Sunday 24th January 2010
A short trip through the shallow parts of Langstone Harbour on a cold morning, with breakfast on Sword Sands. I finally managed to get two (out of four) zips undone on my Palm Kaikoura PFD. At last I can get at my mini-flares and paddle pogies! It is a great PFD only marred by poor zips, which I gather Palm have changed now.
Showing posts with label ***KAYAK JOURNAL***. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ***KAYAK JOURNAL***. Show all posts
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Monday, 16 November 2009
Kayak Journal - Catch Up
Autumn 2009
The latter part of 2009 seems to be passing without much paddling. Griff and I enjoyed a tour of Langstone as I tried out my new Easky 15 (well, new to me anyway) and Gav and I paddled from Swanwick to Curbridge up the River Hamble, a trip we had not done for as long as we can remember. We enjoyed a pint and suffered an indifferent lunch at The Horse and Jockey pub. It was an amazingly high spring tide and the little wooden jetty was under four inches of water.
The short days and frustratingly different shift patterns we all work are not even lending themselves to the odd night paddle. This is something we should definitely remedy soon.
I am pleased that people are finding the Solent Kayak Pages useful - of late most new entries are comments from fellow paddlers, not me!
The latter part of 2009 seems to be passing without much paddling. Griff and I enjoyed a tour of Langstone as I tried out my new Easky 15 (well, new to me anyway) and Gav and I paddled from Swanwick to Curbridge up the River Hamble, a trip we had not done for as long as we can remember. We enjoyed a pint and suffered an indifferent lunch at The Horse and Jockey pub. It was an amazingly high spring tide and the little wooden jetty was under four inches of water.
The short days and frustratingly different shift patterns we all work are not even lending themselves to the odd night paddle. This is something we should definitely remedy soon.
I am pleased that people are finding the Solent Kayak Pages useful - of late most new entries are comments from fellow paddlers, not me!
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Isle of Wight Circumnavigation
Saturday 23/05/09
With promising weather and some good planning done by Griff, the prospect of finally achieving our goal of circumnavigating the Isle of Wight seemed a real possibility. We were joined by Darren, a self confessed relative novice but at least he was fit and had recent BCU training at a well known centre in Wales.
We met at Lee on Solent at 0815 hours to load up and ready ourselves for the trip. By 0850 we were on the water and paddling south toward East Cowes. The calm sea swiftly became a lumpy mess, however we battled through it with visibly clear water ahead and came into the shallows at Norris Point.
We turned westwards, clearing Cowes and rounding Egypt Point stopping briefly at Gurnard Point for a bacon baguette. The westward journey continued with the tide, briskly taking us to Newtown River where we stopped so I could stretch my legs. Yarmouth came up quickly and the over falls at Black Rock had us striving to get closer inshore to avoid the worst of it. We passed a group of eight of paddlers resting on the Yarmouth beach and we ourselves stopped briefly just past Fort Victoria for another leg stretch. The other paddlers then passed us heading west.
We pressed on out of the Solent crossing Totland Bay catching the paddlers up as we arrived at Alum Bay, which was just as glass like as the last time had visited. I felt tired after a hard week and snoozed on the beach, though I am told I was only asleep for five minutes. It was enough to revitalise me. Our tidal streams atlas indicated it was slack water and indeed, the other paddlers headed east again as we paddled along the north side of
The Needles, hugging them to admire them up close. We rounded the lighthouse and paddled east again along the other side. The south side of the island looked just as tranquil as Alum Bay and with even better weather forecast for the following day, the decision to continue was made. We bypassed Freshwater Bay staying off-shore heading direct to Brightstone. This crossing took two hours or so of steady paddling. As we arrived on a shingle beach we found ourselves a raised shingle platform above the high tide mark and pitched up for the night. After a BBQ dinner, we retired for the night having paddled 25 nautical miles. I didn't sleep well, seeming to wake every five minutes.
Sunday 24/05/09
We were awake early to make use of the east going tide. We set off after a cup of tea and paddled six miles landing on a beautiful shingle beach just west of St Catherine's Point.
We breakfasted, allowing a little time for the tide race to diminish. We climbed the steep steps on the cliff side to gain a view eastwards. The day was hotting up and the sea remained glassy. Following the cliff edge around the point looking down on the submerged rocks, we found that the tide had turned earlier than the tidal streams atlas indicated. Punching a knot of tide, it took over an hour to reach Ventnor. Along the way, Griff spotted our first seal. Except this one had a snorkel and two flippers. He was along way from any landing point having been carried by the tide.
At Ventnor
, we rested up for a good while and had our lunch. We met a couple who were paddling the "Big 5". I am afraid our effort was rather meagre compared to theirs - they had already completed their cross channel trip and Lands End to the Isles Of Scily paddle and only had the Canada to Alaska trip left to do. Ventnor Harbour was a disappointment. About one third the size of Ryde, a few visiting yachts could be accommodated on trot moorings if it were not for the plethora of local fishing boats 'blockading' the harbour. A wasted development opportunity if ever I saw one.
Mid afternoon, we continued eastwards and now the sea had become mirror like. An hour of paddling against the last of a foul tide brought us to Shanklin where we landed for a short rest on the sandy beach. We opted for a direct route across Sandown Bay to eastern end of Culver Cliff. By now, the tide was firmly behind us and carried us into Whitecliff Bay where we stopped for a beer and a rest. Muffin III lay quietly to her anchor in the middle of the bay and I stopped for a brief chat. Twenty minutes later, we set off on our final leg of the day, rounding Bembridge Ledge close to the rocks looking down on a forest of kelp. The Bembridge lifeboat station was under renovation with the boat shed removed and a large work platform alongside on stilts. We heard a call to the Coast Guard on the VHF. A woman had been stung by a weaver fish in Priory bay and the caller wanted assistance - the result was the Sandown ILB being dispatched! The crew came past us at forty or so knots, picked her up and ferried her two hundred yards to a waiting ambulance....
With enough water now, we paddled across the sands inshore of St Helens Fort and across the Bembridge Harbour channel. Skimming through a foot of water, we landed in Priory Bay at 8pm where we would spend our last night under canvas. The beach was still busy with a young family belting out campfire songs until late and a water skier who carried on in to the darkness until 10pm. We were in our sleeping bags shortly after though having paddled another 22 nm in about ten hours. At this point I discovered why I had slept so badly the previous night - Griff gave me a jab every time I snored!
Monday 25/05/09
An even earlier start this morning as the inshore waters forecast indicated a change in the weather around midday. After a long drag across the sands, we paddled through shallow water past Seaview and around Ryde Sands. Behind us a large grey cloud loomed threatening rain. With only 8nm left to cover, we set of aiming to close land at Browndown Point. This crossing usually takes 40 minutes, but half way across a wicked wind and sea sprang up and forced us to detour to Gilkicker Point for shelter. We found ourselves between two WightLink car ferries just to add to the fun. Struggling on with little more than a knot of headway, the Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue boat shot out to sea. I would gladly have accepted a lift had it have come my way! Once at Gilkicker, naturally the wind died right back to nothing. Darren went ashore at Stokes Bay and Griff and I carried on to Lee On Solent to complete our circumnavigation. A later check on the weather indicated 30 to 35 knots of wind while we crossed The Solent.
The trip was fascinating and challenging, yet laborious and at times monotonous. The cliffs and submerged rocks provided interest, though we saw little wild life. The miles of empty bays only served to remind us of stiffening muscles. Having completed our 55nm trip, one which we had wanted to do for three years, we are left to consider what challenge awaits us next.
With promising weather and some good planning done by Griff, the prospect of finally achieving our goal of circumnavigating the Isle of Wight seemed a real possibility. We were joined by Darren, a self confessed relative novice but at least he was fit and had recent BCU training at a well known centre in Wales.
We met at Lee on Solent at 0815 hours to load up and ready ourselves for the trip. By 0850 we were on the water and paddling south toward East Cowes. The calm sea swiftly became a lumpy mess, however we battled through it with visibly clear water ahead and came into the shallows at Norris Point.
