Sea kayak reports - Penzance Canoe Club

Portreath to Godrevy lighthouse - July 2011

posted 28 Sep 2011 05:03 by Richard Goedegebuur [ updated 28 Sep 2011 05:51 ]

The Portreath to Godrevy lighthouse trip took place on a scorcher of a
July Sunday. It was an eventful trip that saw a group of six paddlers set
off from Portreath beach.

First port of call was the infamous Hell's Mouth, which has been the final
resting place of many a poor sailor. The remains of the Cecil Japan,
wrecked in 1980, can be seen in the shot below.

Lunch was eaten on a local nudist beach - which came as a bit of a
surprise, as it was marked as Fishing Cove on the map!

Godrevy lighthouse was even more impressive up close and personal
than it is from dry land.

The trip took a slightly bizarre twist with a couple of the group's paddlers
being involved in the dramatic rescue of an aircraft (which had crash
landed in the sea off Hell's Mouth!) The model aircraft was reunited with
it's unfortunate pilot, who had lost control of the £400 flyer on only its
second mission!

Rock hopping at Lands End

posted 14 Mar 2010 16:10 by Susannah Relf [ updated 14 Mar 2010 16:49 ]

As there was no surf this Sunday, John arranged a sea paddle instead, which Richard and myself (Susannah) attended. We started with a relaxed paddle from Sennen to Land's End, practising our manoeuvring skills by paddling around the back of the rocks down several little channels.

The wreck of the Mulheim	Closer view of the wreck
John inspects some more wreckage	Through one of the arches at Lands End
John in one of the larger channels	John again

There followed a short discussion regarding the fact the swell was so small we might be able to land at Longships Lighthouse, but we'd only paid for 2 hours car-parking and we were pushed for time. The lighthouse proved too tempting and we made a dash across the channel to Longships reef.

Getting close to the Longships Lighthouse	We successfully landed!
Graham climbing the path to the lighthouse	Looking back towards Lands End
Longships reef and our boats	John and Graham at the lighthouse
John at the Lighthouse door	Graham leads the way back down
John on one of the walkways between rocks

The paddle back was fairly pushed as we thought of the £60 parking fines we might incur. The best workout I've had in a little while! I lagged behind the other two, who's expertise, general fitness and superior boats and paddles gave them a distinct advantage. I took the opportunity of their waiting for me to take some more photos, ably assisted by John and Graham to make sure I didn't capsize whilst my eye was to the viewfinder...

A seal making sure we leave	Ever feel like you're being watched?
John paddling out of the reef	Graham on one of my rest stops, kettle bottom in the background.
Graham paddles past Lands End	Made it within the time!

Phil`s February Frightener

posted 28 Feb 2010 05:32 by Richard Goedegebuur [ updated 28 Feb 2010 14:52 by Susannah Relf ]

| Attachments: First Sea Kayak Trip Of The Year. 27-2-10 003.jpg First Sea Kayak Trip Of The Year. 27-2-10 005.jpg First Sea Kayak Trip Of The Year. 27-2-10 006.jpg First Sea Kayak Trip Of The Year. 27-2-10 007.jpg First Sea Kayak Trip Of The Year. 27-2-10 010.jpg First Sea Kayak Trip Of The Year. 27-2-10 016.jpg

Mousehole Lights Christmas Paddle

posted 28 Dec 2009 11:52 by Dan Tolchard [ updated 28 Dec 2009 12:31 ]

Whilst many UK residents dealt with the delights of snow and traffic kaos. For a group of paddlers in Penzance Cornwall 18.00hrs Tuesday 22^nd December 2009 it was a different story.

In total 17 kayakers made up of members, friends and relations gathered on the slip to prepare for the annual trip to see Mousehole Lights.

The route planned was Penzance harbour – Gear pole – Low Lee Buoy - Mousehole harbour – Newlyn harbour and return. Estimation for the distance covered; 7 miles.

The weather could be described as crisp and cold, the sea was flat with a swell and for safe passage we had an array of stars to provide guidance. That said, everyone was fully briefed and safety equipment checked. A mixture of sea kayaks and slalom kayaks lined up for launch. Capellas were in demand for non-kayak owners, but everyone was able to obtain one thankfully.

Leaving the harbour the weather was calm and after arranging a slick system to keep all paddlers safe everyone made it to gear pole followed by Mousehole lights, it was a pacy paddle. I think everyone was conscious of the cold and it provided the momentum to get going.

Mousehole didn’t disappoint, although the gates the harbour gates were unfortunately closed. It is still a magical location and everyone says it but the view from the water is stunning. Highlight during the stop was seeing Dan and Kate opening the flask of hot chocolate and using my Capella as a dinning table – see gallery. I’m sure next year Dan is planning to fill the front hatch with mince pies and clotted cream.

Moving on to Newlyn harbour where we grouped briefly for a couple of pictures and relaxed paddled before the final phase to Penzance, which had the highlight of a short shower. It was great to see the harbour and club HQ. A couple of hours of shared experience. All returning safely, there was little to do other then pack the kit away, let the coastguard know of our return and head up to June where mince pies and mulled wine awaited.

Special thanks Phil Mayo, lead instructor on the paddle and all key players in making the event happen.

Kevin Jackson

Mousehole Lights Paddle

posted 28 Dec 2009 04:36 by Richard Goedegebuur [ updated 28 Dec 2009 06:52 by Susannah Relf ]

A group of 17 under Phil`s careful gaze ventured out into the Bay on Tuesday 22nd December for the occasionally annual Christmas Lights Paddle. Despite freezing temperatures, spirits were high as both Newlyn and Mousehole illuminations were visited, mulled wine and mince pies were served on return to Penzance. Another night paddle is planned for the New Year because we know that a night paddle is not just for Christmas. Thanks to Phil for organising, June for the goodies and Kevin for the photos.