Seakayak-Porthsele

South West Sea Kayaking Meet 2011- Day 2 10-07-2011

2011-07-10T20:59:00.014+01:00

Last night Eurion and myself decided we would have an easy paddle from Kimmeridge to Durdle Door and back so we could enjoy the hospitality of the Greyhound to it's full potential. So it came as a bit of a shock when Mark suggested that Swanage to Durdle Door and then back to Kimmeridge would be a good paddle for us! After a bit of a rush Eurion and myself were joined by Huw, a paddler from

South West Sea Kayaking Meet 2011 - Day 1 09-07-2011

2011-07-09T21:38:00.013+01:00

Arriving yesterday afternoon at the 4th South West Sea Kayaking Meet organised by Mark Rainsley our hopes of a paddle were curtailed by gale force winds. This year's event was in the new location of Corfe Castle in the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset so we decided to check out some of the village's drinking establishments. Eurion and myself doubled the clientelle of the Fox before settling in the

Follow Those Buoys 03-07-2011

2011-07-03T20:24:00.016+01:00

With the forecast good and the tides being reasonably large Springs Eurion and myself decided to use the last 3 hours or so of the ebbing tide to see how far we get along the line of buoys that mark the Nash and Scarweather Sand Bars. We are swept past the lighthouse at Nash Point between 7 and 8 knots and hardly have time to take a picture of the East Nash Cardinal Buoy before being propelled

Flat Holm Images

2011-07-01T21:57:00.002+01:00

Here's some photos taken of Flat Holm from Eurion and my paddle out there on 26th June for a lunchtime pint. A few of the Island's residents. Flat Holm's Lighthouse built in 1820. The Lighthouse Battery constructed in the 1860's with one of the Moncrieff Pits which housed a disappearing gun carriage which allowed the gun once fired to be lowered back into the pit for reloading. The

Fancy A Pint? 26-06-2011

2011-06-26T17:00:00.009+01:00

When Eurion phoned and asked if I fancied a Sunday lunchtime pint I didn't think it wouldn't be as simple as turning up at a pub! Eurion had heard that a pub had been opened on Flat Holm so we found ourselves paddling out across the World's 2nd biggest tidal range, dodging the occasional ship on the way, not the usual relaxing Sunday lunchtime pint! As we were out in the Bristol Channel it

Some Of The Caves Of Ramsey Island 03-06-2011

2011-06-03T18:49:00.008+01:00

As has been the case all week the forecast once again wasn't too promising, so with no plan as such I paddled out from Porthsele out toward St David's Head and see what occurs. I was in two minds whether to paddle around Ramsey but was a bit concerned about wind against tide in Ramsey Sound on my paddle back so I aired on the side of caution and paddled into Bay Ogof Hen at the North of Ramsey

A Few Of The Sights 02-06-2011

2011-06-02T19:32:00.004+01:00

Yet again the wind was putting pay to any paddling of any distance but with Kurt arriving last night and Simon driving all the way from the Lake District they were both understandably keen to get on the water. Even though the forecast was not too clever we decided to give it a go and hopefully show Simon some of the sights. So with Chris joining us we paddled into Ramsey Sound and out towards

Ramsey Sound Playground 30-05-2011

2011-05-30T15:13:00.002+01:00

With the last 2 days surf dropping and the wind easing Bobby was very keen to get back in his kayak which was good as his confidence took a bit of a knock since his last venture out in the surf, but today he coped really well. I was back in the Nordkapp after spending the last 2 days in the playboat and the surf kayak. After seeing Bobby safely back on Terra Firma I paddled out to have a play

Thank Heaven For The CIWW 22-05-2011

2011-05-22T14:43:00.015+01:00

With the rather inclement weather putting pay to any Sea Kayaking so far in May, the Cardiff International White Water Centre (CIWW) has meant I have been able to paddle on a few occasions with the weather having no impact. Today Adrian and Sian were running an Ultra Marathon from Brecon to Cardiff, Elliott joined me for his first paddle at CIWW and in fact his first paddle on any moving water.

Skomer Island.....Carbon Free! 28-04-2011

2011-04-28T17:47:00.016+01:00

With everyone on about their Carbon Footprint I thought I would do my bit and instead of driving to Martin's Haven in the Land Rover and paddling around Skomer I would paddle there and back from Porthsele. Leaving Porthsele at low water I would have the last 3 hours or so of the South flowing ebb tide to take me through Ramsey Sound and across St Bride's Bay and hopefully arrive at Skomer at

A Tale Of Two Bishops 27-04-2011

2011-04-27T19:24:00.010+01:00

With the wind forecast to pick up later the idea was to use the last of the ebb tide to take me through Ramsey Sound and out into St Bride's Bay and then for the flood tide to bring me back up to South Bishop and then to North Bishop and back to Porthsele, hopefully before the wind picks up. Paddling Southward the sea was glassy flat and I saw an Otter and Porpoises near Pen Dal-ederyn as well

Carreg Rhoson 26-04-2011

2011-04-26T16:52:00.004+01:00

Yesterday's sea kayaking was again cancelled due to high winds but I managed to get on the water and have a bit of fun in the surf. Back in the Nordkapp but with no real paddling plan and the forecast not too promising I paddled straight out from Porthsele passing a fishing boat on the way and just see what occurs. In a short time I was out by Carreg-trai a rocky outcrop about 1.5 nautical

