tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32738259825563722032024-02-07T23:15:41.151+00:0051˚N Seakayaking51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-90651388076670504102012-06-14T22:59:00.000+01:002012-10-23T12:01:35.793+01:00Cliff WalkingAmongst some of the sea paddlers at Glam Boaters there is an 'in' joke that some people take up cliff walking after paddling with Taran, today was my turn to experience that feeling.<br />
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We had arranged to paddle form Sully to Penarth, not a long paddle by any means but it was going to be a bit of a slog against the prevailing South Easterly wind.<br />
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Arriving at Sully Taran was nearly whooping with excitement when he saw the western tip of sully island, to be honest, at that point, I can't say I shared the same enthusiasm.<br />
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We paddled out, Taran charging into the playground and me cautiously making my way to try and skirt around it via a much calmer route. When I did eventually have a peak around the corner I saw even bigger waves, I quickly made my mind up that the only way I was going to get around the island was on foot.<br />
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As I turned my boat I caught sight of Taran playing in the race, his boat was pretty much vertical on the face of a wave, and I could see water from bow to stern, it was one big wave.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMJqqhzdot5xzCI4C31BdPhc0eNfXIMX03SvDha4UOa1cNqj752dGkpS-HeL4ZDwS1PmE2naP0i9lFlBvtY_N68BKbk-9cmDRYgpjk2GQ0eGRocx84wyOle-x7IJ5dcEDBSoVcjTncgY/s1600/sully.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMJqqhzdot5xzCI4C31BdPhc0eNfXIMX03SvDha4UOa1cNqj752dGkpS-HeL4ZDwS1PmE2naP0i9lFlBvtY_N68BKbk-9cmDRYgpjk2GQ0eGRocx84wyOle-x7IJ5dcEDBSoVcjTncgY/s640/sully.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taran's playground at the western end of Sully Island.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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(Apologies for the quality of this one but something was up with my camera, not focusing and making everything curved. The little black spec on top of the wave is Taran) <br />
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After completing my 'walk of shame' I was back on the water and paddling into the wind. Not long after this I found myself walking yet again, I had spotted the Rannies and they looked messy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43QL3QsvmFBdYJPAFEGr-nOaRtRRpciHDIKTODiL9lNgCZBBMzv71ox1MwWNKc54nUJXPmgHfMbRnsKfUKbT9_VIrazj7Tf1WtFFkkFQql9PKB0Pjb8ODDHVH7yCCJblWOCmO72jHlN0/s1600/Taran+Rannies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43QL3QsvmFBdYJPAFEGr-nOaRtRRpciHDIKTODiL9lNgCZBBMzv71ox1MwWNKc54nUJXPmgHfMbRnsKfUKbT9_VIrazj7Tf1WtFFkkFQql9PKB0Pjb8ODDHVH7yCCJblWOCmO72jHlN0/s640/Taran+Rannies.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rannies. Image courtesy of Taran.</td></tr>
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By now I was getting good at this walking and shame action I had going on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivo9qujk9XsgPR4l7QJWr4xlr-oKY6-XP47pTebHIdBdjLzN1ckGQy2FgwJIKgxwaWXMbAoEiaSyQaq2dlZ8YwZri4zmCL-Z46S6mahJYwCEF1YFrc6yzxR7r7Rpq_9uEfKXNbXbBuoq8/s1600/Rannies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivo9qujk9XsgPR4l7QJWr4xlr-oKY6-XP47pTebHIdBdjLzN1ckGQy2FgwJIKgxwaWXMbAoEiaSyQaq2dlZ8YwZri4zmCL-Z46S6mahJYwCEF1YFrc6yzxR7r7Rpq_9uEfKXNbXbBuoq8/s640/Rannies+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rannies not looking to bad from shore</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPQCpgR0EbU9gWO5biIaBm3vU-cDFqexWNKpLwP1SmfORJlIWT5tz5EzHjQhJTvk1nk-TunMJ8MinOdbJB6VkgJZXbsosUHWSpVRQ9W-CghuNQ_eJe5IYS5MosQrWUYOahZrdiQiz0m4/s1600/Penarth1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPQCpgR0EbU9gWO5biIaBm3vU-cDFqexWNKpLwP1SmfORJlIWT5tz5EzHjQhJTvk1nk-TunMJ8MinOdbJB6VkgJZXbsosUHWSpVRQ9W-CghuNQ_eJe5IYS5MosQrWUYOahZrdiQiz0m4/s640/Penarth1+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
After an eternity I manage to find a suitable launch spot for my kayak and continued on to Penarth.(I think my camera was playing up again as it's flattened the sea this time)<br />
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I have to admit though this leg of the journey was the roughest conditions I've paddled in since starting sea kayaking, it was uncomfortable and it certainly tested my comfort levels not to mention my low brace but in some respects was fun in a bizarre way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwYeBH5ttaxnTPchewOoX1xuSXrudEtjN4TtRrVYYv-An5t8-KeEtmbuHOsVKW0MqvCW7wPvHDpulhRDKgXMD73WUo0cB92Pwn7hALR8gh1zyY3IMsDgHg0sRe0ZH54oR-3Ma8rx8nhc/s1600/Penarth2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwYeBH5ttaxnTPchewOoX1xuSXrudEtjN4TtRrVYYv-An5t8-KeEtmbuHOsVKW0MqvCW7wPvHDpulhRDKgXMD73WUo0cB92Pwn7hALR8gh1zyY3IMsDgHg0sRe0ZH54oR-3Ma8rx8nhc/s640/Penarth2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taran catching a wave at Penarth. </td></tr>
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Cliff walking ? Not for me just yet anyway. <br />
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51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-26816876344286176902012-05-25T09:59:00.000+01:002012-05-28T22:13:04.294+01:00Two Weeks In May<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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Imagine just drifting, sitting there alone in the complete silence of the moment. Not the slightest sound from any direction, not a breath of wind, not a ripple on the deep clear crystal water. The sensation of warmth on your face as the sun wins its battle with the early morning mist and still has enough strength to penetrate deep into your soul, today was going to be a good day.<br />
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This was not some figment of imagination, these were the conditions I encountered during one early morning paddle off the south east coast of Ireland.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K1Ejn7724_r7pPEXuFHZ5w0ocSISR5i5Ja6jaf0t5MdBJwrSxWhNaKE3ifaywy4wOM2OmXcK7Y-Uct4PvWa3jJxrUTzm6_xy__2kzdysW-HlThpsepbepeCYcT_YeGGE_2DIMkGFHp0/s1600/2012+Ireland+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K1Ejn7724_r7pPEXuFHZ5w0ocSISR5i5Ja6jaf0t5MdBJwrSxWhNaKE3ifaywy4wOM2OmXcK7Y-Uct4PvWa3jJxrUTzm6_xy__2kzdysW-HlThpsepbepeCYcT_YeGGE_2DIMkGFHp0/s640/2012+Ireland+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitesands, Garrylucas.</td></tr>
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For two weeks in May I found myself in Ireland, having agreed to help a relative with the restoration of a property that was in need of some major work, a bus man's holiday of sorts if you like. With little time to commit to a full days paddle I had to resign myself to catching an hour or so before work, the only fly in the ointment that I hadn't planned was that I really had to wrench myself away from this coastline, it truly is a wonderful place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLe85qbMMy6TF5Z84UwfdJByZP2L7T9iVVsUEt1nu7DERS8j5fdkNMJ4n9QXyiR30_wSC534Ad9D51kHGCd1D_mJR8aTNLj2Iq4Sn9is-SnqT229Ywch-FI3XFHISVrpjybd3C-oQ3kD8/s1600/2012+Ireland+9_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLe85qbMMy6TF5Z84UwfdJByZP2L7T9iVVsUEt1nu7DERS8j5fdkNMJ4n9QXyiR30_wSC534Ad9D51kHGCd1D_mJR8aTNLj2Iq4Sn9is-SnqT229Ywch-FI3XFHISVrpjybd3C-oQ3kD8/s640/2012+Ireland+9_edited-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern coastline, Courtmacsherry Bay </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilptOcxtll942_IZF1XX3VQekVbpP8rAP-74Yv4MYYd4sKBjxBv-CaiSFhEei-AZPKLnLDbhCq9C8jtI095g3HVs22Qp_eEyGhTyUubuJNmFgn4tfgyqEvjO2kUI-H9ru74m4mAuM1N7A/s1600/2012++Ireland+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilptOcxtll942_IZF1XX3VQekVbpP8rAP-74Yv4MYYd4sKBjxBv-CaiSFhEei-AZPKLnLDbhCq9C8jtI095g3HVs22Qp_eEyGhTyUubuJNmFgn4tfgyqEvjO2kUI-H9ru74m4mAuM1N7A/s640/2012++Ireland+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unknown Cove Courtmacsherry Bay<br />
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The section I paddled the most stretched from Kinsale to Courtmacsherry, which includes the<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrU2ZZZSRpNLFTK-P79WV5mawi_h-6z9lH8o4xLeGDiafJQ-QB93xWHrTFF13uYnHYq-ywoVat1w_Q6S5er9wIF0rMuq7OJzPYcGSIVwDbfzTCen-wtMcqgCzV6sO1ZXHos2yuTmTVPU/s1600/2012+Ireland+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrU2ZZZSRpNLFTK-P79WV5mawi_h-6z9lH8o4xLeGDiafJQ-QB93xWHrTFF13uYnHYq-ywoVat1w_Q6S5er9wIF0rMuq7OJzPYcGSIVwDbfzTCen-wtMcqgCzV6sO1ZXHos2yuTmTVPU/s400/2012+Ireland+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Gardens, Courtmacsherry Bay</td></tr>
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Old Head of Kinsale, the most prominent and famous headland along this stretch.<br />
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Having paddled more days than not I inevitably took hundreds of photo's and went to enough places to keep me writing for a very long time indeed. Thankfully it's not my intention to write a day by day account, I've just selected some photo's and words that I think portray the beauty of the area and its affect on me.<br />
