UCD Canoe Club

General => Kayaking => Topic started by: Ritchie on April 26, 2011, 14:03:08

Title: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Ritchie on April 26, 2011, 14:03:08
Anyone thinking of doing it??

I am thinking of brushing off the dust from my boat and entering it with a friend - does anyone know the requirements - i know you have to have icu membership (can his be got through the club or can benny get it for you you??).
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kmck on April 26, 2011, 16:30:59
It can be gotten thorugh the club ritchie or you can pay €30 to join canoeing Ireland as an independent. You'll still have to pay €20 euro through the club as far as I know. You need your level 3 or have a level 3 instructor sign off on you.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Karen on April 27, 2011, 13:14:18
It's either this or electric picnic
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Eoghan on April 27, 2011, 15:32:25
I certainly plan on doing it..that never seems to materialise though..hopefully this year..

doing rescue would be looking more probable though
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Gareth on April 27, 2011, 18:08:31
I'm definitely doing it this year :D
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Tiny Tim on April 27, 2011, 20:29:25
yeah ill be doin it again sure its gr8 craic!!! everyone should give it ago its great craic
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Ley-Ley on April 27, 2011, 20:48:23
If I'm around I'll do it! Or I may do rescue! Both are awesome fun!
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Amanda on April 28, 2011, 12:24:00
I would also like to do it, but how much training would you need to do. And would it be worth while to buy/borrow a racing boat.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kmck on April 28, 2011, 12:46:37
Answer to first part, you'd need to be out a few times a week, firstly for confidence and secondly it's a bloody long paddle. No don't get a racing boat, your mamba would be fine if a little slow. Racing boat takes practice that you need to be doing to get confortable with just doing the distance.
I did from the portage to the get out as sweep a couple of years ago and all i can say is don't do it if you leave the bung open on your boat. Also after about 30 rescues and no training I was fucked falling out of the boat.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Ley-Ley on April 28, 2011, 13:38:19
Ah it's not that bad, I've done both and I wasn't too bad. Don't do the descent if you haven't paddled in a long while though. Unless you don't mind being told to get off the water!
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: M1XR on April 28, 2011, 14:30:30
i wouldnt mind givin it a shot....i know of people who have no experience who have done it, strange.....what kinda training you recomend....lond distance flatwater or what? :P
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Ley-Ley on April 28, 2011, 14:32:00
Long distance flatwater, it's all about the stamina. Most of the weirs are handy, the most difficult part is after the last weir where there is just a long stretch of flatwater.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: M1XR on April 28, 2011, 14:35:24
cool, yeah just lookin at the map here, it looks long enough,  what is the distance? :blank:
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kmck on April 28, 2011, 14:39:51
17 miles ish.
I will probably do rescue this year, lots of fun and great practice for err... rescue. You get a t-shirt and a meal and tickets to the evening out for free!
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: M1XR on April 28, 2011, 14:50:31
nice ...on the ld forum they recommend a few warm up rough water races.... what examples are there around ireland over the summer and do many people do them afro.gif
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Tiny Tim on April 28, 2011, 17:20:10
Answer to first part, you'd need to be out a few times a week, firstly for confidence and secondly it's a bloody long paddle. No don't get a racing boat, your mamba would be fine if a little slow. Racing boat takes practice that you need to be doing to get confortable with just doing the distance.
I did from the portage to the get out as sweep a couple of years ago and all i can say is don't do it if you leave the bung open on your boat. Also after about 30 rescues and no training I was fucked falling out of the boat.

Id have to disagree on this one. Its a long slog but if your out even every second week ull be grand. Theres an easy route down everything and heaps of rescue.

I would most definately not recommend a mamba or a racing boat, creekboats are damn slow and racers are damn tippy. Any sort of a long, stable boat (invader, dancer etc.) are the business and the club has a large unused stock of them.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Ritchie on April 28, 2011, 20:02:24
I was thinking of doing a tandem but does the other person in the kayak req a level3 icu cert or will mine do for the both of us??
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Mark on April 28, 2011, 22:24:57
Ritchie once a L3 instructor signs off it'll be grand.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Simon R. on April 29, 2011, 17:57:50
do it in your playboat there was a time when you'd 45 km of flatwater, get off the water and start drinking.....
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Ritchie on April 30, 2011, 14:15:20
...ah yes. The true professional, those were the days!!!
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Simon R. on May 02, 2011, 13:07:13
tell me about it
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: caz on June 18, 2011, 10:16:37
*Bump* Is it just me or is it very hard to get information about this online. When do they start taking entries and where can you get entry forms? Should they be on the ICU website?
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kmck on June 18, 2011, 10:20:44
Well without Conor and Mick there is alot of work for others to do.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kill on June 21, 2011, 01:12:48
Where are Conor and Mick?

LD does not really require rough water experience. Once you're comfortable avoiding trees in slow-moving water, there's no danger to it. You should be comfortable swimming. Once you're comfortable swimming, don't swim. Then paddle for a couple of hours. It's 28.2km/17.6miles. Then get out and party like an animal. Be aware that you have to carry your boat for 500m. Use long non-tippy boat where possible.