Porthgain And The Blue Lagoon 24-04-2011

2011-04-24T17:49:00.014+01:00

With yesterday's paddle cancelled due to the wind increasing, a crabbing excursion to Solva and a visit from Eurion and the youngest 2 of his clan, I was back on the water paddling NE along the North Pembrokeshire coast. As is often the case paddling around St David's Head was a little lumpy but on reaching the headland at Penllechwen conditions calmed. The coastline is very rugged with high

Ramsey Island En Masse 22-04-2011

2011-04-22T22:10:00.007+01:00

With Kurt and Phillippa returning home later this evening and both of them keen to paddle around Ramsey Island for the first time I went along to provide a little moral support and for the second day running I was paddling around Ramsey. So with Chris and Amanda also coming along a small armada of sea kayaks left Porthsele and paddled Southward through Ramsey Sound. The sky looked very dark

The Easter Break At Last 21-04-2011

2011-04-21T18:09:00.017+01:00

After what seemed like an eternity we were finally back down West for a longer than usual Easter break due to a Royal Wedding and numerous Bank Holidays. Conditions were ideal for a leisurely paddle around Ramsey Island hopefully culminating in a sunset. There was a little adverse tide as I crossed from Pen Dal-adeyrn over to Ramsey Island across an unusually glassy flat Ramsey Sound. The

Nells Point Coastwatch Station 16-04-2011

2011-04-16T19:51:00.032+01:00

After receiving an email from Stuart saying that Peter from the Nells Point Coastwatch Station near Barry Island wanted some photos of mine, the family and I found ourselves at Nell's Point overlooking the Bristol Channel. The National Coastwatch Institution was set up in 1994 and is a voluntary organisation and aims to keep a visual watch on the seas around the British Isles from various

After A Hard Week's Graft.... 15-04-2011

2011-04-15T20:00:00.103+01:00

.....there is nothing better than a late afternoon/early evening paddle in the Nordkapp to wash away those work blues! So in less than an hour after leaving work I was paddling out from the slipway at Sully YC out into the Bristol Channel hopefully out to Steep Holm. There was a layer of mist just above sea level as I paddle Southward hopefully letting the last of the flooding tide take me past

The Things I Get Myself Talked Into!!! 09and10-04-2011

2011-04-10T19:15:00.035+01:00

In case you were wondering there is a photo above, it is the view from Atlantic College across the Bristol Channel to Porlock, I think! With this being the 200th post on my blog I thought I would do something different. So when Eurion said it was an ideal night to paddle from Atlantic College on the Welsh side of the Bristol Channel across to Porlock on the English side and then back who was I

A Hazy Ramsey Island 27-03-2011

2011-03-27T19:50:00.046+01:00

I left Porthsele on a hazy Sunday morning but with light winds and the tides perfect for a trip around Ramsey. Reaching St John's Point Ramsey was just visible through the haze though the sun was doing it's best to force it's way through. Reaching Pen Dal-aderyn and looking across at the Bitches the flood tide was running but the sea was calm, just right for the ferry glide across to the island

What No Puffins? 26-03-2011

2011-03-26T18:26:00.037Z

I arrived at Martin's Haven just too late to paddle out with Chris and Amanda from Pencarnan and a group of local paddlers who I often bump into on my travels. They were all heading out along the North coast of Skomer. I paddled Southward through Jack Sound against the North flowing flood tide to get the most benefit from the tide around the rest of the island. Paddling along the South of

Sunset With A Splash Of Salt 25-03-2011

2011-03-25T19:10:00.018Z

After too long a break from sea kayaking due to various reasons I was back at Pencarnan but conditions were not what I had expected. There was a brisk NE wind blowing very different to the windless conditions I had left a few hours ago in Cardiff. I paddled straight out from Porthsele encountering a bit of wind against tide around Carreg Gafeilliog. Paddling out further into the main Southerly

A Look Back At 2010

2011-02-03T18:36:00.053Z

I began the year with a New Year's Day paddle with Martyn in slightly varying weather conditions! Most of the paddling as usual was done on my own but I did have a good day out with Adrian, Eurion and Jim out to the Nash Sand Bar in the Bristol Channel. Throughout the year I saw a few sunrises and sunsets occasionally in rather chilly conditions. As Ramsey Island is just round the corner from

A Big Spring Tide 23-01-2011

2011-01-23T19:36:00.021Z

With the wind picking up overnight and there being big Spring tides it would only be a short paddle today. Paddling out to the rocky outcrop of Carreg Gafeilliog there was a slight swell which made things a bit more interesting as I paddled between the various rocks that make up Carreg Gafeilliog. The Southerly flowing ebb tide was already building up speed as I ferry glided from St John's Point

Return To The Witches Cauldron 22-01-2011

2011-01-22T17:33:00.083Z

Launching at the slipway by the Newport Boat Club I used the ebbing tide and the flow of the Afon Nyfer to take me out into Newport Bay. Dinas Head was straight ahead but I paddled NE across Newport Bay to the small waterfall at the north of Newport Sands. Paddling around Morfa Head the cliffs start to increase in height with the wavy layers of rock at all different angles. Paddling in

First Paddle Of The Year 09-01-2011

2011-01-09T19:07:00.028Z

I was finally back on the water after not paddling at all over the festive period and missing out on the traditional New Year's Day swim and paddle. I set off from the Sully YC slipway early and was out by the Lavernock Spit South Cardinal Buoy just as the sun was rising. I stopped by the buoy and watched as the sun slowly climbed over the horizon with a ship passing at an opportune moment.

