Wild Atlantic Horizons: New Chapters in Irish Sea Kayaking
It’s been a great summer on Ireland’s south and west coasts — a season that brought together two of my greatest passions: teaching sea kayaking and living the adventure. The demand for training has been stronger than ever, with more paddlers seeking skills courses and assessments. I’ve always prided myself on delivering the most professional of courses, with high safety standards at their core, while keeping alive the true Wild Atlantic spirit of freedom, exploration, and fun.
This year, the weather was on our side. Long stretches of high pressure opened the door to Ireland’s iconic gems: Fastnet Rock, Mizen Head, and the far-flung jewels of the west coast. These windows of calm gave paddlers the chance to experience places that stir the soul and remind us why we dedicate ourselves to the sea.
Supporting round-Ireland kayakers is something I’ve done for years, and this summer was no different. In May, Charlie Daly completed his multi-season circumnavigation in dream-like conditions. Soon after, Damian Hamill and Richard Skelly had to earn every mile the hard way — battling wind, weather, and fatigue. I was glad to play my part at the Old Head of Kinsale, helping them reset and prepare for what lay ahead. I like to think of myself as the human version of WD-40 — there to ease the way on their trip of a lifetime.
Another highlight was reconnecting with my French sea kayaking friends. Our shared Celtic spirit, love of tides, and respect for the sea always make for rich exchanges — proof that adventure knows no borders. This summer also saw a treasured visit from my Norwegian friends, who joined me for ten days of exciting paddling. What started as a meeting on the water has become a genuine sea friendship — one that grows stronger each year and will continue to flourish.
Closer to home, I finally made a long-awaited trip with my wife Alayne to Inishbofin, Inishark, and Inisturk. Nearly 30 years after my first visit, the stars finally aligned for us to paddle there together. The weather was far from perfect — grey fog and testing winds — but perhaps that was the gift. A slow, patient adventure unfolded, complete with a fin whale escort into Boffin harbour and a magical trad music session that seemed to come out of nowhere.
Beyond personal adventures, I’ve been working closely with clubs and Canoeing Ireland to support instructor CPD and uphold high safety standards. Being a Level 5 Instructor isn’t a badge for the wall — it’s a responsibility. It means creating opportunities for others to grow, feel supported, and become part of a strong, professional community. That’s why events like the SeaPD weekend in Connemara matter so much, and why I’ll continue to deliver training and mentoring whenever I can.
Looking ahead, autumn and winter are packed with promise: REC First Aid courses tailored for sea kayakers, the Irish Sea Kayaking Association Symposium in Mulranny and Achill, and a few tempting invitations that will test how many weekends I can squeeze into a year. Off the water, I’ve rediscovered old loves — mountain biking and orienteering — both of which feed my fitness, navigation, and the mental sharpness I bring back into the kayak.
And of course, representing Peak is a real privilege. The kit feels like home now — solid, reliable, and adventure-ready — and I’m excited about the innovations on the horizon. To everyone I’ve paddled with this season, thank you. To those I’ve yet to meet, I hope we’ll share the water soon. Until then, stay safe, keep the adventure alive, and I’ll see you out there on the Wild Atlantic.
— Jon Hynes / Wild Atlantic Warrior
Aerial photo thanks to Niall O'Donovan
