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.