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

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 Pembrokeshire.  We found ourselves paddling out from  Swanage.

We are soon paddling around Durlston Head passing nesting Guillemots on a sheltered narrow ledge on the way.

At the Anvil Point Lighthouse built in 1881 we decide to stay in close to the cliffs instead of paddling straight across to St Alban's Head.

We could see why Mark had suggested paddling this stretch of the Dorset Coastline with plenty of bird life including a few Puffins and numerous Shags some more visible than others.

Approaching St Alban's Head the cliffs increase in height along with our speed as we are pushed along by the ebbing tide.

We paddle across Chapman's Pool and along the Kimmeridge Ledges where we hear on the VHF that a yacht has run aground and on hearing the coordinates we realise we are pretty close.

When we spot people waving on a yacht in front of us Eurion informs the Coast Guard that we along with a speedboat are in attendance and we paddle over to see if we can be of any assistance.

With the Coast Guard Helicopter watching over proceedings Eurion and Huw help set up the tow line between the 2 vessels with me looking on as official photographer.

With tow line attached we keep our distance as the yacht is pulled free after making some horrible scraping noises. We make our departure and are later thanked over the VHF for our assistance, with apparantely no damage being sustained by the yacht.

We stopped for a quick lunch at Kimmeridge before carrying on toward the Limestone arch of Durdle Door. There was to be no sight seeing on the way as the wind had increased and it turns into a bit of a slog to get to Durdle Door.

Beginning our paddle back to Kimmeridge we pass the numerous holes and arches of Stair Hole before stopping in Lulworth Cove for a brief chocolate break.

We paddle a few hundred yards out where we can fully appreciate the size of the cliffs en route to Kimmeridge,

We arrive in Kimmeridge to complete our paddle and bring an end to a cracking weekend of sea kayaking. Thanks to Huw for keeping us company today and  to Mark and Heather for once again organising the weekend. 

More Paddling Practice and Another Rescue 14/04/2009

With it being a mid morning high tide and with the weather having improved considerably from yesterday, the whole family descended on Porth Clais for more paddling practice for Bobby, my youngest son Harry to do some gardening and my better half Tracy to be official photographer.

A little bit of white water again to start and then a paddle out to the harbour entrance in a boat free stretch of water.

Paddling out past the shelter of the harbour wall there is a nice little swell, ideal for Bobby to get used to the feel of his boat.

On returning to Pencarnan I was just about to go for a last paddle before returing home for a couple of days when a SAR helicopter appeared and headed towards Ramsey Sound.

Grabbing my camera I ran over to the cliff path expecting to see the helicopter disappear, but it stayed in the area for well over half an hour hovering over the Ocean Ranger, one of Ramsey Island boat trip RIBs. For a full report of the incident click here and scroll down to 14/04/2009.

A Lifeboat Rescue, Paddling Practice & A Sunset 12/04/2009

Today was the first time that the swell had dropped enough for my eldest son Bobby to venture out in his Dagger Dynamo after a couple of days of him chomping at the bit!

Almost as soon as he paddled out past what waves there were both St David's lifeboats came around the point and headed into Whitesands. Apologies for the black and white photos but I was experimenting with the camera and left it on the wrong setting! Arty...apparently!

Anyway whilst on training, the inshore lifeboat noticed 4 kayakers struggling against the tide on the west side of Ramsey. Calling out the all weather lifeboat, they brought the kayakers back to Whitesands, I'm sure that is cheating, but they got a free ride in a shiny lifeboat! Click here and scroll down to 12th April for full story.

After all the excitement had ended we noticed the Mottishaw and Richardson clans returning from their picnic expedition so Bobby and I paddled over to meet them. They all look as if they had a great day, even Oscar the dog looked remarkably fit considering the distance he had paddled!

Bobby and I stayed out for a little while, he declined the offer to join me for a paddle round the corner into Ramsey Sound, maybe tomorrow!

After ensuring Bobby got safely ashore I went on my way staying close to the cliffs to stay out of the adverse tide as best as I could.

I passed St Justinian where the two St David's Lifeboats were tucked away in their boat houses. Reaching Pen dal edeyrn, the southerly most point of the mainland Ramsey Sound coastline, I paddled out into the main tidal flow expecting to be taken past the Bitches, but I managed to cross the tide stream and into the more sedate water near Ramsey Island.

I paddle down as far as Penrhyn Twll where a Shag was perched on the rocks surveying the sea. I decided not to carry on any further southward but to turn around and head back up to the Bitches.

I stop and have a play about on the Bitches dodging the numerous Ramsey Island boat trip RIBs.

With time getting on I head off northwards letting the tide do the work taking numerous pictures on the way of the sun setting behind North Bishop and Carreg Rhoson.

Only a short paddle of 6.25 nautical miles (just over 7 miles or 11.25 km) achieving a top speed of 9.5 knots.