Glam Boaters Weekend

SATURDAY 20th AUGUST

I haven't been to the club for quite some time now but I decided to join up with Taran and the rest of the gang in Pembrokeshire.  I arrived at Newgale camp site early Saturday morning, it was wet and windy, typical Glam Boaters trip weather.  There was a strong southerly force 5-6 wind blowing so the decision was made to head on up to Newport sands out of the face of the wind.

The sea state of the sea looked much more slight up here, still gusty but much flatter.  Dinas Head was barely visible through the rain and low cloud.  The group consisted mainly of novices some not yet ventured out on to the sea before today.  The plan was to head along the cliffs of Dinas Head taking in some caves and rock hopping.

We launched from Parrog, which previously served as an active port which supported the shipbuilding industry during the 19th Century.   The old port dries out at low water but it is possible to paddle or walk your boat up through the shallow stream.

 There was a mix of sea boats and shorter river boats, Richard here is in Tarans old Piranha.

Before long we were at the foot of the cliffs making use of the swelling conditions.  Andrew the club founder and coach teamed me and Taran up with a group each to lead through the caves and rocks. 

Taran who is currently doing his coaching qualifications and in the process of starting a kayaking tours business was more at home with this.  I don't think I am one of those people who are 'leaders', I wouldn't say I was one who 'follows' either.  I just like to get on with my own thing.  Don't get me wrong, I love helping out help out I'm just not a very vocal person. 

Before long the decision is made to turn back, which was a shame as this has to be one of my favorite trips rounding Dinas Head. 

We land on a small shingle beach for some lunch and take a rest.

Nearing what is now a wide expansive beach the surf could be seen from quite a distance.  On the approach the surf looked quite big with the wind whipping off the tops of the crests.  I was one of the first to make my way in, mainly to get it over with and so there wouldn't be anyone on the beach watching me when I go tits up.  Anyone who's read my blog before knows I'm not a fan of surf.

I wasn't alone, most paddles have never paddled on the sea yet alone landed in surf.  Even through the waves were quite big it wasn't as bad as it looked.  Everyone managed to make it through unscathed simply letting the waves pass under the boats.

In fact we all enjoyed it so much we all spent the next hour playing in the waves.  

Everyone drags their boats in on the beach as a rainbow appears above their heads.  We're all exhausted by now.

It's a long walk back to the cars but shortened some what by the stream for the final leg.

SUNDAY 21st AUGUST

Another day and the sun is out and the conditions seem to have lightened a little, F3-4 south westerly.  We make our way to Solva where it is buzzing with people and kayaks.  The wind blows up the narrow harbour channel which doesn't vouch much for the conditions on the other side.

Big swells and blowing winds at the mouth of the harbour.  After a look into the caves inside the protection of the natural harbour I was quite looking forward to the tasty conditions.

We take the group around Black Rock that marks the entrance to the harbour and under the cliff on the far side of the harbour out of the wind.  I was hoping we would at least get the group out to the Scars or even just around the corner and through the arch we visited a couple of weeks ago.

It was decided it was best not to risk an all in rescue with so many novices so we pondered around the harbour in an out of the caves before landing on the pebble beach at the far end. 

I was itching to get out an do some paddling so I ventured out of the harbour and around the cliffs to either side of the entrance while the group sat and had some lunch on the beach.  I was tempted top paddle back to the camp site at Newgale on my own but didn't fancy the surf landing.  Oh well Scotland to the Isle of Skye in a couple of weeks so I'm sure I'll get enough paddling done then.

Solva Nightfall

Last year and through most of the winter months I made it a rule that I would make at least one trip out to Pembrokeshire, West Wales (or beyond) once a month.  It has not been the case this year and a paddle beyond my local stretch has been along time coming.  It's only the second visit to the sea for my new boat also.  

Myself and Taran arrived at Solva late in the evening and decided to put the last hours of daylight to good use.  We headed out of the harbour walls and on to Green Scar, a small rocky island just offshore.

From Green Scar we paid visit to it's neighbouring rock Black Scar.  It was a perfect evening.  A gentle breeze and rolling swell to keep things a little spiced up.

While Taran made best use of the rise and fall of the sea between the rock gardens I reluctantly held back, not wanting to damage my new boat. 

Leaving the Scars with a farewell from a curious grey seal we crossed back over to the mainland to make use of the last of the dying light.

