Tuesday 3pm... Brian calls 'Fancy a quick un with Steve tonight?'..........."Oooh er...' I thought.

He meant a quick trip up the Mersey from Crosby Baths. High water was at 6-27 at the Albert Dock so we got a move on and were on the water for 5 with the flood whisking us up river. We dodged a Container ship leaving Seaforth, passed the heap of shredded scrap destined for Poland [which is recycled there and then we buy the steel back. That makes sense doesn't it Mr Brown?]

The Mersey Mammoth Crane was making its way home and as the sun glinted off one of the new office towers, a cruise ship left the 'Liverpool International Cruise Terminal' which is basically a posh pontoon and a subject of much debate. The Sea Cat Ferry left on the tide and we kept an eye out for its wake.

We nearly made the Liver Buildings but had to turn round to catch the ebb, finally landing back at Crosby at 8pm hoping an iron man wouldn't bash our hulls in the gloom. A grand night out.

Main ambition for 2008 sorted.

I'm a bit late bluggin, but have been very busy recently.

On 21st July a few of us made our way to Gallows Point near Beaumaris to launch into the Menai Straits, to go and have a play in what many people regard as water with a bit of a reputation. Luckily for us it turned out to be a cracking day, the weather was fine, the wind was blowing the right way for a change, a neap tide and as the water moved us down the Straits, we arrived at Britannia Bridge just in time to catch the current to have a play.

Now I'm not going to make this out to be the easiest thing I've ever done in a sea kayak, but it helped having a Level 5 BCU Coach, Len Hartley with us, who taught us how to make the day so much fun showing us how to do ferry glides and quick turns in the eddies.

The arsenal of sea strokes and the confidence is building! We hit the Swellies, which was really just a fast paddle through, and made our way down to Moel-y-Mon to get out.

 Not the longest trip, but top fun!

10 of us from FoA/Liverpool CC met up at Llanddonas beach Anglesey with the aim of circumnavigating Puffin Island.
21km, with a reasonable weather forecast, the only doubts being that the wind and the rain could rear their heads at some times.

We set off into a slight headwind, making good progress along the cliffs for about 8km, then the wind came up a bit and we had to get the rate up to go through the channel between the lighthouse and the coast to our lunchstop at Penmon Beach.

Whilst we feasted, Aled Williams [ex Rockpool Kayaks and probably one of the most experienced sea paddlers in the UK] turned up in one of his new Tide Race kayaks, and had a brief chat. We set off again, but this time the sea was definitely more choppy, and with the tide coming out of the Menai Strait made the paddling more difficult, and very exciting.

It was rapidly becoming the sort of conditions that experienced sea kayakers revel in, I felt a bit uneasy, but made it through ok, never feeling that a capsize was imminent, and as we approached the Island the waves and swell went down.

Then my first problem occurred; whilst on the beach I had moved my footrests forward 1 slot as they didn't feel right with the shoes I had on. BIG mistake. I was now very uncomfortable in the boat, and starting to get twinges in my thigh muscles. In addition I got cramp in my left hand that was so bad I had to call for help as I couldn't grip the paddle. Keith and Mike who were the most experienced of the group came to my aid whilst I waited for the spasms to go. [If this had happened in the tidal race I would have been in deep trouble] This cramp recurred about 4 times and each time I needed help, for which I wholeheartedly thank those people who came to my assistance.

The footpeg problem got worse, as did the weather, heavy rain, and eventually I needed a tow to a small beach to readjust them. From then on I was more comfortable, and the cramp in the hand went away, and we cruised with the tide back to the start point.
I then managed to fall in as I was trying to surf in on an 18" wave. Doh!

It was definitely a trip to reinforce the safety aspect that you should never paddle alone, especially on a day when the weather was so unpredictable, and the state of the water could change in an instant. The new Aquanaut was definitely put through it's paces, and I now feel more confident in it. I'm still not happy with the paddles I've got though, I think they may be too long.

Next Sea Blug: Intermediate Sea Kayaking course with Nigel Dennis Sea Kayaking at the end of July

I joined up with 26 other members of FoACC at Tyn Rhos campsite just outside Trearddur Bay last Friday. It was the first time I had met most of them since I joined the club last year, and it turned out to be an excellent trip.

After a 'few' beers and a barbecue on the first night  the next day we set off to Borthwen near Rhoscolyn, to launch a flotilla of sea kayaks and other small boats, ably led by Keith Steer and Kirk Williams, their knowledge was invaluable and added to the enjoyment.

Rock hopping around the coastline, we popped out to Rhoscolyn Beacon went through some small tidal races and overfalls ... nothing too tricky ..[for me anyway; I must be improving...]

The highlights were visiting the caves on route and paddling under the Rhoscolyn Arch,  the  seals,  diving terns and cormorants along with the seagulls and their chicks on the rocks.

Lunch was held on a somewhat crowded beach at Trearddur Bay, with a quick return on the ebb tide back to Borthwen.

Great fun!  Off to the Trearddur Bay Hotel for a fish and chip supper that night and funnily enough, a 'few' more beers......I slept very well that night.

Sunday was intended to be a 12km open crossing to Carmel head via Church Bay from Holyhead;  I was feeling a tad tired at Church Bay [5k] at which point I dipped out to return home, and a long hot soak in the bath. I later found out the others had returned missing out Carmel Head,  and were lucky to avoid a 4' wave from the SeaCat.