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The secrets of the Old Head are slowly revealed as you make your way around, it's all about a dramatic coastline with sea caves, sheer cliffs and an abundance of wildlife. I saw my first Otter happily swim by without a care in the world, until of course I tried to take a photo, seals played tag with me popping up in front and behind my kayak but ultimately wouldn't get too close. The eastern cliffs teamed with sea birds that made sounds more reminiscent of a national geographic documentary in some far flung corner of the world. I was centre stage in the greatest theatre in the world. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5ssNSgR6Dv-zKf3ph7OC6zaEkdBMJqG07D1TAITS_k5S3oeFj6Ms4O-UibsWcVIK0jBDbMs5s4jI3IDVRI1GtEHMCKA6o3zdlL6mPmsPZrqJ8JJHDPa7aEwbgSCMvur2tIMyyzd7uwA/s1600/2012+Ireland+10_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5ssNSgR6Dv-zKf3ph7OC6zaEkdBMJqG07D1TAITS_k5S3oeFj6Ms4O-UibsWcVIK0jBDbMs5s4jI3IDVRI1GtEHMCKA6o3zdlL6mPmsPZrqJ8JJHDPa7aEwbgSCMvur2tIMyyzd7uwA/s640/2012+Ireland+10_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western cliffs, Old Head</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSMbOtPL4dnhdZYGzLgp8zMH-L-5DootB0IR-rHaaK2YzEHg-IKykpLGj9XWbcStZmP7flMrwqR2NAlnxBEbWiZFVkGIPeH5AI1mFDvCfR0MuInz9drfkrF6NntiVBn3BJaD-nAJnXXQ/s1600/2012+Ireland+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSMbOtPL4dnhdZYGzLgp8zMH-L-5DootB0IR-rHaaK2YzEHg-IKykpLGj9XWbcStZmP7flMrwqR2NAlnxBEbWiZFVkGIPeH5AI1mFDvCfR0MuInz9drfkrF6NntiVBn3BJaD-nAJnXXQ/s640/2012+Ireland+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evidence of the geological activity that helped shape this coastline.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGLD3Cu1PG6FzT2hS24-Q1qu21HOS6MaEjF6z7dT0LnBqPAFqiKA6I2c3udLC6KK6ub0rG6r53qCcAz-kuG_dWe5CkxOIYv5yKwiNiAYoFk2ITBaln-_XZcfx2skThCQSKHovoO6SSH8/s1600/2012+Ireland+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGLD3Cu1PG6FzT2hS24-Q1qu21HOS6MaEjF6z7dT0LnBqPAFqiKA6I2c3udLC6KK6ub0rG6r53qCcAz-kuG_dWe5CkxOIYv5yKwiNiAYoFk2ITBaln-_XZcfx2skThCQSKHovoO6SSH8/s640/2012+Ireland+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old Head Lighthouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAjriS1OVqLo-2a5C-N1zdsjMkn9vuTaUGv-IJNE4MDCVyeT4xy8GqNS5yyAAx-DvVHOwoMmNDBLdtqh6KLNJ_AEchUb8C_iACSJo1OGvQj-nIN9neH6Ryn1CW8xAVwk-hy8nIeBDfco/s1600/2012+Ireland+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAjriS1OVqLo-2a5C-N1zdsjMkn9vuTaUGv-IJNE4MDCVyeT4xy8GqNS5yyAAx-DvVHOwoMmNDBLdtqh6KLNJ_AEchUb8C_iACSJo1OGvQj-nIN9neH6Ryn1CW8xAVwk-hy8nIeBDfco/s640/2012+Ireland+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A grinning face hidden in the rocks ?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5iP_6Awl2V6KCfZeziAQ9KxectLZBePajIsZ9sykgvDRoVagSgkwfm-DugF1OUhpIow2SYm3cv2QcpI-jkT7-BaPxwYCBAO_he7t9XbTAKxQkq5seGhi2acM980S5-uK5R5KhU40R4s/s1600/2012+ireland+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5iP_6Awl2V6KCfZeziAQ9KxectLZBePajIsZ9sykgvDRoVagSgkwfm-DugF1OUhpIow2SYm3cv2QcpI-jkT7-BaPxwYCBAO_he7t9XbTAKxQkq5seGhi2acM980S5-uK5R5KhU40R4s/s640/2012+ireland+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Caves, Old Head of Kinsale<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It would be amiss of me not to mention the most famous incident that happened off the shores of the Old Head. It was 7th May 1915 when the RMS Lusitania fell prey to the German U Boat, U20. In a matter of minutes 1198 people lost their lives, with only 761 surviving the incident.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The sinking shocked the world and turned opinion against Germany, which helped America enter the war. Legitimate military target or not, the debate still is ongoing today. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The situation is complex though, as the Lusitania was carrying rifle ammunition to the UK as part of the war effort under an obligation to the admiralty. A popular conspiracy theory has it that British intelligence agents leaked information to German agents in the US thus sealing the liners fate and helping nudge America into the war. Whatever the truth it is a shame that such a dark chapter in human history should touch this beautiful area. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">As mentioned I feel as if I could write forever about this area but for now that's it. I am planning to add a Further Information section including maps to assist anyone wishing to visit this area, which I would thoroughly recommend if you have the chance. </span></span></div>
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</div>51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-56139717675968696462012-03-17T18:00:00.000+00:002012-04-05T11:31:16.238+01:00Grand SlamAs the Welsh rugby team prepare for their encounter with France,<a href="http://www.seakayaking-adventures.com/2012/03/mermaids-of-severn-sea.html" target="_blank">Taran</a>, <a href="http://welshrandomadventures.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/surf-and-turf.html" target="_blank">Jules</a> and I head towards Aberavon Beach for our own surf encounter, little did I know I'd be having my own grand slamming a few hours later.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeK8avInqHOwmIoxUdqVnbj5CjMrpFp-wL_6aTPCMZ9bpvZfmkQwMZl-I6xU-ypzHkDvk_6txeVaXdqsckUu8_iXGm2Ff5d52KAQb4ReawQ8lGnEwMRjk-_eco-NBJOUWUUuNVMa6JgEQ/s1600/Surf1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeK8avInqHOwmIoxUdqVnbj5CjMrpFp-wL_6aTPCMZ9bpvZfmkQwMZl-I6xU-ypzHkDvk_6txeVaXdqsckUu8_iXGm2Ff5d52KAQb4ReawQ8lGnEwMRjk-_eco-NBJOUWUUuNVMa6JgEQ/s640/Surf1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The surf at Aberavon was smaller than expected (Phew) but nevertheless provided us with some good fun. I wanted to explore some surfing skills and get used to the characteristics of my boat in this environment, Jules was going to meet up with us later on. <br />
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A feel for the conditions and a grand stand view of the mess coming towards me, I tried to capture some of the larger green waves before they broke but they just looked flat when I viewed them on the computer.<br />
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After an hour of messing around Jules arrived and got stuck straight in. Jules catching some air time on the lip of a lovely wave. <br />
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As the water wasn't too cold I decided to actually swim in the water and see if I could get some shots from that angle. Taran was out of the water messing around with his big lens and new camera, so Jules had to be the model on this occasion. After I told him what I was planning he said I was mad, maybe, but lets give it a go anyway. <br />
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The result....see nothing to worry about.<br />
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And right there for the action.<br />
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I get back into my boat and start having a mess around.<br />
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By accident I make a very late take off and my bows start to pearl,<br />
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Going vertical, yeee ha<br />
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With no chance of a recovery I try to do a pirouette. (Looking at this pic now I can see that my body an boat are rotated in opposite directions, I think I needed to use the the other blade to pull the boat around. Any thoughts anyone?)<br />
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Just about to crash, and the next wave lining up to get me, better be quick with the roll.<br />
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Aberavon is a lovely beach that seems to go on for miles and miles and was a superb location for todays paddle, clearly waves don't have to be massive to have fun in a seakayak. Today I simply wanted to improve my basic surf skills, but I left with a taste for getting the boat vertical who'd have thought. <br />
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My thanks to Taran as usual and Jules for capturing my grand slam moment.<br />
<br />51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-47677110958298435382012-03-01T19:00:00.000+00:002012-05-28T22:15:43.335+01:00Celtic AdventuresIt all started with a text, just a simple one to <a href="http://www.seakayaking-adventures.com/2012/03/barafundle.html" target="_blank">Taran</a> congratulating him on winning a very nice new Valley Etain. A few texts later and I'd swayed him to join me on a trip down west. I'd been wanting to do this part of the coastline for some time now but I hadn't envisaged doing it quite the way Taran had. His plan involved me, yes me, CAMPING, and in March. (It was only a few weeks ago that I made a comment about camping in February brrrrr and here I was weeks later contemplating it myself). There followed a frantic rush to get bits of camping kit I remembered having, but were now lost around the house after years of non use. Eventually I managed to sort my gear and began to pack my boat, camping wasn't going to be the problem, sinking was, my boat was that heavy.<br />
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Seconds away from the moment of truth, it could be a very short trip indeed.<br />
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Amazingly it floated, and I began my first adventure in the Celtic Sea. By the time we had got to this point I was beginning to get used to the weight of the boat and the different handling characteristics, good job really because we would be paddling dirrectly into the wind from now on.<br />
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Approaching Caldy Island. And I notice Taran has put his helmet on, mmmmm always a cause for alarm, something going on that I hadn't noticed.<br />
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Nope, nothing going on, he just wanted to get out of his boat quickly after landing on this stunning beach. I've never been to Caldy before, it looked amazing but there was no time to explore today we had to crack on.<br />
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On leaving the beach we were once again exposed to the wind on this dramatic coastline which really epitomised the rest of the journey.<br />
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The colours in the rock layers were also very striking.<br />
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Eventually our home for the night comes into view.<br />
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After setting up camp I get an imprompttu lesson in bushcraft from 'Ray Tyla', that is after he'd stopped laughing because I'd brought a pillow with me, oops, apparently a camping faux pas on a much larger scale than bringing a suitcase.<br />
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After a good nights sleep (the pillow made the difference) we set off into the eerie mist that had decended overnight, shapes began to loom up just on the verge of vision making it a very atmospheric paddle. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSsBiJIYiYRs49C8Q2naZBz8s3L-6S6Dzk34GgOCXRv1H4F5zluJcTrJQa9mZfLx0gISiKDtX0aacDBS3nah1hKGZ6aITXmsNdxST42wuZCV9T_JxD6Gfj8sNqTPiCUKW6O02TeIIqoc/s1600/s15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSsBiJIYiYRs49C8Q2naZBz8s3L-6S6Dzk34GgOCXRv1H4F5zluJcTrJQa9mZfLx0gISiKDtX0aacDBS3nah1hKGZ6aITXmsNdxST42wuZCV9T_JxD6Gfj8sNqTPiCUKW6O02TeIIqoc/s640/s15.JPG" width="640" /></a>Taran finds a cave to have a play in.<br />
