| Paddlers |
|
| David Cotgrove (Trip
Leader) |
| John Massey |
|
| Lucy Gill and friend Charlie |
|
| Jo Williams and friend Nick
(Sutton Bingham CC) |
| Stew Burdis |
|
| John Harvey |
|
|
A confident group of paddlers some with a range of white
water and sea experience. We were glad of the opportunity to
make this trip on the day given the past month of cold
temperatures and high winds. We set off on time (10.00am)
not far off low tide in a 'slight' sea state with some swell
and wind and the suggestion of sunshine.
The plan was to have lunch at Durdle Door a paddle of
some 7 miles. John H was in his new boat (a PH Aries) and
home made Greenland paddle, first time on the water so keen
to put it through its paces. As we rounded Redcliff Point it
was clear the forecast freshening South East wind had
already arrived. Passing Osmington Mills our progress was
being hampered by an energy sapping headwind and it became
clear reaching Durdle Door or even Batts Head (natural Arch)
would be too much of a slog.
There were no complaints when it was decided to head
inland for an early lunch on Ringstead beach. John M
helpfully agreed to go and check out a safe landing for the
group. Having found shelter out of the wind the sun made a
brief appearance and the group was entertained by a lone
kite surfer and Stew taking the mickey out of my
banana container having not seen one before. I suggested
he had spent too much time at sea and should see more of the
world!
Fed and rested the group agreed to proceed to the east of
Ringstead Bay as far as White Nothe and look round the
corner. Jo and Nick chose to remain close to the shore and
paddle in the shelter of the ledges. By the end of the trip
Jo felt her stamina had been challenged by the wind but had
felt safe on the water. John H reported he was well pleased
with his new boat but thought he might use a conventional
paddle next time out!
Having agreed to make the trip back to Bowleaze earlier
than planned we were able to take full advantage of the
remaining Westerly flow and a following wind. There was also
a bit of surf to aid our progress as we turned for home.
Passing the Ringstead ledges and the wreck of the coal barge
'Minx'
the sea was relatively calm. Rounding Redcliff Point for the
second time saw the wind and swell come into play once more
and landing required a little thought, particularly to pick
out and avoid the solitary angler on the beach. We were off
the water around 3.00 pm and everyone seemed agreed that
despite the change of plan this had been an enjoyable outing
and a chance to meet and paddle with new members of the
club.
And the kite surfers were out in force in Weymouth Bay.
|
