Fast Track Intro Sea Kayaking

Jenny had done two days sea kayaking before (on a Bespoke with me) and her sister Liz, only one previous day (She was from Australia and surfed, so had exceptional balance).  We had a windy forecast so we headed inland to a protect lake, that would allow us to move in and out of conditions as the day and their skill level progressed.

The lagoons are beautiful and allow application of the strokes, which we practised on the open water and then applied, to move in and out of the channels.  The sky was atmospheric as we then paddled further up the lake.

Even a few sea gulls had decided to come inland!!

The middle of the lake was getting some wind, while the far side was VERY windy.  We stuck to the middle and worked with on side and off side stern rudders, to achieve control on a down wind run back to our starting point.

We took a break and chatted about what we had done so far ... then headed back up the lake for another down wind run!

The girls were doing super and really picking up the skills and fancied more of a challenge - "We could always cross to the other side of the lake ... " we paddled off and experienced a solid F4 with gust of F5

Back at our start point the girls rewarded them selves with a swim ... and reflected on the days super progression.

Fast Track Intro Sea Kayaking is about learning skills and accelerating your paddling.  More info can be found here.

Roger

www.kokatat.com
www.chillcheater.com
www.mitchelblades.co.uk
www.phseakayaks.com


sea kayak north wales
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anglesey sea kayaking

Introduction to Sea Kayaking - a Bank Holiday weekend ...

This weekends Introduction to sea kayaking saw Paola and Peter independently booking on the two days, with Glynis who has  paddled before joining us for the Sunday.

I was keen to begin with a calm surface so the West side of the Menai Straits was perfect, no wind blown swell, although boat traffic was busy and swell from them!  And below were going through a dry land assisted rescue.

Work on turns and forward paddling was the focus, and putting into a short journey ...

Day 2 and sunshine ... it was a F3 northerly wind with a bit of East in it so Cable Bay, was chosen again to reduce the swell and the main effect of the wind ... plus  access which was likly to be better and less Jet Ski's!!

We did some good down wind circuits using the stern rudder and in preparation for our return journey. Plus blending strokes from - forward power, sweep stoke to stern rudder and then back to power ...

The 2nd beach we landed at had a gentle swell pushing in which was perfect for us to use  ....with the aim of controlling a successful landing.  It was great to feel the sun but that Northerly breeze was cool!

We had our 2nd break and then we were back on a paddling round a headland to Cable Bay, where we had begun.  Certainly a mixture of conditions, ever changing, beautiful colours and one of the reasons I love sea kayaking ...

Roger

intro sea kayaking
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sea kayak north wales

Introduction to Sea Kayaking Anglesey

Introductory sea kayaking with Cherry (her 4th year and great to see her again), Clare, Rich and Phil and Annie.  The Menai Straits for the first day, looking for calm waters as strong winds were forecast.  Clare below ...

Richard below ...

Annie below ...

Philip below ... and the rain or Mizle ..

Cherry and Britannia Bridge lurking out of the gloom ...  Outside edge and forward paddling was the main focus of the days technical skills ...

and a cormorant demonstrating special powers!!

The 2nd day saw us over to the Little Orme, with lighter winds and escaping the ground swell, due to Anglesey and the Great Orme's protection.  Stern rudders, forward paddling and an introduction to small swell and gently reflected waves as we rounded the Little Orme,   I'll let the photos tell the story ...

The third day was on Llyn Padarn due to another strong wind forecast and a group that was a little tired!  Clare and Annie had finished their two days, while Cherry, Philip and Richard continued and Glynis joined us.  It was good to see Glynis who I hadn't seen for a couple of years.

Misty start soon cleared, summits came into view and a magic sunny day was had ...

Rich with jacket off, arms out, sun shinning and the summit of Snowdon on the right ....

Big thanks to Cherry for contacting me early in the year to get the course on the calendar and for organising the group.

Next weekend Intro or discover sea kayak course is the 24/25th August and during the week of the 28/29th August and the 8-11th October.  Contact info@coastalspirit.com for further details.

Roger

Intro sea kayaking
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discover sea kayak course

Summer sea kayaking ...

These last few weeks have just been beautiful for sea kayaking. How good is the UK when we have settled weather?  Anglesey and the North Wales coastline is perfect for sea kayaking and can provide such a broad range from sheltered gentle paddles as an introduction to sea kayaking.  Through to the rougher water and offshore islands, for the advanced sea kayaker. With a fantastic progression for those at the Intromediate to Intermediate level.

Here's a few photos from just the last few days, bespoke coaching .... enjoy ...

Pat and Bardsey island down on the Lleyn

North Stack tide race, the Irish ferry arriving and Pat enjoying the flow...

South Stack lighthouse ...

Simon and the SW corner of Anglesey.  Quite coves, with just the chatter of sea birds ...

Sandra below trying out a couple of different kayaks ...

One of the local inhabitants blending well into the rocks (centre of photo - grey seal).

I still have some places on courses over the summer, interested?

Xplore - Intermediate sea kayaking Anglesey (with 3 star sea training) - 10/11th August - £140
Improve - Intromediate sea kayaking course - 20-22nd Aug - £230
Discover - Introduction to sea kayaking 24/25th Aug - £140
Discover sea kayaking - Intro 27-29th Aug - £230
Improve to Xplore sea kayaking - Intro -Intermediate bridging the gap 2-5th September - £290
3 star sea kayak assessment on 5th September - £80

Phone me at 07873 132999 or email me at info@coastalspirit.com for more details or to reserve a place.

Roger

North Wales sea kayaking
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sea kayaking anglesey