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We decide to stop for a break at Manobier, thankfully not much surf there today. Somehow though we both manage to catch the same ride in, I could see what was going to happen so I break left and we both avoid a collision.<br />
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The Norman castle at Manobier, constructed in the 11th century, with the stone fortifications added in the early 12 century.<br />
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We continue on from Manobier, the mist has lifted and the sun has come out happy days indeed.<br />
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Approaching St Catherines Island, to tired to go around so instead we decide to go through it.<br />
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A welcome break for a quick coffee and some chocolate on the beach at Tenby.<br />
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And shortly afterwards we arrive back at Saundersfoot, both totally shattered. I thorougly enjoyed this adventurous paddle a first for me on so many different levels, thanks Taran for planning this one I certainly wouldn't have been as ambitious. <br />
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<br />51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-23279055521134730552012-02-02T15:30:00.000+00:002012-02-04T09:51:39.209+00:00Three Brass Monkey'sIt's always been in the back of my mind and to some extent was inevitable, what I didn't realise was how soon it would come. The weather was good, the tides were good and I was feeling considerably more confident with my boat and ability, everything was spot on for a trip to Steepholm and Flatholm islands, premier league indeed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_O9JbcdWDzajjVyEZG-FRFxgS16iQwc0BuiU3tr-erlQyub1rnrBf0vX6BeI5HM1Kc5sr9DJWWm31iLP01aXeJFg-xyN-fmtwO901wJHzyU4w9xcqWuj5_CyrtK8ZrwgLUlHeQoBcrY/s1600/sully1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_O9JbcdWDzajjVyEZG-FRFxgS16iQwc0BuiU3tr-erlQyub1rnrBf0vX6BeI5HM1Kc5sr9DJWWm31iLP01aXeJFg-xyN-fmtwO901wJHzyU4w9xcqWuj5_CyrtK8ZrwgLUlHeQoBcrY/s640/sully1.JPG" width="640" /></a>Nate from Glamboaters was going to join Taran and I for this trip, it was going to be a superb day out. But everything came to a grinding halt when we arrived at Sully Island, the channel looked rough white horses were everywhere, Steepholm was off. Whilst looking over to Flatholm I could see some large waves breaking and I think they hadn't bypassed Taran either, Flatholm looked off as well. I must admit I was a bit disappointed that we couldn't get out there this time, but safety first. Instead we decided to head on down to Penarth and see how we get on, as the wind was strong it was going to be a bit of a slog, oh and nobbling as well. <br />
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Conditions in Sully bay it's going to be bumpy.<br />
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A little bit of shelter being offered by Sully Island. Red Triassic marl is clearly visible, it's hard to believe I am looking at over 100 million years of time represented in these rocks. Things get a bit bumpy over the sully sandbar my boat is rising and falling over the waves, no photo's I'm afraid, thought it prudent to hold onto the paddle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIYbpRUen0zwEaLq8ERO93NHq1Ro_gIL7EVfXb_-SkDtk7uCqpbbfxDeKqi5dUm0e10c2XKqtJ1q9aLQRZ1N18NkPclAh_RyQn_T2S9dsKI2nMBSTtUTr-ZYmHmQWM7SW-ZEF4FRjG_g/s1600/lavernock+point.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIYbpRUen0zwEaLq8ERO93NHq1Ro_gIL7EVfXb_-SkDtk7uCqpbbfxDeKqi5dUm0e10c2XKqtJ1q9aLQRZ1N18NkPclAh_RyQn_T2S9dsKI2nMBSTtUTr-ZYmHmQWM7SW-ZEF4FRjG_g/s640/lavernock+point.JPG" width="640" /></a>Approaching Lavernock point, and things have calmed down a bit. It is bitterly cold, I've heard words such as challenging, interesting and fun but invigorating is a good word to describe today's conditions.<br />
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There was nothing going on at Lavernock point, but a change of course to Penarth puts us sideways onto the wind, not long after turning we stop for lunch. It's taken 2 hours to get to this point.<br />
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Did I mention it was nobbling? Despite the sun we all begin to feel the cold and if we stay any longer the three monkey's would be looking for a welder. Despite about 4o mins left of the flood the decision is easily made to turn and head back home.<br />
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Back into the wind, although only for a short time this time....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLYmwGPvJxI1gOmws70IMyh9gLllkPdCixBeb1Z3xp6TU4DYJ6sxQvGBNtASpSnSETtUcWpKg0kqaTOeQbsJDx4tuKpXhe7WIQo9UiiyMhK_O6-r9WQS9Mz9pkWN45iVclAtRsnW7Zo4/s1600/wayback.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLYmwGPvJxI1gOmws70IMyh9gLllkPdCixBeb1Z3xp6TU4DYJ6sxQvGBNtASpSnSETtUcWpKg0kqaTOeQbsJDx4tuKpXhe7WIQo9UiiyMhK_O6-r9WQS9Mz9pkWN45iVclAtRsnW7Zo4/s640/wayback.JPG" width="640" /></a>As soon as we have the wind behind us and the tide turns everything flattens out like someone has literally switched the waves off, but the bitter cold was still there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzWiPH-ytnEPJypwtutiYso5u2WHl95yzbCmYFhmyb8Mu9EPT6N4BDnKXm7s3U7LjGNA2COTRUs_q8m7xDFm25YYj9I5-HAaMUqghwUyaMlQ5CvGFXPcOrHiCWf201HBoTJ3cKIEKq80/s1600/tarrran1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzWiPH-ytnEPJypwtutiYso5u2WHl95yzbCmYFhmyb8Mu9EPT6N4BDnKXm7s3U7LjGNA2COTRUs_q8m7xDFm25YYj9I5-HAaMUqghwUyaMlQ5CvGFXPcOrHiCWf201HBoTJ3cKIEKq80/s640/tarrran1.JPG" width="640" /></a>It's so cold I think Taran began to hallucinate about a warm cup of coffee.......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVV-o4qF2KnG6rhqC1gWL_c5YBbH-qSHVIRRvMaX_bbtVZTF_yJwJ-AEIsHbAPIaOJQYsahd9dAb0JLP7diou-nkXANtHPJxWEePZJWPIkxg9Aw8ggP5Q4m4bxenWMplkuyM7Dq0H-q0/s1600/taran2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVV-o4qF2KnG6rhqC1gWL_c5YBbH-qSHVIRRvMaX_bbtVZTF_yJwJ-AEIsHbAPIaOJQYsahd9dAb0JLP7diou-nkXANtHPJxWEePZJWPIkxg9Aw8ggP5Q4m4bxenWMplkuyM7Dq0H-q0/s640/taran2.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
and then he regressed back to primary school, do you think he wanted to ask me a question.<br />
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Shortly afterwards we head back to the cars and after a very rapid change indeed, we find ourselves sitting in the warmth of the local pub 'The Captain's Wife' having a few drinks. A fitting conclusion to a short, enjoyable, and bitterly cold paddle. <br />
51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-78921073096624464192012-01-28T18:00:00.000+00:002012-01-29T23:31:57.044+00:00Absolutely SuperbToady I find myself back at Oxwich, only this time with <a href="http://www.seakayaking-adventures.com/2012/01/danger-mouse.html" target="_blank">Taran</a> and <a href="http://seakayaking-stuart.blogspot.com/2012/01/land-of-dragon.html" target="_blank">Stuart</a>. The plan for today's adventure is to turn right and head on down to Llangennith. The sun being very welcome at Oxwich after the cold early start that we all had to make to get here. We weren't the only ones though, as we were loading the boats Stu noticed a seal basking in the water, absolutely superb. <br />
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St Illtyd's, a 13th century church that overlooks Oxwich Bay.<br />
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After passing Oxwich point we start heading west with the tide.<br />
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Our next land mark, Port Eynon in the distance. We begin exploring every nook and cranny on the way, there is simply so much to see. </div>
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The coastline along this whole section is very impressive and just encourages you to keep on exploring. Its perspective is just lost on camera though, you really do need to paddle this section to appreciate it. </div>
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A dove croft or a place to stash smugglers ill gotten gains? Probably initially built for the former and then used by the later, who knows. Culver Hole is just west of Port Eynon and featured in one of the BBC's Coast episodes. </div>
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Probably the most famous part of the Gower Coast, Paviland Cave secured it's place in history when the oldest human bones to be discovered were found here. Initially thought to belong to a female they are now confirmed as belonging to a male. If you want to find out more you could always use the Internet, but better still pay a visit to Cardiff museum, certainly the last time I visited, there was a whole display devoted to the 'Red Lady of Paviland'. (I believe the actual cave is the one on the right of my bows)</div>
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Taran and Stu discover this gap between rocks which periodically fills with a maelstrom of water. Can you spot Taran, you just know where he is.......</div>
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Yep right in the middle of it.</div>
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Stu has a go as well.</div>
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Our next target, Worms Head in the distance. There appears to be some large waves forming to the left of the head, but it's difficult to work out actually how close in they are.</div>
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Me taking in the view..</div>
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And at the headland, the height of this is just amazing, you can just make out Taran on the left. You simply don't get this perspective from walking on paths at the top of these cliffs, it's simply on a jaw dropping scale. </div>
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Heading down towards Llangennith again just absolutely superb scenery.</div>
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This was my last shot before my camera battery went flat. You might not believe this but there is a seal keeping a eye on us in the above photo. Zoom in if you can, its to the right of the breaking wave, on the line between the water and cliff. </div>
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Heading back in the direction of the car, tired but with two obstacles still to negotiate.</div>
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One a surf beach........</div>
