Perfect weather for a first time sea paddle for five members on the Solent trip in October. Liza had us all doing warm up exercises under the watchful eyes of some donkeys in the nearby field, before getting on the water, then it was simply a matter of following the coastline.
First sea trip!
We had perfect conditions: a little cloud, slight winds and small waves, with the tide with us both ways. Once we also thought we saw some cows on the beach, but on getting closer we saw they were New Forest ponies.
After 45 minutes of paddling in a straight line, it was time for the ‘peg game’, seeing how many pegs you could get from each others kayaks. After 10 minutes, Struan was announced as the winner of the prized Double Decker chocolate bar.
Then onto Lepe Country Park for lunch after crossing the Beaulieu River entrance, which became very busy as we approached it. After a break for lunch and tea, there was some messing about with paddles to warm up again. Later one broke in half and had to be replaced but it wasn’t because of this (honest, Rich!).
Then we retraced our route back to the launch point. With the cloudy dissipating and the sun beating down on us, it made for a hot return. Before landing there was the opportunity to practice some cooling off rolls and an anchored tow rescue (so the rescuer and rescuee would not be taken onto the sandbank near to the landing point).
After an efficient boat and kit loading it was time for a chocolate biscuit and photo on the foreshore, before heading back to the Arches through the New Forest, where we saw a family of Gloucester Old Spot pigs and piglets crossing the road!
We had one of the shortest paddles in our recent history, but what a trip! Originally we had planned to paddle from Bournemouth Beach around Hengistbury Head. the weather did not look promising on the weather apps and as soon as we were on the beach it was clear that the trip was not going to be feasible. Instead we set our goal to be somewhat less that half the planned distance, staying in Bournemouth Bay.
Launching through surf, we were soon out in the wind and waves. While the waves were moderately large, they were mostly not breaking, meaning that we could enjoy riding up and down them as we followed the bay along.
After about 2km it became clear that the wind was having too much of an effect on the group and we decided to land near to Bournemouth Pier – landing through surf. Breaking out the group shelter to keep the wind from getting us too cold, we decided that the best plan would be to return back to the start point.
Once more we launched through surf, back into the wind and waves, paddling with our head down until we reach our start point. Then another surf landing, making 4 surfing launches and landing all within 4 km!
Although it was a very short trip, it had everything: wind, waves, surf and some lessons for future trips. Amazingly everyone loved the trip, as it had everything condensed into a short distance, making it a very intense trip!
For our annual camping and kayaking weekend on the Jurassic Coast, a dozen of us made our way down to Dorset on Friday afternoon and evening. The weather forecast did not look good at all and it was somewhat doubtful if we would get on the water. After deliberating while at the pub, it was decided that a circuit of Poole Harbour would be the Saturday trip as it was mostly sheltered from the strong winds.
Enthusiastic paddlers ready to launch!
After a safety briefing, Mike taught us a new game to help warm us up (now known as the ‘peg game’). Then we were off to Brownsea Island. As we crossed the Western part of Pool Harbour a large number of racing yachts with hydrofoils (called ‘International Moths’) whizzed passed us at speed.
Hydro-foiling yachts
After a stop on the Arne peninsular, a bird reserve known for a very large numbers of Avocets. Ironically one of our kayaks was also an Avocet, but from Anglesey.
In Ower Bay we stopped for a few minutes to practice some self and assisted rescues, and the occasional roll, before a quick lunch break. As we started after lunch the skies closed in and the wind picked up. Rounding Goathorn Point we got a full blast of the wind from our side at the same time as the rain started. There was nothing to do except put our heads down and paddle back towards our start point without being blown off course.
After lunch the skies closed in
Once back at our lunch point the weather cleared allowing us to get the boats and kit loaded and return to the campsite before getting showered and changed for the evening’s pub trip. However, returning to the campsite we saw that a lot of our tents had been not been spared from the wind. Phil’s tent in particular was completely flat!
After a windy day!
The next day the weather had cleared considerably and we were able to plan to get on the water at Lulworth Cove. That involved consolidating the boats onto a small number of cars to avoid the significant parking fees, and driving down to the shoreline before 10am, two at a time so as have enough room to unload and turn around. Then we were on the water, paddling through some spectacular rock formations and coastline.
