David Horkan | Kayaking Ireland | davidhorkankayaking.com

David Horkan Kayaking

About

David Horkan Kayaking AntarcticaDavid Horkan - Antarctica
David is one of Ireland's most accomplished kayakers, with a passion for pushing the boundaries of the sport. A skilled guide, coach, and athlete, David excels in multiple disciplines, including whitewater rivers, surfing, and long-distance racing. In 2022, he made history as the first ever Irishman to win the prestigious Devizes to Westminster international kayak race.

Growing up on the West Coast of Ireland, David began kayaking at the age of 12 and quickly developed a love for the sport. After taking a break during university, he returned to kayaking with renewed vigor, seeking out new challenges and exploring the world through his love of the water.

As a professional kayaker, David has also set records for the fastest team to kayak around Vancouver Island and the fastest crossing of the Irish Sea. In addition to his competitive achievements, David has also guided kayaking expeditions in remote locations such as Patagonia, Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands.

In addition to his kayaking expertise, David is also a certified Canoeing Ireland instructor in whitewater, paddle surfing, and sea kayaking. He is also an ISKGA Advanced Guide and a Leave No Trace trainer, making him well-equipped to share his love of the outdoors with others. When not on the water, David is an avid kitesurfer, cyclist, and stand-up paddleboarder.

​David is also a techniqal consultant for Online Sea Kayaking and partners with leading brands such as Aquabound and Kokatat. Through his knowledge and experience, he helps these companies develop and improve their products, ensuring the best possible experience for kayakers around the world.

Kindly supported by:
​Kokatat, Craft Sportswear, Canoe Centre, Rockpool Kayaks, Aqua Bound Paddles, ISOBAA Merino, Braca Paddle Ireland and COROS watches 


Kayaking Qualifications: 

International Sea Kayak Guide Association
  •  Advanced Guide

​Canoeing Ireland
  • Level 5 River proficiency 
  • Level 3 River Instructor 
  • Level 3 Surf Instructor 
  • Level 3 Sea Instructor 
  • Level 5 Sea proficiency 

Other:
  • Rescue Emergency Care (REC) Level 4
  • Leave No Trace Trainer
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
*N.B. All my records are verified by GPS and public. 
Achievements 
  • 2022- 1st European Kayak Marathon Championships K2 over 35 - Silkeborg, Denmark
  • 2022- 1st Devizes to Westminster International Kayak race K1 ( First ever Irish winner) 
  • 2021- Irish Open Waveski 3rd
  • 2021- Masters Canoe Marathon World championships 6th (35-39yrs)
  • 2021- Estonian ocean paddling Championships 1st K2 ski
  • 2020- Achill Island solo- 6hrs 7min Current verified RECORD 
  • 2020- Irish Sea North Channel solo -3hrs 11min NEW RECORD 
  • 2019- Achill Island solo - 65km 6hrs 20min 
  • 2018- Irish Sea Crossing- Team 10hrs 51min 92km
  • 2018- Colywn Bay Blast surfski 1st
  • 2018- 5km Time Trail National Champion
  • 2017- 5km Time Trail National Champion
  • 2017- 1st Colwyn Bay Ocean race Wales
  • 2017- 3rd Epic Bay Ocean race Devon
  • 2017- Devizes to Westminster (6th) K1 16:44
  • 2016- Vancouver Island Circumnavigation - 700 miles 14days,20hrs, 51min. (fastest Team)
  • 2016- Hawksbury Classic Australia,  111km - 5th overall 9hrs 23min
  • 2015- Devizes to Westminster (9th)K1 18:20
  • 2013- Devizes to Westminster (10th) K2 20:49
  • Irish Sea North Channel Crossing 2013 & 2015 35km (3:51)solo
  • 2015 Solo Speed Descent River Shannon  210km 
  • Speed Circumnavigation Achill Island 2014 67km (6:52) and 2015 (6:41) solo
  • 2015- National Marathon Champs top 10
  • 2015- Blue Way Ultra marathon  K1 - 1st
Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • About
  • Home
  • Q & A
  • Expeditions
    • Éire 360° >
      • DONATE
    • Vannav 2016
    • South America
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Reviews
  • About
  • Home
  • Q & A
  • Expeditions
    • Éire 360° >
      • DONATE
    • Vannav 2016
    • South America
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Reviews