Dynamic water sea kayak trip – Anglesey

Sunday 21 – Tues 23 April.

The first challenge for our dynamic water team was actually finding any conditions at all! Rarely for Anglesey, it was flat calm with almost no wind! We opted for North Stack tide race as the middle part of the ebb offered a good rate of flow at a convenient time in the morning.

Without any wind there were no surf-able waves, so we played in the current for a while & then followed the tide around to South Stack, checking out the various caves en route. A friendly seal nuzzled our bows as we watched a group of climbers tackle some intimidating routes on Gogarth cliffs.

At South Stack lighthouse there was a good flow through the narrow channels under the bridge which allowed us to practice upstream moves. Accurate boat angles and the use of successive eddies were required to navigate back up stream in the narrow channels. A few laps here & then on to Porth Dafarch. A classic Anglesey trip under our belts in perfect conditions.

Day 2 – A 12-16kt north-westerly gave us some nice wind-over-tide conditions from Point Lynas all the way to Cemaes Bay. As we rounded Llanlleiana Head we observed that the race off West Mouse was starting to stand up nicely so we ferried out on spec to catch some surf. It is quite an exposed spot & challenging to keep the group together here, & also not easy to formulate a coordinated plan while afloat, so I decided we should push on to Cemaes Bay instead of sticking around to play here.

Rob & Chris Wade returned to the vehicle & kindly offered to pick up Simon, Chris Wood & myself from Cemlyn which allowed us to carry on & investigate the race at Harry Furlough’s Rocks. 

We approached with caution & tried to identify the eddys & safe water areas but it was too hard to see what was going on between the rocks from upstream. Instead we had a nose into the race on the outside of the rocks where the wind had set up a steep wave train at 75 degrees to the flow, offering us each a couple of exhilarating surfs. The water was quite challenging with very large chaotic waves coming from all angles, and the flow was continually bringing our surf trajectory towards the rocks.

Chris casually demonstrated his rough water roll & then paddled onto a wave the size of a bungalow, riding it gracefully into the wind-sheltered zone. I was turning my boat to suggest to Simon that we join Chris outside the race & wrap it up for the day, when he appeared above me atop a precarious pyramid of water & announced in no uncertain terms that he’d come to that conclusion independently! On the right day, & with a little more familiarity with the safe water zones in this area I think it could make for an interesting play spot, but today it was more of a handful than we were looking for.

Day 3 – The wind had veered more northerly, still around force 4. Perfect for the flood tide at Penryn Mawr (except that it started at stupid o’clock in the morning!) We compromised by aiming to arrive there at 07:30 (mid flow), play until 09:00 & then follow the dying tide around the stacks in the opposite direction to day 1. That meant doing the shuttle at 6am!

The middle race hadn’t formed a wave train this time, however there was a small & consistent surfable shoulder at the head of the race which gave Chris Wade the opportunity to demonstrate some impressive boat handling skills. The eddy between the middle & outer races was a mass of powerful boils & was not a friendly place to sit, so I decided to leave the outer race alone this time. For some reason it was also angled more offshore than I’ve previously known it.

The boil zone dished out a couple of lessons & offered some unplanned rolling & rescue practice.

On arrival at North Stack we found the tide to have turned early & there was now a small wave train off the headland. We were able to gain the upstream advantage by surfing to the head of the race & tucking in close to the rocks. It would have been great to hang around and play here, but if we’d left it any later we wouldn’t have got around the corner, so unfortunately it was time to call it a day.

My thanks to Simon Lerpiniere for patiently supporting my leadership learning journey, and to Rob Hitchmough, Chris Wade and Chris Wood for being good company and a solid, up-for-it team.

Thanks to Chris Wade for the photos.

Duncan G

April Full Moon Paddle.

23/04/24

The weather was looking ideal for a moonlight paddle. The pink moon shone brightly the evening before and as I write this it looks good the night after. However the Ambleside Roman Moon goddess Luna must have decided we were not worthy of moonlight on the 23rd.
Eight of us assembled at Waterhead carpark for an Eight O’clock launch. George, Barry, JohnP, JohnS, Lynne, AlisonH and JaneG were joined by Peter Walker as a guest. In the slowly fading evening light we paddled across to the entrance to the river Rothay then up the Brathay to the Clappersgate bridge. The breeze had dropped and it was amazingly peaceful, the cloud cover persisted, no moon!