Swyre Head
Although the weather had improved we still had to cope with the sea state from the previous day’s storm and that was occasionally challenging.
A break for lunch at Mupe Rocks (quite rocky and not recommended for future trips) made for a short but exciting paddle with lots to see and do.
Nestled on the rugged North Devon coast, Ilfracombe is a charming seaside town known for its Victorian architecture, working harbour, and dramatic cliffs. While many visitors come for fish and chips on the quay or to admire Damien Hirst’s Verity statue, seeing this stretch of coastline from the sea is a must.
Sea kayaking around Ilfracombe offers a unique perspective on the area’s natural beauty. Paddling just beyond the harbour walls, you’re quickly immersed in a landscape of hidden coves, sea caves, towering headlands, and abundant wildlife.
Ilfracombe’s harbour provides a sheltered launch point, making it slightly easier to get on the water even when conditions are a little lively outside the bay. Sunday’s launch certainly challenged all paddlers, but everyone managed to successfully get out and hold position in a sizeable swell. Outside of the harbour you soon enjoy the dramatic cliffs and a chance to spot seabirds nesting on the rock ledges. Hele Bay itself is a peaceful shingle cove, perfect for a rest stop. During higher tides there is also the opportunity to explore narrow inlets, and sea caves.
One of the joys of kayaking here is the wildlife, seals are seen bobbing curiously near your kayak, porpoises playing the surf and guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars are common.
Leaving the beach near Gosport RNLI, the VHF radio is full of chat about swimmers crossing the Solent. That seems like a mad idea and much better to be in kayaks. Especially as we have an exciting route that takes us pass three of the four Solent Palmerston Forts, as well as the buoy marking the spot where the Mary Rose sank, and across the shipping channel to the Isle of Wight.
Conditions were expected to be challenging and this trip had been advertised only for experienced club members. As well as some waves and strong winds, the trip route meant that the wind would be in every direction at some point in the trip: from the left, from the right, behind and straight ahead – and everything in between! With wind of F4 (12-18mph) and gusts a lot higher, we were in for an exciting paddle.
En-route to Horse Sands Fort with the Isle of Wight in the background
About an hour after we start heading East, we’re at Spitbank Fort and then we change direction to head South West to the Mary Rose Buoy.
The Mary Rose Buoy
Then we have the 3km paddle into the wind to Horse Sands Fort, where we’re able to a have a short rest.
Horse Sands Fort
Then we are off to No Man’s Fort across the shipping channel. The wind is behind us for this leg and we do it about 20 minutes faster than planned. The strong wind along with the changing tidal flows have made planning the timings for the trip challenging.
Crossing the shipping channel
Approaching Seaview
We land at Seaview about 20 minutes early, so we have a long lunch break and have time for a pot of tea at the Old Fort café. While we’re there the Red Arrows fly over, as part of the VJ Day commemorations.
After lunch we all do a seal launches to get on the water to avoid getting pushed into the rocks by the waves. The route back is a direct straight line without any forts. However, once in the Solent we get affected by the wind quite a lot as well as the flow, which are pushing us much further East than we want to be. After adjusting our course, dodging hovercraft and ferries, we get to the middle of the Solent.
Solent crossing!
As we arrive, an enormous P&O cruises ship goes past. When it is well passed we adjust our course to land at the beach at our launch point. Before getting off the water, Fiona does a self rescue in the bay, and Mike does a roll. Which is pretty impressive after the length of the trip (26km) and the conditions. Well done to everyone for completing this trip successfully!
After travelling down to South Devon on Friday night to our usual campsite, on Saturday morning we’re going in a convoy down to Warfleet near Dartmouth Castle. The wind is very strong according to the weather apps, 20 miles an hour, gusting 30 miles an hour from the West. The idea is that we get some shelter from the cliffs around the castle and when the wind gets too strong head back up the River Dart to Dittisham.
Spot the mermaid!
There is almost no wind on this side of the river as we head out to sea. We find a huge gully to go down as well as some small channels and suitable rock hopping rocks. At Blackstone Point Liza takes a small group over to the Western Blackstone, two rocks offshore and exposed to the wind. As expected it is much more windy and has more waves around it. The rest of us stay in the lee of the cliffs and practice turning in the wind around two buoys.