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It was rude not to have a play, although small they certainly packed a punch. The other obstacle, well with the tide out that was just an horrendous walk back to the car. I think we were all impressed by this one, I know I was. For me the title of this post says it all.......thanks guys.</div>
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<br /></div>51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-32118510817079197402012-01-14T15:00:00.000+00:002012-01-17T06:51:28.580+00:00Taran's 'Rescue Rangers'It's been on my mind that I really need to start doing some rescues, so earlier in the week I volunteered my services as guinea pig to Taran so that he could practice some rescues/tows for his impending 5* assessment. Glam boaters were having a sesh down the bay on Saturday so count me in Taran.<br />
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I should have known though ice on the boat in the morning and a bitterly cold January day, hints at a bit of madness for any form of rescue practice, so in the end I didn't get to do any. Instead I gate crashed Taran's school for paddlers.<br />
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It was a chance to meet up with Peter, Carol and Laura, who are very friendly and welcoming people indeed. I had a laugh with Peter when his first words to me were "Hi Noel, do you know your famous", "What do you mean" I said, "well you've been out with Taran twice now, most people take up walking after their first time". That did make me smile and set the tone for an enjoyable paddle.<br />
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It was good to brush up on some skills and practice new ones (cross bow rudder) couple this with a bit of messing about trying to cause Taran's boat to spin off course really encapsulated an enjoyable few hours on the water.<br />
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An obvious lack of photo's today, yep, I forgot my camera and didn't remember to pick it up when I returned home after forgetting my spraydeck as well. Cold water shock had started before even I had. <br />
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Update: Taran has kindly forwarded me some of the photo's he took of todays paddle.<br />
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<br />51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-54770129800939123822012-01-13T18:00:00.000+00:002012-01-29T23:25:16.319+00:00C.S.I GowerOn paper the weather conditions today looked perfect for a paddle, but where was I going to go. I know I'll have a stab at a paddle I aborted a few months ago <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3273825982556372203#editor/target=post;postID=575796532593711055" target="_blank">'Stupid o'clock'</a>. Today however was going to be different.<br />
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Setting off from a deserted Oxwich beach on a lovely winters day.<br />
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As planned the conditions were perfect, the only fly in the ointment being that the tide will be against me all the way. <br />
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After a short while I make it over to Great Tor. I have read that this is the highest point on Gower, but I'm a little sceptical about that claim, more research I think. Despite that it is an impressive formation which towers over you, a perspective which is lost in the above photo, my camera does not (or more likely I do not know how to) take a shot with the same perspective as the human eye. <br />
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Conditions are completely different to last time as I approach Shire Combe.<br />
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Passing Shire Combe the shoreline continues with jagged looking rocks, with nowhere easy to land, I'm glad I aborted last time. The solitude of this section was intoxicating, with the exception of the odd wave breaking there was silence, just pure bliss. I picked up a friend to, a Cormorant kept within about 30ft of me, diving as I approached and swimming in front of me surfacing either in front or to my right. I tried to take a photo but the quality wasn't up to much.<br />
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As I approach Pwlldu Head, the first signs of the industrialised south coast comes into view. The steel works at Port Talbot bellowing its cloud of horribleness into the atmosphere.<br />
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My target in the distance... <br />
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Approaching Caswell, time to stretch the legs and have a coffee.<br />
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Out with my new flask and at last a warm cup of coffee (Thanks Kate, the Turkey coffee is way better than the ham variety) I then noticed the house on the left and thought I was seeing things....<br />
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My other car is, well, a helicopter. How the other half live. By this time with the added coffee I was busting for a pee, there were a few people out and about here so to save any embarrassment I decided to pop behind a nearby rock outcrop. I was mid flow when..... <br />
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I noticed this, a severed hand and boot with a foot inside, ooops was I peeing over a possible crime scene, bet you don't see that happening on CSI Miami.<br />
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My boat was eager to get back in the water and so was I, Neptune was calling.<br />
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A little bit of messing around with the rocks on the way back.<br />
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The conditions on they way back were flat calm, almost like a millpond.<br />
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Passing Three cliffs Bay.<br />
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Last push against the tide, heading back across Oxwich Bay with the sun starting to get low in the sky.<br />
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A final look back at where I had come from, made all the better with the glorious weather. Oh and by the way, the hand was a rubber glove with bits of seaweed inside which gave it bulk, no crime scene after all, phew.51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-69055559749233042142012-01-12T18:00:00.000+00:002012-01-15T21:16:57.912+00:00SennybridgeI meet up with Chris on a rather mild winters day to paddle the Sennybridge section of the Usk. Although it's an easy section of river, it does have 3 ledges that have to be negotiated by either foot or paddle.<br />
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Although the river levels were low today, we nevertheless decided to continue. It's a good section to expand Chris's river skills.<br />
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Chris leading the way and showing me how it's done.<br />
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The water is crystal clear and very inviting.<br />
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Me making the eddy above the first ledge. The second ledge is not far now....<br />
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And at the bottom of the second ledge.<br />
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One for facebook then Chris.<br />
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The rest of the river is mainly flat with a few bumpy bits in between....<br />
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Like these....<br />
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Near the get out I notice this tree, balancing on another. To be honest Chris's skills are coming on leaps and bounds, no swims and lots of smiles, clearly fear gave way to enjoyment on this trip. Another great day.<br />
<br />51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-75761517269372417322012-01-03T07:55:00.000+00:002012-10-19T21:11:38.484+01:00Come Hail Or ShineBleep bleep went the phone with the latest paddle alert from Taran "Paddle planned from Aberthaw to Lavernock, forecast about F5-7, should be quite lively" mmmm that sounds rough, maybe words like interesting, challenging and scary should have appeared in there somewhere. After a bit of umming and aahing on my part and a bit of encouragement from Taran I decided to go.<br />
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We had arranged to meet at Aberthaw by the Power station that I had passed literally days before on my first trip with Taran and Stu, on the way a massive hail storm hit and turned the roads white, with thunder and lightening as well. I wonder if a carbon paddle is a good conductor of electricity. On arrival at the beach all I could see was white but it wasn't snow this time, the sea was alive and throwing a tantrum. After putting my eyes back in, I was let off the hook, phew. The plan had changed, we were going to Barry Old Harbour.</div>
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Actually guys , the duck pond is looking a bit 'interesting today' do you fancy that instead, was the thought that passed through my head on the way to the harbour. The weather today couldn't make its mind up, one minute sun, then hail, then wind.</div>
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The Old Harbour was sheltered and looked as if it was going to be surftastic.</div>
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Ok Stu, it's a camera not a gun :)</div>
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We all started to have a surf, some of the waves were quite large but fun. I nearly T-boned Taran when my boat broached on a wave I'd been riding. </div>
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As the tide came in the water began to get lumpy, I was happy trundling around the bay getting used to the conditions. Stu and Taran went further out beyond the shelter of the harbour, to be fair they did try and encourage me out further but I was having none of it, the conditions out there beyond the shelter of the harbour looked 'challenging' it was windy enough in the harbour, baby steps for me I think. At one point Stu joined me we were toward the middle of the bay when it hit. The wind speed increased rapidly, snatching at the paddle trying to capsize me, I said to Stu that I was heading for shore to try and get in the lee of the cliffs. In hindsight I don't think he heard me. I slogged into the wind, each push forward on the paddle like doing a press up, the hail was lashing down bouncing off the deck, stinging in the face it was like being sandblasted, but somehow I was making progress. I slogged on and made it to the other side out of the wind. I turned to speak with Stu but he wasn't there oops Lesson learnt must check on other members of the team. Stu had met up with Taran and found it difficult to turn his boat, so they both headed to to opposite side to me in effect going with the wind.<br />