Returning to the lake, Lynne who was paddling her solo canoe decided to call it a day. She needed to rest before Robs open boat safety and rescue session the next day.
The rest of us headed across to the beach at Wray castle for coffee and moon watching. Still no moon!
Refreshed by the complete calm of the evening, we headed across the lake towards the lights of the Low Wood hotel and back to Waterhead by 10.15. Now in almost complete darkness.

As we loaded the boats, the moon peeped out very briefly then disappeared again.
Of course the pink moon isn’t pink, it’s only called pink due to the appearance of many pink wildflowers at this time of year.

JohnS

Open Boat Safety – Coniston

Wednesday 24^th April.

Venue moved from Ullswater as the pass was closed. A sunny day with a cold but low wind.

Ian M, Lynne W, Conrad L and Ed R met with Rob G who was to lead the session developing solo paddling skills dealing with capsize, fatigue or incapacitation and dealing with challenging weather in deep water environments.

The day included lots of practice rescuing swamped canoes, fishing swimmers out the lake and workshopping different methods of towing and quickly rafting up. There was a lot of discussion around setting up a canoe for solo, tandem, sailing and expeditioning, how and when to lash baggage in vs when to let it float free and how to use what you’ve got to assist with a self rescue.

The day culminated in an all in rescue in the middle of the lake, with all canoes swamped and everyone in the water requiring a thorough demonstration of the skills we’d developed throughout the day. Even in favourable conditions it quickly became apparent that these skills need to be well rehearsed to avoid disaster. Thanks Rob for an excellent day on the water, we’ve all learned a lot

Ed R

Great Glen, great trip

17 – 21 April 2024

Day 1 Neptune’s Staircase to Gairlochy Lock 11km

We met at the top of Neptune’s Staircase at the Fort William end of the Caledonian Canal. Nicola having stayed closest had already been to the end of the canal. A quick sort of kit and the drivers left for Inverness, while three remained to look after the kit and sunbathe for the 3 1/2-hour shuttle. Giles walked the end of the canal to dip his toe in the water.

The drivers returned by taxi and we finished sorting the boats and were on the water for 17:30 for a very pleasant 11km paddle to Gairlochy Locks and our first go at trollies with fully loaded kayaks. There is capacity for 6 tents to wild camp at the locks, and we had 5. There were already 2 guys with open boats, but we were OK.

Setting off from Neptune’s staircase

Sally had purchased a key to the canal facilities, giving access to toilets, hot showers etc. A couple from Sheffield arrived just as it went dark and managed to find a place to camp.

View from camp at Gairlochy locks

Day 2 Gairlochy Lock to Leiterfearn on Loch Oich 26km

It started to rain around 6am, and lasted most of the day. After packing there was the first of many discussions on how best to get afloat. We set off with a Force 3 tail wind and made good progress up Loch Lochy, arriving at Laggan Locks at lunchtime. The café Sally remembered from 40+ years previously was long gone, but the Sheffield couple had found an unlocked storeroom, so we had lunch in there and Dan produced a birthday cake plus candle for Clare’s birthday.

Clare’s birthday cake

We carried the boats round the lock, something we agreed we would not repeat, then paddled a lovely stretch of canal and into Loch Oich. The guide said there was only space for 8 tents at Leiterfearn, so we were a bit worried, however it could easily accommodate 30, however, the composting toilet had blown over.

Day 3 Leiterfearn on Loch Oich to Foyers on Loch Ness 29km

The day started dry with a gentle breeze as we completed Loch Oich and trolleyed round Cullochy Lock, the water now going downhill.