Rock Hopping under the watchful eyes of the local cormorants
Then we’re off up the River Dart. We have to negotiate all the ferries and other traffic on the river as well as the wind and the gusts, but everyone copes well and no issues. We arrive at Dittisham outside the pink pub and stop for lunch. Some of us have a beer and a bag of crisps as well. Then a paddle back to the launch point with a detour along Old Mill Creek to the stone bridge.
Dittisham lunch stop
Sunday
We arrive at Brixham breakwater car park early and have breakfast at the Breakwater Bistro, which is very civilised for a camping trip. The wind is much stronger today, but from the North West, so the plan is to go around Berry Head and be sheltered for most of the day.
With the wind behind us, we are relatively quickly at Berry Head. We have to go out to Mew Stone to avoid the nesting birds and then do some rock hopping to Saint Mary’s Bay.
Rock hopping in Saint Mary’s Bay
There are a few caves. In one Liza scares some seals and all hell breaks loose as they start jumping around in the water inside the cave in the dark. All the rest of us hear is Liza squealing! Everything is good in the end, but we decide not to go in the other caves in case there are more seals in them. After lunch at Man Sands we head back along the same route, looking in the smaller caves and rock hopping.
No seals in this one!
A bit more rock hopping, with virtually no wind
As we round the Berry Head we have the the wind against the tide and some challenging but fun conditions.
Wind against tide gave us some exciting conditions for the last part of the trip
After landing through some small surf, we get the boats and kit loaded before having a cup of tea and some chips at the bistro. While we’re there, a mother gull is defending her youngster from a much bigger gull by swooping repeatedly at the bigger gull while it stands on the beach. Eventually the bigger gull flies away after the smaller gull’s partner arrives. This seems to conclude our weekend kayaking and some of us then head back to London, while others reward themselves with fish and chips.
On a warm Friday afternoon, 7 CKC club members travelled down to the New Forest for a weekend of kayaking around, across and along the Solent. Those arriving early got to walk through the New Forest for a pub meal, seeing wild horses along the way.
Wild Horses
The later arrivals, after overcoming the usual Friday evening traffic jams and road closures, were treated to white port with tonic and kiwi cordial (from Mary), after the tents had been setup. The campsite was a huge flat field with very rule-bound staff and we got an earful when they found out Ingo was not going to arrive until 10:15pm. The campsite completely shuts down at 8pm and the gates are locked. It looked like Ingo was going to be sleeping in his car! Luckily he was able to get to the site before 10pm and was allowed in, although his car wasn’t and he had to carry his tent and kit across the campsite. Throughout the weekend the locking of the gates at 8pm meant that we had to devise our plans to be back before then, which was quite restrictive. For future trips we all agreed that we would try a different campsite.
Once everyone had arrived, we had our normal planning meeting to discuss plans for the next day. The wind looked to be quite strong, but not all weather apps were in agreement. We agreed on having two groups: one to Lepe and one to the Needles.
Saturday
Everyone was up early and we are quickly on our way to the respective launch sites. After the usual safety briefing on the beach we are off to the Needles, with no sign of the strong winds. We’re soon crossing the Lymington channel with a nice tidal push towards Hurst Castle.
Crossing to Fort Victoria, several yachts and motorboats and even one ship had to be navigated around to get safely to the other Isle of Wight. Once we were through the gap between Fort Albert and Hurst Castle the wind started to pick and everyone coped with these conditions. The Needles were in sight and that kept us focused.
The Needles
We headed to the cliffs near Alum to get some shelter, then in no time we are through the gap in the Needles. On the other side the huge cliffs of Scratchells Bay are an impressive sight.
Scratchells Bay
We headed for the shingle beach. As it was approaching low water, it’s not too difficult to land although with a bit of wind coming over the cliff then down onto us. To our surprise it started to rain, so we cut short our lunch and got back on the water.
Getting ready to head back to the Solent
Once again we passed through the Needles and then back to the colourful cliffs of Alum Bay before following the coast closely back to Fort Albert.
Alum Bay
The wind dropped a lot and we got a nice tidal assist all the way back to Fort Albert with occasional bumpy water when coming through the gap to the Solent.
Racing motor boats into the Solent
Before we know it we were back at the launch point, excited to have completed a Solent crossing – a first for three of the group.