Sheep, Bitches And A Seal 12-12-2010

2010-12-12T19:09:00.044Z

I had to run the gauntlet of a herd of sheep and an assault course of various fences and barriers before I was able to launch from Porthsele. I paddled close to the cliffs into Ramsey Sound and took the short cut between Ynys Dinas and the mainland into St Justinian. I paddled across a deserted St Justinian and over to the arch by Ogof Mary. The tide was just right to paddle through the

All Quiet On The Castlemartin Front 11-12-2010

2010-12-11T19:35:00.001Z

With light winds forecast, very little swell and most importantly the guns on the Castlemartin Range not firing today it seemed an ideal opportunity to paddle this stretch of the Pembrokeshire coastline. I paddled out of Stackpole Quay and headed Westward stopping on the way to photograph the headland riddled with holes. Stackpole Head is very calm with the tide in my favour and just the

Shipwrecks At Dusk 10-12-2010

2010-12-10T23:21:00.013Z

As is often the case on my weekend trips down West I stop off at Solva on route for a quick paddle but today someone has pulled the plug! It was about half a mile walk before I found the sea this is where the trolley is worth it's weight in gold. With the tide being so low I knew the wrecked tugs about a mile down the coast would be well exposed so I set off Westward passing some interesting

A Local Paddle 21-11-2010

2010-11-21T22:40:00.025Z

With the wind picking up through the night I decided to stay local before driving back to Cardiff later today. Leaving Porthsele I paddled across Whitesands Bay and to the Ram's Nose where the tide was low enough to get into the cave that runs through the rocky promontory. Leaving the cave I paddle into Porth Lleuog and check out the other end of the cave. Paddling along the St Davids Head

Cardigan Bay And The Afon Teifi 20/11/2010

2010-11-20T20:35:00.036Z

After an hours drive I arrived at St Dogmaels on the banks of the Afon Teifi which is where the 186 mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path starts or finishes depending on which way you are headed. I paddle up the Teifi against the flow and the ebbing tide toward the town of Cardigan through glassy calm water. I have to put in a bit of a spurt as I paddle under the arched road bridge as the flow is

Under A Solva Moon 19/11/2010

2010-11-19T18:45:00.016Z

The tide was just right at Solva for a late afternoon paddle on route to Pencarnan, with even the possibility of a sunset. The harbour was pretty quiet with the majority of the boats out of the water and now in Winter storage. I paddled into and along the pebbled beach of Gwadn and explore the caves at the harbour's entrance before paddling out into St Brides Bay. I paddle through the

Planes, Ships And Automobiles 14/11/2010

2010-11-14T20:38:00.043Z

Launching again from the Sully YC slipway I wasn't sure whether to go left or right so I just paddled straight out to see how strong the tide was flowing. I was tempted to let the tide take me down and out to Steep Holm but there were a good 3 hours or so before the tide changed direction to aid my paddle back. The flow at the moment didn't seem too strong so I decided to paddle against it out

Hoping For A Sunrise 07/11/2010

2010-11-07T21:29:00.021Z

I was on the water early hoping for a sunrise but in vain, there were clear skies to the West but thick black cloud to the East in the direction I was heading toward Sully Island. It was a bit of a struggle as the Westerly flowing ebbing tide was already flowing quickly through Sully Sound but I eventually made it to Sully Island and started paddling around the South of the small island. Sully

A Small Weather Window 30/10/2010

2010-10-30T19:59:00.032+01:00

With the Inshore Shipping Forecast predicting Force 4 or 5 winds increasing to Force 6 - Force 8 I launched from a very calmer Porthsele than yesterday. Tracy braved the mud on the coast path to accompany me as far as St John's Point taking photos along the way. The closer I got to St John's Point the more noticeable the remnants of the last few day's large seas became. Reaching St John's

Big Friday 29/10/2010

2010-10-29T20:47:00.075+01:00

Like the classic 1978 surfing film Big Wednesday the surf has been building all week and today seemed to be the pinnacle of the week's increasing wind and swell. Venturing out in the Juice there were some very large and powerful waves coming through which made for an interesting paddle out. Once out past the break it also made for some interesting take offs and some pretty fast rides. The only

Surf's Up Day 3 28/10/2010

2010-10-28T19:46:00.012+01:00

No change from yesterday except for the wind changing direction and going offshore creating steeper but more powerfil waves. The waves took a bit of catching but once on them I managed to get some pretty decent long rides. With the steepness of the waves it was even easier to loop the kayak than on the previous 2 days. Thanks again to my better half for braving the elements and once again

Surf's Up 27/10/2010

2010-10-27T19:29:00.021+01:00

With the wind much the same as yesterday but the surf slightly bigger it was going to be another surfing session. Today I was joined by Martyn in his Microbat, Adrian showing us how it's done on his fishing SOT and Elliot in a kayak they had acquired from somewhere. The waves were larger than yesterday but the Juice performed really well spinning easily in the surf.Swapping boats with Elliot

