ISKGA Ireland

22/03/2026

A great week working with delivering an ISKGA leadership/incident management program out of Tramore. Dave has a great venue and it’s not since we did our circumnavigation back in 2011 that I have managed to paddle this coast again. Certainly won’t be leaving it that long till I return again. Over the course program we covered the guide leadership process, rescues, incidents in rock gardens and surf and at the end of the week, we were joined by W***y Smyth from Belfast amongst others and Dave gave us a guided tour of this incredible venue, the Copper Coast, Hook Head and out to the Saltee Islands

10/08/2024

and with The International Sea Kayak Guide Alliance will be hosting a comprehensive guide training program in Ireland from the 7th September to the 19th of September with 2 days of Assessment on 20th and 21st of September 2024.

5 days Incident Management £600
5 Nights on suite £240
5 Nights shared bathroom £180
Prepare own meals

14 Days International Sea Kayak Guide Award £1350
14 nights on suite room, cottage £440
14 nights shared bathroom in a cottage £320
Prepare own meals

September
7th Introduction to Course
8th Sea Kayak
9th -13th is Incident Management (core module of the Course )
14th Sea Survival Training Module
15th-17th Expedition Skills ( Fire, Water, Shelter, Food, Camp setup, Camp craft, Bush Craft Skills, Fire Lighting Skills, Leave no trace, Foraging, Meal Prepping)
18th & 19th Method Of Instruction

20th and 21st Guide Assessment (Separate Cost for those going forward for Assessment)

The course will take place on the Causeway Coast of County Antrim and select locations along the coast suitable to each module, which is not only an exceptionally beautiful part of the paddling world but also perfect for a program of this nature.

The North Coast of Ireland offers a Unique selection of Islands, Surf beaches, tidal currents, back Eddie's, tidal races, rock gardens and open crossings, offering dynamic and challenging weather conditions.

This environment will challenge your physical ability, group management skills, trip planning skills, and communication skills but also offer safety to allow for development as a guide and to advance your skills, learning, and for your thought process to sharpen.

This creates the most Realistic environment for offering and running a training course of this nature, where the Giants Cause Way Coast becomes our playground and Outdoor Classroom for 2 weeks.

Working with Jeff Allen Expedition Paddler who has being delivering this course for the last 7years in Northern Ireland.

Eco Atlantic Adventures International Sea Kayak Guide Alliance Donegal Sea Kayaking Sea Kayak Ireland ISKGA Ireland Eco Atlantic Adventures

09/07/2024

Marine Wilderness First Responder , Norway

09/07/2024

A big thanks to Dr Anna McKenzie and Dr David McNeil for their expert help on the Marine Wilderness First Responder !

08/07/2024

Marine Wilderness First Responder! ISKGA! The emergency care was enjoyable as usual but spending a week with this incredible bunch of people was a tonic to the tough year I have had ! Thanks folks

06/06/2024

Eco Atlantic Adventures the National Training Centre Ireland for the International Sea Kayaking Guide Alliance (ISKGA)

Over the course of the year we hope to see more Guides gain qualafacations under the ISKGA.

The aim:
To bring up the standard of sea kayaking, the standard of guides, improve safety, and to promote sea kayaking across all abilities
to open doors and promote the sport.

Over the past few years I have being on a number of ISKGA Training Courses that have tested my ability as a paddler my ability as a group leader and also as a guide. Taking me to locations around Ireland discovering new features to play in and also run courses and push the level of my ability but also to improve it.

The above picture is part of the 5 day incident Management.This was a role play, which are as real as you will get in the heat of the moment.
( A Rescue of an unconscious casualty in a tidal race, scoop into their Kayak, setting up a towe, bring the casualty ashore, carry to a safe area on shore as a team, supporting the body incase of spinal injury, placing the casualty in a warm rap under Cissue, ready to perform cpr, all while in contact with Coastguard and arranging emergency evacuation, while keeping order and control on the rest of the group to shore safely.

I'm not gona lie, for me this was tough, all eyes on me and how you are managing under stress, what am I missing, did I keep my casualty safe, is my group safe, and a million other things going through your head at once, tunnel vision.

This is learning, learning how to focus, learn to perform under pressure in tough situations so rescues are fast, slick & saves life?

Courses running in September
5 Days incident Management course 9th -13th Sept
which is part of the
Full ISKGA Guide Course. 7th - 21st Sept

ISKGA skills Level 1,2,3 running through the year.

These courses can be done in modules and refreshed at anytime.

Check out https://www.iskga.com/ or contact Hugh at www.ecoatlanticadventures.com for course info in September.

16/02/2024

12/02/2024

Sea Kayak Coach Advanced Water Training

Great weekend playing in tidal flow in Strangford Lough and some coaching development skills from Ballintoy Harbour

Another Great Weekend in Northen Ireland

03/02/2024

01/02/2024

Traveling Back from Elba Island Italy with this patch in my pocket, with a smile a mile wide.

Delivering my 1st Costal Guide Accessment on this trip, with 3 costal guides added to the list on passing their accessment.

Well worth the investment of time, energy and commitment to the years of training with Jeff Allen and ISKGA

Making new friends and contact across Elba, Italy, Germany and Belgium.

Extending a warm welcome to come visit Donegal in the Near Future to experience the beautifiul coastline that we call home and witness the energy of the Atlantic Ocean and how it has shaped our coast.

Hugh Hunter @ Eco Atlantic Adventures
"My kayaking Journey "