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

Day 30 Ireland Circumnavigation

Sunday evening I had a seafood chowder and smoked Haddock with Champ (mash with spring onions) and dessert was a couple of pints of Guinness. On the walk back to the tent my throat felt uncomfortable, my nose started running but at the same time was blocked. Once back at the boats I popped a Piriton tablet which eased the symptoms. This morning we walked into the village and the Irish Language College was super at helping me out. One of the staff gave me a lift to the Health Centre 7 miles away. The Doc gave me some non drowsy meds and some Steroids and said I was lucky as it looked like I'd had an acute reaction to Shellfish. I got a cab back, picked up some lunch and had a restful day. The rain arrived and its looking like an unsettled week.

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

19th day Ireland Circumnavigation

Noel of Irish Adventures finally got rid of us this morning! We were on the water for 9am and I was so happy that we'd had the last 2 days off! There was a 2 metre swell running with messy and reflected waves. It was fun and the wind was lighter than forecast, so good to be putting this section of coast behind us. We arrived at Fahamore, Co Kerry having paddled about 17 miles. Harold and Betty Whelan (Harry Whelans parents) picked us up from the slipway and took us to their caravan. A lovely lunch of smoked salmon and mugs of tea. (Harry and Geoff hold the record of 25 days!)

Were now off to a pub which we've been told has the best Guinness in Ireland! Ill let you know........!

 Starting off after a few days pause....

Taking a break before crossing the bay....

Sonja

www.coastalspirit.com

Day 7-9 Circumnavigation Around Ireland

Sightings of whales moving slowly along the coast.....a day of paddling mainly from point to point with some super cave and arch paddling....an amazing tunnel 100 meters long and 3 meters wide.....Seven Heads and Durnworth Bay......

On Monday following a super double fried egg wrap, thanks to Barry (!) we were on the water at 08.00 and started with a 5nm crossing to Dunowen Head and we FELT the offshore wind!! From there we paddled into the next bay working hard as the wind increased. The plan was to head for Castletown End 19nm away from our previous camp and to meet up with Jim of Atlantic Sea Kayaking. He had a luvly 5* spa hotel booked for us!!! Yeha!! When Justine had spoken with Jim the night before we were speechless, that is except Barry who thought it was a windup!!!

So here we are at the   http://www.inchydoneyisland.com/  Hotel and Spa
NOW with 2 double rooms, fantastic sea views, super helpful staff...theyve even taken my smelly washing! time for a salt water pool swim, food, a point of the dark stuff and see what surprises Tuesday brings!!! Thank you so much!

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

2nd day of paddling around Ireland

We passed into the county of Wexford today with some hard earned miles. 16 nautical miles and our slowest speed ever at 1.7k as we clawed our way around a headland with flow! We managed to find a sheltered lunch spot and even had a snooze! We were tempted to stay but following our siesta we now had current assisting us so would'nt be a good move! Good camp spot for the night and who knows maybe a new county tomorrow!!!

Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Sunny seas ...discover sea kayaking

This weekends course had been organised by Sarah back in February, and it was mainly a social gathering were previous sea kayaking experience was limited. The plan was to run a Discover sea kayaking course, as an introduction and then modify and adapt as appropriate.  We meet at Waitrose, Meani Bridge to grab a coffee and talk through the day, before driving over to the west coast to access Trearddur Bay.  On the beach I went through a land based assisted rescue, so this was clear in peoples minds, and they could have a go and then ....

Foot peg adjustment ....

Allen and Karen above ....

It was a magic, sunny day and just what you want for a first day ... and even got a cave, but the swell was a little confused from time to time, so one at a time to the entrance.

On the way back we came across a group of lads that i think were as just as surprised to see us ....

The following day was colder and the winds were due to increase, so Cemais bay on the North coast of Anglesey was the destination and putting the previous days skills into a new context ...

Sam focused after swopping into a different sea kayak ....

We paddled on towards the left hand side of the headland, picking up more swell as we did ...

At the main break and all wrapped up .... and from left to right ... Allen, Karen, Julie (who was observing/assisting), Laura, Sarah, Sam and Tom.

Sarah and Tom as we head back after a variety of weather and good spirited people.  My thanks to Julie for helping out and I wish you all the best with your future assessment.

A couple of hours after saying good buy I got a great text of Sarah - Just wanted to say thank you so much for a great weekend. We've all really enjoyed it and learnt loads, and fingers crossed will be back next year! 

Happy days ....

roger chandler
www.coastalspirit.com

discover sea kayaking
and introduction to sea kayaking