It was time for one of our favourite trips of the year, along the Jurassic Coast. Despite most of our group arriving late on Friday night, we were up early for the start at Swanage. It was a bit of a surprise to get out of our tents in the morning to find the temperature was only 5C after all the warm weather we had been having. Although cold, the skies were clear and very light winds forecast (F2) with virtually no swell.
Paddling out from Swanage to Ballard’s Point we could see the white cliffs and stacks knowns as the Pinnacle and Little Pinnacle – always an amazing sight.
Passing through the arches at Handfast Point we arrived in Studland Bay, completely protect from any wind. We paddled to the beach for a short break before returning to Old Harry before the tidal stream became too strong.
Passing through the gap at the end of Handfast Point and Old Harry we had a capsize and the paddler lost their paddle. Luckily the wind was so light that a passing sailor was able to collect it and return it to us. Slightly more wind and we may have never seen the paddle again. A timely reminder to hold on to your paddle (and boat) during a capsize.
After visiting a few more arches and caverns we stopped for a break at New Swanage and then practiced self and assisted rescues before heading back to the launch point.
Back at the campsite we had steam trains and (later) owls. The next morning we were once again up early to pack away before paddling. the wind had significantly increased overnight (F4, gusting F5) and we decided that a circumnavigation of Brownsea Island was our best plan as it was a more protected route. On teh outward trip we had wind against tide crossing the channel to Brownsea Island, making conditions interesting. While on the North side of Brownsea there was no wind or conditions. For the first time we were able to explore the lagoon on the North Eastern corner. From Goathorn, we paddled entirely along the edge of Brand’s Bay to keep out of most of the wind. Once we turned to the North East we got a huge push from behind by the wind. That meant we were just in time to have lunch on the beach before packing the kit and boats and heading back to London. Once again a very enjoyable weekend of camping and paddling!
