Kayakers from around the world enjoyed ’stunning coastlines teeming with wildlife’ and rapid waters for the island’s Sea Kayak Festival.

Participants travelled from Norway, Iceland, Netherlands, Catalonia, North Wales and the UK for two weeks of training and experiencing the largest tides of the year in Manx waters.

A total of 36 people - 24 of whom were students in the field - had a choice of workshops focusing on performance, rescues and leadership development during the annual festival. British Canoeing advanced water coaching and leadership awards were also run.

The participants, which included island residents, were taken around the island and to the Calf of Man which offers tide races and overfalls.

Keirron Tastagh, owner of event host Adventurous Experiences, said: ’It’s a terrific atmosphere and really is an absolute pleasure to introduce paddlers to our adventure playground.’

Kayakers were treated to Risso dolphins showing off their acrobatic skills and seals (including the one pictured right) surfing alongside paddlers and nuzzling kayaks and chewing toggles.

They were briefed to avoid secluded beaches while the pupping season for Atlantic grey seals was underway.

Anula Jochym, a sea kayak guide in Iceland, said: ’IoM kayak festival 2019 was an absolute blast!

’Top class venue and excellent coaching combined with Manx hospitality makes it a unique and unforgettable event.’

Oisin Hallissey, head of paddlesport at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in Northern Ireland, said: ’I relished the opportunity to paddle on the Isle of Man.

’I look across from the Mournes and see the island in the horizon.

It certainly lived up to expectations, great tidal races, stunning coastline, and great company,’ he said.

Next year’s festival weekend will be on September 28 and 29, with workshops running from September 21 to October 4.