Lessons from this trip: I prefer my Lendal Archipelago paddle to the Kinetic when I'm tired; maybe the low angle touring style of paddling suits me more of the time, however for trips that may require a bit more spells of intensive paddling the Kinetic will win. Also, when taking camera out of Aquapac, make sure AP is attached to decklines.........doh.

It was a pleasure to meet some people with a great sense of humour who really love being on the water and are prepared to help and guide you and I look forward to many more trips.

Thanks to Kirk and Keith for pics of me on the water and to Ruth for the lift back to the car!

Next trip, Puffin Island 5th July.

From the Friends of Allonby Canoe Club, Liverpool.... 06/05/08 Sea Paddle – North Wales Met at Ogwen services as usual, Kirk actually wasn't late for once! The Stacks was decided as the trip and we set off for Port Daffych to leave a car on the way. On arriving we discovered the sea fog and the rather large swell hitting the back wall of the bay! Change of plan-back to the sunshine! We decided to go to Rhoscolyn instead as this gave us more options that were less committed, unfortunately the sea fog had got there too but the bay was a lot calmer. On we got, after chatting to Greg and Jo who happened to turn up in the carpark, and headed for the Beacon in the fog. Interesting sea conditions, big swell coupled with the tide race and the fog. Absolutely fandabbydozzie I thought - NOT! It sorted out who had a compass and who didn't though. "We'll land round the headland"- where Ian? Where's the headland, never mind where's the landing spot? Large breaking waves confronted us so we decided to turn around and go back to the shelter of Rhoscolyn. We landed by the lifeboat station for an early lunch with a bit of sunshine popping through the fog and a review of the adrenlin paddle! Interesting first trip for Francesca with us...! After lunch off we set again, where's that Beacon? Into the fog again and this time the sea conditions were a little more top 4 star than 5 star and we found it and a few seals to boot. Paddling back into Rhoscolyn and we came across refugees from the symposium who were struggling to find somewhere to paddle because apparently the sea conditions had been bad all weekend. This time, as we discovered it was only 1.30 pm, we decided to change tack and head for Silver Bay as the sun had actually made an appearance now. After finding even more refugees from the symposium and watching some odd power boat handling skills from the tourists we headed back. On the way back in a lone paddler happened upon us - are you the Allonby paddlers? - (what have we done now...!) Oh I'm meant to be with you - I'm Mike Bell!

Mary Erasmus posted on NWSK site..'Anyone fancy a paddle on the Conwy Estuary?'

I did,  as I had just bought a new Valley Aquanaut HV [well, ex-demo] and was desperate to try it out.

I managed to get to Conwy just in time to join her and Dave for a most enjoyable 24km trip up the Conwy from the back of the castle.

It was a tad windy going up, but with the wind behind us and the benefit of the ebb tide we sailed back.

An excellent chippy meal and a pint of Brains Bitter at the Liverpool Arms finished the day off .

I made off to  Beddgelert, and camped with my mates from OutdoorsMagic.com,  with a day out to  Llanberis on the Saturday to get some kit.

Sunday morning was awful. It had rained all night, and I had arranged to meet Dave Batty  at Borth y Gest for a trip up the Drywyd Estuary.

My phone battery ran out and I couldn't  contact him, so I went anyway. Good thing. The rain stopped, and the sun came out a bit, and we set off.

This is definitely a trip to do when there is a spring tide  of at least 8-9m,  as we ran aground on the sandbanks a few times. [All part of the learning curve]...remember to take the map next time...

We passed Portmeirion, which looks like it needs a fresh coat of paint to be honest, and eventually ran out of water so returned to avoid getting stranded.

The trip brought back memories of my youth spent in Porthmadog, but it has changed a lot since; however we had a good paddle and hopefully worth the long trip Dave made.

Impressions of the new Aquanuat? It's great.

Next outing: Anglesey, where things may become a little more complicated.....

Went up to Ravenglass in Cumbria last weekend for the 2nd Annual Seaquest, a 3hr event, which consisted of paddling around the estuary comprised of the rivers Esk, Irt, and Mite. The weather was cool and about F4-5 wind, which added a bracing touch to the days fun. It was open to all types of boats, sea kayaks, open canoes, and sit on tops.

Various controls where dotted on the banks, or buoys etc, which had to be stamped, ....points make prizes....!

If you completed the whole course it was nearly 22km long, and some people did; the superfit adventure racers. I completed 12km and came 21st [out of 71 competitors]

The day was finished off with a 'few' pints  and a good meal in the Holly Bush pub, and a camp at Ravenglass C&CC site.

I didn't fall in, and was lucky to meet some friends last seen in Scotland 2 yrs ago.

Big thanks to Annette and Phil for organising a great event.

Update on the new [old model] Easky kayak. It's much faster than the latest version and feels a lot more responsive. I paddled it around Morpha Nefyn bay off the Lleyn Peninsula, North Wales.
Unfortunately it was very blowy, and not really safe to go out to the headland on my own due to some very mixed water there,  so I practiced some leans and turns and a new sculling manoeuvre. For once I didn't capsize so I must be doing it right at last.
I'm going to join The Friends of Allonby Canoe Club in Liverpool to get some proper tuition in the pool over the winter, practice  rolling properly on both sides, and hopefully build up some new friendships so I can get out on the water more than at present.
Finally got the roof bar fittings for the new car, so can transport the 2 kayaks on the top properly now, so a Lakeland paddle is on too.