DMG Sailsports: Powerboat, Windsurf & Sail in Ireland

Powerboat, VHF & Navigation

2011-03-23T15:42:00.007+00:00

With the glorious weather we're having at the moment it's time to dust down the boating gear and get out on the water for the new season.

We have our National Powerboat Certificate courses running most weekends, and an Advanced Powerboat Certificate course scheduled for the weekend of April 16th - 17th. We are also running a powerboat instructor course over two weekends on April 23rd - 24th and Apr 29th - May 1st so if you've ever thought about passing on your skills to others now's the time.

If you are looking to beef up your background knowledge and get the confidence to take your boat further we are running a Coastal Navigation for Small Boats course on April 9th & 13th. We also have a VHF radio course available on Apr 14th & 16th. This is the Irish SRC module 1 & 2 Licence.

For more info or bookings on any of the above just contact us in the office on 01-8456946 or info@dmgsailsports.com

National Powerboat Certificate, €50 off!

2011-02-26T10:18:00.003+00:00

To help you get a head start on things this spring we are offering €50 off all National Powerboat Certificate course taken up to and including the weekend of March 19th - 20th.

The NPC course provides comprehensive training in all the fundamentals of boating, covering boat-handling, safety, rules & regulations and basic navigation. This course is highly recommended for anyone taking charge of a boat and will provide reassurance when taking family and friends out boating.

The NPC will also often entitle you to discounts from your insurance provider and entitles you to apply for an International Certificate of Competency (ICC). This is the certification required to rent or operate powerboats in countries with compulsory competency certification, Spain, France, Portugal, Croatia, etc.

To book your course of for more info call 01-8456946 or email info@dmgsailsports.com

Windsurf Equipment Now On Sale!

2010-10-11T19:15:00.007+01:00

Click here to view the full list of our 2010 school and rental windsurfing equipment. Some great deals available so get in touch ASAP to reserve the kit you want!
All available to collect from Sunday October 18th at 5pm. Delivery can also be arranged.
Phone the office at 01-8456946 or email info@dmgsailsports.com.

Go 4 It Windsurfing Course

2010-10-06T19:49:00.002+01:00

This weekend is the second last of our windsurfing season and with a good forecast I've decided to run one of our Go 4 It courses.

The course focuses on improver techniques like stronger wind stance and harness work, planning, footstraps and deeper water beach starts.

To get the most from this course you should ideally be comfortably sailing in all directions in lighter winds have used the harness and be able to do a basic beach start.

The course runs 10 - 5 on both days, so you better start saving up your energy! Places are limited to 6 so book soon to avoid disappointment. The course costs €200pp using our kit or €150pp using your own kit, a discount of 10% is available if you have already done lessons with us.

Cal 01-8456946 or email info@dmgsailsports.com

Successful Kayak Trip

2010-09-28T11:31:00.008+01:00

Yesterdays Kayak trip accross the Irish sea went well. I left the marina in Malahide at 04:10 and met up with the guys in Hollyhead at 06:30. Fergus Cooper was paddling a single with Aisa Cooper and Martin Hearns in a double kayak. We were under way just before 07:00 with the guys making good progress out past the head to beat the tide.

Unfortunately about 5hrs into the trip the rudder bar on the double boat broke, with no way to repair it at sea Aisa and Martin had no option but to retire into the boat with me and take their kayak in tow. Dissapointed but pragmatic Martin said "at least it didn't happen 5 miles from the finish or I would have been really hacked off"

From there on the trip went smoothly with Fergus steadily ticking off the miles. The weather was a little over cast but other wise fair. Hollyhead and Dublin Coastguards provided great assistance tracking our progress and advising the commercial traffic of our position so we didn't get run over (which was nice!).

Shortly after 21:00 Fergus entered Dun Laoghaire harbour completely exhausted but ecstatic about the achievement having paddled for a little over 14hrs straight.

After we unloaded the kit it was a quick spin back around to Malahide with the boat tied up a little after 22:00 and off home for pizza and beer, another day at the office eh!

Kayak across the Irish Sea

2010-09-27T11:03:00.003+01:00

As I type Dave is providing safety cover to two kayakers paddling across the Irish sea from Wales to Dublin. It's a beautiful day so I hope they're having a peaceful and enjoyable crossing! Dave drove over to Holyhead at 4am today to meet with them and they left there at 8am with an approximate ETA of 6pm this evening.