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After the storm passed everything went flat, Taran and Stu began making their way over in my direction.<br />
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Stu arriving at shore.<br />
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As if by magic, Taran conjures up a wave on flat water and does what he does best.<br />
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All in all I had a really good time, learnt loads and as usual had a laugh, well worth the frozen hands and another sandblasting from hail whilst loading the car.<br />
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51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-29521638283418652522011-12-28T11:12:00.002+00:002012-10-19T21:09:12.561+01:00There And BackAt last, despite numerous previous invites I actually managed to get out for a paddle with Stu and Taran, and the best bit for me was that it wasn't going to be in The Bay. Today's plan was to paddle to Llantwit Major from Cold Knap on the ebb and return with the flood.<br />
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Timed to perfection, the small hull friendly sandy bit is starting to get exposed, and the water is like a mill pond.<br />
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Shortly after getting on we meet up with Peter from Glam Boaters who's out having a bit of practice, he declines the offer to join us as he's been on he water for a while, maybe next time Peter.<br />
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The cliffs of this section of coastline are made of sedimentary rock which makes them susceptible to erosion and ultimate collapse. A pre Christmas gift, passing mother natures landscaping gift to the rather concerned owners of the front row of caravans at Porthkerry. Hands up, a bit of a fashion fopa on my behalf, it seems that Bandannas are a must have fashion accessory.<br />
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Approaching Aberthaw power station......<br />
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And it's associated water intake Tower, this was a dominant feature on today's paddle, you can see it from miles away. Stu and Taran explained that the water gets rather freaky around here when it gets rough, as that was not an issue today I paddle over to take a closer inspection. The structure basically allows an eddy to form behind it, but unlike a river feature it didn't extend in a straight line with a defined edge, rather more like a meandering path that was full of some large, bigger than boat size boils (upwardly moving water with rounded domed tops ) with one eye on the edges of these boils I cross over them testing out how my boat feels. All happy we carry on....<br />
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The above shot really encompasses this part of the coast, rather featureless cliffs that go on and on..... it would have a bit boring really if not for the company, it was really good chatting with Stu and Taran. Another feature of today's paddle was listening to Swansea coastguard dealing with what they believed to be a malicious Mayday call, apparently there is someone out there who has access to a vhf radio and is making Mayday calls for the fun of it, what a prat.<br />
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As the surf was big at Llantwit, Stu and I decided to wait out beyond the surf as we didn't want to land and risk damaging our boats on the rocks, however Taran did make it to shore though for a quick pee. I didn't take many photo's on the way back as nothing really changed from the shot above which was taken at Llantwit, except that the cooling tower you see on the horizon just kept getting bigger.<br />
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On the way back just by Rhoose point we noticed some very large waves breaking, Taran charged in, myself a Stu took the cautious approach and observed from a distance, the waves seemed to appear and then disappear with no indication that they were going to form. At one point it went all quiet for some time, then I heard a crashing noise from my right, Oh My God it was one of the waves, both Stu and I hit reverse at Mach 10 giggling like children.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Taran.</td></tr>
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Thanks guys for inviting me, I know it was a bit flat and uneventful but I did enjoy myself.51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-26791295080667421742011-12-16T20:45:00.000+00:002012-10-19T21:03:33.045+01:00A Winters TaleHonk Honk, paddle alert! That's the message I used to get from my friend Mark when the rivers went into spate, but as he lives in Australia now I'd guess he's enjoying far better weather than I am. That's also the reason why my phone remained silent when the rivers in Brecon went into spate earlier this week. However, step forward Chris (This boy is keen, he's even had a mention in Canoe & Kayak magazine since the last time we paddled) and his friend Taf.<br />
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They're out for a paddle and want a river guide. A last minute change of plan took us over to the River Wye to do the Glasbury to Hay On Wye section. Chris wanted to have a look at this section so that he could run it again with a couple of his mates.<br />
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No gravel beach, meant the Wye having a much larger catchment area than the Usk had retained its water. This whole section is flat but should not be underestimated, I know personally that a fatal accident occurred on this stretch a few years ago.<br />
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After a quick briefing to ensure that wouldn't be happening on this trip, we set off. Chris beginning to experience the joys of winter paddling........bloody cold hands !!!!<br />
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Snow on the hills and a cold cold wind ensure we keep paddling. Its hard to show in a still photograph but we are absolutely motoring along. You just know with a sky like that it will probably snow.<br />
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On cue it began and didn't stop.<br />
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Taf and I on the Wye.<br />
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In record time we are at the get out, I think Taf's expression says it all, we had a right old laugh on this trip. I should have realised because right at the start I noticed Chris with a puzzled face and Taf nearly crying with laughter, not understanding why and with a puzzled face, Chris came over to me and wanted some advice about his new dry bag. Did it need to go back to Cotswold, was the question as apparently they had neglected to enclose the zip / fastener with it and it wouldn't close properly...<br />
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Yes mate, it most definitely does need to go back.51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-8682628598176466252011-12-08T18:24:00.001+00:002012-10-19T19:59:19.028+01:00Way Back WhenNot exactly Seakayaking but with strong winds forecast for the South Wales coast yet again, I decided to meet up with my friend Chris from Brecon Canoe club for a nice grade II bimble along the River Usk. Chris is a relative newbie to paddling and I think this would be his 3rd time on moving water. Today's section had to be from Aberbran to Brecon.<br />
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This section was one of the first I paddled when I started way back when and is heavily used by clubs and centres to introduce people to moving water river skills, ideal place but like usual not ideal conditions, heavy rain had increased the flow but at least it wasn't in spate. Although Chris thought it was twinned with the Zambezi.<br />
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Power On !<br />
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I notice that the river levels are beginning to rise, some of the smaller rapids are washed out, no drama yet so we push on. Chris skirting around the fun bits on this one, I don't think he noticed I was there.<br />
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Me surfing a minuscule wave I found trying to encourage Chris to have a play.<br />
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This bit always feels so remote. <br />
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A short break for lunch and a chance to inspect another rapid.<br />
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Me about to enter the bumpy section by Llanspyddid closely followed by Chris hopefully.<br />
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Yep, what I remember bumpy (Yee Ha)<br />
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The rest of the river was pretty washed out so I gave up on the pics. All in all no swims and a massive grin on Chris's face at the get out said it all.51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-90955011202542984652011-12-03T12:12:00.009+00:002012-10-19T21:02:34.749+01:00Todays ForecastTime is my biggest enemy, I just don't have enough of it. As recent events have been conspiring to keep me out of my boat I have become a bit desperate to get back on the water, I was adamant that I would snatch at least an hour or so today but with a forecast of Force 5 to 7 and rough seas scheduled for the Bristol Channel my options were limited. So with decision made I headed off yet again to Cardiff Bay.<br />
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Absolutely flat calm and to be honest a tadge disappointing, I was hoping to do some practice in slightly bumpier conditions, building on from a previous adventure <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3273825982556372203#editor/target=post;postID=3280189543544093149" target="_blank">Lost Property</a> but beggar's can't be choosers.<br />
