Since there's a whole new crop of freshers who haven't gone to Kerry before there's no harm going over some of the tips for getting a lift to Kerry and more importantly, getting one back.
Getting a lift:There's no bus to Kerry, so you need to get a lift.
Post up here
http://forum.ucdcanoeclub.com/index.php/topic,11195.0.html that you're looking for one or if you're driving
BUT you don't have a lift until you've contacted the driver (phone/facebook/PM etc) and they've confirmed that you're in their car.
Petrol/diesel:Everyone in the car needs to chip in to cover this, the trips down and back are the big ones, but don't forget the shuttles to the river! They're all small, but can add up to quite a bit. Fuel's more expensive these days, so make sure you don't sting someone who's nice enough to bring you to the shop, to the river, to Finian's bay or other adventurous locations.
Gear v cars:Some simple tips to keep the cars in good nick:
- bring a black sack/something waterproof to sit on to save the seat
- wipe grit off paddle blades before putting them in the car
- put your stuff in a bag, not straight in the boot (also cuts down on losing gear)
Boats v cars:- the trailer will bring the boats down, but you'll have to get a lift to the river each day AND find a spot on a roof for the boat you're using
- if you haven't tied boats on to rooves before ask someone to show you how and to check that what you've done will hold
- be careful when there are boats on the roof, if they fall off they can do serious damage to a car (wing mirror, scrapes down the whole side)
- watch out for the buckles on straps, if they fall/swing into the body of the car they can take out proper chunks of paint
Food & common sense:Seems to basic to mention, but it's not, don't leave food wrappers/crumbs/half sandwiches etc behind you