We turned westwards, clearing Cowes and rounding Egypt Point stopping briefly at Gurnard Point for a bacon baguette. The westward journey continued with the tide, briskly taking us to Newtown River where we stopped so I could stretch my legs. Yarmouth came up quickly and the over falls at Black Rock had us striving to get closer inshore to avoid the worst of it. We passed a group of eight of paddlers resting on the Yarmouth beach and we ourselves stopped briefly just past Fort Victoria for another leg stretch. The other paddlers then passed us heading west.We pressed on out of the Solent crossing Totland Bay catching the paddlers up as we arrived at Alum Bay, which was just as glass like as the last time had visited. I felt tired after a hard week and snoozed on the beach, though I am told I was only asleep for five minutes. It was enough to revitalise me. Our tidal streams atlas indicated it was slack water and indeed, the other paddlers headed east again as we paddled along the north side of
The Needles, hugging them to admire them up close. We rounded the lighthouse and paddled east again along the other side. The south side of the island looked just as tranquil as Alum Bay and with even better weather forecast for the following day, the decision to continue was made. We bypassed Freshwater Bay staying off-shore heading direct to Brightstone. This crossing took two hours or so of steady paddling. As we arrived on a shingle beach we found ourselves a raised shingle platform above the high tide mark and pitched up for the night. After a BBQ dinner, we retired for the night having paddled 25 nautical miles. I didn't sleep well, seeming to wake every five minutes.Sunday 24/05/09
We were awake early to make use of the east going tide. We set off after a cup of tea and paddled six miles landing on a beautiful shingle beach just west of St Catherine's Point.
We breakfasted, allowing a little time for the tide race to diminish. We climbed the steep steps on the cliff side to gain a view eastwards. The day was hotting up and the sea remained glassy. Following the cliff edge around the point looking down on the submerged rocks, we found that the tide had turned earlier than the tidal streams atlas indicated. Punching a knot of tide, it took over an hour to reach Ventnor. Along the way, Griff spotted our first seal. Except this one had a snorkel and two flippers. He was along way from any landing point having been carried by the tide.At Ventnor
, we rested up for a good while and had our lunch. We met a couple who were paddling the "Big 5". I am afraid our effort was rather meagre compared to theirs - they had already completed their cross channel trip and Lands End to the Isles Of Scily paddle and only had the Canada to Alaska trip left to do. Ventnor Harbour was a disappointment. About one third the size of Ryde, a few visiting yachts could be accommodated on trot moorings if it were not for the plethora of local fishing boats 'blockading' the harbour. A wasted development opportunity if ever I saw one.Mid afternoon, we continued eastwards and now the sea had become mirror like. An hour of paddling against the last of a foul tide brought us to Shanklin where we landed for a short rest on the sandy beach. We opted for a direct route across Sandown Bay to eastern end of Culver Cliff. By now, the tide was firmly behind us and carried us into Whitecliff Bay where we stopped for a beer and a rest. Muffin III lay quietly to her anchor in the middle of the bay and I stopped for a brief chat. Twenty minutes later, we set off on our final leg of the day, rounding Bembridge Ledge close to the rocks looking down on a forest of kelp. The Bembridge lifeboat station was under renovation with the boat shed removed and a large work platform alongside on stilts. We heard a call to the Coast Guard on the VHF. A woman had been stung by a weaver fish in Priory bay and the caller wanted assistance - the result was the Sandown ILB being dispatched! The crew came past us at forty or so knots, picked her up and ferried her two hundred yards to a waiting ambulance....
With enough water now, we paddled across the sands inshore of St Helens Fort and across the Bembridge Harbour channel. Skimming through a foot of water, we landed in Priory Bay at 8pm where we would spend our last night under canvas. The beach was still busy with a young family belting out campfire songs until late and a water skier who carried on in to the darkness until 10pm. We were in our sleeping bags shortly after though having paddled another 22 nm in about ten hours. At this point I discovered why I had slept so badly the previous night - Griff gave me a jab every time I snored!
Monday 25/05/09
An even earlier start this morning as the inshore waters forecast indicated a change in the weather around midday. After a long drag across the sands, we paddled through shallow water past Seaview and around Ryde Sands. Behind us a large grey cloud loomed threatening rain. With only 8nm left to cover, we set of aiming to close land at Browndown Point. This crossing usually takes 40 minutes, but half way across a wicked wind and sea sprang up and forced us to detour to Gilkicker Point for shelter. We found ourselves between two WightLink car ferries just to add to the fun. Struggling on with little more than a knot of headway, the Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue boat shot out to sea. I would gladly have accepted a lift had it have come my way! Once at Gilkicker, naturally the wind died right back to nothing. Darren went ashore at Stokes Bay and Griff and I carried on to Lee On Solent to complete our circumnavigation. A later check on the weather indicated 30 to 35 knots of wind while we crossed The Solent.
The trip was fascinating and challenging, yet laborious and at times monotonous. The cliffs and submerged rocks provided interest, though we saw little wild life. The miles of empty bays only served to remind us of stiffening muscles. Having completed our 55nm trip, one which we had wanted to do for three years, we are left to consider what challenge awaits us next.
Kayak Journal - Hayling Island Circumnavigation - Overnight
Thursday 14/05/09
Griff and I wanted a shake-down overnight trip to precede our intended IOW circumnavigation. With very little time available, we opted for a single night under canvas as part of a lap of Hayling Island.
After work on Thursday and joined by Gav, we met at my sailing club and loaded up - our evening paddle would consist of a short paddle down Langstone Harbour to the entrance. The breeze was surprisingly stiff and with a foul tide, it took three quarters of an hour to get to the entrance where we landed on the Hayling side. We pitched the tent amongst the sand dunes and barbeques our evening meal.
Friday 15/05/09
During the night it really blew, but by morning, the wind and weather had abated and the day looked as though it held promise. We set off eastwards toward Chichester Harbour entrance. After fifteen minutes or so, it became apparent that the wind was building and as we cleared the East Winner sands and the depth of water increased, so did the wave height. By now though, turning back would be impossible - we could either beach or press on. The wind was blowing 25 to 30 knots and the waves were at least four feet and confused in direction. We continued eastwards hoping conditions would improve. Several times, I found myself trying to balance precariously on top of steep waves and was convinced I would be swimming sooner later but after an hour had passed, we arrived at Chichester Harbour. Negotiating the entrance left me with a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and of course, it was here that a breaking wave had me upside down before I knew it had hit me. I fell out off the boat, taking the spray deck with me and found myself in 2'6 steep waves. One of my split paddles had come adrift and I held on to it tightly. Griff and Gav were coping fine with the conditions and were just as surprised as me that I was in the water. Rather than attempt a re-entry, I opted for the simpler option of towing me thirty feet to the water edge. This turned out to be tougher than expected and I was in the water 20 or more minutes and drifted the entire length of the harbour entrance before my paddling partners had towed me to shore.
My dry trousers and top were full of water as were my Chota boots. Once emptied (along with my kayak) I was back on in the kayak heading north towards Emsworth. Needless to say, as my first accidental swim, it had a marked effect on me. The cold was more significant though and as we arrived at Northney we landed so i could don a fleece and hat - this did the trick.
Once under Hayling bridge we were staring at the breaking waves coming through the old Hayling Billy line submerged blocks. The prospect of making it through just to punch head long into a 30 knot wind for an hour had us all reeling. After five minutes of searching for the best gap to tackle, we settled for an easy get-out at The Old Ship pub and a taxi to my sailing club to retrieve our cars.
Our first night kayak camping had been a good laugh but had taught us that we had over-packed and secondly that out rescue drills were rusty. Only after the event did possible rescue methods in rough seas come to mind. In the turbulence of the situation, a rafted re-entry seemed impossible and with the shore so close, it seemed the easiest option - it may not have been after all.
Griff and I wanted a shake-down overnight trip to precede our intended IOW circumnavigation. With very little time available, we opted for a single night under canvas as part of a lap of Hayling Island.
After work on Thursday and joined by Gav, we met at my sailing club and loaded up - our evening paddle would consist of a short paddle down Langstone Harbour to the entrance. The breeze was surprisingly stiff and with a foul tide, it took three quarters of an hour to get to the entrance where we landed on the Hayling side. We pitched the tent amongst the sand dunes and barbeques our evening meal.
Friday 15/05/09
During the night it really blew, but by morning, the wind and weather had abated and the day looked as though it held promise. We set off eastwards toward Chichester Harbour entrance. After fifteen minutes or so, it became apparent that the wind was building and as we cleared the East Winner sands and the depth of water increased, so did the wave height. By now though, turning back would be impossible - we could either beach or press on. The wind was blowing 25 to 30 knots and the waves were at least four feet and confused in direction. We continued eastwards hoping conditions would improve. Several times, I found myself trying to balance precariously on top of steep waves and was convinced I would be swimming sooner later but after an hour had passed, we arrived at Chichester Harbour. Negotiating the entrance left me with a wonderful feeling of accomplishment and of course, it was here that a breaking wave had me upside down before I knew it had hit me. I fell out off the boat, taking the spray deck with me and found myself in 2'6 steep waves. One of my split paddles had come adrift and I held on to it tightly. Griff and Gav were coping fine with the conditions and were just as surprised as me that I was in the water. Rather than attempt a re-entry, I opted for the simpler option of towing me thirty feet to the water edge. This turned out to be tougher than expected and I was in the water 20 or more minutes and drifted the entire length of the harbour entrance before my paddling partners had towed me to shore.
