Scout Venture Rover Descent 2025

📢 Exciting News for the 48th Annual Scout Liffey Descent! 🚣‍♂️✨

This year brings a historic first for our legendary race! Due to essential works being carried out on the Dam on the River Liffey, the ESB is unable to release water to supplement the flow. As a result, the river is currently at extremely low levels, unpredictable, and simply not suitable for a safe or thrilling kayak race.

But we didn’t want this incredible tradition to pause — so for the first time in its 48-year history, the race is moving to a brand-new and equally historic setting: the magnificent River Boyne! 🌊🏞️

The course will kick off just above the famous Trim Wave and finish at the stunning Bective Bridge, beside the iconic Bective Abbey. Over the exciting 9km paddle, participants will still face plenty of challenges, from exhilarating rapids to weirs — a true adventure that will showcase skill, endurance, and spirit!

📍 Meeting Point: Boyne Valley Activities, Jonathan Swift Street, Trim, Co. Meath
🏁 Finish Line: Bective Bridge, beside Bective Abbey, Co. Meath

We are thrilled to bring the race to such a historic and picturesque location, and we can’t wait to see paddlers old and new take on this exciting new course.

This year will be one for the history books — and you’ll want to say you were part of it!

🚀 Get ready for a race like no other — the Scout Liffey Descent on the River Boyne!



ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE AT LEAST CANOE IRELAND LEVEL 2 SKILLS AWARD
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BE CURRENTLY REGISTERED MEMBERS OF A SCOUT, VENTURE or ROVER TROOP

Criteria for Entry

1. Online registration only- email c2NvdXRsaWZmZXlkZXNjZW50IHwgZ21haWwgISBjb20= for link.
Registration closes at 22:00hr, two days before the event date.
2. All participants in the race must be currently registered with a Scout, Venture or Rover Troop
3. All Participants must be signed off to at least Canoeing Ireland level 2 ICU Kayak skills.
4. All Participants must wear a properly fitting Buoyancy Aid, Helmet, Spraydeck & Footwear
5. All participants enter the race in the spirit of the Descent and the spirit of Scouting!
6. Competitors must be no less than 13 years old on the day of the race.
7. Any Kayaker on the River after 2hr will be asked to retire off the river at the next weir or available area; Participants must notify the Rescue or Sweepers if they are retiring from the race before the finish line and then make their way back to the finish and report to the Recorders in person.
8. All Kayakers must be Competent Swimmers.
9. The Scouter of each Troop takes full responsibility for all their Troop’s preparation and registration.
10. Participants must have their Scouters permission to register for this event. If you have questions, please consult with the Scouter in charge of your Troop.

11. All Kayaks must be river-worthy and must have
 Buoyancy bags or proper buoyancy foam fit for purpose, securely and firmly fitted in the bow and stern of the Kayak. Styrofoam from electrical appliance packaging will not be passed as buoyancy
 Fitted Toggles or hand grips bow and stern
 A properly-fitted foot support.

12. All Kayakers must wear:
 An approved Kayaking Helmet
 An approved properly-fitting Buoyancy Aid Minimum 50 Newton
 Properly fitting Spray Deck.
 Appropriate Footwear with a hard sole. Socks worn alone of any description are not permitted
 Each Kayaker must have a Paddle

13. If the Kayak or Kayaker are not properly fitted out on the day and not passed by the Race Starter, they will not go on the river. NO EXCEPTIONS.
14. Any competitor seeing another competitor in danger is expected to render all assistance possible. Failure to do so may result in disqualification for life.
15. All Scouts are to fall in at the end at the prize giving in full uniform.
16. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each age group and each class Male and Female.
17. There is also commemorative badge for all finishers.
18. The officer of the day has the final say on all matters.
19. The race only goes ahead depending on the suitable water level. Safety is our priority!
20. Protests should be lodged in writing as soon as possible after the occurrence but in any case, not later than 10pm on the day of the Descent directly to the email below. All protests will be heard and adjudicated on by a Protest Committee appointed by the officer of the day
21. This event is organized and run by the 5th Port Dollymount Sea Scout Group.

For enquiries, please email c2NvdXRsaWZmZXlkZXNjZW50IHwgZ21haWwgISBjb20=

Also check out other Sports events in Athboy, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Athboy, Workshops in Athboy.