Portreath to Carbis Bay

An exciting 11 mile one-way trip from the beach at Portreath via Godreavy Island to Carbis Bay. After rounding the corner at Ralph's Cupboard we saw a large Sunfish. The swell on the journey up to Godreavy made for an interesting paddle, avoiding rocks and reefs.

There was a powerful tidal race around between the shore and Godreavy Island and large swells on the outer route around the lighthouse. We saw a total of 6 Sunfish on the journey and a pod of around 20 Bottlenose dolphins.

One word of warning. If you do go on a one way trip, be sure to take the keys of the car that will get you back to the start. I did not! Duh. Fortunately one very kind person helped us out which somewhat dissipated my embarrassment. Lesson learnt!

Wildlife Observed: Bottlenose Dolphins, Sunfish, Grey seal.

Look For:
Ralph's Cupboard
Rock Islands
Sea Caves
Spectacular Cliffs
Hells Mouth
Godreavy Island

Hazards:
Reefs and Rock Pinnacles
Shipwreck near Hells Mouth
Strong Tidal Currents Near Godreavy Point and Island

Details:
Paddle No: 8
Date: 27/07/2013
Wind: Force 3-4 Southerly
Temperature: 19 degrees
Weather: Warm
Distance Covered: 11 miles
Duration: 4.0 hrs
Access: Easy launch, landing and exit
Sea State: Medium Swell to Smooth
Kayaks: P&H Scorpio, North Shore Atlantic and Easky 13

    Portreath to
    Carbis Bay

Click map to enlarge

Sennen Cove to Botallack Head

A very interesting 12 mile kayak journey from Sennen Cove to Botallack Head via The Brisons. It was nearly high tide when we arrived at this rock island one mile off Cape Cornwall and the tidal flow was still strong. We did however manage to land and take tea.

The trip from the Brisons to Botallack Head is imposing with high cliffs and spectacular scenery. There is a particularly fine cave at Botallack which is small but perfectly formed. On the return trip we saw a sunfish (Mola mola) which again was small but perfectly formed. Strong winds blowing around the headlands and out of the valleys, clear water and much sun.

I do hope that Keven appreciates the huge effort I made in finding a suitable piece of music for this video. I think it's fab!

Wildlife Observed: Sunfish, Grey seal  Sand Eels, Jellyfish

Look For:
The Brisons
Cot Valley
Cape Cornwall
The Cave at Botaliack Head
Gwenvor

Hazards:
Reefs
Strong Tidal current around the Brisons
Overfalls on the "Causeway" Between the Brisons and Cape Cornwall
Surf at Sennen Cove and Gwenvor

Details:
Paddle No: 7
Date: 19/07/2013
Wind: Force 1-4
Temperature: 24 degrees
Weather: Very hot but with cooling wind
Distance Covered: 12 miles
Duration: 5.0 hrs
Access: Easy launch, landing and exit (not on the Brisons)
Sea State: Smooth to wind blown chop
Kayaks: P&H Scorpio and Easky 13

    Sennen Cove to
    Botallack Head
    via The Brisons

Click map to enlarge

Praa Sands to Gunwalloe

Kevin, Guy and I kayak from Praa Sands to Gunwalloe and call in at Porthleven on the way home, where we met fellow paddler Rick Stanton and his partner.

Another hot day for kayaking with no swell and no waves but a fresh breeze blew against us on the return journey. Very clear water and one of those rare days where you could land safely on Loe Bar which usually has a killer shore-break. Amazing coastline between Praa Sands and Porthleven with much copper sulphate clearly visible on the cliff face below the mine buildings.

Details:
Paddle No: 6
Date: 13/07/2013
Wind: Force 1-3 N-NW
Temperature: 25 degrees
Weather: Very Hot
Distance Covered: 13.4 miles
Duration: 5.0 hrs
Access: Easy launch, landing and exit
Sea State: Smooth/ Wind blown chop
Kayaks: P&H Scorpio, North Shore Atlantic and Easky 13

    Praa Sands to
    Gunwalloe via
    Porthleven

Click map to enlarge

Mullion to Housel Bay

A five and a half hour kayak from Mullion to Housel Bay via the Lizard Point. It was the hottest day of the year so far 13/7/13 and paddling was hard work against the tidal stream on the outward and return journey.

Plenty of seals to keep us amused and much drinking water consumed to stay hydrated. Even a couple of swims were necessary to cool off. The sea was crystal clear, glassy at times with almost no swell. Plenty of tidal currents to keep us on our toes though!

Details:
Paddle No: 5
Date: 13/07/2013
Wind: Force 0-1 NE
Temperature: 25 degrees
Weather: Very Hot
Distance Covered: 13.5 miles
Duration: 5.5 hrs
Access: Easy launch, landing and exit
Sea State: Smooth
Kayaks: P&H Scorpio and Easky 13

    Mullion to
    Housel Bay
    via The Lizard

Click map to enlarge

Coverack to Lizard LB Station

Kevin and I are joined by Guy and Ross on a kayak paddle from Coverack to Lizard Lifeboat Station and back. A very pleasant trip in smooth sea with virtually no waves or swell.

Leaving Coverack about half an hour before high tide, the wind was blowing force 2 WNW, it picked up to a force 3 on the return trip giving us a easy ride home. We stopped in at Cadgwith Cove for lunch on the return journey and met some other kayaker's. We  were on the water about five hours and saw much spectacular scenery but little in the way of wildlife however we did see some sand eels and jellyfish.

Details:
Paddle No: 4
Date: 30/06/2013
Wind: Force 2-3 WNW
Temperature: 13 degrees
Weather: Cloudy and Grey but warm
Distance Covered: 15 miles
Duration: 5 hrs
Access: Easy launch, landing and exit
Sea State: Smooth
Kayaks: P&H Scorpio, North Shore Atlantic, RTM Ysak and Easky 13

   Coverack to
   Lizard LB Station

Click map to enlarge