Paddlers:
Clive West
Jon Massey
Jo Williams
Claire Way
Stew Burdis
Ian Hackworthy
Barbara Hackworthy
This paddle was on the programme as a local day paddle. As organiser it
was my privilege to choose the venue. The sea conditions
were calm for a change so we were able to launch off my
‘home’ beach, Burton Bradstock. In 2013 so far paddling
days have been few and far between because of stormy
weather. We were lucky to have a calm window on Saturday 9th
February and although the weather was rather grey and at
times drizzly the sea state was calm. We were delighted to
welcome two new members Jo Williams and Claire Way. Both are
experienced paddlers and we hope to see them joining us on
many more trips and training courses. We launched without
trauma – unusual at Burton – onto a smooth grey sea under an
overcast grey sky. It was interesting to paddle along the
cliffs between Burton Bradstock and Freshwater as the beach
and the cliff path have been closed since July 2012 because
of safety concerns. There was a huge fall last month. The
paddle to Charmouth with tidal assistance was very pleasant
and we went along at an easy 4 mph with some tidal
assistance. We landed at Charmouth onto the sandy beach. At
this point the drizzle had stopped and the sky brightened
with some watery sunshine while we ate our lunch. Jo and
Claire were met by their respective partners with transport
at Charmouth so they didn’t return to Burton Bradstock.
The rest of us set off against some tide but with a
freshening south westerly breeze to push us along. This
shouldn’t have been enough to cause any problems as there
was still hardly a ripple. However Ian – within sight of
home at Freshwater - was playing the little waves along the
shore when suddenly a larger wave arrived along with a lapse
in concentration and it tumbled him over. It was very funny!
Jon Massey kindly went in to give Ian a hand. We all
landed successfully back at Burton to complete a gentle day
out on our own Jurassic Coast.
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