My dry trousers and top were full of water as were my Chota boots. Once emptied (along with my kayak) I was back on in the kayak heading north towards Emsworth. Needless to say, as my first accidental swim, it had a marked effect on me. The cold was more significant though and as we arrived at Northney we landed so i could don a fleece and hat - this did the trick.
Once under Hayling bridge we were staring at the breaking waves coming through the old Hayling Billy line submerged blocks. The prospect of making it through just to punch head long into a 30 knot wind for an hour had us all reeling. After five minutes of searching for the best gap to tackle, we settled for an easy get-out at The Old Ship pub and a taxi to my sailing club to retrieve our cars.
Our first night kayak camping had been a good laugh but had taught us that we had over-packed and secondly that out rescue drills were rusty. Only after the event did possible rescue methods in rough seas come to mind. In the turbulence of the situation, a rafted re-entry seemed impossible and with the shore so close, it seemed the easiest option - it may not have been after all.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Kayak Journal - Feb 2009
February 2009
The weather still uninviting and with too many other commitments, Griff and I managed one short paddle after work one evening. The cold quickly descended as soon as the sun dropped below the horizon and the beer on the beach at Hill Head was too cold to be enjoyable. It did however reinvigorate us for longer trips, but also reminded us that paddle fitness takes a while to rebuild.
Of particular note, we sighted a seal very close inshore, the first we have seen outside of the local harbours and rivers.
The weather still uninviting and with too many other commitments, Griff and I managed one short paddle after work one evening. The cold quickly descended as soon as the sun dropped below the horizon and the beer on the beach at Hill Head was too cold to be enjoyable. It did however reinvigorate us for longer trips, but also reminded us that paddle fitness takes a while to rebuild.
Of particular note, we sighted a seal very close inshore, the first we have seen outside of the local harbours and rivers.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Kayak Journal - Out of Date
January 2009
Th guys and I have had a few short paddles over the latter part of 2008, but only covering old ground - nothing worth writing about.
2008 passed without a camping trip and this is something I am determined to rectify early in 2009, cold weather or not.
Various injuries and illness have discouraged any trips this month, but once Griff recovers from his snake bite(!) we shall be off over the Isle of Wight again to explore the remaining rivers (Newtown, Medina and Yar) only known to me from the comfort of a bigger boat.
A circumnavigation of the Island awaits when the weather and work permits.
Th guys and I have had a few short paddles over the latter part of 2008, but only covering old ground - nothing worth writing about.
2008 passed without a camping trip and this is something I am determined to rectify early in 2009, cold weather or not.
Various injuries and illness have discouraged any trips this month, but once Griff recovers from his snake bite(!) we shall be off over the Isle of Wight again to explore the remaining rivers (Newtown, Medina and Yar) only known to me from the comfort of a bigger boat.
A circumnavigation of the Island awaits when the weather and work permits.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Kayak Journal - Calshot with Rob
Sunday 28th September 2008
A not so quick dash from Warsash to Calshot and my first paddle with Rob. Having known him through work for many years, he has joined the growing number of paddlers in our group. Rob had purchased a short sit-on-top kayak to get a flavour of the sport and has paddled with Griff a couple of times, but this was my first experience of 'them'. The extra width and short length really did make as much difference as I thought it would and Rob is a strong bloke. The usual 35 minutes to Calshot became an hour and five.
After a few chilled beers on the beach, we paddled back in the fading daylight. Beaching briefly on the Warsash Hook, Griff and Rob swapped kayaks and Rob soon disappeared ahead in the distance, while Griff worked up a sweat. Rob soon got the hang of the Kodiak and it reinforced his intention to buy a sea kayak in the near future.
As for the prospect of still camping this year, we are still up for it but I think we will need a bigger tent...
Photo courtesy of Griff
A not so quick dash from Warsash to Calshot and my first paddle with Rob. Having known him through work for many years, he has joined the growing number of paddlers in our group. Rob had purchased a short sit-on-top kayak to get a flavour of the sport and has paddled with Griff a couple of times, but this was my first experience of 'them'. The extra width and short length really did make as much difference as I thought it would and Rob is a strong bloke. The usual 35 minutes to Calshot became an hour and five.
After a few chilled beers on the beach, we paddled back in the fading daylight. Beaching briefly on the Warsash Hook, Griff and Rob swapped kayaks and Rob soon disappeared ahead in the distance, while Griff worked up a sweat. Rob soon got the hang of the Kodiak and it reinforced his intention to buy a sea kayak in the near future. As for the prospect of still camping this year, we are still up for it but I think we will need a bigger tent...
Photo courtesy of Griff
Monday, 15 September 2008
Kayak Journal - West Solent 40
Sunday 14th September 2008
Mustering at 0700 at Warsash, Griff, Mike and I embarked on our most ambitious paddle to date; a long loop down the western Solent, hugging the Isle of Wight coast on the outward leg and returning along the New Forest coast line. The basic plan was to stop when we wanted with The Needles as our aim point.
Crossing Southampton Water was uneventful and we were soon along the Calshot coast starting out across the Solent toward Cowes. We allowed for the (still) east flowing tide, but did get carried back further than intended by the strength of tide off of Gurnard ledge. Just after 0830, we were ashore
at Egypt Point sipping coffee. The conditions were perfect for covering a big distance - glassy seas with very light winds. We set off westwards after a short while having waited for a back eddy in Thorness Bay to start. Almost all of this coast is untouched. It felt like we were looking back in time, staring at the slowly eroding cliff faces and shoreline only accessible by sea.
Off Newtown, Griff caught his first mackerel and we landed at the mouth of Newtown River some time after 1000. We had a longer break this time, in part due to us rescuing an inflatable dinghy, which had drifted away while an embarrassed dog was walking it’s owner.
Back on the water, progress was swift with the now west flowing tide. Beach Surgery saw an old wind surfer skeg fitted to Mike’s Easky kayak and he reported an improvement in it’s tracking and confirmed by the obvious ease he was having as the conditions got a lot bouncier around Yarmouth - strong tide overfalls as we passed the pier and extending to Black Rock buoy.
We cut closer in shore to avoid the worst of it and found ourselves in an adverse back eddy at Fort Victoria. We landed on a sandy beach for another leg stretch and to make an informed decision about carrying on pass Hurst Narrows where we would be committed to waiting for the tide to return eastwards again at around 1700.
We readily agreed that we should carry on. We viewed the deceptively still water ahead half expecting another back eddy, but were pleasantly surprised to find a gentle one knot lift of tide. Fort Albert slipped by and we set in slightly to Colwell Bay then Totland Bay. The Needles were in view and we pressed on, turning the final corner in Alum Bay where Griff hooked his second mackerel.
Sausage sandwiches for the boys followed. The view of The Needles is the most impressive sight in The Solent. The coloured sands of Alum Bay are not...The chair lift along the beach ferried a steady stream of tourists up and down from the cliff top. Only one couple actually ventured on to the beach! And then they wouldn’t leave when nature called.
We were well aware that with stops and enjoying the scenery, we had taken seven hours to get down here - 20 odd statute miles. We studied the tide table, tide stream atlas and debated our departure time. We agreed that if we were to fight tide, it would be better to do it while we were still fresh, after a meal and a good rest. Making the most of the daylight was also another priority. With this in mind, we set off at about 1515, turning the corner and heading across the tide to Hurst Castle.
This was a real slog - only two miles but a hard hour of paddling. The leg stretch on Hurst Spit to the east of the castle (and the mouth of Keyhaven River) was appreciated by us all. We then agreed to make as few stops as needed and to limit them to ten minutes - including this one.
We set off again along the New Forest coast line, standing inshore while we waited for the tide to turn in our favour. This happened a lot sooner than the tide streams atlas led us to believe. Lymington slipped by quickly and we powered on towards Beaulieu / Lepe, stopping for our final time on the beach just before the Royal Southampton Yacht Club. Another ten minutes and another chocolate bar. At this point we still had another ten or more miles to go and we all agreed that the pleasure was not now in the scenery, but the accomplishment of getting back to Warsash. Our original calculations predicted we would not be back until 2300. Leaving Alum Bay early brought that forward to 2100.
The last ten miles were spent weaving off shore to pick up the tide and back in again to reduce the overall distance. It was clear that we would be crossing Southampton Water in the dark unfortunately. We rounded Calshot Spit and waited for a ship to pass before making the crossing back into the River Hamble. We stepped ashore again at about 2015, having covered the return 20 miles in under five hours paddling time. This in itself was pleasing as the first hour had been limited to two miles progress. 35 nautical miles / 40 statute was by far our longest paddle to date and not likely to be repeated soon. We were all tired with various aches but nothing that a bath and early night wouldn’t fix.
