North Coast Rides a wave of success in the OutdoorNI Awards

Scooping up a third of the awards the destination took home the accolade of ‘Best Adventure Destination’ as well as playing host to the ‘Best Coastal Experience’, and ‘Best Charity Challenge Event’.

The OutdoorNI Awards, now in their fifth year, recognise the diverse range of activities, locations and businesses involved in creating a vibrant outdoor activity scene in Northern Ireland. The recently announced winners were determined by a hotly contested public vote over 8 categories including favourite family activity provider, best unique outdoor adventure and more.

The Causeway Coast & Glens confirmed its place as an adventurer’s paradise taking home the crown of ‘Best Adventure Destination’.

Commenting on the win Mayor Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, expressed her delight in receiving such a prestigious accolade; “We are thrilled to have won ‘Best Adventure Destination’, a great reward for everyone involved in making this location stand out from the other nominees”.

She continued, “Causeway Coast & Glens is increasingly becoming a hub for adventure races, experiences and events set to the backdrop of our spectacular coastline. From the Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive and walking along the Causeway Coast Way to kayaking along the North Coast Sea kayak Trail, surfing, coasteering and more there is an adventure for everyone!

A second award was won by local Portrush surf school, Troggs, who took home the award for ‘Best Coastal Experience’.

This popular category created some stiff competition for the surf school but they were still able to rise to the top. When asked what makes them the best coastal experience manager & partner of Troggs Surf School, Carl Russell commented, “We offer expert surfing tuition to beginners looking to learn the basics, through to experienced surfers who want to learn something new. ASI accredited and Quiksilver approved we offer a wide range of courses throughout the year including kids summer surf camps, corporate days, Hen & Stag parties, progression sessions and more so there really is something for everyone who wants to enjoy or fabulous coast with lots of laughter guaranteed.”

It was also muddy marvellous news for charity challenge event Run Mucker Run for local cancer charity Cancer Focus Northern Ireland who won ‘Best Charity Challenge Event’. Race organiser Melvin Dewart was delighted to accept the award remarking, “I am pleased to accept this award on behalf of everyone involved in making this event such a success. A fantastic feat given the other great charity events we were nominated against.”

An intense 5k and 10k obstacle race featuring 30 manmade obstacles designed with ex-military for the ultimate test of strength, stamina, mental determination and teamwork the challenge is a unique way to raise funds for the charity who provide a range of services for Northern Ireland cancer patients and their families as well as funding major research and cancer prevention schemes.

Reflecting upon the awards OutdoorNI Award’s Organiser, Jayne Woodrow, commented, “This year’s awards highlighted that there has never been a more exciting and diverse range of outdoor opportunities available throughout Northern Ireland. It was a fiercely fought battle for nominees to win each category and of course bragging rights for next year! We are proud to be able to celebrate the hard work of the activity providers and businesses behind making Northern Ireland an adventure playground for locals and visitors alike and want to extend a massive congratulations to all involved.”

The sponsor of the Awards, Surf Mountain founder Nick Stevenson commented, “We at Surf Mountain have always prided ourselves on being from Northern Ireland so we were delighted to be part of the awards which showcase the vast variety of outdoor opportunities available across the country. All our staff are outdoor enthusiasts and so we were thrilled to have the chance to support local outdoor activity providers, venues and events.

For more information on how you can plan an adventure in the North Coast including how to enter Run Mucker Run 2016, as well as other experiences, activity providers, events and venues recognised in the OutdoorNI Awards visit OutdoorNI.com.