Over the past year, Ireland has continued to strengthen its paddlesport education system, with a focus on accessibility, clear progression, and quality across both coaching and instructor pathways.
A key development is the introduction of the Level 1 Sit-on-Top Kayak Instructor, created to provide an accessible entry point into instructing. This is supported by updates to Sit-on-Top Skills Awards (Levels 1–3) and Safety & Rescue Level 1.
To support best practice in competitive club environments, Ireland has launched a Paddlesport Club Coach Award, forming the first step in a new three-level coaching system, primarily aimed at competitive disciplines.
Progression at higher levels has also been updated. The Level 5 Instructor Awards have been revised to create a more structured pathway, while the Level 4 River Kayak Instructor remit has been refined (Grade 3+), making progression more achievable and supporting the development of more advanced instructors.
A new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system has been introduced to promote best practice and ensure ongoing learning for instructors and coaches, with a strong focus on simplicity and usability.
Ireland is also actively reviewing several discipline areas, including paddle surf and canoeing, to better align skill and instructor levels and reflect a broader range of practices, including traditional skills.
A major milestone has been the launch of the Level 5 Sea Kayaking Skills Award, introduced in Roundstone, Galway, with strong interest and further training planned.
Alongside this, Ireland contributes to wider European collaboration through involvement in the ECA Recreational and Nature for Sport committees.
