Falmouth to Porthoustock

It could have been a summers day but this was October. The sun was shining and the sea calm on this scenic stretch of coast. We left from Maenporth Beach near Falmouth, not somewhere we would normally launch from but Sea Kayaking Cornwall had their symposium over the weekend and many participants were spread far and wide (good fun they were having too).

A gentle paddle past Rosemullion Head and down to Helford River where there was some wind blowing out of the river mouth, around Nare Point and onwards passing Porthallow, Porthkerris and eventually arriving at Porthoustock where lunch was taken on the steeply sloping shingle beach.

Kevin G and I were joined by Kevin J and Jan for the trip and we had a relaxed paddle over the 12 miles covered. We saw others fishing from kayaks along the way, seals and sea birds.

Wildlife Observed: 
Gannet (5), Guillemot (7), Red-breasted merganser (2), Oystercatcher (many), Grey seal (2)

Look For:
Wreck of Ben Asdale (Maenporth Beach)
Rosemullion Head
Mawnan Church
Helford River
Gillan Creek
St. Anthony Point
Nare Point (Helford)
Porthallow
Porthkerris
Porthkerris Dive Center
Porthoustock
Dean Quarry
The Manacles

Hazards:
If there is an offshore wind, it gets brisk when paddling across the Helford River
Not much tidal movement until after Porthoustock
The Manacles Rocks. Many Currents!

Details:
Paddle No: 33
Date: 11/10/2014
Wind: Force 1 - 2 SW
Temperature: 14 degrees
Weather: Sunny.
Distance Covered: 12.2 miles
Duration: 4 hrs
Access: Easy launch from Maenporth Beach
Sea state: Smooth
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany x 2, P&H Quest, P&H Vela

   Falmouth
   to Porthoustock

Click map to enlarge

Helford Passage to Gweek

Due to the wind blowing force five and some large swells we decided to skip a sea trip and paddle the Helford river from the Ferry Boat Inn to Gweek and out to the mouth of the estuary. This is a pretty river journey with much to observe. It does need to be done at high tide if Gweek is to be reached and there are also a number of creeks to tempt you from your path.

After reaching our destination and taking a quick lunch on a grassy island by the road bridge we realised it was time to leave if we were not to be left high and dry. On the down river trip we took our time looked for some future overnight camp spots and paddled to the very end of Frenchmans Creek.

Three of us continued to the mouth of the estuary where there were some large swells and a couple of interesting reefs, one of which I hit as I tried to unsuccessfully time my way over the top using an incoming wave. Another great day out in the company of Kevin, Paul, Linda and Joe also two shiny new boats were put through their paces. One P&H Scorpio (excellent choice) and a very fine Nigel Dennis Romany.

Wildlife Observed:
Grey heron (c.10), Little egret (c.20), Guillemot, Buzzard, Curlew (4), Oystercatcher, Common sandpiper, Redshank (c.20), Greenshank (1), Kingfisher (2), Raven (2), Grey wagtail,

Look For:
Ferry Boat Inn
Frenchmans Creek
Tremayne Quay
Porth Navis Creek
Mawgan Creek
Polwheveral Creek
The Seal Sanctuary
Gweek Shipyard
Trebah Beach
Glendurgan

Hazards:
Mud
River Current
Other river traffic. Many boats are moored in the estuary.
Reefs and rocks at mouth of estuary

Details:
Paddle No: 18
Date: 12/10/2013
Wind: Force 5 NE
Temperature: 14 degrees
Weather: Sun and Cloud
Distance Covered: 11.3 miles
Duration: 5.0 hrs
Access: Easy launch from Helford Passage beach
River state: Smooth Sea state: medium to large swell
Kayaks: Nigel Dennis Romany, P&H Scorpio (2),  Dagger Charleston 14, Dagger Charleston 15,

    Helford Passage to
    Gweek

Click map to enlarge