Public gets chance to try watersports at Newferry

Newferry Water Ski Club on the River Bann was buzzing on Saturday, as they hosted a Come-and-try-it event for both water skiing and canoeing.
Saturday was a busy day at Newferry.Saturday was a busy day at Newferry.
Saturday was a busy day at Newferry.

A perfect day of warm sunshine brought the crowds out to the riverside venue, as David Boyle from Newferry Water Ski Club explained: “We organised the event with support and sponsorship from Waterways Ireland and The Edge Watersports to enable people of all ages and abilities to try water skiing and canoeing on the beautiful Lower Bann River.

“To make this possible, we had a team of 30 volunteers from Newferry Water Ski Club, County Antrim Paddlesports Club (C.A.P.S.) and Portglenone Community Rescue Service working together to provide everything from expert coaching to barbequed burgers and hot dogs!”

David continued: “We had a large number of participants aged from 5 years old, and one group included 4 generations of the one family, proving that canoeing and water skiing are accessible to all age groups, and very much family activities. I’d Like to thank all those who helped put the smiles on everyone’s faces and make the day such a huge success”

Gerry Moreland, from County Antrim Paddlesports Club (C.A.P.S) added: “ All of the volunteers taking part today were doing so because we love being on the water, and we want to share that with others. Canoeing is for all ages and abilities, and is a wonderful way to get close to nature.

“The Lower Bann is steeped in history and teeming with wildlife, and there is no better way of discovering its beauty than by canoe or kayak.

“Our hope is that the people who have taken part in today’s activities will want to get back out on the river and learn more, and C.A.P.S will be happy to help make that possible”