Rhian and I committed to going on this trip some months ago now, having been talked into it by Dave Clarke, my judgement being coloured somewhat by the nice weather we were enjoying at the time. In anycase when my alarm sounded at 3.30 am on the 21st a sense of trepidation and regret came over me. Car loaded up and the 3.5 hour drive ahead of us we set off with a flask and a boot load of kit. After a little confusion over the last 0.25 of a mile we arrived and were made to feel welcome by all, cup of tea in hand and regret fading the briefing started. Matt and Alex were excellent, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the days ahead (and sorting out spare kit for those of us who didn’t read Dave’s kit list!).
We arrived at the beach sorted boats out and put to sea, well into the bay anyway. Getting used to turning a boat the size of a double decker being something of a challenge and certainly not what we were all used to. The first foray into the surf had most nervous to say the least but that was soon replaced with a lot of smiles. When Matt suggested we take a trip out to a rocky outcrop some half mile from shore many, myself included were less than keen. Grasping the nettle we set off. Having waves breaking over all sides of the boat (sometimes simultaneously) was unnerving to say the least but surprisingly we got used to it quickly. Lunchtime was upon us by this point as offered a welcome opportunity to remove ourselves from the boats (in a less than dignified manner) and enjoy the now glorious sunshine.
Day two saw a rather sluggish start from most, possibly due to the healthy consumption of beer the night before. Boats launched we played in the surf, decidedly more confidently than on the previous morning. Taking a trip along the coastline, past a haunted “Scooby doo” house and into a sheltered bay we practiced reversing into a sea cave. The swell steadily building and the day ebbing away we pressed on toward the lunch stop; a small isolated beach at Treaddur Bay. Surf was definitely UP on the way in (and way out) and offered the chance to catch some cracking waves. The return trip was something of a battle however, as we ventured further into open sea than before, paddling for an age without any sense of forward motion. I must confess that by this point I was gettng rather cross that I was struggling against the “tide” and “wind” to keep the boat in a straight line. However, once again Matt’s expert insight came to the fore as he informed me that my rudder was down and pointing sharply to the left! Towing practice followed with Stuart having a go at assisting a “tired, unstable” paddler. In doing so, Stuart soon found himself dragging a chuckling Dave Mcg as well as the intended load. Several further safety drills under our belts, we rounded the rocks into the bay and completed our two day trip. What an eventful weekend with many smiles, many beers, several three star awards and one newly found rolling ability. All round good fun. Thanks to all who made it what it was.
Paul Ingley