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Following extended
discussions on the mechanics of arranging a shuttle for a
one way trip to Swanage, it was decided we'd best meet at
Kimmeridge and work it out later. Weather reports were not
looking good with a predicted south-westerly Force 5 later
in the day and the likelihood of some rough water. Seven of
us met and motored down to the bay, luckily arriving before
the man in the toll booth so a substantial loss of income
for the coffers of the estate!
There was a little confusion and possible concern at the
notice on the slip advising that the firing range was open
and the sea was therefore closed but it turned out the sign
had been left out in error and was quickly removed by a
slightly sheepish bloke who'd been called by the coastguard.
Inspection from the slip confirmed our expectations as it
was already a fresh breeze with a lot of white horses and
surf breaking in the bay and on Broadbench, so we decided to
go for plan B, which was to head west to Lulworth with the
option of putting in at Worbarrow Bay if conditions
required. This would be against tide and wind but with some
assistance on the return leg. The prospect of rough
conditions and lack of landing sites made a trip eastwards
and especially around St Aldheim's look a bit too risky.
We launched without mishap and headed out through the
surf aiming to go wide and miss the breaking waves on
Broadbench. The sea was what we'd call confused as were some
of us as there were sets of larger waves coming at irregular
timing and from all sorts of directions. Some of you, by now
will have guessed where this story leads but let's just say
it was a tribute to the paddling skills of (most of) the
group and Bertie's leadership that we have only two
additions this week to the
Swim Tracker! I was first to fall prey to a (huge,
obviously) wave but ably assisted by Bertie, followed
shortly after by Hugh caught by a wave (almost) as large as
mine. A textbook rescue by Clive and we all proceeded with
more than a fair share of bracing and good luck. Progress
was exceedingly slow and when Bertie suggested a stop at
Worbarrow Bay there was no dissent. It had taken us over two
hours of solid paddling to cover about two miles!
We spent a peaceful hour enjoying the rest and Hilary's
baking before heading back to sea where we found conditions
had improved considerably. The swell had subsided, the wind
had dropped and the sun made an appearance so it was really
rather nice. With conditions in our favour we made the
return in under an hour. We took particular care approaching
Kimmeridge Bay following the experiences of some of the
group members last year. We kept wide of Broadbench and kept
a weather eye for rogue waves but arrived back at the slip
without mishap. All in all a hard paddle and a good test of
skills accompanied as always by good humour and convivial
company. Thanks to Bertie for leading and saving us from
disaster and welcome to Jim who joined us for his first
paddle with the club.
There are no accompanying pictures for this report
as Barbara, our resident photographer, was away skiing. |