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Approaching the bridge I stop and have a mess about with my camera. I then make my way in the direction of Penarth Yacht Club straight across from the metal pole you can see in the distance.<br />
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As soon as I pass the flats, the wind hits me, the water was relatively calm but the wind was strong trying to snatch my paddle from my hands. I stopped my boat to take this picture and realised I was being pushed along by the wind ( a little wake from my bow is evident in the picture above). A bit of practice turning in the wind and I head over to the yacht club.<br />
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A bit of respite from the wind as I pass the yacht club and make my way to across the River Ely. I use the Ely embankment as a handrail and then turn to make my way towards the other side of the bay. Back into the wind only this time it is coming side on and accompanied with slightly bigger waves, I practice trying to make progress without the skeg but its sooo much easier using the skeg so I give up on that one, the two yellow speed boats pass and their wake only adds to the fun coupled with a bit of clapotis sprinkled on top at the maintenance depot certainly spices this side of the bay up. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRQwkCjV4iDWZzsbiuA_qfaMvjFK6R793YZskDHPn86W7flcQOkblk5zKQU4WFhjQn0DA15UkFLiog4hncGpPxQs9BBKFwVavK2hFjw5diOYEeZYyg3-M8KxzIeSlpYzeVGx1kNq0iFk/s1600/Bay5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRQwkCjV4iDWZzsbiuA_qfaMvjFK6R793YZskDHPn86W7flcQOkblk5zKQU4WFhjQn0DA15UkFLiog4hncGpPxQs9BBKFwVavK2hFjw5diOYEeZYyg3-M8KxzIeSlpYzeVGx1kNq0iFk/s640/Bay5.JPG" width="640" /></a>The wind drops in the lee of the St Davids Hotel so it's out with the camera again. The Port of Cardiff was one of the first to have a Norwegian Sailor’s Church established to provide spiritual and social care to thousands of Norwegian sailors that were employed in the Norwegian merchant fleet. The Church was founded by Herman Lunde of Oslo and built in 1868 between the East and West Docks on land that was donated by the Marquis of Bute. Over the years a number of building alterations were made, the most significant took place when a gallery and a bell tower were added in 1985.<br />
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During his childhood Roald Dahl and his family also worshipped here, in fact both Dahl & his sisters were christened at the Church. <br />
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Looking at some relics of the past and enjoying the smell of freshly brewed coffee which is so evident at Mermaids Quay especially very early in the morning.<br />
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After one circuit I head back to the launch point, paddling again in calm water, its amazing the difference between one side and the other.<br />
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Before I get out I have a mess about with my camera exploring different shooting angles, I quite like this one although a bit of refinement is needed and maybe a spirit level. Glad to be back in my boat and also achieve what I wanted, can't ask more than that. One happy boater.51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-32801895435440931492011-10-24T19:09:00.000+01:002012-10-19T21:01:08.873+01:00Lost PropertyAs it's been a while since I posted anything so I thought I'd bring things up to date. I haven't been lazy, I've been getting out for a few paddles but just no further than the bay.<br />
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The one time I was invited on a paddle outside of the bay sods law intervened and I couldn't make it because of work, but Scott and Taran did <a href="http://scottkayak.blogspot.com/2011/10/cold-knap-to-aberthaw-back-161011.html">http://scottkayak.blogspot.com/2011/10/cold-knap-to-aberthaw-back-161011.html</a>.<br />
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On a few of my sessions down the bay I started to notice that my roll was getting weak, so I thought I'd go practice until I got it sorted.<br />
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Everything started of ok ish, but I wasn't entirely happy. Then things started to take a downward spiral, I should have stopped then and there, but no I had to continue. I began relying on a reverse brace to get me upright in a stable position, then the next one failed but I got up on a second attempt, then it happened I couldn't get over at all, after three attempts and with lungs bursting for air, I swam. I did a lot of swimming that day and nothing has improved since. <b>I've lost my rolling mojo</b>. I must say that this has knocked me me back a bit, I don't fancy paddling solo without a reliable roll. <br />
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With this in mind I did managed to get out with the Monday club the other night. It was blowing a gale and I honestly thought our little paddle would be cancelled. It was very windy, bumpy and to top it off, dark. All this made for a very interesting circuit, at least I hadn't lost my bracing mojo, which came in handy on more than a few occasions.<br />
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By far this was the roughest water I had paddled in, no way would I have been out there on my own in the daylight. It was scary but I just about held my own, brace paddle forward, brace etc etc I made painfully slow progress. I couldn't make much out through the beam of my head torch other than the immediate waves around me and they looked big, concentrating on the lights of Mermaid Quay helped keep things level for me in my head and I was able to plod on.<br />
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A couple of points I noted for myself<br />
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a) I need to stay relaxed and let the boat move under me.<br />
b) Try and cut down the use of the brace stroke, it acted like a brake and virtually stopped me dead in the water every time,<br />
c) My forward stroke was totally ineffectual against the wind, I was flat out and making very little headway.<br />
d) I don't like rear quartering seas (probably because I don't know how to deal with them ) <br />
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I was in good company though with Stuart, Mike and Taran. I gave the clapotis a miss at the dock gates though, sorry Taran.<br />
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When I got back to calm waters of the River Ely I had time to think as I paddled back to Up and Under. That paddle had pushed me and I'd survived, I just knew I'd taken a step forward with my paddling.<br />
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Now where did I put that rolling mojo ? 51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-32127060443886997402011-09-30T21:58:00.000+01:002012-10-19T20:06:29.335+01:00The Bay AgainAs I am working this weekend and will not be able to take advantage of the stunning, I thought I'd have a change. Instead of a skills circuit I thought I'd just have a bimble around the bay, relax and maybe catch the sunset. As I was about to launch a skipper of one of the charter boats in the bay starts talking to me about my boat and the wildlife in the bay, I think I'm going to have to keep my eyes open a little more.<br />
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I quickly sprint down to the bridge and realise that I've missed the sunset.<br />
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Before I set off I give way to a trimiran that is coming in to berth.<br />
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And then make my way over to Penarth yacht club, but by then the sun had truly set.<br />
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I then follow a yacht travelling up the river Ely and over take it as it berths near the CIWW centre, further along I notice some fellow seakaykers by the Penarth Bridge. I paddle over to say hello, it was Elen from Up and Under, Chrisie and Chrisie's partner (I'm sorry my friend I didn't quite catch your name). They are about to do a circuit of the bay over to Mermaid Quay and then back, I'm invited to join them and I accept.<br />
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After a few minutes it's dark, what an experience, very surreal, looking onto the city at night from this location. I didn't want to slow the pace to take photo's so I'll add some later from a future trip because I will definitely be paddling in the dark again. <br />
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Thanks guy's I thoroughly enjoyed myself.51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-23777886697728005042011-09-20T06:24:00.000+01:002012-10-23T13:14:34.808+01:00Mind Games<br />
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As mentioned in my <a href="http://51degreesnorthseakayaking.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/stupid-oclock.html" target="_blank">Stupid O'Clock</a> post I really did feel like a right old wuss for turning back, after all there wasn't anything major going on with the sea, yes for sure it had changed slightly but I was comfortable further out beyond the surf, or was I. Subconsciously something had changed,fear was starting to get a hold. </div>
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But thinking rationally about this, I was aware that things had started to slide when I realized I couldn't let go of the paddle because in turn the kayak had became more wobbly and I needed to keep that death grip on the paddle shaft. Why, probably because I was looking at waves smashing onto some rocks and breaking on the beach and was a bit intimidated by it all and felt vulnerable, probably, deep down I also knew that my self rescue skills were very limited. I can roll but that's about it. If that failed I was truly in the cack with very little equipment to summon help or deal with such an incident. So the voice of reason won out on this occasion.<br />
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At no point did I feel I was going to capsize, but clearly I was on the wrong side of being comfortable. Once I made the decision to turn around and start making my way back, things calmed down. I became a little more relaxed, still on edge mind you, just a little less stressed. All that had changed, was now I had a focus to concentrate on, simply paddling back.<br />