Success! First trip over to the Isle of Wight completed
Sunday
The day started to get very warm early in the day, meaning that we were all up early. As we poked our noses out of tents, it was a surprise to see a lot of deer at the end of the campsite. Liza said that she woke up at 3 am and they were all around the campsite in between the tents.
The wind forecast had increased overnight so we decided not to paddle on the second day. Instead we drove to Brockenhurst and did a walk across a common and in the woodland, bordered by a campsite called Hollands, which looks significantly better than our one. We saw some horses and cows (but unfortunately not on beaches).
Kayakers in Disguise
There was a lovely vignette where a foal was lying asleep on the ground then woke up and realised that it’s mother had walked off. The matriarch of the group can hear the foal neighing and went into the woods and found its mother, then chased her back to her foal, who was very happy.
Claire and Fiona organised a fantastic coached club trip to Pembrokeshire in June, guided by Sea Kayak Guides.
A group of us met at the arches at 9:30 on Friday morning to load up boats and gear before setting off to Wales — immediately or later in the day. We’d made different arrangements for accommodation, with five staying in cottages nearby and seven staying at the Llanungar campsite where the guides were based. Some of us who were early enough walked in to Solva for dinner or a drink at “Hats and Barrels”. There was loud overnight rain on our tents, but the weather cleared by the morning.
On Saturday morning we met the guides — Martin, Ben and Pablo, whom we’d met the previous year — at the campsite and planned trips for the day. We all said what we were hoping to get from the weekend and then the guides went over the essentials of planning: looking at weather, swell, tides and current and anticipating what conditions would be like in different places. We’d all been watching the weather forecast and were glad to see that the forecast high winds were now not expected until Sunday, but there were still strong westerly winds and a significant swell from the west.
Briefing on the water in Porthgain harbour
In the end we split into two groups — seven looking for more challenging conditions deciding to go to Porthgain with Ben and Pablo, and five going on to Abercastle with Martin where conditions should be calmer. We sorted boats out and drove off to our respective launch points before preparing to get on the water. In Porthgain, there was plenty of parking and we launched to the side of a boat ramp that was slippery because of the low tide. On the water Ben encouraged us to observe the water texture and read what the conditions were further out –- were they what we’d anticipated when planning?
Exploring a cave.
We paddled out of the harbour feeling the conditions build and went through some channels, discussing where the safe places were. Arriving at a beach by lunchtime, we made surf landings, with several of us capsizing on the way in. Ben went over our journey, describing the back-eddies that we’d observed in the journey. When we returned to Porthgain, we did some rescues and Ben demonstrated a scoop rescue.
Ben explaining the eddies along our route.
In the evening all twelve of us had dinner in the Cambrian Arms before dispersing to our accommodation.
On Sunday we again convened at Llanungar at 9am and discussed options for the stronger winds. We decided to stay in two groups, but all head to the North coast in the shelter of Dinas head, launching from Cwm yr Eglwys. Two fishing yaks launched before us, and as we launched we saw that one had capsized. Ben went over to assist and was able to get the swimmer back on his kayak using a stirrup supported on a paddle.
We observed the conditions in the bay and further out, and saw how the sea state increased as we headed out. We proceeded North along the coast finding the eddies and watching dolphins leaping out of the waves. Coming to a headland where the waves were getting stronger, the group sheltered in an eddy and three of us sallied out around the headland to see what the conditions were like. Finding another safe point around the corner, we returned to the group and brought them round, then practiced going out to the stronger conditions and returning to the eddy, after Ben had gone over how to turn up and downwind.
Kayakers being hidden behind the swell.
Some of us did rocky landings for a toilet break and we then ate lunch in our boats before running downwind to rejoin the other group at a beach beyond Cwm yr Eglwys. Martin, Ben and Pablo demonstrated towing techniques and stirrup rescues before we all went on the water to practice towing, stirrup and scoop rescues.
Practicing emptying a flooded compartment on the water.
Some of us headed straight back to London that night, while others stayed and had dinner in the Cambrian Arms before staying overnight to come back on Monday. We had a great weekend, with lovely sunny weather despite the strong winds. We saw many birds (among them oystercatchers, razorbills and one puffin); several seals and had got to watch the dolphins for several minutes. We all learned or practiced essential skills and enjoyed facing the challenge of more moderate water than we usually get to see.
