Kayaking on the Dart Estuary - Totnes to Stoke Gabriel

Me, Andy and Ewart fancied a spot of kayaking over the weekend, with no water sea kayaking seemed the best idea. We went to look at paddling the teign estuary first but it was so windy we decided that it wouldn't be a good idea, we then headed to the Dart and got on by the rowing club in Totnes.

Andy and Ewart looking at all the birds

The tide was out when we got on, but was on its way back in, so we decided to head down and see how we got on, atleast if we had enough and headed back the tide would be with us.

Lots of birds

We managed to make it down to Stoke Gabriel, we encounted a bit of river swell cause dfrom the incoming tide and the wind and ended up surfing our way down to the entrance to Stoke Gabriel, where we stopped for a bit of lunch.

Ewart and Andy

On the way back even though the tide was going back in, the wind was so stong that it was very hard work, when we made it round the bend it eased off a little but it was a knackering paddle and i was glad to get back to the car park and be able to take a break. It was a nice paddle, but much better on a calmer day!

River Erme - Ivybridge

We had a Sunday free and the guys were so desperate to paddle some whitewater they headed down to the Erme for a low water run. Me and Jane walked alongside taking some pictures.

Here are a selection...

Andy, a happy chappy as he's out kayaking

Dan paddling the slot

Ewart running this little drop smoothly

The boys just before the lead out

All was well until Andy sped off down the last bit to the get out, turns out he had split his boat and he was slowly starting to sink! He wasn't a happy bunny!

New Years

We fancied a bit of a change this New Years, so me and Andy plus some friends headed to Trevarrian in between Watergate Bay and Newquay in Cornwall. We arrived after work on the Saturday night.  We had rented a cottage for the weekend, as soon as we walked in we liked it. Nice big kitchen, big dinning table and a cosy lounge. We picked our room and popped the pizza's in the massive oven for a easy dinner.

Starters on New Years Eve

 Most of our time was spent eating and when we weren't eating we were out exploring the local coastline. Most walks included a pub stop and then we'd head back and start dinner.

Our dinner on New Years eve

The weather was little grim the whole time we were there, it was generally foggy and windy, but luckily we managed to miss most of the rain.

Dessert made by Steph and Owen

 As you can see we spend a lot of time eating and booked some very yummy meals.

Sausage and leek pie, made by me and Andy

Just a shame we had to go home again!

Sea Kayaking at Meadfoot Beach

We had a new demo boat at work which i wanted to test, so i took the P & H Delphin 150 and Andy paddled the Delphin 155. The conditions were a little rough but as we didn't want to drive to far we settled on getting in at Meadfoot beach and just paddling round the islands (Thatchers Rock and the Ore Stone). It was fairly choppy but the Delphin's handled it really well. There not super fast boats, but then only being 15' and 15.5' i didn't expect them to be as quick as say a Scorpio, but they didn't seem slow either. They were stable and forgiving, we really felt like they looked after us. The Delphin is a boat that is really worth looking at if you want a sea kayak, but your looking for something thats going to look after you. I'd feel more than happy to use these kayaks paddling round the coast and taking pictures.

More details can be found on the AS Website, both sizes are available to try and i would really recommend giving them ago. The Delphin 150 is one of the most comfortable, enjoyable sea kayaks i have paddled.

Kayaking - Lower Dart Buckfast to Staverton

As my brother and new housemate were both keen to get out on the water. We decided to head out on the lower with a few friends for some extra help and company.

Netta rather excited about her first trip down the Dart

Jane

We also decided to stop half way down for a bit of throwline and rescue practice. We practiced general throwline use and safety, live baiting a unconscious casualty and active swimming. Something that becomes all to complacent on occasional trips with friends.

Practicing rescuing an unconscious casualty

Throwline re-packing

Andy making sure everything is ok!

Dan paddling so fast you can't even see his blades

Both my brother and our new housemate managed to remain upright the entire trip and had a great time. Then it was back for a yummy carvery at the Dartmoor Motel, where we all ate way to much and then went home for a well deserved rest on the sofa!