Mustering at 0700 at Warsash, Griff, Mike and I embarked on our most ambitious paddle to date; a long loop down the western Solent, hugging the Isle of Wight coast on the outward leg and returning along the New Forest coast line. The basic plan was to stop when we wanted with The Needles as our aim point.
Crossing Southampton Water was uneventful and we were soon along the Calshot coast starting out across the Solent toward Cowes. We allowed for the (still) east flowing tide, but did get carried back further than intended by the strength of tide off of Gurnard ledge. Just after 0830, we were ashore
at Egypt Point sipping coffee. The conditions were perfect for covering a big distance - glassy seas with very light winds. We set off westwards after a short while having waited for a back eddy in Thorness Bay to start. Almost all of this coast is untouched. It felt like we were looking back in time, staring at the slowly eroding cliff faces and shoreline only accessible by sea.
Off Newtown, Griff caught his first mackerel and we landed at the mouth of Newtown River some time after 1000. We had a longer break this time, in part due to us rescuing an inflatable dinghy, which had drifted away while an embarrassed dog was walking it’s owner.
Back on the water, progress was swift with the now west flowing tide. Beach Surgery saw an old wind surfer skeg fitted to Mike’s Easky kayak and he reported an improvement in it’s tracking and confirmed by the obvious ease he was having as the conditions got a lot bouncier around Yarmouth - strong tide overfalls as we passed the pier and extending to Black Rock buoy.
We cut closer in shore to avoid the worst of it and found ourselves in an adverse back eddy at Fort Victoria. We landed on a sandy beach for another leg stretch and to make an informed decision about carrying on pass Hurst Narrows where we would be committed to waiting for the tide to return eastwards again at around 1700.We readily agreed that we should carry on. We viewed the deceptively still water ahead half expecting another back eddy, but were pleasantly surprised to find a gentle one knot lift of tide. Fort Albert slipped by and we set in slightly to Colwell Bay then Totland Bay. The Needles were in view and we pressed on, turning the final corner in Alum Bay where Griff hooked his second mackerel.
Sausage sandwiches for the boys followed. The view of The Needles is the most impressive sight in The Solent. The coloured sands of Alum Bay are not...The chair lift along the beach ferried a steady stream of tourists up and down from the cliff top. Only one couple actually ventured on to the beach! And then they wouldn’t leave when nature called. We were well aware that with stops and enjoying the scenery, we had taken seven hours to get down here - 20 odd statute miles. We studied the tide table, tide stream atlas and debated our departure time. We agreed that if we were to fight tide, it would be better to do it while we were still fresh, after a meal and a good rest. Making the most of the daylight was also another priority. With this in mind, we set off at about 1515, turning the corner and heading across the tide to Hurst Castle.
This was a real slog - only two miles but a hard hour of paddling. The leg stretch on Hurst Spit to the east of the castle (and the mouth of Keyhaven River) was appreciated by us all. We then agreed to make as few stops as needed and to limit them to ten minutes - including this one.We set off again along the New Forest coast line, standing inshore while we waited for the tide to turn in our favour. This happened a lot sooner than the tide streams atlas led us to believe. Lymington slipped by quickly and we powered on towards Beaulieu / Lepe, stopping for our final time on the beach just before the Royal Southampton Yacht Club. Another ten minutes and another chocolate bar. At this point we still had another ten or more miles to go and we all agreed that the pleasure was not now in the scenery, but the accomplishment of getting back to Warsash. Our original calculations predicted we would not be back until 2300. Leaving Alum Bay early brought that forward to 2100.
The last ten miles were spent weaving off shore to pick up the tide and back in again to reduce the overall distance. It was clear that we would be crossing Southampton Water in the dark unfortunately. We rounded Calshot Spit and waited for a ship to pass before making the crossing back into the River Hamble. We stepped ashore again at about 2015, having covered the return 20 miles in under five hours paddling time. This in itself was pleasing as the first hour had been limited to two miles progress. 35 nautical miles / 40 statute was by far our longest paddle to date and not likely to be repeated soon. We were all tired with various aches but nothing that a bath and early night wouldn’t fix.
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Kayak Journal - Winter arrives early in Langstone
Wednesday 20th August 2008
After a long break from paddling (looking for a window in the weather to sail to France)the urge to get out for a paddle was overwhelming.
Griff, Gav and I met up at Tudor Sailing Club with the intention of paddling around Langstone Harbour, stopping somewhere for a curry on the beach. The weather this August has been horrible and tonight proved to be no different. It seemed more like winter, only the water temperature was pleasantly warm.
Having cancelled our trip around the Isle of Wight due to the foul weather, we were determined to get afloat. We headed east through the shallows, with the tide falling fast and after thirty minutes, were amongst the islands with the intention of landing on Long Island to cook there. It started to rain though - hard. Visibility became so poor that we could no longer see Portsmouth and the wind increased from force 3 to 4 up to a 5. We headed in to it, paddling south towards the harbour entrance, but with the rain continuing, none of us wanted to sit there in the rain trying to cook and eat.
We managed to cut across Sword Sands just as the tide was revealing them, making it into Russell's Lake, before heading back to Tudor, where in the shelter of the club house, we cooked and at our curry.
The seal population was noticeably smaller than last year, but equally illusive.
After a long break from paddling (looking for a window in the weather to sail to France)the urge to get out for a paddle was overwhelming.
Griff, Gav and I met up at Tudor Sailing Club with the intention of paddling around Langstone Harbour, stopping somewhere for a curry on the beach. The weather this August has been horrible and tonight proved to be no different. It seemed more like winter, only the water temperature was pleasantly warm.
Having cancelled our trip around the Isle of Wight due to the foul weather, we were determined to get afloat. We headed east through the shallows, with the tide falling fast and after thirty minutes, were amongst the islands with the intention of landing on Long Island to cook there. It started to rain though - hard. Visibility became so poor that we could no longer see Portsmouth and the wind increased from force 3 to 4 up to a 5. We headed in to it, paddling south towards the harbour entrance, but with the rain continuing, none of us wanted to sit there in the rain trying to cook and eat.
We managed to cut across Sword Sands just as the tide was revealing them, making it into Russell's Lake, before heading back to Tudor, where in the shelter of the club house, we cooked and at our curry.
The seal population was noticeably smaller than last year, but equally illusive.
Kayak Journal - Hill Head to Hamble
Wednesday 9th July 2008
The intention today was to paddle from Hill Head across to Cowes and back for the evening, but the plan unravelled as we set off.
The first glitch was that no one had brought any beer or coffee. Neither Griff, Gav or I had thought to pack any. The tides were wrong for beach access to any of the pubs in the River Medina, so we were only going to paddle to Norris Point. The prospect of paddling over with nothing but water as a reward reduced the appeal further.
About a mile out, the chop started to become confused - the tide was just starting to run and this was the final straw - we altered course from south to north west and paddled the straight line course to the entrance to Southampton Water. The tide did wash us inshore a bit as we closed on Solent Breezes but forty minutes or so later, we entered the River Hamble for a beer at the Rising Sun pub.
The return paddle was uneventful, but had us thinking again about plan to circumnavigate the Isle of Wight.
The intention today was to paddle from Hill Head across to Cowes and back for the evening, but the plan unravelled as we set off.
The first glitch was that no one had brought any beer or coffee. Neither Griff, Gav or I had thought to pack any. The tides were wrong for beach access to any of the pubs in the River Medina, so we were only going to paddle to Norris Point. The prospect of paddling over with nothing but water as a reward reduced the appeal further.
About a mile out, the chop started to become confused - the tide was just starting to run and this was the final straw - we altered course from south to north west and paddled the straight line course to the entrance to Southampton Water. The tide did wash us inshore a bit as we closed on Solent Breezes but forty minutes or so later, we entered the River Hamble for a beer at the Rising Sun pub.
The return paddle was uneventful, but had us thinking again about plan to circumnavigate the Isle of Wight.
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Kayak Journal - Lee on Solent to Stokes Bay
Monday 9th June 2008
After three weeks of messing about in the other boat, it was well and truly time for a paddle. It turned out to be a rare occasion where Griff, Gav, Mike and I could all make it. As a short evening spin, we paddled from Lee to Stokes Bay, which passed by very quickly owing to an early east going tide close in shore.
Photo courtesy of Griff
Stokes Bay at Number 2 Battery - we stopped for a few beers in the warm evening sunshine before paddling out to Browndown Buoy and back to Lee. The wind had initially provided us with some playful waves but as dusk closed in, the wind and sea abated to nothing but a mill pond.
We were back ashore on on our way home just before darkness began to fall.
