Travels with Paddles

a sea kayaking journal

Axel Schoevers (Photo: A. de Krook) Name:
Axel Schoevers
Location:
Rijswijk, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

Monday, May 20, 2013

Fogged in

Today was my third attempt to (co-)organize a Zeevaardigheid-Extra (Sea Kayak Leader) assessment for the Dutch Canoe Union. To no avail...

Last year it got canceled for no conditions, in March it got canceled because of sea water temperatures of 3 degrees Celcius. Today it was already canceled because of only force 2/3 winds. However the candidates were keen to use this as a training day instead. Now fog is preventing any paddling. By law we could only be on the water when we would have radar.

The above picture is a still from the webcam on the roof of Lands End hotel & restaurant at Den Helder at 07:17 today. Below is the live feed.

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

T-Bay Remits

Today Trearddur Bay was flooded with 4* and 5* trainees. While the 4* kept to the shelter of the southern side, the 5* ventured out in a bit bigger waves and strong(er) (onshore) winds.
The above picture is a bit deceptive, but it gives a nice perspective to the 'outer remits' compared to the safety of the inner bay.
Apart from tidal currents all skills aspects of 4 star (and probably 5*) could be practiced. We could even pick a nice 3-foot surf zone to launch and land through.

Friday, May 03, 2013

Holyhead Mountain Highlights

On the Trail,
Up the Mountain,
Off the Track,
Down the Slope.

A nice afternoon hike with Saskia from North Stack to South Stack & Ellin's Tower and back.

Thursday, May 02, 2013

Solo PM

Do not think you are ever alone in Penrhyn Mawr.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Skerries Twice

I arrived a week early for the Anglesey Sea Kayak Symposium. While Nico and Karien run this year's Anglesey week for the Dutch Canoe Union, I am 'jobless'. I had some plans for personal paddling, however weather and tide are not always perfect at the same time.

Today I paddled from Porth Dafarch to the Skerries. Taking the 'conveyer belt tide' off Penrhyn Mawr brought me to the Skerries within two hours. I arrived before 'Skerries sunrise'. With no sunshine and the prospect of a three-and-a-half hour wait, I decided to paddle onwards to Cemlyn.

During that navigation I changed my mind. I should have planned better before leaving the Skerries with my fluke change of plan. The quickest way back would be from the Skerries again. I aimed for the mainland, missing West Mouse wide, and paddled the eddy towards Carmel Head. With 1.5 hours of the flood still to go I ferry glided on a 270 degrees course back to the Skerries where it was blazing with sunshine. The sun always shines on the Skerries (if you arrive after local sunrise that is) !
Back to Porth Dafarch took a bit longer with the ebb just barely starting. This was a very nice paddling day.