Seals And Surf 26/10/2010

2010-10-26T18:17:00.015+01:00

With the forecast predicting SW winds force 5 to 7 occasionally gale 8 it seemed an ideal day to pay our annual visit to the Seal Hospital situated at the entrance to Milford Haven Docks. Today there were 3 pups in residence at the converted oil storage tank and also 1 very young pup which needs almost constant care so is staying at Terry the hospital's owner's house. The hospital relies

Last Chance For A Paddle? 25/10/2010

2010-10-25T21:15:00.030+01:00

With the wind forecast to pick up to Force 7 later I thought it best to get on the water sooner rather than later. With Martyn AWOL I was to be back paddling on my own. I had thought of paddling around to Porthllisky but on reaching the North end of Ramsey Sound the Southerly wind was already strong so I decided to stay local. I let the Southerly ebbing tide take me down to the Bitches and

Somewhere Under The Rainbow 24/10/2010

2010-10-24T19:36:00.033+01:00

With half term finally arriving and the weather improving since yesterday it was great to get back in the Nordkapp and with Martyn also down for the week, I was to be paddling with company. We paddled across Whitesands Bay and over towards Porth Melgan with a very dark menacing rain cloud lurking to our right. Exploring one of the caves before reaching Porth Melgan we hoped the rain cloud

In Memory Of The Lifeboat Gem 13/10/2010

2010-10-13T20:35:00.008+01:00

Today was the centenary of the wrecking of the St Davids Lifeboat Gem and the loss of 3 of her crew. The Gem had been launched in the early hours of October 13th 1910 following the sighting of distress flares in Ramsey Sound. The 12 man crew of the Gem took an hour to row the mile across the Sound in a NE gale and very rough seas to the Ketch Democrat. With great effort the 3 man crew of the

Nordkapp Hard Astern! 04/09/2010

2010-09-04T20:12:00.031+01:00

With the wind increasing overnight and the forecast not looking too good I decided to stay close to the mainland cliffs through Ramsey Sound and see how things go. The coast between Porthsele and St Justinian I usually paddle straight past but today I am exploring every cave and inlet. There are a few bays with very crumbly cliffs and then areas of harder more statuesque rocks which withstand the

Ramsey Island 03/09/2010

2010-09-03T21:12:00.057+01:00

Normal service was resumed after yesterdays perfect conditions with the wind picking up again and creating quite a large swell. I crossed a choppy Ramsey Sound and made my way Southward towards the Bitches. . As I approached the Bitches I was passed by the Thousand Islands Expedition RIB just leaving Ramsey. The Northerly flowing flood tide was easing just enough for me to be

The First Throws of Autumn 02/09/2010

2010-09-02T19:57:00.021+01:00

With the wind decreasing as the day went on I paddled out of Porthsele in the late afternoon and out past St David's Head and into the Southerly flowing ebbing tide stream. The further I paddled out the calmer the sea got with hardly a breath of wind. There was also hardly a sound, a few weeks ago at this time of the day the sky and sea would have been amass of birds returning back to their

How Big Was That Fish?! 01/09/2010

2010-09-01T20:47:00.002+01:00

After Bobby and Harry's first fishing trip last night when Harry caught his first fish, a one a half pound Bass, it seemed a bit over the top when the Fishery Protection Vessel Cranogwen steamed into the bay and dropped anchor! All was ok whey they learnt the fish, on Harry's insistence,had been returned to the sea to fight another day. It was only to be a short paddle today as Tracy had an

Should We Stay or Should We Go? 30/08/2010

2010-08-30T20:46:00.003+01:00

With the wind and sea finally calming through the night, Claire decided to carry on her paddle along the Welsh Coast which she had started on Saturday, paddling up from Dale. Yesterday Claire had the day off as the weather was far from ideal, so with an early start we left Porthsele and paddled out towards St David's Head, the first and major hurdle on today's proposed paddle hopefully to

Juicing It Up Again 29/08/2010

2010-08-29T21:03:00.002+01:00

With the wind already pretty strong and a possible Force 7 on the way there was to be no sea kayaking today, so although a bit messy Chris and myself thought we would give it a go in his Surf Ski and my Dagger Juice. Although not brilliant surfing waves there was enough power in them to easily loop the kayak forwards and to have some pretty decent rides even though it was a bit of a battle

Some Not So Grumpy Seals 28/08/2010

2010-08-28T20:40:00.001+01:00

; After messing about in the surf yesterday in the Dagger Juice, today I was back in the Nordkapp. The wind was still quite strong so I ferry glide across the southerly flowing ebb tide out to Gwahan, the small rock to the north of Ramsey Island. As usual on the ebbing tide there are some standing waves at the NE corner of Gwahan which are always great fun to have a play about in. After a

Wrong Decision 26/08/2010

2010-08-26T20:26:00.002+01:00

With today being the first day of just over a week's holiday with the family, I was keen to get on the water, but with the already strong wind forecast to increase I wasn't sure whether to paddle the Nordkapp or the Dagger Juice. As soon as I got to the water's edge with the Nordkapp and saw Chris having great fun on his surf ski I knew I had made the wrong decision. With not too many options

