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Maiden Voyage

I thought I would start off with a gentle paddle from Wareham Quay, down the river Frome, out into Poole Harbour and then east along the coast to Hengistbury Head and back. I left at about 1030 am with the sun shining which was nice but the temperature must of only been 1 or 2 degrees above zero. I made the harbour in 25 minutes and Lake Pier in 1 hour and 5 minutes from setting off which I was pleased with. The GPS at that point was telling me I had an average speed of 4.7 knots. I was impressed with the Xplore and soon settled into rhythm and paddled towards the harbour entrance. I caught the tide on the ebb and the GPS recorded a maximum speed of 7.7knots as I flew out through the entrance. The sea state was moderate and I had a NW wind to keep me company.

Four hours after setting off I reached Southbourne and it was then that I decided to turn back. This was when the fun started!

I then had to paddle back into a SW wind and against the tide! It was then that I thought the return paddle would be a lot more interesting. I paddled as far as the shore just before the Haven hotel at Sandbanks having passed Bournemouth and Boscombe piers. I was feeling quite tired at that point and I am sure it had got colder. I was glad I took my woolen hat and poggies for my hands. I had about 5 minutes respite before attempting the harbour entrance. I snuck round the northern side of the entrance and waited in the eddie of the sandbanks ferry before pushing through and ferry gliding across the main channel to the shallow waters of the southern side of Brownsea island. I was still paddling against the tide and I could feel my energy levels drain. I decided to stick it out and paddle to the headland of Arne opposite Lake Pier. I rested again for about 5 minutes and half demolished a chicken, avocado and spinach pitta washed down with 1/2 litre powerade.

I then pushed on for the top of the Wareham channel and the channel narrows to a small bit of water with 2'-3' mud banks on either side. This was the killer as I managed about 3 paddle strokes to propel myself 1-2 metres forward. I was cursing quite nicely but kept telling myself that this was good stamina training.

Eventually I managed to find the less tormenting and meandering river Frome and I new then I was close to home, another 30-40 minutes and I would of been there. I eventually arrived back at the quay to be greeted by my folks on the banks of the river to see me in. It was a welcomed sight as I was beginning to feel the cold and there was only about 3/4 hour left of daylight. My dad helped me load the kayak onto the trailer and we all walked home where I was greeted by dinner, hot bath and a brandy. The only evidence of completeing the trip was a small blister on one finger, aching shoulders and a photo of the log on the GPS.

I had a great day and am looking forward to my next long paddle on monday weather conditions depending.

Yipee my boat has arrived!!

Well after a long wait my new Tiderace, Xplore has arrived. I ordered it at the beginning of February and I picked it up on the 3 April from Knoydart in Penrith. Katie and I drove up to collect it on the Thursday and then made a compulsory stop at Liverpool to catch up with a good mate Jay and his wife Jos. Thankfully the boat managed to fit in his hallway as we both laughed at the fact it would not of been there in the morning if it was on the roof of the van!

We had a few beers at Jay's and then tried the ale at a local pub which after 2 hours resulted in Jay testing out the kayak back at the house. I think if he was waiting for high tide then he might of been there some time!

When I eventually surfaced on Friday morning feeling a bit worse for wear we then headed back down south. We set off and I managed all of 9 miles to the service station where I needed to have a power nap as I was feeling slightly under the weather. I hope I have a tad more stamina than that for the Irish crossing.

Well I am nearly kitted out apart from my paddle which I have had on order since December/January. Thankfully Moose is on the case and we are looking to buy some Werner paddles instead which might take all of 2-3 weeks to arrive not 2-12 months!

So next on the agenda is to get out and use my boat so will sign off and let you know how the maiden voyage goes.

Laters