Detail of Trip: Iconic Beachy Head and Birling Gap day trip. Launching at Eastbourne, heading West to the Beachy Head lighthouse and the big white cliffs.
Lead : David
Date: Saturday 25 April 2026
Grade: B, that is Explore Award level or equivalent experience. Guidance on gradings – Trip and Session Guidelines « Chelsea Kayak Club. Remember the club provides all the kit needed for this trip (eg buoyancy aid, paddle, spray deck and cags), as well as boats.
Travel : This will involve the need for car drivers who have roof racks that can carry kayaks to take either their own boats or club boats. Sharing of cars is encouraged so limiting the number of cars going.
Weather and conditions: Still cooler conditions, so warm and waterproof kit and clothing is required for this trip, dry suits ideally. Water temperature will be less than 15C. Wind chill may be a factor. Swell could be up to 1m high.
You will need to take a change of clothing which are dry and warming . Also bring packed lunch and hot drinks.
Trip Plan:
Launching at Eastbourne. Heading out from the beach slightly before turning Westwards for the headland. Navigating the rocky reefs at low water under the cliffs to Beachy Head lighthouse. Once around the headland we will fully see the fantastic view of all the Seven Sisters cliffs.
Distance each way 5nm approx. (10 km); total distance 20 km. This is about 2-2.5hrs in the boat before landing. There are limited places to land.
Timings: Meeting Time Eastbourne car park by 10:15 am. Briefing on foreshore 11:30 am, On The Water: 11:45 am
Lunch stop around 2pm to 2:45pm. Off the water by 5pm
Tidal Planning: Tide: LW 13:20 HW 19:20. Sunset 20:10 hrs. Neap Tide.
Communications: Will be by Club CKC Community WhatsApp group for the signed up paddlers.
Trip will be risk managed and assessed until time on the water. The decision if the trip can definitely go ahead will be made by noon on the Friday before and communicated to the paddlers.
Cost: The club has a process of calculating travel costs to be shared amongst all the participants. This covers the cost of petrol and a percentage for wear and tear. Estimated cost is £20 (based on two sharing a car).
Maximum number of people excluding lead is 6 people. The minimum number of people is 3 including the leader.
Please sign-up by noon on Friday 17 April 2026. Note that the organiser will confirm your place on this trip after the sign up deadline and arrange a call to organise the logistics for the day. If you are in any doubt about your suitability for this trip, please discuss with the organiser directly.
Total Attendees: 3| # | Name |
|---|---|
| 1. | Ingo |
| 2. | Phil p |
| 3. | Gilly |