This was to be our first Isle of Wight (IOW) Solent crossing this year and the first time ever for four of our group. We all arrived in good time on Sunday morning and were able to get changed, unload the boats and kit ready for a safety briefing on the beach.
Getting ready to launch on the mainland
While getting changed a very relaxed fox observed our comings and goings. On previous trips we’d seen a fox walking along the beach, so maybe it was the same one. No cows on the beach though.
Preparations overseen by the local wildlife
After the safety briefing, we were on the water at 10 am. There were very light winds (F1), very light flows and no waves or swell. It was quite misty, so visibility was not that great. Our first destination was to paddle out to Horse Sand Fort. On the way we saw in the distance an unmarked ocean rowing boat going towards Bracklesham with three people on board. It looked like they were practicing, or at least two of them were.
After about an hour we reached Horse Sand Fort. This is one of four Palmerston forts built in the Solent to protect against an invasion by Napoleon. By the time the construction of these was completed, the threat had passed. Nevertheless Horse Sand Fort is impressive up close, being more than 64m in diameter and three storeys high. It boggles the mind as to how they have been built. Apparently during World War II the fort was manned entirely by people who could not swim. We did not see anyone on our visit and although it was sold in 2021 (for £715,000) it looked unrenovated.
Approaching Horse Sand Fort
Flat water around the first of our forts
At Horse Sand Fort we waited to cross the shipping channel until two ships had gone passed, one each way. Then it was a sprint across the shipping lane to get out of the way of any more ships that might appear.
Waiting for the shipping channel to clear
Once across the shipping channel we headed towards St Helens Fort, although initially the sea mist made it difficult to see. St Helens is a smaller fort and much closer to the coast of the Isle of Wight. At the lowest tides of the year, it is possible to walk from Bembridge along the original causeway that was used in its construction.
As we approached the fort we spotted a seal who also seemed to be enjoying itself.
Lunch at Bembridge
After about 2.5 hours in the boat it was time for a stretch and some lunch, so we landed opposite Bembridge on a sand and shingle beach. As forecasted, halfway through lunch, it started to lightly rain and we all put on our cags or storm cags. After an hour the rain stopped and we got back on the water and paddled up the East coast of the Isle of Wight to Seaview. What little wind there had been dropped completely and the sea was almost like a mirror. With the sea mist deadening any sound it was surprisingly peaceful.
From Seaview we paddled over to No Man’s Land Fort (also known as No Man’s Fort) – our third fort for the day – which has been refurbished as a hotel. Then we paddled purposefully across the shipping channel once more. With visibility very poor we had to listen carefully for oncoming ships before committing to our route. The Isle of Wight hovercraft could be heard no matter what though. Luckily there were very few boats on the water for the route back, probably because of the sea mist.
Heading back to the start point
After 26km we arrived back where we started, having experienced some unusually calm paddling conditions for the Solent, with added sea mist for atmosphere.
It is early March and it’s time to repeat one of our paddling favourites along the North Kent coast – a trip passed Herne Bay to the Reculver Towers. It is the first proper sea trip for two of our group and the conditions are ideal as we prepare on the shingle beach, with sunshine and small, frequent waves. It is also the first sea trip for Phil’s new boat. So an auspicious paddle for everyone.
Herne Bay Pier Landing Stage
The first stop is the Herne Bay Pier Landing Stage. This is the last remaining part of the pier that was originally used by paddle steamers to bring people to Herne Bay. It’s a long way off shore and understandable why it was the second longest in the country.
Rafting up before landing at Reculver
From the Landing Stage we headed to the two towers at Reculver, which could be seen in the distance. With the tide pushing us Eastwards and the wind coming from the South-East, we got some fun waves as the wind against the tide created small waves. A perfect introduction to sea paddling and a good way to christen a new boat.
After lunch under the two towers the tide had changed direction, so we were now getting assistance from the wind behind us as well as the tidal stream. That gave us quite a few small surfable waves, so we zig zagged our way back to the launch point, surfing towards land then paddling back out. Even those with no prior surfing experience got the hang of it quickly.
First time kayak surfing
Eventually we arrived back where we had started. After landing and a celebratory photo, it was to the beer garden of the local pub to get some later afternoon sun and re-hydrate. Another excellent day on the water!
