Monday 20 April 2009

Trip report - Cornwall sea kayaking

Over the Easter holiday five of the Friday Bunch stayed at the luxury campsite at Carnon Downs; Ray (organiser), Yvonne, Martin, Ben and Richard (plus non-paddler, Judith, Richard's wife). We managed to paddle 5 days out of 6.
Day 1/Good Friday - Swanpool Beach, Falmouth to Truro. We got involved with the Truro River Race run by Devoran Gig Racing Club, who made us very welcome. Before the race we visited St. Mawes for a pasty and had a sculk around Falmouth Harbour before registering for the race at Church Mylor. Kayaks have won the race for the last few years so the handicapper gave us little chance. Most of the gigs overtook us within the first mile. Martin and Richard dodged the King Harry chain ferry. Ray came first amongst us but we were beaten by 20 minutes by a local paddler! We managed to beat 2 girls on a sit-on-top at least!! Refreshments enjoyed afterwards at the Truro Cricket Club. (17 miles)
Day 2 - Pendower Beach to Port Holland rtn -
Pendower beach, Nares head, Portloe, Shag rock, Port Holland back to Gull island (choppy uncomfortable sea) round the rocks and return to Pendower beach.
(12 miles)
Day 3 - Gorran Haven to Charlestown rtn - Watched seals around the Gwinges, Chapel point, Black Head, Porthpeau, Charleston, Black head, Pentawen Beach, Magvagissey, Chapel point, Goram Haven (18 miles)
Day 4 - wet and windy, day off
Day 5 - Swanpool Beach to Helford River rtn - Sunny lunch outside the pub at Helford Passage. (13 miles)
Day 6 - Readymoney Beach, Fowey to Golant rtn - Strong winds forecast so we bimbled around the Fowey River. Readymoney beach, past Penpoll Creek, Great Wood, back to Washing Rocks, Blackbottle Rock, Lantic Bay, Readymoney beach. Winds didn't increase but it did pour with rain so wandered out towards Gribbin Head. (12 miles approx)

The occasional heavy rain didn't dampen the fun, fine food and drink enjoyed each evening at the campsite. Thanks to Ray and Yvonne for organising the week, researching and planning the trips.
. . . Ben

Saturday 18 April 2009

Sara comes 2nd in Ladies K2 at the Devizes-Westminster race


"Flew the flag for Rutland Canoe Club at the Devizes to Westminster
Canoe Race last weekend. My partner, Linda Clark, and I completed it in 25 hours, 41 minutes, coming second in the K2 Ladies class. Mind you, only 4 Ladies teams had entered as compared to the 86 Men's teams! And so here's the Race Report.

My, this was tough. 125 miles, 77 portages. We started just after 8.15
on Saturday morning. The first part on the Kennet and Avon canal was much more weedy than when we had paddled it two weeks before so a fair amount of concentration was required to navigate through this and we had Numb Bum after the 2.5 hour portage-free stretch. But the atmosphere was very friendly and we shared washes with another crew. . . "

. . . . Read full report here.