Away With The Birds 22/08/2010

2010-08-22T10:35:00.005+01:00

The plan today was to paddle out past St David's Head and out into the main southerly flowing ebb tide to check out the large numbers of birds I had seen earlier through the binoculars. As I paddled out past the head there were large groups of Gulls perched on the rocks. There was a lot less swell than yesterday so I decided to stay out in the tide flow and let it take me down the west side

Bitches and Grumpy Seals 21/08/2010

2010-08-21T20:38:00.003+01:00

With the showers of rain finally easing off I launch from Porthsele for a late afternoon - early evening paddle. Although the tide is still flooding Ramsey Sound is flat calm, a trip around Ramsey may be on the cards. I paddle into the sheltered bay at Carn ar Wig, no seal pups yet only a large blue barrel bobbing about in the glassy calm water. As I paddle up to the southerly end of the Sound

Surfing The Juice 20-08-2010

2010-08-20T19:35:00.001+01:00

Arriving back at Pencarnan late afternoon there were some reasonable sized waves rolling in at Porthsele, I didn't waste any time in getting changed and paddling out in the Dagger Juice a great way to start the weekend. The waves wouldn't have been too good for the surf kayak but the Juice was great fun and no need to worry about any rocks below. A good couple of hours were spent playing

A Blustery Day! 14/08/2010

2010-08-14T08:17:00.004+01:00

With Eurion and Clare not arriving until the early hours of the morning it was not to be an early start. After much deliberation we decided to brave the quite breezy conditions and launch from Porthsele and paddle into Ramsey sound. We all got a good soaking paddling out through the surf, the decision to wear the long sleeved cags seemed to be a good one as the wind was pretty strong as we

Day 3....What a Difference a Day Makes! 25/07/2010

2010-07-25T20:04:00.002+01:00

The rain continued on and off through the night but as I was packing the tent up patches of blue sky began to appear through the cloud and the forecast was for lighter wind. Hopefully today would be a better day. I follow the coast for a bit before paddling northward out toward Stack Rocks, the outline of the camel can be clearly seen to the left of the rocks. The Little Haven ILB, out on a

Day 2....The Joys Of The British Summer 24/07/2010

2010-07-24T19:20:00.002+01:00

Waking to a very different day to yesterday, with higher winds and drizzle it was not such a good way to start the day packing everything up in the wet. Paddling around Watwick Point and West Blockhouse Point I was slightly concerned about the paddle out of the Haven and around St Ann's Head and my concerns were well founded! It wasn't until I reached Little Castle Point, just over 1 nautical

Day 1....How Far To Go? 23/07/2010

2010-07-23T19:31:00.001+01:00

With Tracy and the boys visting the outlaws and with the forecast not too bad it seemed ideal for a few days paddling. So Friday morning with tent and provisions in the Nordkapp I left Porthsele and let the ebbing tide take me South. I was originally going to paddle along the West side of Ramsey but South Bishop looked so inviting, so altering course I headed for North Bishop and began the

An Alien In A Cave Update 20/07/2010

2010-07-20T21:34:00.001+01:00

In my post on 14/03/2010 An Alien In A Cave I took the picture below of something hanging from a cave. After much searching on the web, sending emails and putting a post on UK Sea Kayak Guidebook, I was given various suggestions ranging from seal snot to egg cases!Forgetting about it for a while I recently received an email from the BBC Wildlife magazine saying that they were going to publish my

Some Rapid Fun 17/07/2010

2010-07-17T19:32:00.000+01:00

With the recent weather not being too good for sea kayaking lately I have spent the last two Saturday mornings at the Cardiff International White Water Centre and today Tracy, Bobby and Harry came down for an hour to watch and take some photos. I think I am slowly getting the hang of the course, as I haven't had too much experience white water apart from in tide races, though I am still spending

The Calm After the Storm! 04/07/2010

2010-07-04T19:22:00.002+01:00

As usual the shipping forecast was spot on and it got a bit wild through the night, but conditions had eased just enough (I hoped) to venture out for a paddle. Porthsele was slightly sheltered from the wind but turning out of the bay and into Ramsey Sound I felt the full force of the SW gale. I managed to make it to St John's Point but the wind got even stronger and also I had the tide race to

The Calm before the Storm! 03/07/2010

2010-07-03T18:48:00.001+01:00

With the prospect of a Force 8 gale later I wouldn't be paddling too far today. Paddling out of Porthsele I paddled across Whitesand's Bay and explored a few of the caves of the St David's Head Peninsular. The wind was starting to pick up and with it came the occasional largish sets of waves, which provided a good photo opportunity as I paddled into Porth Melgan. Reaching St David's

Skomer - Without a Paddle 02/07/2010

2010-07-02T18:54:00.002+01:00

I have paddled around Skomer Island on numerous occasions but have never landed on it, so today seemed an ideal day for the family outing to see the Puffins before they head off for the winter. We arrived at Martin's Haven early and boarded the Dale Princess. Within 15 minutes we were landing at North Haven, a lot easier and quicker than paddling! We headed straight for the Wick

South Bishop 05/06/2010

2010-06-05T20:28:00.002+01:00

I actually had a paddle planned for today but that was sort of scuppered when I found out I had to go shopping for a fancy dress costume in Siop y Bobol, the charity shop in St David's for tonight's festivities to celebrate Adrian's birthday. My original plan was to use the last of the ebb tide to take me to South Bishop for slack tide and come back with the flood. Paddling into Ramsey Sound,

North Bishop 04/06/2010

2010-06-04T20:17:00.002+01:00

With today being yet another glorious day I decide to paddle out to St David's Head and then out toward North Bishop and see what occurs! There is a slight haze today as I look towards my intended target of North Bishop and to Ramsey Island on my left. As I approach the group of rocks that make up North Bishop I am circled by a group of Gannets, I hope they don't mistake me for a large sand eel!