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A logical conclusion would be that it was all in my head and fear was taking over, if that is correct then the answer to releasing that ever tightening grip of fear would be to concentrate on some task at hand thus taking your mind from that stress trigger, a simplistic view, yes but maybe i've stumbled on one tool to put in the bag to be used against fear in he future. <br />
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I have no doubt I will experience this feeling again as my adventures continue.</div>
51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-5757965325937110552011-09-15T19:28:00.000+01:002012-10-16T21:07:23.987+01:00Stupid o'clockThat's the time I had to get up to get this one under the belt, but as usual the best laid plans of mice and men.<br />
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The plan today was to complete what I had attempted a few weeks ago, basically leave Oxwich and get over to Three Cliffs Bay and maybe Caswell or Langland as well<br />
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I arrived at the planned time to catch the last few hours of the flood, but the car park was closed and the man with the yellow can of paint had been very busy around here. I eventually managed to park the car and got stealthily kitted up without too much noise. It was beginning to get light, I was already late. I then had to carry my boat (no trolley) to the beach, it was a long walk but worth it when I got there.<br />
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The sun was inching over Pwlldu Head and the water was like a mill pond, very very inviting, I quickly put my cag and bouyancy aid on and made my last checks making sure everything was clipped on, it was getting light very quickly now.<br />
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Don't look behind you....ooops, what is it with me and this place. More dark clouds building behind me.<br />
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I jump in the boat and get going, it was like paddling across a mirror, but I was getting blinded by the sun and the glare from the water (yep no sunglasses) yet more stuff to remember to bring.<br />
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I don't know if I was in some kind of back eddy but I seemed to be making very slow progress, I hadn't made it halfway across the bay and there was little under an hour left on the tide, at this rate I wasn't going to make it. Change of plan turn inland and have a cuppa at Three Cliffs, then follow the coast closely and see if I can make it to Pwlldu Head against the tide.<br />
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Now, I thought I had planned this one well but I hadn't factored in swell, the further west I went I became increasingly aware that every few seconds I was rising over some bigger mounds of water travelling towards Three Cliffs which is where I wanted to go. Because of the sun I couldn't see what was happening at the shore but I had my suspicions, as soon as I made the turn the boat rocketed off, I had found a hidden turbo button.<br />
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As I neared the shore I could see that big plumes of spray were being sent up into the air as the swell broke on the cliffs of Great Tor. Suddenly the boat became wobbly, my camera ability went down because both my hands were now super glued to the paddle, although I was comfortable I was aware my stress levels obviously had increased.<br />
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I paddle past Great Tor and had a look at Three Cliff Bay. Wind was being funneled down the valley towards the sea, causing the breaking waves to steepen and throw spray into the air, Three Cliffs was not on for me today, small windblown waves were coming from the direction of the shore as well. <br />
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I had about half hour left before the tide turned, I didn't fancy being out here with with wind over tide freaky stuff going on so I decided to land in the lee of Great Tor and have that cuppa and watch what happens when the tide turns.<br />
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I make my way in through the surf. Surfing in was fast and dramatic but fun, no grace about my landing at all. I think the Royal marines would have been proud though, managed to get my boat further up the beach than some landing craft. Maybe I should have bought that plastic boat.<br />
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I have my cuppa and a sandwich on a completely deserted beach looking at the waves absolutely bliss. After the tide has turned I paddle back out through the surf, and back around Great Tor, unfortunately nothing has changed. In the distance it looks as if the same sort of thing is going on towards Pwlldu Head although the sea appeared relatively calm.<br />
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Being acutely aware that I was on my own and there wasn't anywhere to land safely after Three Cliffs until I got to Caswell, I decided to turn around and head back. As I paddled back I was feeling a bit wussy about this decision, I'll tackle this trip again but not just yet.<br />
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I completely mess up my surf landing at Oxwich, I fail to notice that the beach is a bit steeper at this level of tide, I try and practice stalling the boat on the wave but didn't press the brakes hard enough, all I managed to do was not to drop down into the trough and maintained my position at the top of the wave. Then I noticed the wave I was on had sucked all the water from the beach there was simply just gravelly sand in front of me as I was lurched forward, BANG! followed by some horrible fiberglass scrapping sounds before my boat came to a rest. Happily no damage caused (2nd time today I thought maybe I should have had bought a plastic one) Plastic 2, Composite 0 <br />
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I was out for a little over 4 hours and despite not reaching my goals again, it was worth it for that sunrise.<br />
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Walk back to the car.............. Palstic 2, Composite 151˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-86194584396742820542011-08-30T06:07:00.000+01:002012-10-16T20:49:01.145+01:00Paddle Fitness<br />
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I realised after my first Gower trip that without getting a lot of the more specific seakayak techniques down, I am going to be a liability to myself. So in order to avoid this I thought I'd better get my act together and practice and keep on practicing. However what I didn't want to do is just bimble around without any focus.</div>
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For now I've decided to use Cardiff Bay as my training ground making it in effect my gym. Hopefully by practicing here I'll be able to get out a do some of the sea journeys that have inspired me. One area I definitely need to improve is my fitness. </div>
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There is a plethora of information about paddle fitness out there on the web, ranging from gym based specific moves to theory's that you don't have to do anything more than just go paddling, now that sounds my kind of exercise. After thinking about it, I realised that I wouldn't like to run out of oomph when I hadn't quite made it back to shore because I've paddled further than I'm used too, or struggle to carry my boat down the beach or lift it onto the roof rack.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFlyEyh55_l_gn6wLOx81Xvae96mcOMYBJXK4jxyeSWvHZoyQKx1ZsjX2e1IZQFN9SP3yLMShJaeD6ZshI7eIm09uDAeWfJz5zGtyFSpkzQf0g2SX1wwyhcyWWPZmJpS-XGF2gEpHmrA/s1600/Ikelos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFlyEyh55_l_gn6wLOx81Xvae96mcOMYBJXK4jxyeSWvHZoyQKx1ZsjX2e1IZQFN9SP3yLMShJaeD6ZshI7eIm09uDAeWfJz5zGtyFSpkzQf0g2SX1wwyhcyWWPZmJpS-XGF2gEpHmrA/s400/Ikelos.JPG" width="400" /></a>So I decided that I needed more of a general purpose programme to get me going, something I could adapt as I got stronger and didn't need membership of expensive gyms or the need for equipment. This is what I came up with.<br />
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<b><u>Running/Jogging</u></b><br />
I aim to run for thirty minutes. If like me you couldn't run for thirty seconds start a run walk programme that will build you up slowly enabling you to run for that 30mins, you'll be amazed at the progress you will make.<br />
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<b><u>Strength</u></b><br />
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For this, my choice was simple circuit training. For an all over workout without equipment you can't go far wrong, if it's too easy, add some more exercises of your choice. Or do the circuit 2 or 3 times through.<br />
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<li><strong>20 Squats</strong> - This helps with raising your pulse. </li>
<li><strong>20 Push ups</strong> -If you can't do twenty, then do what you can, rest and do some more until you do twenty.</li>
<li><strong>20 Burpees</strong> - These are a great all over workout</li>
<li><strong>20 Bicycle crunches</strong> - One crunch would equate to both left and right sides</li>
<li><strong>20 Leg Raises</strong> - don't rush, do them slowly under control for added benefit. </li>
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<b><u>Swimming</u></b></div>
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I use a swimming pool for this one. I'm not sure how this would work for wild swimming but I guess if your into that then you'll already have your own routine.</div>
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Think of how many lengths you can swim in one go, lets say it's 4 for the ease of explanation.</div>
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Swim 1 length and rest for a few seconds at the end of the pool,</div>
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Swim 2 lengths together and then rest, just enough to get your breath back </div>
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Swim 3 together and rest again</div>
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Swim 4 rest, then 3 rest, 2 rest and then 1.</div>
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I find doing this reduces the tedium of just doing lengths, vary your stroke as well for added benefit. </div>
