craft displaying the official event inspection sticker will be permitted to take part.

What safety equipment is required?

As a minimum, participants must provide:

• A suitable kayak or canoe
• Paddle(s)
• A correctly fitted buoyancy aid (lifejacket)

Further guidance on recommended equipment will be included in the participant information pack issued before the event.

How experienced do I need to be?

This is a 20km paddling challenge, not an instructional event. Participants should have previous kayaking or canoeing experience and be capable of completing the distance safely.

Is there a registration fee?

Yes.

The registration fee is €50 per participant, which helps cover the costs of organising the event.

Is there a fundraising target?

Yes.

We encourage every participant to aim to raise €250. Every euro raised helps CARI continue providing specialist therapy, support and education services for children, young people and families affected by child sexual abuse and children up to 12 displaying concerning or sexually harmful behaviours.

We’ll provide fundraising tips, resources and ongoing support to help you reach your fundraising goal.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Participant safety is our highest priority. If weather or water conditions are considered unsafe, the organisers may postpone, amend or cancel the event.

What happens on the day?

Participants will:

• Register on arrival.
• Have their equipment inspected.
• Attend a mandatory safety briefing.
• Complete the 20km paddling challenge.
• Finish at Flanagan’s on the Lake, where refreshments and entertainment will be available.

Further event information, including timings and parking details, will be sent to all registered participants before the event.

Will there be safety cover?

Yes.

The event will be supported by experienced safety personnel, with appropriate safety procedures, first aid and on-water support in place throughout the challenge.

Can friends and family attend?

Absolutely. Spectators are welcome to support participants along the route where appropriate and join us at Flanagan’s on the Lake to celebrate everyone’s achievements at the finish.

Is parking available?

Yes. Full parking and transport information will be provided to all registered participants in advance of the event.

How do I register?

Simply click the Register Now button on this page to secure your place.

Places are limited to 50 participants, so we recommend registering early to avoid disappointment.

Who can I contact if I have a question?

If you have any questions about the event, we’d be delighted to help.

Raymond Traynor
Fundraising Coordinator, CARI
raymond.traynor@cari.ie

CARI is launching the CARI CARES Collective, a network of caring companies and community groups who want to make a lasting difference.

Invite your colleagues, club, or friends to kayak together as a CARI CARES team. You will receive shared fundraising support, team recognition, and access to optional workplace awareness training.

To learn more about joining the CARI CARES Collective, contact fundraising@cari.ie.

To discuss how you can support CARI, please call 061 582224 / 01 8308529 and ask to speak to our fundraising team or email fundraising@cari.ie.