So, who fancies learning a new and exciting hobby this year?

Rather than take up the usual suspects such as cooking, biking or reading, we've decided to go for a more unique fad and pick up the thousand-year-old pastime that is kayaking/canoeing.

Where better to experience your newfound interest than in our country's very own stunning waterways, seas and landscapes?

First Step Sea Kayaking Skills

There's more to kayaking than just a paddle and a boat. If you're a complete newbie, you'll have to learn the basics before you get a taste of life afloat.

Starting off at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, you'll spend the day enjoying a guided journey among the Islands on Strangford Lough, exploring wildlife and developing the basic skills of sea kayaking.

Skills covered include:

• boat selection and fit
• forward paddling
• turning
• steering and balancing
• safety skills, such as equipment selection
• what to carry afloat
• what to wear
• planning your trip out to sea.

www.tollymore.com

World Surf Kayaking Championships 2017

Taking place in October last this year, this eight-day long competition will showcase some of the best surf kayakers from around the world.

As the first ever Surf Kayak World Championships to be held in Northern Ireland, fans will descend on Portrush to watch the world's finest kayak athletes get air among the North Coast's roughest swells.

The main competition venue will be East Strand, which has already played host to two British Championships, two British Home Internationals (Team event), the 2013 World Police and Fire Games and numerous national surfing and bodyboard championships

Depending on other surf conditions, other competition sites include the West Strand, White Rocks, Portballintrae and surf breaks to the West, in the Republic of Ireland.

And with loads of nearby tourism experiences such as the Carrick-a-Reed Rope Brudge, Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and Dunluce Castle, any visitor is sure to have a memorable experience.

surfchampionships.cani.org.uk

Guided Canoe & Kayak Tours

Fancy an outdoor water adventure learning about Fermanagh's history and wildlife?

This July and August, Share Discovery Village are providing guided Canoe & Kayak tours of Enniskillen Island & Castle Island (1 hr), as well as Devenish island (2 hr), as part of the new Enniskillen Activity Hub based at Waterways Ireland Headquarters.

Participants can use either a canoe or a kayak to learn about the region's rich history, amazing wildlife and eco-system.

*Wet-suits will not be provided, advised that participants bring appropriate waterproof clothing & shoes for the duration of the tour.

www.sharevillage.org

Kayaking Adventures – Ardclinis Outdoor Adventure

While kayaking largely doesn't require an introduction, it's important to learn the basics before you start embarking on your new wet activity.

Ardclinis' instructors will make sure you know learn all about safety and control through a combination of instruction and games lasting three hours.

For most family/introduction sessions, the organisation uses the harbour in Cushenden. However, there are other locations you can kayak in including the upper and lower Bann, Ballycastle and Kilrea.

Participants will be provided with the following; full wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet, Cagoule (if required), a kayak, a paddle and a spray deck (if you know how to use one!).

What you need; shorts or swimwear, a towel, shoes for the water, and any medication you require.

www.ardclinis.com

Canoeing at Corralea Activity Centre

Canoeing vs kayaking. Are they really any different? Well, we here at Flagship are more interested in watery fun rather than splitting hairs.

At Corralea Activity Centre, most sessions will take place on kayaks (either double or single) on Lough Macnean. Available to individuals or groups, participants can explore the Fermanagh Lakelands alongside one of Corralea Activity's qualified instructors, or go solo with a canoe hire service.

Double or single kayaks are ideal for beginners or those who simply want to paddle on flat open water. However, single kayaks and 16ft Canadian canoes are also available (used for specialised courses with an instructor).

www.activityireland.com

Sit on Top Kayak Hire in Castlewellan

Set in the picturesque surroundings of Castlewellan Lake, this relaxed three-hour self guided tour is perfect for those looking to have an awesome time on the water.

What's included: • Feel Free Sit on Top Kayak (Singles & Doubles) • Buoyancy Aid • Wetsuit • Paddle • Trail map • Specialist local advice • Full on site support

Visitors will also get complimentary use of Life Adventure Centre's lakeside facility with changing/hot showers and access to a coffee dock with free Wifi.

www.onegreatadventure.com

Image credit: surfchampionships.cani.org.uk, www.ardclinis.com, www.activityireland.com, www.onegreatadventure.com