It was a mixed weekend of weather with blue skies and sunshine, hail and strong winds ... The InterMediate Plus sea kayaking course is aimed at those who have either the 3 star award or good 3 star skills, either way each person needs to paddling independently already. As the aim is working in a moderate environment its also suitable for those who have completed the 4 star leader award. This allows a good breath of experience.
Leif, Jon, David, Gordon, Tracy and Gary assisting made up the weekends team. Sat forecast was a F5/6 dropping Westerly wind, which was more like a F4/3 when we actually got on and paddled out of Cemais bay on the North Coast. There was a good 1.5-2mt swell running and as the tide was in the last hour of the ebb there was some good wind against tide, action .... and super sunshine!
On the main Northerly headland the sea was far more confused and a broad 3mt or so swell was pushing through which clearly focused each persons actions. The team did really well, working with their buddies and we headed on to the Brickworks for lunch ...
Sunday was one of those tricky forecasts ... suggesting it was ramping up to a F6/7 by 1200, but with a really light wind and blue sky start! The Swellies and eddy turns, ferry glides (reverse ones too) and then some towing later was the plan ....
The wind just started to pick up around lunch time, we got some hail and we lost the sunshine ... yeah, it was cold.
We worked through inline rafted and assisted tows, and then when closer to the brides contact tows, on bow or stern ...
As we got closer to Meani Bridge we had some wind against tide and few strong gusts, funnelling down the Straits ... Time to play some more ...
Im very pleased the sun shone and it was super good to see each person managing them selves well in Saturdays bigger seas. A great start to the year ....
The next available course's are form May, so contact me if you need more information and want to increase your confidence and progress your skills.
Roger
info@coastalspirit.com
+44 7873 13299
www.coastalspirit.com
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