Sunshine and moody skies

It was great to see Rich, Douglas, Tracy and Andy again on the last of the Winter Sea Kayaking Programme's - Intermediate Plus.  This is our 4th level course for those who hold the BCU 3 star award and are paddling independently.  

We had a mix of sunshine and hail over the weekend and some super varied conditions, which kept every one busy.

The Stacks was looking good for Sat and a journey from Porth Dafach, to Gogarth Bay and back fitted well with the tides.  

 Time for some exploring, close quartering and rocky landings ...

Then on towards Pen Rhyn Mawr, which was 20 mins before slack water and still fairly chunky ..

Then some more rock hopping ...

Before heading out wide and paddling towards South Stack race.  It was the first time for some, and as the race is much further out than most it can be quite intimidating.  Tracy led the way and we kept wide as there was a group surfing the race to the left ....

You can still just see Tracy and Douglas now about to take some air ...

Andy and South Stack lighthouse ....


The following day was due to windier F3/4 westerly so we headed over to Rhoscolyn with the thought of some surf ...

Paddling through the main channel with the last of the flood, so some wind across tide ...

Each beach i now land at I've committed to collect at least 3 pieces of plastic.  Everyone else joined in and we had at least another 4 piles similar to the above.  What else do you do with the bow and stern hatch of a sea kayak, when empty!!

We then turned after lunch and took a down wind and hail run towards Silver Bay ...

Silver Bay was not very clean, but it gave us all something to work with and each had a few good rides in and a spectacular 360 side surf body slam!

We headed back to our start, packed and drove to the White Eagle for drinks and a reflection over a compact and busy weekend.

What came out of the weekend is a new course called Xplore Plus.  This is for those who hold the 3* sea award, are independent paddlers and want to develop some of the 4 and 5 star skills, increasing their tool kit while paddling in rougher conditions.  Two courses will run over the summer and either 4 or 5 over the Winter.

A super weekend with a great result and smiling faces.

roger

roger chandler
www.coastalspirit.com

rough water paddling
+
sea kayak anglesey