Hayling Island (20 April 2008) |
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This was my first sea paddle, and I was very impressed by the amount of careful advance planning that was done to cater for all the members of our diverse group. We set out to cross Langstone Harbour facing a brisk easterly in our assorted sea kayaks and Dancers. The prospects were looking good for the longer trip option that included rounding the sea front. Midway across the harbour the swell gained a bit of height as we passed Mulberry Island. I was surprised to find all the going up and down while pushing through the waves quite exhilarating, rather than scary, probably because I was in the company of so many strong paddlers who I knew would look after me. Even the sunshine had come out to cheer us on as we nipped through a tricky bit of current between the remnants of the old railway bridge and sailed up a nearby slipway for a rest where we waited for a good outgoing tide.
Chichester Harbour was strenuous, but manageable, the main difficulties being complaints of `weathercocking' boats. I was told afterwards by a sympathetic Hugh that I was `all over the place. It wasn't until I was out in the offshore water, trying to tack, or whatever, that paddling paradoxically became easier and the darn boat started to go straight at last, lovely.
We had an opportunity to experience a full range of coastal weather, from sunbathing on the beach at lunch, time for a swim for those of us who mysteriously became covered in sand during the landing process.
A squall at sea drove in, with lightening cracking ahead of us in a dark sky as we pressed on along the seafront until we ran aground on West Winner sandbank. But our final destination was very close, and even a short portage and the last ferry glide across the strong outgoing harbour tide could not keep us away from the welcoming mud of our get out. Not that weariness discouraged absolutely everyone from taking part in a final kayak `roll call' in the estuary, with a few handstands taking place here and there, and some abandonment of boats, keeping Hugh busy doing heroic rescues and generally being extremely helpful. We made it!
I also had an opportunity to take Richard's sea kayak for a quick spin and to try out a beautiful handmade Greenland paddle, which I now covet badly. Time to head home to London and a generous tube of muscle salve. A great day was had by all!
Some pictures