(Above) Looking on to the north Pembroke peninsular and Ramsey Island.  The long stretch of coast which will make up tomorrows paddling.

With the light forever fading taking pictures became more and more difficult, which was a shame because the cliffs rich in fascinating geology, arches and caves looked stunning in the darkening blue nights sky.

(Above & bellow courtesy of Taran)

I made best of what I could in what the sea had to offer constantly aware of any shallow rocks, keeping one eye on the surface.  As night fell we were once again passing back through the harbour walls.  We finished the night off sinking a few pints with Martyn and made plans for the coming morning.  To be continued... 

Back in the Wild West

I have left it too long to get back out to the west of the country.  I had a job on in Camarthern Friday so it wasn't to much of a drive before I was parked up along side Taran at St Brides Haven.  The forecast for the weekend wasn't looking promising however, between force 4-6 with gusts and a 3m swell with spring tides.

We were up for an early start, playing it safe we though we would stay in St Brides Bay aiming to go from Solva back to St Brides Haven.  taran had a quick roll to get him in the mood. 

 I should probably explain that thing on my head.  It seems bandanas are the fashion with a few kayakers, so I dug out this old Bonjovi one I had from my first ever gig year and years ago.  Even though it makes me look like a complete arse and would probably be fitting with an eye patch, it works.

 We head out of a calm flat bay wondering what lay around the corner of the natural harbour.

We approached Black Rock marking the entrance to Solva harbour seeing that the conditions looked quite big.

A big wave approaches almost completely submerging Black Rock.  It was quite comical we both just turned around...I don't think so.  My VHF has had enough use a couple of weeks ago.
We drive by Broad Haven shortening the trip, maybe we could punch though the surf.  It never looks that big until you sit on the floor!

Looking at some of those waves we decide to play it safe again.  Even if we did manage to punch through the breakers there would be no coming back if it turns out rough on the other side.  We could both do with the surf practise anyway.

Some cracking pictures, thanks Taran.

Packing up the vans in the car park I meet Marcus who has commented on my blog previously and been meaning to join us for a paddle locally.  A convoy of cars with kayaks then passes by, I wounder where they're heading.

We drive back to St Brides Bay for a third attempt of making something of the day where we catch up with Bath Canoe Club and Sea Kayak Guides who are based in St Davids.  They kindly offered us to join them for a night on Skomer.  We decided to join them but paddle back later.

Punching though the surf at St Brides Haven I take a big wave just as it breaks full force in the chest...ouch! timed that one wrong.  The swell was pretty impressive out of the bay sending clouds of spray up as it crashed into the red sandstone cliffs.

It was a nice experience being surrounded by another 14 paddlers, some nice boats too.

That was until someone recognised 'Mayday Stuart'.  Not bad twice in one day.

Approaching Musselwick Sands the conditions turned perfect.  I was a bit anxious about landing in the surf with an audience, although it seems I wasn't the only one as a few tumbled over.

I managed to pull it off, best landing yet!

Carrying on our trip hugging the cliffs looking out for every rock hopping opportunity.

The wind picked up as we rounded Wooltack Point crossing over Jack Sound.  The tide had just about turned, I couldn't help thinking what it would be like in half hour or so after it had time to pick up momentum.

The first rafts of Puffins were soon spotted once we were over the sound.  No chance of getting close though with a convoy of 15 paddlers.

We paddled into North Haven, the sounds of seals basking on the rocks signaling our arrival.

A few curious heads pop up to investigate.

We land on the beach for a quick break and exchange thanks and farewells.  Would anyone notice if I just slid off with the Alaw Bach parked up next to my boat?  Boat envy is a terrible thing, I'll get one some day.

We were followed from North Haven almost all the way back by a couple of playful seals trying to touch the sterns of our boats.  I finally managed to snap a shot at one as she surfaced.  Mid crossing we spotted some fins in the distance, a pod of three or four porpoises maybe.  Then another just ahead.  I reach for the camera and it popped up alongside my boat within reaching distance.  Amazing, and unusual for a Porpoise to get so close.

Its still a little lumpy as we cross straight over to St Brides Haven but the swell was nothing that it was earlier.  A few Gannets fly overhead but no good shots unfortunately.

We land and dry our kit in the last of the days sun, Taran cooks up some nice jacket potatoes in his van for dinner.  A slow start to the day but couldn't have asked for ending.  Thanks again to Bath Canoe Club and Sea Kayak Tours for letting us tag along for a great adventure.