Simon, I don't remember you getting off the water before you started drinking.

I would love to do the race but I already have me an ELECTRIC PICNIC ticket!!! YEAH!!

LD should really stop competing with this.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Nuala on June 21, 2011, 11:49:29
They have this year as far as I know, I think the descent has been moved to the weekend after the picnic - it's on Saturday September 10th.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Matt on June 21, 2011, 12:07:09
Where are Conor and Mick?

Conor has resigned and Mick is, em, under investigation at the moment... More info on Irishwhitewater.com
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Gareth on July 20, 2011, 20:47:09
the forms for the liffey decent are out now :)
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B1BGF35XclBZZDgzNWFjYTUtOTcyMC00YjA3LWFhNGQtMGNmYjY3Y2I3Zjll&hl=en_US
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Douchier on July 24, 2011, 12:21:45
nice ...on the ld forum they recommend a few warm up rough water races.... what examples are there around ireland over the summer and do many people do them afro.gif

As was said above, it's not completely necessary..but not such a bad idea anyway. There are races on in thomastown on August 8th and the Lower Liffey race on August 28th.

But, erm...sorry to throw a spanner in the works, but how's your level three going micheal?
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kill on July 25, 2011, 04:42:17
You don't need a level three if you can get an instructor to sign off that you're capable.

You don't need to be 15 if you can get an instructor to lie about your age for you.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Gareth on July 29, 2011, 19:06:53
Just wondering if anyone else wants to go flat water paddling in Dublin Bay over the next while build up the fitness for the Liffey Decent???. 18 miles is quite a lot  :-\
phone: 0863049098
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Ley-Ley on July 30, 2011, 02:48:04
It's down hill Gareth, it's handy!
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Livia on July 30, 2011, 13:23:50
Yeah, probably won't make my Level 3 within the next weeks and not having time to prepare... so I have to bail out :(
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Ley-Ley on July 30, 2011, 13:42:59
You don't need you level 3 and it ain't too hard, just keep a steady pace and you'll finish no bother. If you wanna win, you gotta practice but if you just want to take part, no worries. Loads of people take part just to say they paddled in the descent!
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: rog on July 30, 2011, 15:27:41
Yeah, probably won't make my Level 3 within the next weeks and not having time to prepare... so I have to bail out :(

You can get an instructor to sign you off.

Don't not do the descent cause of a lack of L3.

If u want to do it, do it.

That's always been my words of wisdom
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Livia on July 30, 2011, 17:08:48
are you sure, rog?

ahm, and when is it again? I won't be available at all till the 31st of August, Thesis is still rockin my world :P
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kmck on July 30, 2011, 17:48:35
There is always rescue! So much fun and you get free food and a free ticket to the night out or at least you did in previous years.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: rog on July 30, 2011, 19:40:49
Don't worry liv, the descent's on the 10th. You'll be well finished thesis by then.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kill on July 31, 2011, 07:14:56
Party ticket has always cost extra except to rescue personnel. Tempted to do it myself. It's been 13 years since my first one! (sobs about age creeping up etc)
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Gareth on July 31, 2011, 15:54:14
The Party Tickets are free if u register before the 15th of august
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Livia on July 31, 2011, 19:49:31
Gareth, you seem to be the man for the registration. Could you give me some help?

Anyone interested to train a little after the 31st of August? :)
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Karen on August 01, 2011, 12:44:16
I'm hoping to compete in this. If anyone wants to come out on the liffey or somewhere to practice I'm happy for company (well really motivation to do it) and can give lifts.

I'll probably be out later today with Nuala if anyone wants to come.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Gareth on August 01, 2011, 14:23:26
Hey Liv, yeah you should fill out section 1 for the Single Class entry and get an instructor to sign the form, then in section two just tick the box Womens senior general purpose and thats it oh and pay :)

Hey Karen i cant go out this week but I'd be up for goin paddling anytime get as much practice as possible before the race  :D 
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Eoghan on August 01, 2011, 16:15:18
It's on the 10th?? hmm thats the day after i get back from holidays...i imagine i'll be pretty rough, anyone need help with rescue??  ;) :)
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: FINN on August 03, 2011, 23:22:37
Anybody using the duo? Might give it a go if its available?
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: caz on August 06, 2011, 21:14:14
what are the options for accommodation for culchies that might like to do this? Somebody told me there was camping but it was a long time ago. Is there still camping available? 
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kmck on August 07, 2011, 08:05:14
As far as I know the only things organised by the liffey descent is the race, the parking, I think there is a shuttle bus, food and an afters party. I don't think they involve themselves in accomodation. There is a campsite on the N7 near the green isle hotel but you might want to look into a hostel for the weekend.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Carla! on August 07, 2011, 11:14:46
Anybody using the duo? Might give it a go if its available?

good luck finding someone willing to spend a few hours in the same boat as you....

 ;)
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Matt on August 10, 2011, 14:37:41
Race has been postponed till the 8th of October due to the extremely low level of the Liffey...  :(

http://www.canoe.ie/
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Livia on August 10, 2011, 14:48:09
Well, that kicks me out of the race!  :'(
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: rog on August 10, 2011, 19:02:42
Wow, probably not a bad decision.

