The ninth annual Galway Fest just went down on the west coast of the Emerald Isle. Palm paddlers were out in force competing in all disciplines and trying their hardest to win the party. Here are their thoughts on the weekend:
Laura Griffin
Top Irish paddler and coach Laura has been to Galway Fest as many times as Andrew Regan (one of the festival founders). She has paddled all over the world but still loves the cold rocky ditches of Ireland!
What is your favourite thing about Galway Fest? I love getting to meet everyone from the kayaking community. It’s a great way to catch up with everyone and paddle a great river.
What’s the most memorable moment of Galway Fest 2020? Watching loads of young people, who I’ve taught to paddle, racing down the Boluisce.
Personal highlight/best result this year? Finishing fourth in the time trial on Saturday. I was delighted with my time and with how I paddled on the day.
How many times have you been to Galway Fest? Eight times.
What makes Galway Fest different from other kayaking events you have been to? The people and the atmosphere. It’s such a fun event and everyone is there just to enjoy paddling and having the craic.
How do you like your Buckfast? In someone else’s bottle.
Lowri Davies
Local to the mighty Dee in Wales, Lowri has had success internationally in both freestyle and extreme racing. She is a regular feature on the British freestyle team and one of the UK’s top coaches. She also a big name in 80s costumes.
What’s your favourite thing about Galway Fest? It’s so inclusive and makes everyone feel so welcome. Kayaking ability is not a factor in how friendly people are to you here!
What’s the most memorable moment of Galway Fest 2020? Dancing on a table wearing an 80s costume with an espresso martini in my hand.
Personal highlight/best result this year? Third place in freestyle.
How many times have you been to Galway Fest? Three.
What makes Galway Fest different from other kayaking events you have been to? The commitment and prioritisation of the parties! And Buckfast.
How do you like your Buckfast? Unopened.
Lucien Schreiber
Is he French or is he Irish? No-one knows, sometimes it depends on what he’s saying. He might have a confused accent but he sure knows how to handle a boat. With a big bag of freestyle tricks, mad racing skills and a healthy dose of local knowledge he is always in the running for the overall win at Galway Fest.
What is your favourite thing about Galway Fest? Seeing all the Irish and international kayakers paddling and partying together. Even the terrible weather didn’t affect the event, it’s the people that make the weekend so special!
What’s the most memorable moment of Galway Fest 2020? Seal launching off the bridge in the middle of the city for the boater-X men’s finals.
Personal highlight/best result this year? Second at time trial race, third boater-X and second overall.
How many times have you been to Galway Fest? Five.
What makes Galway Fest different to other kayaking events you have been to? That beginners and experts are on the same river, at the same time, and following the exact same rules. Everyone is treated the same and it makes the event so inclusive! It’s up to you to decide how seriously you want to take the races/parties …
How do you like your Buckfast? Taped to someone else’s hands.
Anything else to add? A few hours’ sleep
Cara Lee
Recently returned from the 2019 British Universities Kayak Expedition to the Russian far East. Cara grew up next to the best slalom course in the UK, the mighty Tryweryn. Her wealth of experience from racing slalom across the world shows through in her silky smooth paddling style and fast racing times.
What is your favourite thing about Galway Fest? Galway is my favourite city in Ireland and having hundreds kayaking through the city just makes it even better. It’s such a friendly event and the guys do an incredible job organising it to make sure every kayaker feels included no matter what level.
What’s the most memorable moment of Galway Fest 2020? Being part of the women’s boater-X final, the standard of the competition made for an interesting sprint to squeeze through the shoot. Also, having a party with arcade games is pretty cool
Personal highlight/best result this year? Third place in whitewater.
How many times have you been to Galway Fest? Four.
What makes Galway Fest different from other kayaking events you have been to? There’s a big focus on juniors and intermediates, it’s great to have an event that is so keen to encourage those coming into the sport
How do you like your Buckfast? For it to not be my Buckfast.
Anything else to add? Be prepared for all weather, especially hail.
David McClure
One hundred percent pure athlete. David took the win in 2019’s Galway Fest’s freestyle against a stacked international crowd. With a bag of tricks so deep it’s rumoured to feature in the next Sir David Attenborough documentary.
What is your favourite thing about Galway Fest? The atmosphere in the night freestyle finals and the closeness of everyone around making it feel like a stadium full of friends.
What’s the most memorable moment of Galway Fest 2020? The 80s-disco dance-off between Quim and Nuria.
Personal highlight/best result this year? My highlight was seeing the kids I’ve coached during the year having fun and paddling really well.
How many times have you been to Galway Fest? Three.
What makes Galway Fest different to other kayaking events you have been to? The Irish!
How do you like your Buckfast? With Nutella crepes.
Will Chick
All round good guy and qualified paramedic, don’t let this man plan your multi-day menu otherwise you might just end up with sandy pasta with onions and mayonnaise as your main meal.
What is your favourite thing about Galway Fest? The people. (Mainly Brian O’mahoney but I guess the rest are alright).
What’s the most memorable moment of Galway Fest 2020? Dave Manby’s views on Americans.
Personal highlight/best result this year? A 3:00 am Irish fiddle session (Woof!), to finish the weekend Monday morning. Eigth overall.
How many times have you been to Galway Fest? Twice.
What makes Galway Fest different to other kayaking events you have been to? ‘King of the swingers’ John Conneely presenting the James Smith Sunday night sesh. Good luck finding that anywhere else.
How do you like your Buckfast? With a side of antiarrhythmics.
Anything else to add? Going home before Sunday night would be the worst decision of your life.
Nick Bennett
Just some guy from England who likes kayaking. (Modest author and even more modest kayak racer – Ed)
What is your favourite thing about Galway Fest? How much fun it is! The combination of fantastic people, an awesome place and a great event make it really special.
What’s the most memorable moment of Galway Fest 2020? Nearly throwing up from fear of heights on the bridge for the seal launch of the boater-X final.
Personal highlight/best result this year? Finally making it into the boater-X final (only to then realise the terrifying consequences). Best result was first in the time trial race on Saturday with a new Galway Fest course record.
How many times have you been to Galway Fest? Four, and I am gradually learning how to dodge the Buckfast. This was also the first time I managed to make it to the top section of the Boluisce which is actually really fun!
What makes Galway Fest different to other kayaking events you have been to? So many things! It’s a combination of so many different types of events, in the middle of literally one of my favourite cities I have ever been to, with the most friendly and stoked bunch of people. The races on Sunday are right in the centre of town. With hundreds of kayakers and hundreds more spectators. It’s insane.
How do you like you Buckfast? Drunken by someone else!
A huge thanks to the whole Galway Fest crew from the Palm paddlers for yet another great weekend, especially Aoife, Barry and everyone who made it possible. They did an absolutely amazing job running a huge event in the middle of a bustling town and we’re already looking forward to it again next year!
