At the weekend County Antrim Paddle Sports (C.A.P.S) supported by Water Ways Ireland, hosted the Big Bann Canoe Challenge (BBCC) 2017, and what a challenge it was.
Participants travel the ancient highway of the Lower Bann River by canoe, paddling from Portglenone to Drumaheglis (23km) over two days, with an overnight camping stop at Movanagher Lock. The aim of BBCC is to give people and in particular families the opportunity to try canoeing and experience the beauty and wildlife of the Lower River Bann.
This year the wind decided it would try with all its might to deter our new band of challengers as they set of on their quest to be Banned. Fifty five Challengers from the age of four to seventy decided to defy the weather, and were rewarded with a beautiful evening at our camp at Movanagher Lock , which was made all the more pleasant by our very own River Bann Folk group.
Sunday morning and all the wildlife came out to play, Kingfishers, Cormorants, herons, otters and mink all spotted from the campsite. The weather was in our favor as we set of on our Sunday leg, which contributed to the challengers finishing well ahead of schedule at Drumaheglis. With everyone sporting their camping hairdos, a slight aroma of campfire and a big smile the challengers were treated to a big sausage roll before saying their goodbyes and heading off for a much needed hot scrub.
Thank you to Waterways Ireland for their support of the Big Bann Canoe Challenge 2017. Thank you to all those that helped out and to those who donated to this years chosen charity, Lough Neagh Rescue .
