Corrib Canoe Courses are delighted to welcome 3 hugely qualified and experienced kayak instructors to the Summer 2011 programme.
Out instructors hold high standards recognised and awarded by the Irish Canoe Union. In addition, each instructor has completed the Child Protection in Sport programme administered by the Irish Sports Council and hold Remote Emergency Care First Aid qualifications.
Please read the bio of your instructors for Corrib Canoe Courses Summer 2011.
Maura Lyons
Maura Lyons, from West Cork, has always loved adventure and has a passion and enthusiasm for the outdoors. Maura has developed her outdoor skills in the areas of mountaineering, snowsports and white-water kayaking, but also enjoys rock climbing, sea kayaking, sailing and canoeing.
A momentous career change took Maura from high flying around the world to paddling around the coastline. With a broad academic background she has developed an expertise in the development of small business’s, international management, psychology and communications.
She is currently working as a freelance outdoor instructor in the West coast of Ireland and Duty Manager in Delphi Adventure Centre. Maura believes adventure sports are not just about pushing the limits, but also, about over coming personal challenges and living dreams. Maura has a thriving connection with whitewater and is currently focusing on female participation in white water expeditions around the world. She has a strong belief for living life. Her current drive is involved with the development of “The Adventure Show” which focus’s on promoting women in adventure sports. Her enthusiasm is compelling.
Ronan Shaw
Ronan has been kayaking for almost 6 years, and in this short time he has amassed a huge amount of experience and qualifications.
Ronan has:
- Degree in Outdoor Education from GMIT,
- Level 5 Kayaking Proficiency,
- Level 3 Kayak Instructor,
- Level 4 Sea Skills Proficiency,
- Level 3 Canoe Skills Proficiency.
Ronan is the Access Officer for the national canoeing Training and Development Unit.
Ronan has worked in Petersburg Adventure Centre for the past 4 years, but also worked as a
- safety boater in turkey,
- sea kayaking guide in Scotland,
- safety boater for the ICU in the ALPS,
- kayak instructor for Killary and Delphi Adventure Centers,
Ronan has traveled to Norway, Wales, Scotland and Uganda, to paddle the worlds best whitewater river.
Apart from kayaking Ronan is into climbing, hillwalking, windsurfing and will try his hand at any sport. He would like to do his Mountain Leader assessment, Level 4 Instructor assessment and Sea Instructor assessment this year if he can fit them in.
Brian Cahill
Brian is a recently qualified secondary school teacher, with a academic background in economics and business. Brian has been kayaking for over 10 years and has instructed for 9 of those.
In freestyle kayaking Brian has achieve his greatest successes. Brian
- Will represent Ireland at 2011 World Freestyle Kayak Championships
- Has competed for Ireland previously in World Championships (2009 & 2004) and European Championships (2010 & 2008)
- Current leader of Irish Freestyle League 2011
- Irish National Champion 2009
- Top 5 in National ranking for 6 years
Brian has worked as a kayak instructor for Madawaska Kanu Centre in Canada, Irish Freestyle, Galway Outdoor Education Centre and for NUIG & GMIT kayak club. He has also worked as a whitewater raft guide for Owl Rafting on the Ottawa River, Canada.
Brian holds a level 4 kayak proficiency and is a level 3 kayak instructor. He has travelled to Uganada, Canada, USA, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the UK to kayak.