After three weeks of messing about in the other boat, it was well and truly time for a paddle. It turned out to be a rare occasion where Griff, Gav, Mike and I could all make it. As a short evening spin, we paddled from Lee to Stokes Bay, which passed by very quickly owing to an early east going tide close in shore.
Photo courtesy of Griff
Stokes Bay at Number 2 Battery - we stopped for a few beers in the warm evening sunshine before paddling out to Browndown Buoy and back to Lee. The wind had initially provided us with some playful waves but as dusk closed in, the wind and sea abated to nothing but a mill pond.
We were back ashore on on our way home just before darkness began to fall.
Monday, 19 May 2008
Kayak Journal - Langstone at Low Tide
Monday 19th May 2008
A short evening paddle after work with Gav. We launched at low water from Tudor Sailing club, slipping down Broom Channel with little water in it. We paused around Mallard Lake to look for the resident seals. I had only seen one so far since the winter and that was a young pup. This quickly came into view as we paddled south and shortly after we spotted an adult accompanying it.
After five minutes trying to get a decent photograph, we carried on, pulling up on the sand outside the Ferry Inn on Hayling Island. We didn't take long breaking out the dinner - chicken madras and rice. Unfortunately, Gav forgot the beers and I forgot my wallet, so there was nothing interesting to wash it down with. I was also filled with dread that I had left my wallet on the car, not in it.
Shoving off again, curtailing the trip to see where my wallet was, we made quick progress on the first of the flood tide. A group of paddlers, playing near the Hayling Ferry pontoon were still there, much to our surprise.
Before long, we were back at the cars and yes, my wallet was on the roof of the car still. Twit.
A short evening paddle after work with Gav. We launched at low water from Tudor Sailing club, slipping down Broom Channel with little water in it. We paused around Mallard Lake to look for the resident seals. I had only seen one so far since the winter and that was a young pup. This quickly came into view as we paddled south and shortly after we spotted an adult accompanying it.
After five minutes trying to get a decent photograph, we carried on, pulling up on the sand outside the Ferry Inn on Hayling Island. We didn't take long breaking out the dinner - chicken madras and rice. Unfortunately, Gav forgot the beers and I forgot my wallet, so there was nothing interesting to wash it down with. I was also filled with dread that I had left my wallet on the car, not in it.
Shoving off again, curtailing the trip to see where my wallet was, we made quick progress on the first of the flood tide. A group of paddlers, playing near the Hayling Ferry pontoon were still there, much to our surprise.
Before long, we were back at the cars and yes, my wallet was on the roof of the car still. Twit.
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Kayak Journal - Chichester Harbour Haul
Sunday 18th May 2008
With Griff for company, today's trip would see us around a fair portion of Chichester Harbour, not frequently visited by us owing to the longer than average drive involved. Chichester does however provide a breath of fresh air and a real change of scenery. We would be wrestling against wind and tide for a fair bit though. A better planner would claim that this was an error. My only defence is that arriving at the pub any earlier would have been indecent!
Bosham
We met on the half tide hard at Bosham and unloaded gear before returning the cars to the pay & display car park nearby - £3.50 for the day. The tide was still flooding so our progress out of Bosham Channel was slowed a little by the last two
hours of flood. With a blustery wind from the north east, blowing a stiff force four with gusts to 20 knots, an in harbour paddle was just the right choice for today, even if it would mean some adverse tide at times.
At the mouth of Bosham Channel, we were met by a large amount of sailing boats, many keels boats racing with a mixture of power and sail yachts leaving and entering the harbour. We continued south west towards the harbour entrance and surfed along on the rolling sea kicked up by the wind over tide. Keeping to the northern side of the channel to avoid the worst of the seaway and other boats, we passed closely to Pilsey Island, which was a fall back option for us if the conditions were less favourable. From here, we played in the rolling waves, crossing the channel to arrive at East Head 3.5 miles / one hour after leaving Bosham.
East Head
Sitting on the beach eating sausages and beans with Griff's chocolate coffee for refreshment, I was glad that I had put on my summer spray top - the north easterly wind blew cold when the sun was hidden behind clouds. Many walkers passed and the spot was quite captivating for photography, particularly with the kayaks in frame. The spot although a nature reserve also had possibilities for low impact camping too.
Dell Quay
Having brunched, the next leg took us back up Chichester Channel now decidedly against the wind and the first of the ebb. We stayed on the south side and watched the X Boats beating up the channel to their finish line at Itchenor. Making slow but steady progress, we reached Itchenor ourselves after about an hour, but did not stop as we paddled against a strengthening ebb to reach Dell Quay, 5.5 miles
from East Head, but feeling more like eight or ten. The promise of a pint though at The Anchor pub kept us going and when we glided ashore at Dell Quay, it didn't really seem like 8 miles at all.
After a beer, we set off again, this time enjoying the fair wind and tide, carrying us down the harbour at 2.5 knots before we put a paddle blade in the water. We were swiftly back at Bosham Channel, where again we had to fight the tide, but little wind back to Bosham Quay for our get-out, albeit with a bit of a portage back to the public road for the cars.
This 12 nautical mile paddle made a pleasant change from the norm - a different harbour and a pub en route, something which the winter months seemed to have robbed us of quick a lot. With the return of warmer weather, sitting around outside has regained it's appeal
With Griff for company, today's trip would see us around a fair portion of Chichester Harbour, not frequently visited by us owing to the longer than average drive involved. Chichester does however provide a breath of fresh air and a real change of scenery. We would be wrestling against wind and tide for a fair bit though. A better planner would claim that this was an error. My only defence is that arriving at the pub any earlier would have been indecent!
Bosham
We met on the half tide hard at Bosham and unloaded gear before returning the cars to the pay & display car park nearby - £3.50 for the day. The tide was still flooding so our progress out of Bosham Channel was slowed a little by the last two
hours of flood. With a blustery wind from the north east, blowing a stiff force four with gusts to 20 knots, an in harbour paddle was just the right choice for today, even if it would mean some adverse tide at times.At the mouth of Bosham Channel, we were met by a large amount of sailing boats, many keels boats racing with a mixture of power and sail yachts leaving and entering the harbour. We continued south west towards the harbour entrance and surfed along on the rolling sea kicked up by the wind over tide. Keeping to the northern side of the channel to avoid the worst of the seaway and other boats, we passed closely to Pilsey Island, which was a fall back option for us if the conditions were less favourable. From here, we played in the rolling waves, crossing the channel to arrive at East Head 3.5 miles / one hour after leaving Bosham.
East Head
Sitting on the beach eating sausages and beans with Griff's chocolate coffee for refreshment, I was glad that I had put on my summer spray top - the north easterly wind blew cold when the sun was hidden behind clouds. Many walkers passed and the spot was quite captivating for photography, particularly with the kayaks in frame. The spot although a nature reserve also had possibilities for low impact camping too.
Dell Quay
Having brunched, the next leg took us back up Chichester Channel now decidedly against the wind and the first of the ebb. We stayed on the south side and watched the X Boats beating up the channel to their finish line at Itchenor. Making slow but steady progress, we reached Itchenor ourselves after about an hour, but did not stop as we paddled against a strengthening ebb to reach Dell Quay, 5.5 miles
from East Head, but feeling more like eight or ten. The promise of a pint though at The Anchor pub kept us going and when we glided ashore at Dell Quay, it didn't really seem like 8 miles at all.
After a beer, we set off again, this time enjoying the fair wind and tide, carrying us down the harbour at 2.5 knots before we put a paddle blade in the water. We were swiftly back at Bosham Channel, where again we had to fight the tide, but little wind back to Bosham Quay for our get-out, albeit with a bit of a portage back to the public road for the cars.
This 12 nautical mile paddle made a pleasant change from the norm - a different harbour and a pub en route, something which the winter months seemed to have robbed us of quick a lot. With the return of warmer weather, sitting around outside has regained it's appeal
Friday, 9 May 2008
Kayak Journal - East Solent Kayak Marathon
Friday 9th May 2008
View Larger Map
The plan for today was to make an early start at Lee on the Solent, cross to Cowes, and head east through Osborne Bay to Ryde. The return crossing would be at slack water, back to Stokes Bay where we would head west on the tide back to Lee on Solent. A round trip of 16 miles.
Leaving at 0700 meant that we could paddle over to Cowes with very little tide present to effect our desired straight line course. The sea was quite glassy with only the faintest of breezes present. We were all in good spirits looking forward to another island adventure. A ship at anchor on our route turned slowly on the tide and we paused for photographs. Arriving at the shipping channel, we upped the pace slightly to get across before a coaster arrived. Less than an hour after leaving Lee on Solent, we nudged the sand at Norris Point, just east of Cowes. We could see the tidal stream beginning to run in our favour as we sipped coffee and watched the early risers entering and leaving the River Medina.
