WITH sea water reaching its highest annual temperature around now, it is the perfect time to grab the last of the season's sunshine and try out a watersport. Mere is just a selection of end of season courses in sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling and canoeing for young people.
The Irish national Sailing School, West Pier, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, is running a Stage sailing certificate course in topper dinghies for young people aged eight to 18 next week, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Absolute beginners are welcome. Cost: £95 per child. Tel 01-2844195.
Oceantec Adventures, 10 Marine Terrace, Dun, Laoghaire, is holding its last junior summer programme in snorkelling next week. One of the attractions of the course is diving with Sammy the seal off Dalkey Island. Classes run from Monday to Friday, 9.30 a.m. - 1 p.m. It is suitable for young people between eight and 16 years but all participants must be competent swimmers. Cost: £50. Tel 01 2801083 for bookings.
Fingal Sailing School, Upper Strand Road, Malahide, Co Dublin, begins its last Young Adventurers Course on Monday with sailing, windsurfing and rowing. Classes run from 9.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Cost: £85. There is also a sailing or windsurfing course from 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. Cost: £55. Both courses suitable for 12-18 year olds. Tel 01-8451979.
The Irish Canoe Union begins its next basic course in canoeing on Saturday with classes continuing every Saturday until September 28th. All equipment is provided but participants must bring a change of clothing. The course runs from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. each day and costs £70. Tel 01 4509838 for details.
Surfdock, Grand Canal Dockyard, South Dock Road, Ringsend, Dublin 4, is holding specialist courses in either windsurfing, dinghy sailing or canoeing next week for seven to 16 year olds. The courses are from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily and cost £80. Beginners welcome.
And for those who prefer to surf the waves without expending any energy of their own, the Dublin Bay Sea Thrill may be the answer. It is a 40 minute ride around Dublin Bay in rigid semi inflatable marine rescue boats which can travel at speeds of 40 knots with 10 people on board. Trips depart from the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire and from the Pier Head in Howth at 9.30 a.m and on the hour afterwards. Suitable for children of five years and upwards. Cost: adults/children £12. Tel 260 00949 for bookings.
