Who Can Take Part?

This event is open to paddlers aged 18+ who are comfortable completing approximately 20km on open water.

Kayaking for CARI is a fun, supported group paddle rather than a race, with planned rest stops along the route.

Participants can bring their own suitable kayak/canoe, paddle and buoyancy aid, or request event equipment after registering. All equipment will be checked before launch.

All participants must attend the safety briefing and follow instructions from the event safety team.

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
• On-water safety support
• First aid cover
• Equipment inspections
• Mandatory participant briefing
• Event insurance
• Weather monitoring

Further safety information and event-day guidance will be provided to all registered participants before the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kayaking for CARI?

Kayaking for CARI is a 20km supported fundraising paddle, not a race, taking place on Saturday, 5th September 2026 across Lough Derg. Participants will paddle from Garrykennedy Harbour to Ballina/Killaloe, with planned rest stops and safety support along the route. Every euro raised will support CARI’s specialist services for children, young people and families affected by child sexual abuse and harmful sexual behaviour.

When and where does the event take place?

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

Who can take part?

The event is open to paddlers aged 18 and over. You don’t need to be a racing kayaker, but you should have some previous paddling experience and be reasonably fit.

The 20km route is a substantial endurance challenge, similar in duration to a 4 hour long walk or hike. We expect to be on the water for several hours, with planned rest stops along the way.

If you’re unsure whether the distance is right for you, get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk it through.

Do I need to bring my own kayak?

Participants are encouraged to bring their own suitable kayak or canoe, paddle and buoyancy aid where possible.

If you don’t have your own equipment, you can still register. We have access to a limited number of kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aids for participants. Simply let us know when registering that you require equipment and we’ll contact you to discuss availability.

All equipment will be subject to a pre-launch safety check.

Can I borrow equipment for the event?

Yes. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment where possible. If you need to borrow equipment, select that option when registering and we’ll contact you to discuss availability.

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 craft that meet the event’s safety requirements and display the official event inspection sticker will be permitted to take part.

What safety equipment is required?

As a minimum, all participants must have:

• A suitable kayak or canoe
• Paddle(s)
• A correctly fitted buoyancy aid/PFD
• Suitable clothing and footwear
• A mobile phone in a waterproof case or dry bag

Participants should also bring enough food and fluids for the day, along with any personal medication required.

All equipment will be subject to a pre-launch safety check. Further guidance will be provided to registered participants before the event.

How experienced do I need to be?

You don’t need to be a racing kayaker, but you should have some previous kayaking or canoeing experience and a reasonable level of fitness.

We expect to paddle at around 5km per hour, so the 20km route will involve approximately four hours of paddling, with planned rest stops along the way.

If you’re unsure whether the event is suitable for you, get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk it through.

Is there a registration fee?

Yes.

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

Is there a fundraising target?

Yes.

We encourage every participant to aim to raise €250. Every euro raised helps CARI provide specialist therapy and support for children, young people and families affected by child sexual abuse and harmful sexual behaviour.

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

What happens if the weather is bad?

Participant safety is our highest priority. Weather and water conditions will be monitored in the lead-up to and on the day of the event.

If conditions are considered unsafe, the organisers may amend, postpone or cancel the event. Registered participants will be kept informed of any changes.

What happens on the day?

Participants will:

• Register
• Have their equipment inspected
• Attend a mandatory safety briefing
• Set off as part of the supported group paddle
• Take planned rest stops along the route
• Finish at Flanagan’s on the Lake, where refreshments and entertainment will be available

Further information, including arrival times, parking and event-day arrangements, will be sent to all registered participants in advance.

Will there be safety cover?

Yes.

The event will have experienced safety personnel, first aid cover and on-water support throughout the paddle. Participants must follow all instructions from the event safety team.

Can friends and family attend?

Absolutely. Spectators are welcome to support 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

Bring your colleagues, club or friends together and take on Kayaking for CARI as a team.

Teams will receive fundraising support, recognition as part of the event and the opportunity to learn more about joining the CARI CARES Collective, our network of companies and community groups supporting CARI’s work.

Interested in entering a team? Contact Raymond at raymond.traynor@cari.ie and we’ll help you get started.

I’d use your email rather than the general fundraising inbox here because the immediate goal is to get teams registered, with the CARES Collective as the wider relationship opportunity afterwards.

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.