Paddling With Company 03/06/2010

2010-06-03T20:05:00.009+01:00

The day started with Bobby and Harry running in excitedly wanting us to see the two birds circling above the caravan. The smaller one was a Buzzard but the larger one was a Red Kite. Harry took great pleasure in looking them both up in his bird book.After yesterday's exertions I decided to opt for a gentle paddle across to Ramsey and asked Kurt and Phillippa (fellow Pencarnan neighbours), who

St Bride's Bay 02/06/2010

2010-06-02T19:45:00.004+01:00

Leaving Porthsele at around 4 in the afternoon my plan today was to use the last couple of hours of the south flowing ebb tide to take me through Ramsey Sound and out into St Bride's Bay, hopefully to Skomer Island, and then come back with the north flowing flood tide. Like yesterday the Sound was flat calm until I reached the southern end, conditions chopped up a touch.As I paddled out of Ramsey

Porth Clais With A Few Detours 01/06/2010

2010-06-01T18:56:00.003+01:00

I actually had a paddling plan today which was to use the last of the southerly flowing ebb tide to take me through Ramsey Sound, paddle around to Porth Clais, and then use the beginning of the flood tide to bring me back up the Sound. As I paddled through the Sound there was little visible sign of much tide flow but I seemed to be making good progress across the unusually flat calm Ramsey

Carreg Rhoson 31/05/2010

2010-05-31T19:09:00.002+01:00

Leaving Porthsele an hour after low water and with about two hours of the southerly flowing ebb tide I plan to paddle straight out in the direction of North Bishop and see what occurs. The sea is pretty flat and with not too much wind but as I expected the further I paddle out the tide takes me away from North Bishop and more towards Carreg Rhoson, the middle rock between North Bishop and

Ramsey Island 30/05/2010

2010-05-30T19:52:00.000+01:00

I left Porthsele and paddled through the centre of Ramsey Sound and down to the Bitches using the last hour or so of the southerly flowing ebb tide.The Bitches were in the final stages of their southerly flow until the small period of slack water before it starts flowing the other way. The conditions were near perfect as I paddled south along the south eastern cliffs of Ramsey. I paddle into one

Exploring Shipwrecks 29/05/2010

2010-05-29T18:14:00.005+01:00

With the wind picking up considerably through the night and the day's forecast not looking too favourable, it seemed an ideal day to take the boys to the remains of the 3 Tugs wrecked near Solva in October 1981. I have paddled here many times since they were wrecked, with my first visit in 1982 in my old 13' general purpose McNulty Harrier, above are some photos taken on that trip. The ravishes

Back In The Nordkapp ....At Last! 28/05/2010

2010-05-28T21:28:00.003+01:00

After an absence of a month and a half due to work commitments I was back down West Wales and finally going to get back in my Nordkapp. Porthsele was deserted and during my time away someone had planted a rather large tree! I had no paddling plan in mind, I was just glad to get back on the sea. I turned left or should I say port after paddling out of Porthsele and into Ramsey Sound

CIWW 05/05/2010

2010-05-05T18:32:00.002+01:00

With no sea Kayaking on the cards due to working weekends and the last bank holiday, I jumped at the chance at a club night at the recently opened Cardiff International White Water course.

Another Perfect Paddle 11/04/2010

2010-04-11T20:07:00.006+01:00

With Martyn arriving for a weeks holiday yesterday conditions seemed perfect for a paddle around Ramsey Island before I drive back home later today.Paddling on a course for Gwahan we let the southerly flowing ebb tide bring us down onto the north end of Ramsey Island.At Twyn-Sion Owen the northern most point of Ramsey we feel the effect of the ebbing tide and before we know it we are resting in

The Bishops and Clerks 10/04/2010

2010-04-10T21:08:00.003+01:00

Paddling out of Porthsele and towards St David's Head my intended targets for today of North Bishop and South Bishop soon come into view. Reaching the Head there is a small swell and the sea is a bit confused but as I begin my ferry glide across to North Bishop the sea begins to calm as I move away from the mainland. After 45 minutes and a distance of 3 nautical miles I am dropping down onto

A Spot Of Speleology 04/04/2010

2010-04-04T22:06:00.005+01:00

With the wind increasing yet again I decided to hug the mainland coast of Ramsey Sound and explore some of the numerous small caves. The first I came across was too small to get right in at this state of the tide. Passing St Justinian I paddled into Ogof Mary where the water is pouring down the entrance from the springs above. Paddling out of Ogof Mary I make my way around the small arch as the

A Bit of Everything 03/04/2010

2010-04-03T19:55:00.004+01:00

Today brought more sunshine, but also a stronger wind, so with the high tide in the morning it was ideal to take Bobby to Solva for a paddle. We were there just in time for Bobby to have a play on the River Solva before the tide started to go out.Solva, as is often the case, was sheltered from the wind and with most of the boats still out of the water there was plenty of room for Bobby to