Resuming our paddle, we headed east around Norris Point and into Osborne Bay, following the coast fairly closely. A solitary Seal 22 lay at anchor in the bay and we passed through quietly, only disturbed by a small school of fish and a flock of terns diving for them.
Having cleared the bay, we next looked at a small drying creek known as Kings Quay. It looked a tranquil tiny creek, but we could not get near as the approaches were dry. A single house on the western edge of the creek mouth looked the perfect retreat.
Picking our way through Wootton Rocks, we cleared the ferry channel and beached on the clay / shingle on the eastern side of the harbour mouth. Some splendid sausage sandwiches followed washed down with more coffee.
We watched the car ferries coming and going and repeatedly witnessed the sea disappear off the mudflat in front of us, drawn up by the passing ships, only to return like a flood.
Ahead of our time schedule, we shoved off again to Ryde. With time in hand, we intended to round the pier and decide what to do then. Visibility was noticeably deteriorating as the sun tried to break through the clouds and promptly raised a sea mist. This grew thicker and we could no longer see the main land. We discussed how we would reduce the risk for the return crossing and came to the conclusion that we would cross the shipping lane between the sea forts to reduce the exposure to shipping, albeit that this would increase the distance dramatically.
Having rounded the pier head, we watched a hovercraft depart only to suddenly find a very steep single wave, about 60 centimetres high, racing towards us from behind, only a boat length away - wash from a passenger ferry that we had just missed at the end of the pier. We would certainly have been swimming if it was not for that 2 second warning! We carried on to the sands outside Ryde Marina, where I checked to see if my parents had already arrived there, but they had not.
We continued east to Seaview, slipping through the shallows watching the sands steam in the sun. We could not see No Mans Land Fort, even though it was only a mile away. The visibility eastwards was good so we carried on to Seaview where we paddled in close, admiring some of the sea front houses more than others.
Rounding the next corner brought us in to Priory Bay, where we beached again and broke out the last of our supplies - a few bottles of beer each. As we sat in the sun, the fog cleared steadily until such time that we could clearly see the forts and parts of the main land coast again. Suitably refreshed and now somewhat tippy / tipsy, we paddled northwards, stemming the tide to cross the shipping channel between the forts. Motoring towards us was a familiar yacht - Goodyear - en route to Ryde, but had come our way to see if they could find us.
We had a brief exchange, were offered more beer, which we declined on the grounds of it effecting stability and were recorded on video. After ten minutes, we parted company and pressed on our way to Horse Sand Fort. The crossing here takes around and hour and a half and having paused briefly, we paddled on, aiming for South Parade Pier to take advantage of it’s facilities.
On arrival, we found the waves were dumping on the steep shingle and we all managed to time our way in for a good landing. After a thirty minute pit stop and a Mars bar each, we set off again before we nodded off. The launch was to be a little trickier though. Gav had a go but the breaking waves were proving difficult. I steadied him. On entering my own kayak, I soon found myself laying in the water next to it. The second attempt was successful so we waited for Griff. He had gone for the seal launch option (wisely) and from quite a height, belted down the shingle and into the water - very impressive.
Now heading west on the tide, we overtook an 80 year old man out for a swim. He had passed us earlier by the pier. We passed Southsea Castle and followed the beach to Clarence Pier, before crossing the shipping lane to reach the Haslar hot walls. We had done this to avoid as much ferry traffic as possible. Here, we found the sea somewhat confused; partly tide driven, partly caused by shipping.
The waves were coming in from the east and reflecting back at us from the sea wall, making it quite choppy. The pace quickened as we closed on Gilkicker Point and the sea became more and more turbulent as we ploughed through the small race that forms here. Once clear and looking across Stokes Bay, we opted to take the straight line route and press on for Browndown Point. We were starting to suffer the consequences of extending the route so much. My lower back was aching, Griff was sporting some blisters and Gav was wearing a look of grim determination. We all knew we had not packed enough food, especially stuff to nibble while paddling.
Browndown was soon reached with the assistance of the tide and the last two miles to Lee on Solent are so familiar, it could have been any old paddle. Except it wasn’t. We had covered over 26 miles in seven paddling hours. I don’t think any of us will look at these stretches of coast the same ever again. The conditions had been perfect for the trip, perhaps with the exception of the sea fog. Maybe when we have all recovered, we will plan the next voyage. I promised myself a beer when I got home, but sitting here typing this, it dawns on me that I haven’t yet had it....
View Larger Map
The plan for today was to make an early start at Lee on the Solent, cross to Cowes, and head east through Osborne Bay to Ryde. The return crossing would be at slack water, back to Stokes Bay where we would head west on the tide back to Lee on Solent. A round trip of 16 miles.
Leaving at 0700 meant that we could paddle over to Cowes with very little tide present to effect our desired straight line course. The sea was quite glassy with only the faintest of breezes present. We were all in good spirits looking forward to another island adventure. A ship at anchor on our route turned slowly on the tide and we paused for photographs. Arriving at the shipping channel, we upped the pace slightly to get across before a coaster arrived. Less than an hour after leaving Lee on Solent, we nudged the sand at Norris Point, just east of Cowes. We could see the tidal stream beginning to run in our favour as we sipped coffee and watched the early risers entering and leaving the River Medina.
Resuming our paddle, we headed east around Norris Point and into Osborne Bay, following the coast fairly closely. A solitary Seal 22 lay at anchor in the bay and we passed through quietly, only disturbed by a small school of fish and a flock of terns diving for them.
Having cleared the bay, we next looked at a small drying creek known as Kings Quay. It looked a tranquil tiny creek, but we could not get near as the approaches were dry. A single house on the western edge of the creek mouth looked the perfect retreat.
Picking our way through Wootton Rocks, we cleared the ferry channel and beached on the clay / shingle on the eastern side of the harbour mouth. Some splendid sausage sandwiches followed washed down with more coffee.
We watched the car ferries coming and going and repeatedly witnessed the sea disappear off the mudflat in front of us, drawn up by the passing ships, only to return like a flood.Ahead of our time schedule, we shoved off again to Ryde. With time in hand, we intended to round the pier and decide what to do then. Visibility was noticeably deteriorating as the sun tried to break through the clouds and promptly raised a sea mist. This grew thicker and we could no longer see the main land. We discussed how we would reduce the risk for the return crossing and came to the conclusion that we would cross the shipping lane between the sea forts to reduce the exposure to shipping, albeit that this would increase the distance dramatically.
Having rounded the pier head, we watched a hovercraft depart only to suddenly find a very steep single wave, about 60 centimetres high, racing towards us from behind, only a boat length away - wash from a passenger ferry that we had just missed at the end of the pier. We would certainly have been swimming if it was not for that 2 second warning! We carried on to the sands outside Ryde Marina, where I checked to see if my parents had already arrived there, but they had not.
We continued east to Seaview, slipping through the shallows watching the sands steam in the sun. We could not see No Mans Land Fort, even though it was only a mile away. The visibility eastwards was good so we carried on to Seaview where we paddled in close, admiring some of the sea front houses more than others.
Rounding the next corner brought us in to Priory Bay, where we beached again and broke out the last of our supplies - a few bottles of beer each. As we sat in the sun, the fog cleared steadily until such time that we could clearly see the forts and parts of the main land coast again. Suitably refreshed and now somewhat tippy / tipsy, we paddled northwards, stemming the tide to cross the shipping channel between the forts. Motoring towards us was a familiar yacht - Goodyear - en route to Ryde, but had come our way to see if they could find us.
We had a brief exchange, were offered more beer, which we declined on the grounds of it effecting stability and were recorded on video. After ten minutes, we parted company and pressed on our way to Horse Sand Fort. The crossing here takes around and hour and a half and having paused briefly, we paddled on, aiming for South Parade Pier to take advantage of it’s facilities. On arrival, we found the waves were dumping on the steep shingle and we all managed to time our way in for a good landing. After a thirty minute pit stop and a Mars bar each, we set off again before we nodded off. The launch was to be a little trickier though. Gav had a go but the breaking waves were proving difficult. I steadied him. On entering my own kayak, I soon found myself laying in the water next to it. The second attempt was successful so we waited for Griff. He had gone for the seal launch option (wisely) and from quite a height, belted down the shingle and into the water - very impressive.
Now heading west on the tide, we overtook an 80 year old man out for a swim. He had passed us earlier by the pier. We passed Southsea Castle and followed the beach to Clarence Pier, before crossing the shipping lane to reach the Haslar hot walls. We had done this to avoid as much ferry traffic as possible. Here, we found the sea somewhat confused; partly tide driven, partly caused by shipping.
