What is the Action and Adventure part of the TY sailing programme?
Groups from all four yacht clubs in Dun Laoghaire, getting to know each other and having fun on water, trying new activities. Organised by DMYC. Four activities are available: Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding, Wing Foiling and Rowing. You can find out about each activity below. Booking will open on Sunday 24 August.
All the activities take place between 10 and 12 September 2025. There are two or three sessions for each activity, at different times – see the details below. The number of places in each session is limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Note that the deadline for Rowing bookings is Wednesday 27 August, to allow time for some necessary administrative work.
Kayaking
Come kayaking with the famous Dalkey seals! Kayaking.ie run award winning guided kayak tours in the Dalkey area. Tours last 3 hours and are suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness. You do need to be able to swim, at least a little. You will be provided with a buoyancy aid, which will help you to float. You need to be comfortable in the water and happy enough to kick your legs or move your arms while floating with the buoyancy aid.
You need to bring some clothes to wear under a wetsuit (togs or shorts and a sports top or t-shirt), footwear that you don’t mind getting wet and a towel. If the weather is cool you might like to bring warmer base layers, socks, a hat, fleece and a rain jacket (as appropriate). Kayaking.ie provide all of the other gear and equipment so all you need to worry about is having fun and saying hello to the friendly seals. See their web page for more information, and frequently asked questions.
The normal meeting point is the slipway at Bullock Harbour, Dalkey. If the weather is bad, the sessions will take place in the Coal Harbour, Dun Laoghiare, meeting at the public slipway there (beside the boatyard).
The sessions are on Wednesday 10 September, starting at 9:30 or 14:00 and lasting for 3 hours. You should aim to arrive at the location at the start time of the session that you have booked. The staff may be finishing an earlier session, having a break between sessions or traveling from one session to another and may not be visible at the location before then. The cost is €80. If you book this activity, you also need to complete the online medical check form for the organisers.
Stand-up Paddleboarding
This is where you can learn everything you need to know about Stand-up Paddleboarding in the safe environment of Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The sheltered waters of harbour are the perfect place to find your sea legs, and will provide plenty of space and rich history to explore when you do.
The activity is organised by BigStyle.ie, who provide top-of-the range equipment and expert instructors – see their web page for more information.
The BigStyle base is at the inner harbour in Dun Laoghaire, near the smaller public slipway. The sessions are on Thursday 11 September, starting at 13:00 or 15:00 and lasting for 2 hours. The cost is €36.
Wingfoiling
Wingfoiling is the newest and most exciting wind-powered water sport! You ride a board while holding a wing (like a small handheld sail), and eventually, you’ll fly above the water on a hydrofoil.
Before lifting off the water, you will start on a stable stand-up paddleboard (SUP). You learn how to hold and control the inflatable wing, and practice steering, turning, and catching the wind — no foil involved yet! The focus is on balance, confidence, and fun. Boat assistance is provided – this makes the first step super safe and easy, even if you’ve never done a board sport before.
Why will you love it? You get to play with the wind and feel the power without needing big waves. It’s a step toward “flying” on water — think future hoverboard! No pressure — just fun.
You must be able to swim to take part in this activity. You can bring your own wetsuit if you have one. The activity is organised by Pure Magic – see their web page for more information.
The Pure Magic base is at the Salthill beach in Dun Laoghaire, at the INSS container, in the car park behind the skate park. There are three sessions on Friday 12 September, starting at 10:00, 13:00 or 16:00 and lasting for 2 hours. The cost is €102.50.
Rowing
Rowing in Dún Laoghaire Harbour – a new kind of adventure! As part of the Action & Adventure section of the TY Sailing Programme, you’ll get the chance to explore the harbour in a whole new way — from a rowing skiff!
Rowing is all about teamwork, rhythm, and getting moving on the water. You’ll be based at the DMYC slip, on the West Pier in Dun Laoghaire harbour, with sessions run by the experienced Dún Laoghaire Sea Scouts.
Before you take to the open harbour, you hop into a traditional wooden East Coast skiff (super stable and great for beginners). You learn how to row in sync with your crew — power, timing, and steering. You pick up key skills like launching from a slip, turning, and harbour awareness. You get used to working together while having loads of fun on the water.
Why will you love it? It’s active, social, and surprisingly relaxing once you get in the rhythm. You’re on the water with friends, moving under your own steam. Rowing around Dún Laoghaire’s piers and landmarks feels like an adventure. No experience needed — just grab an oar and go! This is perfect for anyone who loves the sea, a bit of a challenge, and trying something new.
The sessions are on Wednesday 10 September, starting at 18:00 and 19:30, and on Thursday 11 September, starting at 17:30. Each session lasts 90 minutes. The cost is €20.50. **Please note that the deadline for Rowing bookings is Wednesday 27 August, to allow time for some necessary administrative work.
Booking
The booking form will be available here from 24 August.