British Summertime !!!! 02/04/2010

2010-04-02T21:16:00.003+01:00

Ever since British Summertime officially started last Sunday the weather has gone downhill and today was no exception. Paddling out of Porthsele and towards Whitesand's Bay I was luckily just on the edge of one of the frequent heavy showers so I didn't get too much of a soaking.Reaching St David's Head the sea was pretty confused with the strong wind against the big Spring tide whipping up some

Where To Go? 21/03/2010

2010-03-21T20:09:00.001Z

With the wind dropping a lot since yesterday, I was up and on the water early to take full advantage, as it is forecast to pick up again later today. The only thing was I didn't have any idea where I was going to paddle. Paddling out from the Sully YC slipway I knew I had the last hour or two of the easterly flood tide so maybe I could paddle to Monkstone Lighthouse but at the moment it was

An Alien In A Cave 14-03-2010

2010-03-14T18:18:00.002Z

Although it was a lovely sunny day the wind had increased through the night and as a result I had to change my plans to paddle around Ramsey Island which would have been the third Pembrokeshire Island of the weekend but at least I am on the water. I decided to paddle out to St David's Head straight into the northerly wind and then let the ebbing tide take me down to Ramsey Island. The paddle

The Islands Of Skomer And Skokholm 13/03/2010

2010-03-13T18:33:00.003Z

After just over a 2 hour drive I was paddling out of Martin's Haven into a rather chilly northerly breeze with a cloudy overcast sky, not what was forecast but it was good to be back in Pembrokeshire. Rounding Wooltack Point, Skomer Island comes fully into view and crossing a rather sedate Jack Sound and Little sound I see Skokholm Island, the second of today's objectives through the gap

Flat Holm Island 06/03/2010

2010-03-06T20:20:00.005Z

With a mate's stag do later in the day I thought it wise to paddle today rather than leave it till tomorrow where I might be slightly the worse for wear! Launching from the Sully YC slipway I paddled on a course to Steep Holm and let the last of the flood tide take me down to my intended target of Flat Holm which, at the moment, was obscured from view by Sully Island. On reaching the Lavernock

Ramsey Island first of many......hopefully 21/02/2010

2010-02-21T18:51:00.002Z

After the heavy rain and sleet through the night I woke to yet another glorious day. The tides were just right for a paddle around Ramsey so I thought I would paddle over to the Island and take it from there. Rounding St John's Point I get my first view of Ramsey Island basking in the February sunshine. It is the next headland of Penrhyn Dalar that gives a good indication of how fast the

Porthgain to Strumble Head and back 20/02/2010

2010-02-20T19:11:00.003Z

It was a perfect day with a good forecast as I paddled out of the small sheltered harbour of Porthgain with the now empty hoppers which used to store the crushed granite in a bygone age when Porthgain was a busy port. I decided to paddle straight to Strumble Head taking advantage of the last couple of hours of the NE flood tide so I paddled quite a way from the coast to get the full benefit of

Chasing Curlew 19/02/2010

2010-02-19T19:37:00.001Z

Arriving late Friday afternoon I reckoned there was just enough time for a quick paddle before it got dark. In no time at all I was paddling out of Porthsele, the first time in 7 weeks and it was good to be back.I paddled straight out from the beach for about 15 minutes until I felt the southerly flowing ebb tide start to take me towards Ramsey Island. Stopping for a while to take a few

The Tusker Caff, A Bar And The Buoys 14/02/2010

2010-02-14T20:25:00.005Z

Meeting up with Adrian, Eurion and Jim at Atlantic College on a glorious Sunday morning, the plan was to paddle with the ebbing tide to Tusker Rock have a spot of lunch and then return with the flood tide. We are soon paddling past the two towers of the Nash Point Lighthouse which were established in 1832 to mark the sandbanks off Nash Point. The lower tower was abandoned early last century and

The Newport Transporter Bridge 07/02/2010

2010-02-07T18:34:00.002Z

Launching from Penarth as I did last week, but today there was no spectacular sunrise just a cold, cloudy start to the day. The sea was calm and as yet no sign of the forecasted wind of force 4 or 5 as I paddled past Penarth Pier and Cardiff Bay. The plan for today was to paddle with the flood tide to Newport and up the River Usk to the Transporter Bridge before the tide turns. I paddled for

Bristol Channel Sunrise 31/01/2010

2010-01-31T19:08:00.001Z

It was a crisp, cold morning as I launched from Penarth just as the sun was starting to rise over the North Devon coast on the opposite side of the Bristol Channel. Today the tides are very big Springs with it being a 14.1 metres and in the short time I spent taking a few photos of the sun rising I had already drifted several hundred yards away from where I had launched. I paddled against the

No Salt Today 13/01/2010

2010-01-13T19:33:00.004Z

With everything coming to a standstill again due to the snow I decided to make the most of my day off work and go for a paddle. There would be no salt water though and judging by the state of the roads there was no salt on them either!I set off to the River Taff which is usually only a 10 minute drive but today it took slightly longer due to the snow. Launching from just above Radyr Weir I

