Day 28 Ireland

Up early, 1ft of surf and no winds but loads of midges!! We crossed Killala bay and saw 20-30 Dolphins. They could have been hunting as they were slapping the surface of the water with their tails and swimming in tight circles. Magic....
We paddled on to the town of Easky for water and specific items of food and entered a new county, Sligo. We then headed across Sligo Bay towards Inishmurray, 25nm. What a fab island, loads of sea birds, flat grass and an OK landing. Going to take a wander soon as there are houses on the island. Tomorrow is another good weather day and then the winds pick up!!!

Inishmurray, our landing beach.


Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Day 13 Around Ireland

14 nautical miles today and having done two short days seems to have worked well as Barry is feeling better! We woke to light winds and navigated our way through the islands. In to the last couple of hours of paddling, winds increased to a Force 4 offshore. Were now at a beautiful beach, East of Barley Cove but its a little public, so we wont put the tents up till later!
Were now well placed for getting round Mizen Head in the morning...

 Friday morning start...

Thursday nights camp in beautiful sunshine...


Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Ireland Day 5

Super day today, weve been put up by a paddler that previously held the record and have a chicken casserole with spuds!

Sky blue calm day today, kept close to the shore as the tide was against us at the start and made our way to Kilmore Quay and with an hours wait the "chippy" was open!! Beer battered haddock and top chips!!! Back on the water and heading for the "Saltees" and the Gannets colony. Amazing..! We paddled to the large Saltee, got on the tide and headed across to Hook Head, our first bigger open crossing.

Justine had a call earlier in the week from Mick O Meara about picking us up and the offer of showers and a floor to sleep on. Justine gave him a bell whilst we were on the water and we aimed for Ballymacaw 5 nautical miles away. Got there just before 21.00 and Mick soon arrived. Fab evening and so welcoming...big thanks Mick.

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Advanced sea kayaking - 5 star sea leader assessment

Firstly a BIG thanks to Sid who was directing this 5 star assessment, for sharing his thought process and making elements transparent and PYB for the opportunity in the first place.

I'm not going to be specific, cause its been a long week ...  1.5 hour open water navigation and tidal planning exercise, then to the coast, for short nav legs, leadership, rocky landings, rolling, self rescue, towing, surfing and assisted rescues in advanced conditions ...all made up the first day

Then it was 2-3 hours night navigation and leadership ...looking back at Penrhyn Mawr

Sunday was the navigation and group leadership day, and Olly Sanders was the 2nd assessor. With a F5-7 W (NW-SW) forecast the north coast was chosen, with a journey from Bull Bay round point Lynas while it was on the ebb and then back round into Porth Eilean.

This was in two small groups with unknown paddlers to be led (4 star ability +) ... a short shuttle and we were all soon on the water ...

East Mouse and some confused water ...

Rachel getting some action ....

First time in a tide race ...  + loving it ...

roger chandler
www.coastalspirit.com

advanced sea kayaking
+
5 star sea kayak assessment/training