“Paddle UK describe Canoe Polo as the paddle sport team game, but perhaps there is another. Have you tried the Great Glen Canoe Trail in sea kayaks? The paddling is great of course; a mixture of tranquil, scenic canals and large lakes with big skies and mountains and forests to either side (there are particularly fine views of the north side of Ben Nevis on the first day). But then you have the portages around the locks; in groups of four, lifting fully laden boats onto floating (i.e. moving!) pontoons and around the railings, up a ramp to the tow path, onto trollies, and then reversing the process 200 yards further on to get back onto the water. Seven boats. Everyone ready? Brace! Lift! Seven lifts per person per portage; it is all a matter of teamwork!” Dan

Pontoon Platoon

We were getting into the swing of locks when we got to Kytra Lock, but while packing a trolley a wheel rolled off the pontoon into the surprisingly deep and dark canal. We asked the lockkeeper if they had a grappling hook, but that too was at the bottom of the lock!

Trollies at the ready Fort Augustus

There was now a stiff headwind as we paddling to Fort Augustus and the long portage down the flight of locks. We enjoyed hot rolls, tea and cake before completing the portage to the end of Loch Ness. Fortified we set off into a Force 4 headwind for the 19km paddle to the campsite at Foyes.

Paddling Loch Ness in a headwind

We arrived at 7pm to be greeted by a very friendly and helpful staff member who pointed out our camping spot on the immaculate grass just outside the reception. We nearly ordered fresh croissants for breakfast until we discovered they wouldn’t arrive until 9.30.

Day 4 Saturday 20th April Foyers on Loch Ness to Inverness 30km

We were on the water by 9am, leaving the campsite pristine again before most people woke up. We set off with a gentle tailwind and made good progress up the remaining 21km of Loch Ness. We had lunch at the end looking back over our journey.

Looking back at the length of Loch Ness

We then just had 9km along the canal to Inverness, though the wind had veered round so yet again into a headwind. Having perfected portages, we did the last lock in under 45 minutes. Inverness Rowing Club pontoons were a perfect get out and a last trolley to the car park, then across the road to the Premier Inn for well-deserved showers, meal and the sharing of a huge sense of achievement.

Day 5 Sunday 21st April

Three of the group went to the end of the canal and dipped toes in the water.

The Inverness end of the Caledonian Canal

Top tips:

· Campsites are limited, go out of the main season.

· Buy the key to the toilets – £15 but well worth it. (From the canal office in Corpach)

· Trolleys are faster than carrying but you still need to carry boats to and from the pontoons – we had 7 people, multiples of 4 would be much quicker!

· Have trolley wheels that float!

The team were: Annette, Clare, Dan, Giles, John S, Nicola, Sally

Poem by Nicola
Ben Nevis was all snow and sunshine,
At Fort William we packed our boats.
A 10K late paddle on the Cally Canal,
Along to Gairlochy it floats.

A comfy first night pitched under the trees,
Our camping gear neat & all dry,
A sunset, a meal, how perfect life is,
Owls hooted as night hours went by.

Oh dear what is this? The patter of raindrops,
Upon the tent canvas outside.
Earnest boat packing, all neatness forgotten,
On down the canal for the ride

Loch Lochy looked lochy in dreich morning drizzle,
But following winds spurred us on
We were soon into Loch Oich with a beautiful rainbow
(The pot of gold at the end was a con)

Portages were brutal, all heaving and swearing,
The pontoons as high as could be,
What on earth is being carried in these loaded boats
Other than cake and coffee and tea?

Disaster! A trolley wheel rolled into the canal
And stubbornly would not come out
Not quite enough wheels now left on our wagon
But teamwork is what it’s about.

Now here’s Fort Augustus, with lunch in the sunshine
Kilted bagpiper attracting a crowd
We soon opted to launch onto Loch Ness
Where the music wasn’t so loud
No sign of the monster as we paddled on
Thinking “this loch is terribly long”
A headwind sprang up , just to torment us
Our bodies weren’t feeling so strong.

But soon the delight of a proper posh campsite
With lawns, warm laundry and showers
A hot meal and fresh clothes, a tall story or two,
The pleasures of camping were ours.

The final day took our breath away,
Loch Ness was as calm as could be
We glided along, loving gorse and birdsong
And stopping for sandwich and tea.

Now the last of the lovely Caledonian Canal
Final miles to the Beauly Firth
Avoiding the weirs, which all end in tears
We reached our ultimate berth

Great Glen trip amazing, a true kayak journey
Variety, effort and fun
From sea to sea on the Great Divide
But boy am I am glad that it’s done!

