Day 22 Ireland

We set off with Jane and Andy who we met yesterday towards the cliffs of Moher. Winds were light and we made good time. The cliffs were stunning and sea birds were everywhere. Now to cross the south channel to the Arran Islands. It started to drizzle, the wind picked up and the cloud got lower. We landed on the first of the islands with a super sandy beach and it was clear the place was busy! However all came good when we found a chip shop and I had sausage and chips and two mugs of tea!
We then crossed the channel in fog and on a bearing. It was cold, the coldest Ive been. We heard the throb of an engine and we saw a fishing trailer making its way out of the gloom. Then another....four boats in total. We crossed in good time and found a small inlet with a reasonable grassy area to camp on. That is when Jane found that her front kayak hatch was full of water! It had seeped into all of her dry bags, bedding and her clothes were wringing wet! In search of a solution they then both walked to the road, found a house, asked if they could use the washing machine and asked if they had a duvet! They did and whilst they were waiting also had showers and a can of Guinness!!!


Sonja
www.coastalspirit.com

Improve sea kayaking north wales - intro mediate skills ... and what a weekend!!

The weekend originally looked windy and Friday evening when I took a look at the forecast, all was looking better and Saturday morning well ... happy days!! This weekend was an Improve sea kayaking course, with all having at least one days previous work in current. The weather was looking good for sea kayaking along the North Wales coastline ...

The plan was a journey from 2k in from Penmon Point on the Straits, across to Puffin Island and then back.

Sonja pleased she was out for the day!!

It really was that good ... and some more ...

We did some eddy turns and short ferry glides before crossing to the Island

Some good reversing and pushing those directional skills!!

On the main beach there was 4 seals ...looking big, pregnant and enjoying the sun, so we crossed back to the main land, landed and had lunch.

Each of the group was then buddied up and separate tasks were given, to provide ownership and increase individual decision making

Crossing back from the central beacon ... just so sunny and super ...

Day 2: North coast Anglesey, Cemais Bay - Bull Bay

Sonja leading the group out with the first of the more confused water ...

The wind was picking up and with two hours of current still on the push we worked just short of Hells Mouth, headland and worked with ferry glides, into the channel and then back, focusing to control and placement.

We paddled on to the brick works, for some lunch and short break

Soaking up the Autumn sunshine, a cooler day but bright and light ... we then crossed to the head land and worked with some of the current which provided some useful wind against tide, and an opportunity for stern rudders.

From left to right, Sonja, me, Rich, Gary, Shaun and Rich. Thanks Manuela for the photo!

Winter skills sea kayaking, courses throughout the Winter, North Wales Anglesey.

www.coastalspirit.com

07873 132999

Discover sea kayaking - ladies who launch!

After a few days of fresh winds, we had a good break in the weather and with the groups increased ability we were able to paddle a section of the North coast, Bull Bay to the brick works and back.

We were on an hour after high water which allowed us to get into a couple of caves and some good rock gardening (moving kayaks in and out of rocky channels). In the back ground is Jean, Cath, Pat and Cherry, in the foreground.

We had a light shower push through, so hoods were useful one more! Jean paddling on through some moving water.

Pat leading out of a tighter turn from one of the caves.

Cherry doing some rock gardening, with good concentration.

Cath approaching a narrower slot.

The light again was great and the winds remained gentle, throughout the day and the journey made the a super end to the week.

Congratulations to all for working with the sea kayaking, despite the rain and wind ... and camping in it as well ... well done to one and all!

www.coastalspirit.com

roger chandler

level 5 coach - sea

sea kayaking courses

discover sea kayaking - anglesey, north wales

Cherry was back having completed a 4 day discover sea kayaking course last year, this time with three new comers, Pat, Cath and Jean. It was also Jeans 60th birthday and the group had been well organised and briefed by Cherry and named Ladies who Launch ... rather than lunch!

With a fresh NW F4/5 the Meani Straits provided a super calm option, and great introduction for the group.

Looking back towards Britannia Bridge, with Cath, Pat, Jean and Cherry.

We made our way down to Y Felinhelli, had lunch part 2 and then made our way back to the start with assistance of the tide. 4 mile approx in total which really surprised all of the group, who though they gad done 1.5-2miles!

Looks like we may be inland on fresh water Wednesday due to an aggressive front coming through .. what we had today with sunny spells, calm waters, various sea birds, lots of herons and a seal cant be taken away!

www.coastalspirit.com

Roger Chandler

L5 Coach Sea

Sea kayaking course for individuals, couples, groups and families.