Currach Racing

Currach Racing in Ireland was originated by fishermen who would race each other back to shore after collecting their catch.

The flat-bottomed boats have no keels, allowing them to ride large ocean swells and skim up shallow rivers.

 Racing a Currach is a different experience than rowing a shell or canoe. One to four rowers sit facing the back of the boat and each rower has two oars. There are four fixed seats and two 8-10 foot oars per seat. The captain sits in seat #1 and determines the course of the boat by frequently looking back over his or her shoulder, then calls directions to the person steering in seat #4. Rowers in seats #2 and #3 are the "engines" and only focus on rowing with the rowers immediately in front of them. Rowers start the stroke by leaning forward, placing the ends of the oars in the water, locking their elbows and pulling back. Much of the power of the stroke is generated in the back and legs. While Currach Racing has been a feature of life on the West Coast of Ireland for generations it is now growing in popularity in other parts of Ireland, Europe and most notably in America where they have their own national federation, the North American Currach Association (NACA).

The Irish International Currach Association seek to increase interest and participation in Currach Racing both nationally and internationally.