Having windsurfed across the Irish sea for Aware a few years ago, Dave was delighted to take part in this challenge.

(Image from www.worldatlas.com)

Wheels of Destiny Cross the Finish Line!

2010-09-17T10:30:00.003+01:00

Well, what can I say? Personally I think this is the most amazing challenge that I've ever heard of -- endurance cycling! I'm so impressed and thrilled for John & Murt who completed the Race Around Ireland from last Sunday night until 2am this morning, Friday. The guys completed the course (all 2100km) in a time of 102 hours and 1 minute, and are, according to the Race Around Ireland site, the only team/riders to have completed the race so far and are therefore currently ranked first.

John & Murt - HUGE kudos to you both. And to have done it for AWARE is a very special thing to do. Congratulations and see you for a pint soon!

If you haven't already done so, please donate online for these guys at http://sponsorme.aware.ie/event/race-around-ireland-september-12th/wheelsofdestiny/.

Córa, DMG Sailsports

John & Murt currently holding 2nd overall...

2010-09-14T20:37:00.002+01:00

John on the Clare coast pushing hard into a 30+knt headwind and still holding second overall

Dave Garvey

DMG Sailsports, Watersports Training & Consultancy

01-8456946

www.dmgsailsports.com

And so the (Cycle) Race Around Ireland begins!

2010-09-12T20:07:00.004+01:00

As you read this, the endurance cycle around Ireland race is well underway. Dave is driving one of the support vehicles for John who instructs powerboating with us, and his cycle partner, Murt. This is an amazing feat and challenge for the all the teams involved, so please, please, donate whatever you can to these guys. You know, I must admit I thought this was a crazy challenge, to undertake a 2100km continuous cycle race, but, do you know what? It's challenges like these that remind us that we're alive, how good it is to do sometimes crazy things just to see if we can, and all the while we're helping others. John and Murt are raising money for AWARE who are aiming to defeat depression. Every little penny helps, so please donate whatever you can online at
http://sponsorme.aware.ie/event/race-around-ireland-september-12th/wheelsofdestiny/.

As Dave travels with John & Murt, and the rest of the team, he'll send on some pictures and text which I'll upload as it's received. Best of luck to all involved, but GO TEAM WHEELS OF DESTINY!!

Córa Garvey, DMG Sailsports

Brief Description of the Race
Race Around Ireland is part of the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association (UMCA) World Cup series which includes other huge endurance races such as The Race Across America. Unlike other cycling races such as the RÁS or the Tour de France, the course is in no way roped off. There are no marshals controlling traffic flow and there are no planned rest stops or stages in this event. Once the clock starts in Navan at the starting time, it won’t stop until each rider reaches the finish line at the end of the 2,100 km circuit.

Race Around Ireland

2010-09-08T22:32:00.002+01:00

If you've done some training with us over the last couple of years you may have come across John Mahon one of our instructors. As well as his watersports credentials John is also a hard-core ( slightly mad) cyclist.

Next Sunday John and his buddy Murt will start the endurance cycling Race Around Ireland as one of only two 2-man teams. The race entails a 2100km non-stop (yes that means one or other of them will be on the bike at all times) circuit of Ireland.

As well as doing the race for the sheer madness of it the guys are helping to raise funds for Aware, the depression awareness charity so please log on here to and help out if you can at all.

Last Windsurf Kids Camp of The Season

2010-08-17T16:48:00.003+01:00

The last of our popular kids windsurfing camps starts next Monday August the 23rd. This is a great way to get a last blast of the summer air before heading back to school. The camp runs Mon - Fri, 10:00 - 13:00 each day. The camp is open to 12 - 17 year olds of all abilities and costs just €150 including all equipment. We still have a few places remaining so give us a call on 01-8456946 or email info@dmgsailsports.com to get your child booked in.

Jetskis, Choppers and Aerobatics!

2010-07-27T12:04:00.006+01:00

Just had a great weekend running one of our ISA National PWC certificate training courses. Day one saw everyone getting to grips with all the set-up and procedures as well as the basic handling qualities of the machines. Everything went according to plan despite one crew managing to capsize their machine on the first morning at slow speed (no names to save blushes!), first time I've seen that happen with the high stability of these skis.