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51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-91574016467576656302011-08-28T16:02:00.000+01:002012-10-15T21:20:52.053+01:00Warning Speed HumpsToday I decided to go to the gym, that really big expensive one, the one between Cardiff and Penarth known locally as Cardiff Bay. I had only a few hours to spare so I get going early hopefully before the city rises <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not everyone is asleep though!</td></tr>
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I launch from the slip on Jim Driscoll Way in Grangetown and paddle up the Taff. This is a really good access point for using the bay but unfortunately like most things, you have to pay. Currently you can either pay £5.00 for the day or get a yearly season ticket that is calculated against the length of your boat. Both are available from the harbour office located upstairs in the leisure centre, there are other access points for the bay where you do not have to pay but they involve either a little carry or an interesting get in.<br />
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The scenery isn't amazing along this stretch of water but it gives me an opportunity to concentrate on technique, on today's menu is vertical paddle strokes and edging. Both of which I certainly haven't sorted, sometimes when I edge, the boat turns nicely and I can navigate the bends of the Taff without using sweep strokes, other times I head towards the bank like someone has switched on a boat magnet. However it didn't take long and slowly as I paddled further upstream I gained more control of the boat.<br />
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After a short while once you pass under the Castle Street Bridge the river banks become more appealing...<br />
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but this doesn't last long, as the river gets shallower I'm forced to turn around.<br />
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Whilst paddling up the river I was overtaken by a number of rowers or is it scullers, as I paddle back there are even more coming up towards me including a woman in a dingy with outboard engine, shouting coaching instructions to the rowers, suddenly the river doesn't seem to be that wide for someone with edging issues. I decide not to pop the deck and take the camera out as my boat tends to turn 90 degrees to the bank while I'm faffing about, I didn't fancy finding out what it was like to be a speed hump. <br />
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I carry on past the get in, out into the bay concentrating on my edging. I stop and look around, the sun is shinning on the roof of the millennium centre and reflects a lovely bronze colour.<br />
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Unfortunately by the time I got the camera out the moment was gone. I head over in the direction of the Norwegian Church, is that the Black Pearl.<br />
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Maybe Captain Sparrow was kicking it back in Cardiff last night. <br />
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I decide to try and head back without getting run over,there are boats everywhere and I'm at the bottom of the food chain. After a few heart stopping moments as I encounter the wake of a few boats (tip:-watch out for the yellow speed boats) I make it safely back to the get in where I see another paddler gearing up. I walk over and say hello, it was Peter from something called 'Glam Boaters" (I find out it is a Cardiff based kayak club) he tells me tales about a very inspiring trip he went on from Barry the other week and about his recent trip to West Wales which also sounds equally exciting, he also talks about somebody called Taran who is apparently a local sea kayak celebrity? <br />
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Cardiff bay is not big it doesn't take long to do a circumnavigation, but its a good place to go to blow the cobwebs out, practice a few skill or just paddle without having to worry about tides etc. I know I'll be back time and time again. <br />
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51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3273825982556372203.post-32739306659074509502011-08-26T08:59:00.000+01:002012-10-19T21:21:27.854+01:00The Journey BeginsAfter saving up for what seemed an eternity and a bit of good luck I recently purchased my first seakayak and I've been really eager to get it out onto the water. Using bits of old river paddling kit I managed to pull together enough gear to get me going. I must stress that I'm not a member of any kind of kayak club, I never have been. So with my river experience and a little knowledge from a few sea kayak books I decided it was time to get out there, out onto the water. <br />
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The plan was a short paddle starting from Oxwich to Three Cliffs Bay carry on a little further and turn back nothing major just a bit of water time to see how things feel. The weather was warm and sunny, however a quick check with the Met Office for the inshore forecast became the only fly in the ointment of my plan. Force 3 to 4 rising to Force 6 later. I decide to travel to Oxwich and see how it looks, I was a lot later leaving than I had planned but with boat on the roof I was eventually off travelling west down the M4.<br />
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As I near Swansea the sky gets considerably overcast and I notice the trees swaying vigorously. I began thinking that obviously 'later' clearly meant 'when I get to the launch point'. But I was wrong, as I clear Swansea and head out onto Gower the sun comes out and the skies turn blue again so much for Force 3 to 4.<br />
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Perfect timing, conditions at Oxwich when I arrive, flat calm. <br />
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It's very hot with a slight breeze evident. Once I'm sorted I carry my boat to the water, by now I'm absolutely boiling, at this point I'm wearing paddling trousers and a wicking t-shirt. It's very tempting to get going just dressed like this however I decide against it and put my cag on, it starts getting even hotter. I haven't got the luxury of a waterproof camera so before I pack it away I take my last shot before I set off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHsAW-RPjMu0AHu7LUr7n3YvkDo6CEsZcnXMETrQ3Ljhdb8MLu0MOscH-gY_cqFX_PTZ2JuqfWB0zjvoQbYRzyC9EFap_aUtqsuSw6QxHEJuLhBHgx8S-9JcPguqBDWn3mwQHyG8RtkI/s1600/Gower2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHsAW-RPjMu0AHu7LUr7n3YvkDo6CEsZcnXMETrQ3Ljhdb8MLu0MOscH-gY_cqFX_PTZ2JuqfWB0zjvoQbYRzyC9EFap_aUtqsuSw6QxHEJuLhBHgx8S-9JcPguqBDWn3mwQHyG8RtkI/s640/Gower2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Check out the surf, just look at those monsters, only joking, I think even I could manage these on my maiden voyage. By the time the camera is packed I quite literally only paddle a few feet when I notice the colour of the sky has rapidly changed. Out with the camera again....<br />
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I carry on paddling towards Oxwich point. The wind is blowing form my left coming from my 10 o'clock. I keep an eye on the storm hoping that it is travelling down the channel and not in my direction. About halfway to the point I notice the sky has got even darker and appears to be heading in my direction. I decide to turn around and head back closer to shore and maybe see if I can make Three Cliffs Bay. My boat wants to trim to the wind and I have difficulty turning it through the wind. At about this time there is a considerable drop in air temperature, the wind increases and starts being a bit pushy, things start to get uncomfortable. The sea changes colour and becomes noticeably bumpy, I am so grateful that I had put my cag on. I manage to turn the boat past the wind but through edging I've paddled an extended ark that's taken me further out into in the bay. I decide to start making my way closer to shore, the wind changes direction and is now coming from my left at about 7 o'clock. My boat starts to pick up the waves and rockets off racing them at the slightest opportunity. A bit scary at first but the Quest surfs, it surfs well, it's secondary stability is also good and provides a good bit of support, which clearly I needed otherwise it would have been swim time. White horse's appear on the surface beside me and it begins raining heavily,within a short time the shore is at hand. Out with camera.<br />
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The waves are small but sufficient to allow me to practice some surfing and broaching skills. I adopt a routine of paddling out and surfing back in, trying to make progress across the beach towards Three Cliffs Bay. Not long after I get interrupted with the sound of thunder rumbling close by, I don't chance it, Three Cliffs Bay will have to wait. I don't fancy being crispy fried if lightening starts to strike.<br />
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The weather looks as if its going to clear from the west....<br />
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I head back out and paddle straight across towards the shelter of the cliffs. The return journey was just brilliant fun, the boat was amazing riding over some waves nudging it's nose into others bringing a big smile on my face. It's a shame that in no time at all I find myself in the shelter of the cliffs. <br />
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As I get out on the beach the sun comes out and everything returns to how it was when I began..<br />
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Many lessons were learnt today on this short trip, one of which was that 'later' as in Force 6 later, really meant 'when I get to the most exposed point of the trip' (I'm not sure if it was a 6, probably not, but that's not the point, the message was received loud and clear though)</div>
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Anyway off to the Dr's now to get the grin surgically removed. </div>
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(Please note that I have since discovered that Oxwich Point is not the best place to go as a beginner, there lies a small tiderace at the headland. A sit on top fisherman I was speaking to in the car park told me of it, his advice, 'avoid'. </div>
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51˚N Seakayakinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15519905928735691590noreply@blogger.com0