Scout, Venture, Rover River Descent 2026

📢 EXCITING NEWS – THE 49TH ANNUAL SCOUT RIVER DESCENT! 🚣‍♂️🌊

Due to the lack of rainfall this year and the resulting exceptionally low water levels on the River Liffey, the ESB is unable to release water to supplement the river flow.

Unfortunately, this means that conditions on the Liffey are currently too low and unpredictable to provide the safe, challenging and exciting race that the Scout River Descent is known for.

But we weren’t going to let this incredible tradition pause!

For its 49th year, the Scout River Descent is returning to another historic setting – the magnificent River Boyne in Co. Meath! 🏞️

The course will begin just above the famous Trim Wave and finish approximately 9km downstream at Bective Bridge, beside the historic Bective Abbey.

Along the way, competitors will face an exciting mix of moving water, rapids and weirs – providing a fantastic challenge and a true test of paddling skill, endurance, teamwork and Scout spirit.

📍 Meeting Point: Boyne Valley Activities, Jonathan Swift Street, Trim, Co. Meath

🏁 Finish: Bective Bridge, beside Bective Abbey, Co. Meath

We are delighted to bring the race back to such a historic and picturesque location, and we can’t wait to see paddlers old and new take on the challenge.

This will be another year for the history books – and you’ll want to be able to say you were part of it!

🚀 Get ready for the 49th Annual Scout River Descent – on the River Boyne!

This year, we are also delighted to include an additional class for Canadian-style open canoes.

Canadian Canoe Class Rules:

• Two participants per canoe.
• Both participants must use single-bladed (Canadian-style) paddles for the entire race. There must be at least three half paddles in the canoe. Two for paddling and at least one spare
• Canoes must be fitted with suitable and securely attached buoyancy blocks or buoyancy bags.
• Canoes must have suitable bow and stern lines (painters).
• Teams may be male, female or mixed within the appropriate age category.
• If both paddlers are under 18, the team will compete in the Under-18 category.
• If either paddler is aged 18 or over, the team will compete in the 18–26 Years category.
• Canadian canoe competitors must comply with all other applicable race and safety requirements.

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST:

✅ Be currently registered members of a Scout, Venture Scout or Rover Scout Troop.
✅ Have a minimum of Canoe Ireland Level 2 Skills.
✅ Be competent swimmers.
✅ Have the permission of their Scouter to participate.
✅ Meet all equipment and safety requirements listed below.

1. Registration
Registration is online only. Email [email protected] to request the registration link.

Registration closes at 22:00, two days before the event.

2. Scout Membership
All competitors must be currently registered members of a Scout, Venture Scout or Rover Scout Troop.

3. Paddling Skills
All participants must be signed off to a minimum of Canoe Ireland Level 2 Skills,

4. Personal Safety Equipment
All participants must wear the appropriate personal safety equipment for their craft, including an approved and properly fitting buoyancy aid, helmet and suitable footwear. Kayakers must also have a properly fitting spraydeck.

5. Spirit of the Event
All competitors are expected to participate in the spirit of the Scout River Descent and in accordance with the values and spirit of Scouting.

6. Minimum Age
Competitors must be at least 13 years of age on the day of the race.

7. Maximum Time on the River
Any competitor still on the river after 2 hours may be asked to retire at the next suitable weir, access point or other safe location.

Any participant retiring before the finish must notify the Rescue Team or Sweepers and must subsequently report in person to the Recorders at the finish.

8. Swimming Ability
All competitors must be competent swimmers.

9. Responsibility of the Scouter
The Scouter in charge of each participating Troop takes responsibility for ensuring that their Troop's competitors are appropriately prepared, competent and correctly registered for the event.

10. Permission to Participate
Participants must have their Scouter's permission before registering for the event. Anyone unsure of their eligibility should speak to the Scouter in charge of their Troop before registering.

11. Kayaks
All kayaks must be river-worthy and appropriately fitted.

Each kayak must have:

• Buoyancy bags or suitable purpose-made buoyancy foam, securely fitted in the bow and stern.
• Improvised Styrofoam or packaging from electrical appliances will not be accepted as buoyancy.
• Properly fitted hand grips at the bow and stern.
• A properly fitted foot support.

12. Participant Personal Equipment
Every Paddler must wear:

• An approved kayaking helmet.
• An approved, properly fitting buoyancy aid of at least 50 Newtons.
• A properly fitting spraydeck in kayaks.
• Appropriate footwear with a hard/protective sole. Socks alone, of any description, are not permitted as footwear.
• A suitable paddle.

13. Equipment Inspection – NO EXCEPTIONS
All competitors and craft are subject to inspection by the Race Starter or nominated race official.

If a competitor or craft is not properly equipped or does not meet the required safety standard, they will not be permitted onto the river.

NO EXCEPTIONS.

14. Assistance to Other Competitors
Any competitor who sees another competitor in danger is expected to provide all reasonable assistance possible, without unnecessarily placing themselves in danger.

Failure to assist a competitor in distress may result in disqualification and further disciplinary action.

15. Prize Giving
All Scouts are requested to fall in for the prize giving in full Scout uniform.

16. Prizes
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the applicable age groups and race classes, including male and female categories where applicable.

17. Finisher Badge
Every competitor who successfully completes the course will receive a special commemorative Scout River Descent finisher badge. 🏅

18. Officer of the Day
The Officer of the Day has the final decision on all matters relating to the running of the event.

19. Water & Weather Conditions
The event will only proceed if river levels, weather conditions and other relevant circumstances are considered suitable.

Safety is our priority.

The organisers reserve the right to alter, shorten, postpone or cancel the course where conditions require it.

20. Protests
Any protest must be submitted in writing as soon as reasonably possible following the occurrence and, in all cases, no later than 22:00 on the day of the Scout River Descent.

Protests should be emailed to [email protected].

All protests will be considered and adjudicated upon by a Protest Committee appointed by the Officer of the Day.

21. Event Organiser
The Scout River Descent is organised and run by the 5th Port Dollymount Sea Scout Group.

22. Canadian Canoes
Canadian canoe competitors and craft must comply with the same applicable safety standards and event rules outlined above, together with the specific Canadian Canoe Class requirements.

For further information or to request the online registration link, please email:

[email protected]

🌊🚣‍♀️ 49 YEARS OF SCOUTING, PADDLING, ADVENTURE & TRADITION

THE 49TH ANNUAL SCOUT RIVER DESCENT – RIVER BOYNE

See you on the river! ⚜️

Event venue & nearby stays

Boyne Valley Activities, Jonathan Swift Street, Trim, Ireland

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

Get the app →