The waves were coming in from the east and reflecting back at us from the sea wall, making it quite choppy. The pace quickened as we closed on Gilkicker Point and the sea became more and more turbulent as we ploughed through the small race that forms here. Once clear and looking across Stokes Bay, we opted to take the straight line route and press on for Browndown Point. We were starting to suffer the consequences of extending the route so much. My lower back was aching, Griff was sporting some blisters and Gav was wearing a look of grim determination. We all knew we had not packed enough food, especially stuff to nibble while paddling.
Browndown was soon reached with the assistance of the tide and the last two miles to Lee on Solent are so familiar, it could have been any old paddle. Except it wasn’t. We had covered over 26 miles in seven paddling hours. I don’t think any of us will look at these stretches of coast the same ever again. The conditions had been perfect for the trip, perhaps with the exception of the sea fog. Maybe when we have all recovered, we will plan the next voyage. I promised myself a beer when I got home, but sitting here typing this, it dawns on me that I haven’t yet had it....
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Kayak Journal - River Hamble to River Itchen - Aborted
Thursday 8th May 2008
Today's plan was to paddle from Warsash in the mouth of the River Hamble, up Southampton Water and into the River Itchen, putting ashore at the hard at Woolston for a break, before returning to Warsash. A round trip of 12 miles.
Once outside the Hamble, it quickly became apparent that the conditions would make this a tricky passage, with wind waves, tide waves caused by the bars and underwater pipes and not least the wash from the Red Jet ferries passing at nearly 40 knots. I had experienced the same conditions once before with Gav in this location. After ten minutes, I decided against the trip, concerned that the sea state would deteriorate for the return leg, punching wind and tide.
Back into the Hamble, I paddled up as far as Universal Marina, photographing yachts that used to belong to members of my sailing club. 6 miles in 1 hour 30.
Today's plan was to paddle from Warsash in the mouth of the River Hamble, up Southampton Water and into the River Itchen, putting ashore at the hard at Woolston for a break, before returning to Warsash. A round trip of 12 miles.
Once outside the Hamble, it quickly became apparent that the conditions would make this a tricky passage, with wind waves, tide waves caused by the bars and underwater pipes and not least the wash from the Red Jet ferries passing at nearly 40 knots. I had experienced the same conditions once before with Gav in this location. After ten minutes, I decided against the trip, concerned that the sea state would deteriorate for the return leg, punching wind and tide.
Back into the Hamble, I paddled up as far as Universal Marina, photographing yachts that used to belong to members of my sailing club. 6 miles in 1 hour 30.
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Kayak Journal - Lee on Solent to Chilling
Wednesday 7th May 2008
Following the usual stretch of coast with Gav, we paddled from Lee on Solent along to Chilling, then off-shore about a mile before heading back east on the tide, getting a lot of tidal assistance. Once almost back at Lee, we headed in. Just a two hour jaunt for the morning, before Gav had to start work.
Once back on the beach, I decided it was time to test out some new kit - my Peak Storm Dry Pants, combined with my Chota Mukluks and Yak Vision top.
Not surprisingly, the boots filled after a minute or so submerged. The neoprene socks soon warmed my feet up though. Wading in deeper up to my chest in the water, after a minute or so, I felt a cold bead of water run down my waste. I could not tell if it stopped of continued. Shortly after, I felt the same on my right leg. I also thought I could feel cool water on my lower legs after a bit longer.
Once out of the water and peeled off, I found that my upper body had remained dry. The long johns I had worn under my dry trousers were wet on the lower legs and damp at the sides of my hips where I had felt the cold water, but dry everywhere else between, including behind and in front and all of my legs except the ankles.
It seems that the leg seals seep very slowly, the waste seeps more readily when moving and the Mukluks hold a lot of water! This suggests that it would be fine for a quick swim / reentry, but not good for an extended dunking.
The next test will be the waist seal without the dry top and the final test, the lot with the spray deck.
Following the usual stretch of coast with Gav, we paddled from Lee on Solent along to Chilling, then off-shore about a mile before heading back east on the tide, getting a lot of tidal assistance. Once almost back at Lee, we headed in. Just a two hour jaunt for the morning, before Gav had to start work.
Once back on the beach, I decided it was time to test out some new kit - my Peak Storm Dry Pants, combined with my Chota Mukluks and Yak Vision top.
Not surprisingly, the boots filled after a minute or so submerged. The neoprene socks soon warmed my feet up though. Wading in deeper up to my chest in the water, after a minute or so, I felt a cold bead of water run down my waste. I could not tell if it stopped of continued. Shortly after, I felt the same on my right leg. I also thought I could feel cool water on my lower legs after a bit longer.
Once out of the water and peeled off, I found that my upper body had remained dry. The long johns I had worn under my dry trousers were wet on the lower legs and damp at the sides of my hips where I had felt the cold water, but dry everywhere else between, including behind and in front and all of my legs except the ankles.
It seems that the leg seals seep very slowly, the waste seeps more readily when moving and the Mukluks hold a lot of water! This suggests that it would be fine for a quick swim / reentry, but not good for an extended dunking.
The next test will be the waist seal without the dry top and the final test, the lot with the spray deck.
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Kayak Journal - Hamble Amble
Tuesday 29Th April 2008
What a miserable day. Virtually non-stop rain. Today's plan to paddle Chichester Harbour with Gav and Mike went down the drain too. Gav had 'hurt his back' and Mike was 'painting a house'. Nothing to do with the weather then guys? Suddenly finding myself alone, I abandoned the float plan in favour a short river jaunt from Swanwick to Warsash and back. The wind was blowing 25 knots for a good part of the day and with constant rain, this seemed the more sensible option for a bit of exercise.
After an hour or so, I had had enough. Fortunately, the Yak Vision jacket came in to its own - especially the hood and collar. My new Level 6 pogies did the trick nicely too - I was colder out of the boat than in it.
Quite a pleasant plod up and down the river, certainly better than working or sitting around at home with a bad back or painting. Yeah Right! I believe you, thousands wouldn't.
What a miserable day. Virtually non-stop rain. Today's plan to paddle Chichester Harbour with Gav and Mike went down the drain too. Gav had 'hurt his back' and Mike was 'painting a house'. Nothing to do with the weather then guys? Suddenly finding myself alone, I abandoned the float plan in favour a short river jaunt from Swanwick to Warsash and back. The wind was blowing 25 knots for a good part of the day and with constant rain, this seemed the more sensible option for a bit of exercise.
After an hour or so, I had had enough. Fortunately, the Yak Vision jacket came in to its own - especially the hood and collar. My new Level 6 pogies did the trick nicely too - I was colder out of the boat than in it.
Quite a pleasant plod up and down the river, certainly better than working or sitting around at home with a bad back or painting. Yeah Right! I believe you, thousands wouldn't.
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Kayak Journal - Warsash Wash Out
Sunday 27th April 2008
April showers? Having been woken by Griff phoning to see where I was (sorry!) I proved that it is possible to go from sleep to paddling in thirty minutes, even with a heavy head. A new personal best, but not one to be proud of.
Warsash was a hive of activity, even at 8.30 in the morning. The threat of rain looked as though it would pass. Getting afloat was a bit like joining the motorway; the river was emptying very quickly with a mass exodus of racing yachts. This added to the fun, crossing their path en route to Calshot. Midway across Southampton Water, the rain started. We had heard a few rumbles in the distance, with the odd arc of lighting but now it was upon us. It hammered down and I wished that I had put my spray top on before we set off. Stopping mid way across the channel was not a good idea, with a coaster of moderate size bearing down on us. Visible was dramatically reduced, at least at our height, by the rain bouncing back up from the surface.
By the time we reached Calshot, I was saturated. Fortunately, the RNLI pier offered some shelter from the rain so we sat under it and cooked breakfast - spicy meat balls and beans - perfect! The rain passed over and visibility cleared up with the passing of the weather front.
Our return crossing was much more relaxed and we eyed up some possible camping spots on the Hook coast line. We paddled leisurely back to Warsash loosely planning our circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight. If we talk any more about, we will have to go and do it.
April showers? Having been woken by Griff phoning to see where I was (sorry!) I proved that it is possible to go from sleep to paddling in thirty minutes, even with a heavy head. A new personal best, but not one to be proud of.
Warsash was a hive of activity, even at 8.30 in the morning. The threat of rain looked as though it would pass. Getting afloat was a bit like joining the motorway; the river was emptying very quickly with a mass exodus of racing yachts. This added to the fun, crossing their path en route to Calshot. Midway across Southampton Water, the rain started. We had heard a few rumbles in the distance, with the odd arc of lighting but now it was upon us. It hammered down and I wished that I had put my spray top on before we set off. Stopping mid way across the channel was not a good idea, with a coaster of moderate size bearing down on us. Visible was dramatically reduced, at least at our height, by the rain bouncing back up from the surface.
