The Cornish Sea Kayak Rally 2010-09-13
Over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August, I again organised this almost annual event. This year saw approx twenty sea kayakers from all around the South West and as far afield as Rotherham descend on my farm at Heamoor for a weekend of paddling, socialising and tall tale telling. Many of the participants are regulars but it is always pleasing to meet new faces.
Day 1 Saturday, we met at Longrock and paddled to Porthcurno for lunch via a coffee stop in Mousehole and then returned to Longrock with plenty of coastal exploration. The day was bright and sunny and not too windy, a total of 22 miles.
Day 2 Sunday, the weather forecast was for a stiff North Westerly breeze so we opted to move to Kennack Sands on the Lizard to find some protection. It was probably the hottest day that we`ve had for a while and lunch on a deserted beach was a treat. The group split after lunch with the more adventurous led by Drew from Waterborne heading a little offshore to run the tide race, whilst those looking for a more mellow passage cut through the inside passage, both groups regrouped briefly under the gaze of the Housel Bay Hotel and then pushed on to Polpeor Cove, passing the most southern point marked by the gleaming white lighthouse, to have a short ice cream stop before retracing the route to Kennack. The view from the headland confirmed that the decision to paddle that section was correct as the western exposed cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula could be seen with large waves and lots of white water.
Day 3, Monday saw us meeting at Sennen Cove car park to paddle the Land`s End classic. The previous days wind had abated leaving a large swell in its wake. The group successfully made it out to the Longships lighthouse where waves were crashing all around and breaking up the lighthouse. A small group of the more experienced group members peeled off to paddle around the lighthouse for an exhilarating but enjoyable white knuckle ride. We then headed down through the overfalls towards Gwennap Head. The plan for a relaxed lunch at Nanjizel was changed when the approach to the beach was obscured by very large surf piling in, wave after wave, making a landing not safe or appropriate for the size of group we had. An impromptu floating picnic was soon had as we drifted with the tide back towards Land`s End. The group refreshed then headed back to Sennen with some exciting routes being investigated through the arches and gaps that Land`s End has to offer.
The main aim of the weekend is to provide the opportunity to paddle in a different environment and to make new contacts to broaden your paddling network.
Over the weekend I was joined on the trips by Graham, Phil, Ben, Kevin, Jim and Paul from Penzance Canoe Club, the visitors really appreciate the local knowledge and guidance and it would be nice to see some more locals afloat next year.
Posted: December 6th, 2010 under News.
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