Saturday 16 June 2012

Wet, windy and comfort!

As I walked out of the house this morning wearing a dry suit, It was fairly clear what I thought of a June day ... S/SW F5/7 oh hum ... I was meeting Gary and his team, and this was there third year.  I texted Gary on Friday to sat it was likely to be the Menai Straits ... So I was up early and drove to the far end of Britannia Bridge to get a real feel of conditions ...

By the way the way Dylan's restaurant opened last night, 150 covers, yep they were a little pushed and yep systems failed .... but what location, see below .... any way ... 



So after looking at conditions, all were happy, particularly Emma, who was new to Coastal Spirit, when i presented her with a long john wetsuit and hooded paddle jacket with a warm neck seal!


To be fair it was horrid and I had given each person the option of 1 years credit, but all were on for a day in the wind and rain! I went over out side and inside turns and then introduced using the wind to assist a turn ...


One of the dryer moments during the day after our 1st break ... far to many smiles!!


The group was then divided into two small pods, so that Gary, Andy and Phil above could get into some rougher water ...


While I could introduce some down wind and turning in the wind skills, in gentler conditions with the other guys ...


After a 2nd break the wind began to drop, so we headed into the Swellies (Britannia Bridge in the fore ground) at slack water, which meant it was due to turn against us and assist our journey back to the start.  But before then we had some ferry glides and eddy turns to do!

Dylan's was open so we called in for hot chocolates, coffees and beers .. had a brief chat about the day, and made a loose plan for the Sunday ... June is it ... you could fool me!!

ps: BIG thanks to Gary for the use of his camera!

roger chandler
www.coastalspirit.com
north wales sea kayaking
&
sea kayak anglesey

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