By the end of the day everyone was well comfortable with the basics and even starting to throw them around a little in proper ski fashion so a bit more challenge was needed for day two. As it happens Bray Air show was running on Sunday so a quick nav plan was made and we all met up to launch from Howth on Sunday morning.

The spin to Bray took just over 30mins so with time to kill we went on down to Greystones for a quick look before anchoring the Skis off the beach in Bray for lunch.

The show was spectacular and there was plenty of company from other leisure boaters as well as the Garda Water Unit, Howth Coast Guard boat and some Civil Defence Crews.

All in all a great weekend which enjoyed by 4 tired but happy campers. The next course is scheduled for Sep 11+12 and it is also possible to schedule additional courses for groups of 3 - 6 people.

Windsurfing Kids Camp 3

2010-07-09T10:22:00.003+01:00

The third of our summer kids windsurfing camps kicks off on Monday. Aimed at 12 - 17 year olds this is a great way to introduce your kids to a fun, active & healthy out-door sport.

All our courses are ISA accredited and with some of the most experienced and motivated instructors in the country, whether they're a complete beginner or a Hot Shot in the making we can push their level as far as they want to take it.

There are still a couple of places available for Monday's course so contact the office or call the windsurf mobile (087-2169075) directly to book your place.

Class Day Of Wave Action

2010-06-27T23:52:00.003+01:00

It took about 7 hours driving and the pain and tiredness tomorrow are probably going to be something else, but it sure was worth it!!

The 20 or so sailors who joined the DMG - Surfdock Surfari to Cross Strand were treated to a 7 solid hours of waves, wind and sun. Most people were on 4.7 - 5.2 sails, with nice head to logo high sets rolling in all day. Most unusual of all for wave sailing in Ireland it was 20 degrees and sunny all day.

It was great to get a days sailing with the crew, Ali B, Oisin, Colin & Jeff as well as all the others who made the trip from Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Sligo. Quote of the day has to go to Cross Strand first timer and young hot shot from Dublin Ryan O'Leary "it's like the best ever day at Dollymount times a hundred!"

Hopefully this is just the first of a few more nice Surfaris before the summers out, and now time for some sleep!!!!

1 Place Left for Kids Windsurfing

2010-06-25T14:40:00.002+01:00

After the success of our first camp and the glorious weather we have just one place left for our second camp starting on Monday June 28th. The camp runs 10am - 1pm Mon - Fri and costs just €150 including all equipment and tuition.

The office is closed over the weekend so if your interested in getting your kids out and involved in some fun & healthy activity call the windsurfing school directly on 087-2169075 to get the place.

Sunday Funday Surfari Special!!!

2010-06-24T15:19:00.002+01:00

OH YES,
It looks like Sunday is going to provide us with some much needed wave action out west so the DMG and Surfdock crew are looking at doing a little Sunday Funday Surfari Special. Most likely destination is Cross Strand just outside Louisburg Co. Mayo as it’s just over 3hrs (caressing the speed limit) from Dublin and is a relatively easy location for newcomers wave sailing.

Myself, Oisin and no doubt a couple of others will be on hand and will be only too happy to offer tips and advice to any newcomers (or even not so newcomers) who want to come along, look for the vans or IR48 / IR777 so don’t be shy come up and ask

Keep and eye on the DMG Sailsports or Surfdock Facebook pages for updates on the weather and location, Final call will be made around Saturday lunchtime.And yes I am just a little bit excited

Dave

Round Ireland Challenge For Haiti

2010-06-24T14:39:00.003+01:00

Frank Coughlan here,
I recently spent 2 weeks volunteering in Haiti, as result of experiencing the poverty firsthand and the resilience of the Haitian people I am undertaking a circumnavigation of Ireland in a 20ft open boat by sea to raise much needed funds for the Children of Haiti and I need your support; there are many ways you can get involved they are as follows.