Any1 up for a play on sluice tomorrow?
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Karen on August 10, 2011, 20:57:28
They are actually releasing this week, Rog. There was one yesterday,and one scheduled for today too. And one for Saturday maybe I hear
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Mark on August 10, 2011, 23:03:19
Thats a bummer. For UCDCC there is an opportunity here though,  activities be back up and running by then, and perhaps be able to push for good participation from canoe clubbers.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Matt on August 10, 2011, 23:11:26
Wait, when are ye planning freshers weekend to be on? 8th of October should be around that time, should it?...
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Bill C on August 11, 2011, 00:20:48
Freshers is the weekend after
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kill on August 11, 2011, 03:52:57
Crazy. Has this ever happened before? Is there no rain at home?
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kmck on August 11, 2011, 08:25:00
It may come as a shock to people but Ireland has been in drought for the last month. We had a cold june yet not a huge amount of rain even the cloud bursts we've had haven't been enough.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kmck on August 11, 2011, 09:07:29
Why not move the river trip to sunday that weekend? Then ask members to volunteer for rescue, parking and all the other things they look for.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Kerry Gold on August 11, 2011, 23:44:24
Well we've had plently of rain down in kerry anyway. This drought they promised us never can:(

The promble is the the feckers are so terrible with their pipes that they leak all around them. That's the main reason for low water levels.



...i'm woundering about doing the LD myself...i'm woundering would i be able to manage it though , 17 miles is a awful lot, many many capsizes along the way. Would need a instructer to sing off on me, but if its not too rough i should be able do handle the water..just the endurence thats the promble then.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Maryanne on August 13, 2011, 01:18:48
...i'm woundering about doing the LD myself...i'm woundering would i be able to manage it though , 17 miles is a awful lot, many many capsizes along the way. Would need a instructer to sing off on me, but if its not too rough i should be able do handle the water..just the endurence thats the promble then.

Yup, 17 miles is pretty long! There's a release from the dam specially for the day, so the water's quite high (higher than most club trips). Loads of people take part, so the crowding of all the boats is a consideration too, at the beginning at least, they spread out a bit later. They do have rescue set up at all of the features (that's what I was doing last year) but you're right, it's a long way to go if you think you'll capsize a lot! The atmosphere is great, people fly in from other countries to do it and the party after is good craic too, so even just being a spectator is a lot of fun!
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Nuala on August 14, 2011, 11:37:28
Come along on a few club trips and see how you are feeling back on the water before committing. 17 miles is very long and although there's rescue on all the weirs there are still places that can be tricky and have no rescue.  And the postponement is good in a way because it gives everyone time to get back paddling, might as well make use of it.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: caz on September 06, 2011, 08:21:08
Hey is anyone heading to the Lower Liffey race this Sat? Should be fun!
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Karen on September 08, 2011, 20:47:47
Should be dry dry dry though.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: caz on September 09, 2011, 14:57:09
Really? North West is flooded. I just remembered I'm supposed to be running a Surfski race in Clare tomorrow...

I have no idea how to use a Surfski  :o  :-[
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Gareth on September 25, 2011, 17:33:50
Just Wondering for those who've done the Decent before, you wouldnt wear all the same gear as you would on a normal river trip would ya ???. wetsuit, thermals, cag ?? Just thinking with the distance you have to go, u'd be knackerd if ur wearing all that gear ?? Any advice would be great
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: kmck on September 25, 2011, 18:12:18
Most people who race wear very little, I've seen people paddle with just a B/aid and deck. I'd would go for a rash vest, platypus/camel pack, helmet, maybe neoprene shorts or longish shorts and good booties as you do need to walk a bit to the get on and for the portage. It's later than normal and this may influence your choice.
I haven't raced it and any long distance I was on, I was more likely to be nice a warm due to liver damage to need much.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Karen on September 25, 2011, 19:09:28
Make sure you have some padding on you knees or thighs or where ever you are gripping the boat though, it's a long races and you will get bruises otherwise.

But otherwise, I went with a thermal and BA. Helmets are compulsory. Platapuses and amazing, if you haven't got one I'd recommend buying or borrowing one.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Gareth on September 26, 2011, 00:01:07
Cool thanks for that, I have all that gear i was going to go into town and get a load of stuff, New Cag mainly but i'll put that off a bit longer, I had to Google the Platapuse packs never heard of that b4, but good idea. Thanks 
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Gareth on October 03, 2011, 21:07:48
Just wondering is anyone in the club doing the Liffey Decent anymore or is everyone doing rescue ?
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Karen on October 03, 2011, 21:57:51
Niall is!
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Douchier on October 03, 2011, 23:04:29
Ah fuck.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Nuala on October 04, 2011, 14:55:38
Have they sent out the information packs with stickers yet? They're leaving it a bit late.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Matt on October 04, 2011, 16:53:40
They never send them out - you have to go pick them up
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Nuala on October 04, 2011, 21:37:18
Oh yeah, forgot about that.
Title: Re: Liffey Descent 2011
Post by: Eoghan on October 04, 2011, 22:24:51
Best of luck lads! I'll try be there to push you in at sluice!