By the time we reached Calshot, I was saturated. Fortunately, the RNLI pier offered some shelter from the rain so we sat under it and cooked breakfast - spicy meat balls and beans - perfect! The rain passed over and visibility cleared up with the passing of the weather front.
Our return crossing was much more relaxed and we eyed up some possible camping spots on the Hook coast line. We paddled leisurely back to Warsash loosely planning our circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight. If we talk any more about, we will have to go and do it.
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Kayak Journal - Stokes Bay to Ryde & Wootton Creek
Tuesday 22nd April 2008
View Larger Map
With Griff, Gav and unusually Joe with his Robson Waikiki, today would see a long awaited trip over to the island. Having planned the trip, we congregated at 0800 in the car park at Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue in Stokes Bay. It was a clear day, light northerly winds forecast, with the liklihood of a sea breeze in the afternoon. A slight haze shrouded the island coast, just out of sight.
Our destination was the sands just west of Ryde Pier, but to arrive there, we would follow a compass bearing of 255M to allow for the set of the tide. Within seconds of being afloat, Griff's kayak suffered a minor breakage to the seat back, but this was quickly repaired with a few wire ties from the repair kit.
Departing Stokes Bay, the conditions were ideal; very few waves and not a lot of shipping traffic. Paddling steadily with the sun climbing to our left, we trusted the compasses and after fifteen minutes, the end of Ryde Pier became identifiable. Pausing for photos briefly allowed a short rest and it became apparent that Joe was not finding this trip as easy as the rest of us in sea kayaks. Pressing on, it became apparent that the photo stop had carried us off course so we set to making good the lost ground, negotiating the car ferry, a smaller coaster and a trawler. After fifty minutes, we were slipping through the shallows until we nudged the sand.
B
reakfast this morning was an extraordinary feat of culinary genius - tinned all-day-breakfast washed down with coffee. The company and laughter always make up for the limited cuisine. The sound of yodelling wafting down to us on the breeze had us in repeated fits of the giggles. Two builders working on a house above the beach clearly needed help with their musical taste. We were in no rush and after photos and admiring the view back across to the main land, we set off again.
Heading westwards following the coast to Wootton Creek only 1.5 miles away,the adjacent beach was sandy, tree lined and inviting, but ominous signs suggested it was probably private. Within half an hour we followed a Wight Link car ferry into Wootton Creek and quickly leaving the ferry port behind we drifted on the tide slowly up the creek towards the village of Wootton. More photos and chatting followed but with prospect of having to work in the afternoon, we had to press on.
Once back outside the creek, a compass bearing of 060M would take us back to GAFIRs. Not that we could see it mind you. The GPS provided the heading and we followed the compasses again. The tide flow was now slack though allowing a straight line. Our route took us close to Mother Bank Buoy, but on arrival, Griff and I discovered Gav and Joe were lagging behind. We waited and set off again, now concerned about the Bro Anton - a fairly large blue hulled tanker approaching from the east. We
paddled on, making a big turn eastwards to pass behind it. We had a bit of fun guessing what the ship was called and having passed behind it, paddled on. Griff and I stopped several times, not appreciating how tough it was for Joe to keep up with our leisurely pace. I hope it brought it home to Joe that the Waikiki was not suitable for these trips. The sun was now scorching us and I wished I had packed a sun hat instead of a woolly one.
By 1240, we were back on the beach and packing away. Griff and I finished off the coffee while we mulled over the journey, firmly resolving to get across as often as possible and to visit new places in the process.
Definitely the most enjoyable and technical trip to date, even if the paddling itself was not challenging. It was revealing in terms of ability, equipment reliability and the depth of our desire to go further and see more.
All photos courtesy of Griff, capturing the moment as always.
View Larger Map
With Griff, Gav and unusually Joe with his Robson Waikiki, today would see a long awaited trip over to the island. Having planned the trip, we congregated at 0800 in the car park at Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue in Stokes Bay. It was a clear day, light northerly winds forecast, with the liklihood of a sea breeze in the afternoon. A slight haze shrouded the island coast, just out of sight.
Our destination was the sands just west of Ryde Pier, but to arrive there, we would follow a compass bearing of 255M to allow for the set of the tide. Within seconds of being afloat, Griff's kayak suffered a minor breakage to the seat back, but this was quickly repaired with a few wire ties from the repair kit.
Departing Stokes Bay, the conditions were ideal; very few waves and not a lot of shipping traffic. Paddling steadily with the sun climbing to our left, we trusted the compasses and after fifteen minutes, the end of Ryde Pier became identifiable. Pausing for photos briefly allowed a short rest and it became apparent that Joe was not finding this trip as easy as the rest of us in sea kayaks. Pressing on, it became apparent that the photo stop had carried us off course so we set to making good the lost ground, negotiating the car ferry, a smaller coaster and a trawler. After fifty minutes, we were slipping through the shallows until we nudged the sand.
B
reakfast this morning was an extraordinary feat of culinary genius - tinned all-day-breakfast washed down with coffee. The company and laughter always make up for the limited cuisine. The sound of yodelling wafting down to us on the breeze had us in repeated fits of the giggles. Two builders working on a house above the beach clearly needed help with their musical taste. We were in no rush and after photos and admiring the view back across to the main land, we set off again.
Heading westwards following the coast to Wootton Creek only 1.5 miles away,the adjacent beach was sandy, tree lined and inviting, but ominous signs suggested it was probably private. Within half an hour we followed a Wight Link car ferry into Wootton Creek and quickly leaving the ferry port behind we drifted on the tide slowly up the creek towards the village of Wootton. More photos and chatting followed but with prospect of having to work in the afternoon, we had to press on.Once back outside the creek, a compass bearing of 060M would take us back to GAFIRs. Not that we could see it mind you. The GPS provided the heading and we followed the compasses again. The tide flow was now slack though allowing a straight line. Our route took us close to Mother Bank Buoy, but on arrival, Griff and I discovered Gav and Joe were lagging behind. We waited and set off again, now concerned about the Bro Anton - a fairly large blue hulled tanker approaching from the east. We
paddled on, making a big turn eastwards to pass behind it. We had a bit of fun guessing what the ship was called and having passed behind it, paddled on. Griff and I stopped several times, not appreciating how tough it was for Joe to keep up with our leisurely pace. I hope it brought it home to Joe that the Waikiki was not suitable for these trips. The sun was now scorching us and I wished I had packed a sun hat instead of a woolly one.By 1240, we were back on the beach and packing away. Griff and I finished off the coffee while we mulled over the journey, firmly resolving to get across as often as possible and to visit new places in the process.
Definitely the most enjoyable and technical trip to date, even if the paddling itself was not challenging. It was revealing in terms of ability, equipment reliability and the depth of our desire to go further and see more.
All photos courtesy of Griff, capturing the moment as always.
Kayak Journal - Lee on Solent to Stokes Bay
Monday 21st April 2008
Proving myself to be Billy No Mates, I refused to let a beautiful spare morning go by without a paddle, even if it is was to be a brief jaunt before work. With a firm northerly force 4 (increasing to force 5 while I was paddling), I left Lee on Solent heading east on the well beaten path to Stokes Bay.
I find it interesting that I still find myself paddling faster when solo. Perhaps this is because there is no social side to these trips or maybe just because there is a different purpose. What that actually is I don't know. To get there? To ponder the blue yonder? Either way, a dose of solitude and being one with the sea is a refreshing experience now and then. It reveals your vulnerabilities, so easily ignored when paddling in company.
Punching against the tide, I still managed to make my lunch spot in forty minutes, 2.25 miles along the coast at Number 2 Battery. After a fifteen minute stop, I went back the other way with the tide whisking me along, back to the put-in in 25 minutes.
Unfortunately, having to go to work spoils so much in life...
Proving myself to be Billy No Mates, I refused to let a beautiful spare morning go by without a paddle, even if it is was to be a brief jaunt before work. With a firm northerly force 4 (increasing to force 5 while I was paddling), I left Lee on Solent heading east on the well beaten path to Stokes Bay.
I find it interesting that I still find myself paddling faster when solo. Perhaps this is because there is no social side to these trips or maybe just because there is a different purpose. What that actually is I don't know. To get there? To ponder the blue yonder? Either way, a dose of solitude and being one with the sea is a refreshing experience now and then. It reveals your vulnerabilities, so easily ignored when paddling in company.
Punching against the tide, I still managed to make my lunch spot in forty minutes, 2.25 miles along the coast at Number 2 Battery. After a fifteen minute stop, I went back the other way with the tide whisking me along, back to the put-in in 25 minutes.
Unfortunately, having to go to work spoils so much in life...
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