Donate directly to Haven by contacting http://www.havenpartnership.com/ (round ireland for Haiti)
Attend our launch party the tickets ?20 are available by return post or e mail frank@jokerboats.ie
Corporate sponsorship/ full sponsors of the 1000 miles @ ?1euro per mile will have your logo on a flag on board for the trip / 5 stopovers around the coast will have media coverage
Come along for a leg about 200 miles onboard the boat (not for the fainthearted) ?500euro
Sponsor 500 miles @ ?1euro / gets your logo on boat
Sponsor a voucher or gift for our raffles to be held at fund raining events
Pass this e mail along to your circle of friends

I thank you in anticipation of your generous support, and remember any support is greatly appreciated; ?5euro will educate a child in Haiti for 2 months.
Kind Regards
Frank

Full House for First Kids Windsurf Camp

2010-06-14T14:27:00.006+01:00

Our first kids windsurfing camp for the summer kicked off this morning with a full house. The camp runs 10am to 1pm Monday to Friday and caters for young windsurfers of all levels.

Places for our next camp running June 28th to July 2nd are filling fast so if your interestred in getting signed up don't delay to avoid dissapointment.

As well as our camps supervised windsurfing practice sessions are also available every Wednesday afternoon from 2pm to 4:30pm and cost just €25 including all equipment. These sessions are open to anyone who has got to grips with the basics.

Kids Windsurfing Summer Courses

2010-06-08T12:47:00.006+01:00

Get the kids out having fun on the water this summer with our annual windsurfing summer courses on the following dates:
-> June 14-18th
-> June 28th - July 2nd
-> July 12-16th
-> July 26-30th
-> August 9-13th

Ages from 12 to 17 years. Courses run from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, at a cost of just €150pp. This includes use of equipment, wetsuit hire and tuition. To book, simply email info@dmgsailsports.com or call our office at 01-8456946.

Dave Garvey is now a Qualified IINLP Life & Business Coach

2010-06-08T12:30:00.004+01:00

Congratulations to Dave who is now a fully certified Life & Business Coach with the IINLP!

Over the past 2 years Dave has trained with the Irish Institute of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) as a Master Practitioner and Coach. During this process he came to realise that the fundamental issues faced by those looking to change are often very similar regardless of the context. NLP is a set of tools and strategies which allow you to master your emotions, achieve powerful states of mind and become a more powerful and effective communicator. NLP has the potential to give you the self-determination needed to overcome learned limitations and will emphasize well-being and healthy functioning. The skills learned through NLP coaching can be used by anyone to improve effectiveness both personally and professionally.

Coaching is a process of setting focused achievable goals that are realistic for the individual and identifying the pathway to achieving them.

During a session Dave will work with you to clearly identify your desired goals and the actions required for you to successfully meet them. Unlike therapy, coaching is about looking to the future, so past issues are rarely explored in any depth.

If you would like to contact Dave to organise a business, life or sports coaching session, please email dave@dmgsailsports.com or phone our office at 01-8456946.

Nice forecast for the weekend

2010-05-13T11:55:00.003+01:00

At last it looks like a great forecast for the weekend with perfect conditions for windsurfing and dinghy sailing. Nice Northwesterly winds around F 3 - 4 and temperatures creeping into the early teens.

With the windsurfing school now almost fully stocked with our 2010 kit it's the perfect time to get back on the water for a lesson or just a couple of hours hire. Maybe you want to see how far you can push your progress this season or maybe you just want to get your hair wet and feel great ;-)

This weekend also sees our first dinghy sailing course of the season so if your were thinking of trying somthing new give us a shout and join in.

Give us a call in the office for a booking before it's too late 01-8456946

Irish Slalom Windsurfing Series Round 2

2010-05-10T13:24:00.003+01:00

Irish Slalom Windsurfing Series

Round 2: Castlegregory Details:

Category Irish Slalom Series Ranked Event

Where: Jamie Knox Watersports - Co. Kerry

Date: 22/May/10 -23/May/10

Dave Garvey runs sailing lesson for RTE's Rob Ross

2010-05-10T13:20:00.002+01:00

RTE http://www.rte.ie/tv/theden/ice/ recently visited MYC http://www.myc.ie/ to video a feature on sailing. Rob Ross a presenter on ICE was given a sailing lesson by Dave Garvey http://www.dmgsailsports.com/. At the end of the lesson he was set a challenge involving a couple of our junior sailors, Orlaith Thomson and Lizzie Mc Dowell.

Marine Times Online

2010-05-10T12:47:00.002+01:00

Marine Times Newspaper - Ireland's Leading Marine Publication at http://www.marinetimes.ie/

IWA 2010 Event Calendar

2010-03-15T16:51:00.002+00:00

Please find attached updated copy of IWA Cal for 2010. All info supplied has been updated.