Unexpected chop

Details

Date: Sunday 26 September 2021
Visibility: Everyone
Duration: 2h15
Participants: @AdamEvans, @RichM
Tags:
Loves: @JonnyC, @RichM

Summary

Sunday morning paddle held some surprises… 8km, Av Speed 5.2km/h, paddling duration 1hr45, swims 0.
Comment by @AdamEvans on Sunday 26 September 2021
RV at ALHQ on Saturday night for planning. After a debate around location, Axemouth was decided due to ‘flat’ sea state, despite 14mph SSW wind forecast. A private showing of the full T2T video added anticipation for the paddle to come.

AE was lazy and couldn’t get out of bed despite being provided with tea … after RJM handed over on call, it was all go and prep began to head south in time for high tide at 10.08. Ran down the estuary into the wind and on the newly turned tide (10.59). This gentle paddle did not prepare us for the mouth of the estuary…

As we approached, it became clear that ‘flat’ was indeed incorrect. Sea state was choppy and swell close in interval. As we breached the shelter of the harbour, it quickly became clear this would be a little more adventurous than initially expected.

The paddle along Seaton beach to Beer was rather nice. Quite bouncy and occasionally loosing site of each other, but thoroughly enjoyable in the dappled sunlight attempting to break through the cloud. Some bigger swell at Beer made for an interesting beach traverse and dramatic landing on the steep shingle. After a leg stretch (note to self, no public toilets at Beer) and Stratos sales pitch to a member of the public, we decided to tackle the return. RJM’s assisted seal launch went smoothly. AE had to resort from a slide from the plateau due to not having a boat holder … this was watched with anticipation by many members of the public. As the boat submarined a breaking wave, AE emerged unscathed other than a face full of sea water.

The return journey was more interesting. The swell, now approaching from 5 o’clock to direction of travel, made for a technical paddle across the waves, now consistently above head height. The added complication of a dagger board jam for AE made for good boat control practice in difficult conditions. Regularly loosing sight of one another, both paddlers safely returned to the final challenge - entering the now fast flowing mouth of the estuary.

The river made for unsettled currents and a churning mess of broken waves and unpredictable water. This was navigable hugging the beach, and risking the heightened chance of capsize in the shallows. AE entered first, with a small amount of bracing, and brute force to fight the current of the river. RJM followed in a similar fashion. Once in the first eddy, the boats were dragged to the widening of the estuary for an easier paddle upstream from there.

An overall physically and mentally demanding trip, both paddlers performed well and exceeded expectations of their own ability. It’s good to get out and challenge yourselves now and then!

Moving time: 1h32
Overall time: 2h16
Moving av: 5.2km/h
Max speed 9.6km/h
Total distance: 8.07km

(According to Garmin)
   
Comment by @AdamEvans on Sunday 26 September 2021
Lack of pictures at sea reflects sea state …
   

Map

Spice 🌶 (Kayaking on Sunday 26 Sep by @AdamEvans)

Distance: 8.07km, Elevation Gain: 39.00m, Elapsed Time: 02:16:17, Moving Time: 01:39:51, Moving Avg: 4.85km/h



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