Crana Fest 2014 took place in Swan Park Buncrana, County Donegal from 18th-19th October 2014. The event is growing year on year with record numbers of competitors and spectators attending this year. Over 450 competitors from all across Ireland, England and Europe and of various skill levels from beginners to advanced registered to compete at the event. This was a significant increase on the previous year. The atmosphere at the event was electric and the October showers certainly did not dampen spirits, in fact the wetter the better at this top watersports event! Crana Fest 2014 was co-sponsored by MalinWaters, which is the brand launched as part of the Sail West project, a Donegal County Council led EU funded project to develop marine tourism.
Taster Sessions for All
According to Sail West Project Marketing Officer, Joy Harron who attended the event, “I was delighted with the opportunity to attend Crana Fest 2014 representing MalinWaters. To see the various kayaking competitions, the large crowds of spectators and to have the chance to try white water rafting myself during a taster session organised by Inish Adventures, it was clear that the event was really well planned and organised. This event will leave many people inspired with a real taste for more watersports adventure! ”.
Joy Harron, Sail West Project Marketing Officer setting off on a White Water Rafting Challenge
A Moonlight Challenge!
One of the newest additions to Crana Fest and first event of it’s kind in Ireland was the Wavesport Moonlight Challenge, which took place on the Saturday night under moonlight. The Wavesport Moonlight Challenge was the highlight of the weekend and something that the organisers plan to repeat next year. Champion kayaker Kipper Maguire was MC for this event and he brought along Setanta Sport Ireland. All the white water action was caught on camera and will broadcast on Setanta TV in April 2015.
Competitions to Suit All Skill Levels
This adrenalin packed event took place over two days of white water action along the Crana River, Swan Park, Buncrana, Inishowen, Co. Donegal. All paddle abilities were invited to take part in the competitions and coaching sessions over the weekend. Crana Fest had some of the best coaches in the Europe including; Martina Wegman, Kipper Maguir, Dave Carroll, Yanni and Ali Donnell. Coaching sessions included; Advanced Techniques, Open Canoeing, Moving Water Techniques, Ladies Only Coaching Sessions, Fundamentals Core Skills, Boofs & Drops, Progressive/Dynamic Skills and Freestyle Coaching.
Fun for All the Family
This year’s competition categories also included; the Sea Kayak race, Slalom, Wild Water Race, Freestyle, Boatercross, Dagger Dash and Palm Throwbag Olympics. To keep the competitors and spectators well energised for the day, delicious hot food, drinks and snacks were available all day at the marquee. The white water rafting taster sessions along the Crana river were hugely popular and allowed spectators to take part in an activity that they would perhaps not normally consider trying. Irish TV were onsite over the weekend capturing the great atmosphere amongst the competitors and spectators, Crana Fest will broadcast on Sky 191 in the next few weeks highlighting the weekend and beautiful Inishowen. This event was a credit to Inish Adventures and all the sponsors and a great family day out where everyone could experience the exhilarating water gushing activities along the Crana River.
A Bright Future Ahead
Crana Fest was a significant addition to the MalinWaters maritime calendar of events for 2014 and one which the brand was proud to support. We are excited to see what the future holds for Crana Fest which attracts more and more people each year and certainly has a very bright future ahead. MalinWaters is part financed by the European Union's European Regional Development Fund through INTERREG IVA Cross-Border Programme managed by the Special European Unions Programmes Body with co-funding provided by the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the Republic of Ireland.
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All media queries relating to Crana Fest can be directed to Inish Adventures (Formerly Just Kayak)
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +353 87 366 6075
All media queries relating to MalinWaters can be directed to Joy Harron
Email: [email protected] or Tel: 0870619360
NOTES TO EDITORS
Sail West Project
The Sail West Project is a marine tourism initiative, the goal of which is to coastal and marine tourism in the partner regions of NW Ireland, Northern Ireland and Western Scotland.
The Sail West objectives of the Project are:
SEUPB
The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Finance in Ireland. It is responsible for managing two EU structural funds Programmes PEACE III and INTERREG IV designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society. The Programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and Western Scotland.
For more information on the SEUPB please visit www.seupb.eu
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