Skills + Instructor Courses at Kilfinane OEC
Mountain Biking | Kayaking | Hillwalking | Rockclimbing | First Aid Courses
MOUNTAIN BIKING COURSES:
With 90km of the best Mountain Bike Trails in the country Kilfinane OEC is the new home of Mountain Biking in Ireland. We have courses to suit all levels and our team of dedicated and experienced instructors will help you get started or move on to the next level.
Introduction to Mountain Biking:
This weekend courses is suitable for complete beginners or those with some experience who have not had any formal skills training. We will look at bike set up, equipment, braking skills, the four core skills, basic bike maintenance, bike demos, trail riding, trail navigation and basic safety. This course is available on a residential or non residential basis.
Mountain Bikes and protective equipment are available from the centre
Course Fees:
- Residential Package €250 (excluding bike and helmet)
- €290 ( including bike and helmet)
- Non Residential Package €175
Click here for course dates >>>
Self Guided Packages
Kilfinane OEC is the ideal base for your self guided package. We have comfortable ensuite hostel style accommodation, excellent food, drying room, gear wash/ bike wash area & bike lock-up. We are located in the town of Kilfinane and within 5 mins drive from the trail head. Our self guided package offers competent bikers a chance to meet up with other bikers, enjoy the trails & share some stories over a social evening.
- Self Guided Residential Package €99
- (Price includes 2 B&B, 2 pack lunch, 1 dinner, use of all Centre facilities)
Mountain Bike Hire is available by prior arrangement with local bike hire company XCT1.
Click here for course dates >>>
KAYAKING COURSES:
Kilfinane OEC provide Kayaking Skills Courses up to Level 4 and Level 2 Instructor Courses. We also provide Canoe Skills and Instructor courses on demand.
Level 2 Kayak Skills
These Irish Canoe Union approved and certified courses run over either 3 days or six evenings and take place at our base at Lough Gur. Level 2 Course are suitable for complete beginners and will give you all the skills needed to safely paddle on flat water, including basic rescues.
Level 3 Kayak Skills
This course introduces paddlers to moving water skills and consists of two days training followed by a 1 Day assessment. Previous experience to Level 2 standard is required.
- Level 4 Skills and Instructor Courses are run on demand. Contact our office for further information
HILLWALKING COURSES:
Kilfinane OEC is located within easy reach of the Ballyhoura and Galty Mountains. We also use the Knockmealdowns and Comeraghs as training venues. Our Hillwalking courses are approved by BOS, the training section of the Mountaineering Council of Ireland.
MOUNTAIN SKILLS COURSES:
The mountain skills course is designed to give hillwalkers the skills they need to safely participate in walking in the Irish hills. Training is run over two weekends, Mountain Skills 1 and Mountain Skills 2, which can be then followed up by an assessment.
Mountain Skills 1 - 2 Days
Basic navigation skills, route planning, mountain hazards & personal equipment.
Mountain Skills 2 – 2 Days + 1 Night Navigation
Navigation skills, movement on steep ground, night navigation, emergency procedures and the mountain environment.
Mountain Skills Assessment – 2 Days + Night Navigation
Applicants must have completed Mountain Skills Training, logbook requirements and hold a current first aid certificate.
Click here for course dates >>>
ROCKCLIMBING COURSES
Indoor Wall Climbing – 4 evenings
This course will give you all the skills you need to take up the very popular sport of Indoor Climbing. Learn the ropes in comfort over those cold winter nights at our newly constructed Indoor Climbing Wall. Our Climbing Wall is also open regularly for public sessions. See our training calendar for details.
Introduction to Rockclimbing – 4 evenings
This course is suitable for beginners and includes Indoor Climbing, Outdoor Climbing, Rope work, belaying & equipment.
We also run Crag Skills, Learn to Lead and Single Pitch Award courses from time to time. Contact our office for more information.
Click here for course dates >>>
FIRST AID – RESCUE AND EMERGENCY CARE COURSES:
The Rescue and Emergency Care Scheme offers an interesting and practical approach to first aid. REC is particularly suited to those involved in Adventure Sports and is the preferred first aid scheme for most adventure sports awards.
REC 2 – 2 Day Basic First Aid
No previous experience required. Suitable for Youth/ Scout leaders, sports coaches, Mountain Skills, Kayaking and Mountain Biking awards.
REC 3 – 2 Day Intermediate First Aid
Participants must hold REC 2. Suitable for workplace first aid, Mountain Leaders, Level 3 Instructor Awards & adventure sports enthusiasts.
