Anglesey Sea Kayak Trip Aug 24 & 25th
A really big thanks from me to Sammy, Rich, Dan, Nick,
Martin & Pete for dragging me out the office for a fun weekend of 3 star paddling
in Anglesey.
We opted for the more sheltered east coast near Moelfre to
start with.
Began with 3 star warm up skills to get used to our boats
& then practised paddling with a following wind across the bay. We were
paddling a mixture of Wilderness Tempests, Easky 15’s & Jackson Journeys.
We were merrily heading upwind enjoying a blustery Force 4
that fairly soon turned into a Force 5, gusting 6. We crossed over to the Lee shelter of Moelfre
island then attempted paddling against wind & tide towards Dulas Island.
Hard going! Practised turning round in a rough sea & then catching the
swell & surf back. We got so
confident we even did a lap of the island & all survived to tell the tale. The following seas of 6 to 8 ft waves on the return journey
Kept us all on our toes but despite the anxious faces
everyone made it back without drama.
I was impressed!
Back in the calm of the bay, we went through a round of
rolling & rescue drills to allow all to show off their skills. Even Rich
surprised himself! Good old Pawlata!
Once recovered in the bar, Sammy remembered that for sea
kayaking she expected sunshine & beautiful
blue seas so, next day, after
morning prayers we set off to the sandy beaches of the west coast for just
that!
It was sunshine & rash vests! Launched from the picturesque Treath
Trecastel & paddled NW along the
coastline. Found some swelly rockhopping along the way & practised a few
more 3 star paddle skills. After a glorious sunny lunch on our own island the
wind picked up on cue for our return journey giving us an excuse to practise
with skegs. We paddled wide across the bay for a little more exposure but the
hoped for surf never materialised.
With aching muscles we packed our kit away watching the
evening sun over a beautiful sea.
Someone remind me, why do I live in the Midlands?
regards to you all
Matt
Don't forget my Dolphin!
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