Poulaphouca Paddle Race 2025
This years PPR will take place on Sunday 20th July with participants in all kinds of paddle craft. The annual event will be held on Blessington lake, Co Wicklow. We look forward to welcoming paddlers from all age groups in many different craft from racing K1’s/k2’s to open canoes, sea kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Boards.
RACE INFORMATION
Entry Fee: €20 Over 21’s. €10 Under 21’s, Students & Unwaged
Race is subject to licence: The race is subject to licence and permission to use the lake.
Canoeing Ireland Membership: All race participants must be registered members of Canoeing Ireland. While going through the registration process, you can purchase a single-day membership for €10:00 if required.
Register: All participants should register for their chosen Division or Recreational Class below.
SUP’s: No inflateable SUP’s allowed on the lake or in the race.
Location: The race takes place on Blessington lake, Blessington, Co Wicklow.
Car Parking: The car park opens at 9am and is free to enter.
Toilet Facilities: There is toilet facilities on site.
Race briefing will take place from 10:30am to 10:40am - All participants are required to attend.
The Start: Boats & Paddlers will be permitted down to the water’s edge only at designated times and intervals. The race will start at 11am sharp.
Safety: There will be adequate safety boats and marshals supervising the race at all times. All paddlers are expected to assist any other paddler who may be in difficulty and need help.
Personal Flotation Devices: All Participants in each Division/Class must wear a suitable Personal Flotation Device.
Helmets: All participants in Sit-On-Top & closed-cockpit craft (Sea kayak, Wavehopper, Gola, Wild Water Racers, General Purpose Craft, etc must bring and wear a helmet (Exceptions are made for racing K1’s & K2’s)
Spectators will be permitted on the beach to watch the race. Children must be properly supervised at all times.
Race Completion: Upon completing of the race, all boats must be carried straight back up to the car park and not left unattended.
Food & Beverages: TBC
Prize-giving ceremony and celebrations will take place shortly after the race has ended.
Welcome: On behalf of Poulaphouca Paddlers, Canoe Ireland and The Irish Canoe Marathon Committee we are looking forward to welcoming you to the fabulous Blessington lakes for the second annual Poulaphouca Paddle Race.
LAST YEAR’S PHOTO GALLERY
Ranking Divisions & Recreational Classes
Some Notes regarding all Stand-Up-Paddleboard classes
1) No inflateable Stand-Up-Paddleboards are permitted on the lake or in the race - There will be no exceptions to this.
2) All participants in each of the Stand-Up-Paddle-Board classes must wear a helmet, adequate
3) Footwear and a Personal Flotation Device (Bouyancy Aid or Lifejacket)