West Cumbria CC Tiger Boat Race

26th April.

A cool but clear evening at Derwent Water Marina saw a crowd of 100 including teams from West Cumbria ,Copeland, Carlisle & Penrith.

5 paddlers from our own club: Captain Sally Soady, Pete Button, Giles Wilson and John & Jan Speakman were kindly supported by 3 paddlers from other teams who also ‘donated’ the required number of juniors. Plus an even younger drummer.

The head to head races were a 200m dash back to shore, into the sunset reaching the dizzy speeds of 10km/h.

Coordination as much as power was the key. 

Sadly LCC did not feature in the final which was between Copeland (the winners) and Penrith ‘A’.

Barbeque and hot drinks were enjoyed by everyone.. Thanks WCCC. We will be back next year to improve our performance.

Giles W

Border Esk/ Eden Estaury

Wed 24/4/24

A tricky challenge. Leave Metal bridge with outgoing river flow and get to confluence with the Eden in the Solway estuary before the incoming tide reaches the same point. Then take the incoming tide to Rockliffe.

No tidal information is available for the hight water times in either estuary. Nearest clues here.

Will the incoming tide be high enough to reach Rockliffe. – Go at springs so it should do

Channels change. use a satellite image

Plans made, set off at 0900. Get to confluence at 11.30. Take the sneak channel. Expect incoming tide at 11.30. Arrive Rockliffe 1315.

The paddle out went as expected with only one new channel to confuse us.

All went well until the sneak channel, became too shallow. Drag the kayaks in shallow water. Wheels> maybe.

Oh the sand bit too bumpy. Behind a bore wave! only 6cm or so.

5 minutes notice, wheels away, get ready to jump in kayaks. Which was done with variable outcomes in 10cm of water, fast flowing water. All sorted! the incoming flow sped us to join the main flow in the Eden Channel.

Where we reached 9km /h with gentle paddling. 75minutes later we arrived at Rockliffe and enjoyed very civil lunch on the park bench, in warm sunlight.

What we now know. The incoming tide reached the crucial point at HW at Redkirk point-0100 and Rockliffe HW is HW Redkirk point +0015

Maybe set off 60 minutes earlier to avoid using the sneak channel.

Mike H , Robin, Mike S, John S, John Hough and Janice enjoy date day out.

Sea kayak safety skills, Ullswater

13th April.
Forecast – cold wet and windy so we picked a sheltered spot at the Southern end of Ullswater.
Towing, and deep water rescues practiced by all, great commitment, lots of chat, lots of practice and lots of learning by all.
No pictures as forgot to take any as so involved.
Good day out and lots to go and practice.

Liz C

Mint Weir

Wednesday 17th April. Mint was showing 0.51, a greet a level to learn and refine stopper skills.

Unfortunately only Shaw and Mike H took advantage of the opportunity.

Shaw worked on his basic skills, finishing the session more confident that he was doing more than just surviving. Mike perfected edge only spins.

Easy Eamont

Mike H, John S, Rob H and enjoyed award sunny float on the well flowing Eamont from Brougham Castle to Langwathby bridge.

Canadian geese, ducks a kingfisher caught our eye.

Sandstone cliffs with some weird holes and layers were to be admired.

Lambs jogged along the filed banks interspersed with woodland and big skies.

We had a brief stop at Giant’s Cave to see where the ancients lived.

Primroses, Bluebells and garlic Ramsons gave colour to the banks.

The odd play wave occasionally amused us, with long bouncy 2- wave trains to speed us along

In all, two hours of delightful floating.

Mike H 16/4/24

Polo Tournament at Penrith

Sat 13th April 2024

Lakeland Canoe Club was one of 6 teams at a Cumbria/N.Lancs polo tournament organised by Penrith Canoe Club. The other teams were 2 from Penrith, 2 from Duddon and Lancaster University. Andy L, John S and Mike P represented LCC, and we were grateful to Duddon for lending us 2 players. Most teams consisted of a mix of experienced and novice players, and the tournament was played in a light-hearted, encouraging manner. One of the Penrith teams won, and Lakeland finished third.

Many thanks to Penrith CC for organising, and to Duddon CC for lending us 2 players.

Mike P