Highlights of 2009 06/01/2010

2010-01-06T20:07:00.003Z

With the weather at the moment not being too suitable for sea kayaking I have been looking back at photos of last year and here are some of my favourite moments. I haven't many photos of myself so thanks go to Martyn for the one above. Throughout the year I had a few trips out to the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm and out to Monkstone Lighthouse all in the Bristol Channel. My longest

A New Decade 01/01/2010

2010-01-01T20:11:00.001Z

After a rather late night seeing in the New Year, it was all too soon to don the fancy dress and make our way back down the beach for the now traditional New Year's Day swim. For a video of the proceedings click here.It makes you realise how cold the sea is this time of year and that you wouldn't last long especially with fancy dress on.After a quick coffee, myself and Martyn, who arrived late

The End Of A Decade 31/12/2009

2009-12-31T20:00:00.002Z

Today's paddle would not be of any distance due to the strong northerly wind and the large spring tides, but it was good to end 2009 on the water. Although not large waves they were quite steep and required a bit of effort to get out, almost getting airborne in the process! Leaving Porthsele I paddled around Fisherman's Point and into the entrance of Ramsey Sound where the sea was a little

Twas The Day Before Christmas...... 24/12/2009

2009-12-24T18:38:00.020Z

....and all the shopping has been done, the presents have been wrapped and the children are suitably wound up!!! an ideal time to go for a pre Christmas paddle. Launching from the Sully YC slipway with snow still visible on the North Devon hills on the opposite side of the Bristol Channel, it seemed a bit warmer than it had been of late. I paddle out to the yellow buoy southwest of the slipway

No Better Place To Be 13/12/2009

2009-12-13T16:02:00.001Z

The weather was much the same as yesterday except for the wind being stronger and I think a bit colder as there was a frost on Porthsele above the high water mark. The above picture also shows how much sand has been washed away from the top of the beach during the numerous storms we have had in November. I had no paddling plan as such but decided to head out to Gwahan, the small rock to the

Paddling Away Those Winter Blues 12/12/2009

2009-12-12T19:59:00.002Z

Launching from the slipway at Goodwick, inside Fishguard harbour with a cloudless blue sky and an easterly breeze, but nothing to worry about and it should stop me getting too warm! I paddled straight out to the small lighthouse on the harbour's outer breakwater. I then paddled NW to the headland of Pen Anglas where I decided to paddle straight to Strumble Head using the last of the

A Perfect Pembrokeshire Winter's Sunset 11/12/2009

2009-12-11T19:20:00.003Z

After far too long off the water due to our inclement British weather, the forecast was finally looking promising. Finishing work early I drove westward for hopefully a weekend of paddling. As I drove, it was clear there was going to be a good sunset. With it being touch and go whether I would make it to Pencarnan in time I stopped at Solva, and with the tide in it was just right. I

RNLB Garside 47-026 31/10/2009

2009-10-31T19:59:00.001Z

Yet again the forecast was not looking too promising and with no plan for a paddle as yet today I was soon spurred into action when I heard the familiar sound of the St David's Lifeboat's engines. When she came round the point and cruised into the bay, I donned my drysuit and paddled out in pursuit. Luckily they were practising hauling the anchor so I soon caught up with the Garside. The Garside

Respite at Solva 29/10/2009

2009-10-29T20:38:00.001Z

With the tide right, the wind still showing no sign of easing and Bobby not yet having the chance to paddle his kayak it was an ideal day to go for a paddle at the sheltered harbour of Solva. The part of the harbour where the boats were moored was calm and sheltered from the wind and ideal for Bobby to get the feel of his kayak again. Rounding the right angle bend at the seaward end of the

Ramsey Sound Playtime 28/10/2009

2009-10-28T20:40:00.010Z

The wind and sea conditions abated enough through the night for me to venture back out in the sea kayak. Although they had eased the forecast wasn't brilliant so once again there wasn't to be any paddling of any distance but I decided to have some fun in the Ramsey Sound tiderace. It was only a small tide but there was still quite a swell running which would make things a bit more interesting.

Milford Haven Seal Hospital 27/10/2009

2009-10-27T18:43:00.000Z

Today's windy and unsettled weather made it an ideal day to make our annual visit to the Milford Haven Seal Hospital which is housed in a disused oil refinery storage tank at the entrance to the docks.There were 5 pups in the hospital today and apparantely so far this year it has been a lot quieter than last year probably because of the very settled weather we have had recently but I am sure this

Seal Pups Galore 26/10/2009

2009-10-26T21:30:00.018Z

Once again when I decide to take a few days off work the weather also decides to take a turn for the worse. With the shipping forecast predicting wind increasing through the day, my paddling options were pretty limited once again. With no real plan I paddle out to the jagged group of rocks of Carreg Gafeilliog which stand at the northern entrance to Ramsey Sound, passing a Guillemot which is

A Bridge Too Far 10/10/2009

2009-10-10T20:30:00.024+01:00

Launching at sunrise from a deserted Penarth Beach the plan was to paddle north easterly up the Bristol Channel with the last 4 hours of the flood tide and see how far I could get towards the 2 Severn Bridges.The conditions were near perfect with a yacht passing me just at the right time to take quite a half decent photo. The Outer Wrach Cardinal Buoy was also nicely silouehetted in front of