This last weekends forecast was looking fairly similar to the previous ones. Wet, windy and wild ... I sent an early email round with a number of options on and Rich was first back with a "its my birthday weekend and i'd rather celebrate it away, than in Stoke!" ok so lets see what we can do then ... Jon and Douglas were just as keen ... Im not sure I was!!
Llyn Padarn it was and knowing all of the guys, really helped. The centre of the lake was sporting so we worked on the edges, to begin with and eased into down wind runs, with high angled stern rudders and moving towards on side edged ones.
Jon below getting a feel for the kayak ...
Birthday boy getting stuck in .... It really was that wet!!
A moment of clarity and great light, looking up the lake before the next front arrived ...
Between down winds runs, the main emphasis was trimming the kayak, to maximise the effect of the environment. Into wind, trim forward and use only forward strokes to keep on track, while if needing to turn, either use reverse strokes (to lock the stern, so the bow gets blown around) or accelerate across the wind and go for an inside turn, pausing for the bow again to be blown down wind.
Once down wind and wanting to turn up wind - accelerate, go to outside edge, body forward to sink the bow/lock it, and enable the stern to be free to follow. It was great having good conditions that we could move in and out of, and people could really feel when they were trimming effectively.
Some contact tows, with the person down wind up wind and on the bow and stern were also played with and some tow line work. Emphasis was if somethings not working, smoothly, then adjust/change and being quick with the line/rope.
After a super evening meal at Dylan's the forecast for Sunday was much better and a down wind run from the Mermaids Inn to Menai Bridge looked perfect .. Jon below and looking back to were we've been blown from ...
As we progressed along the Straits the conditions settled ...
We briefly gathered at the end and reflected back on the weekend. Feedback really says it all ...
Thanks for another cracking weekend despite the weather - lots to ponder and digest and from another person ...
Just wanted to say thanks to Roger for organising a weekend in challenging conditions that delivered so much and thanks to Judith for the top tips ...
Happy days ... thanks to Rich for being so positive at the start and having a birthday, for helping with the shuttle and for a great Sat evening. Thanks also to Judith for her support.
Lets hope this bonkers weather or as I heard some one else say 'wonky weather' clears on out soon ...
Roger
PS: have you got the BCU 3 star sea and want to progress further? The next Intermediate Plus is on the 8/9th March and currently 3 places are available .. email me at info@coastalspirit.com for further details
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