Rise from the Storm

On the night of the 1st March superstorm Emma hit Anglesey and with winds of 70 knots totally wiping out the entire marina and sinking and destroying over 80 boats along with Playmate and Nigel Dennis' yacht on which he lived with his partner Eila all year around.

Nigel Dennis who is a well-known expedition sea kayaker and sea kayak designer has used the last four years of his spare time working on his dream boat Playmate.

The idea of Playmate was to create super cool expedition support boat which would take sea kayakers to remote places of Scotland and Outer hebrides and show them sea kayaking from completely different perspective. When not on the sea the all carbon kevlar fleet of sea kayaks would be stored on the fly deck of Playmate. If the weather would not be favourable for kayaking all members could enjoy the scenery from the comfort of this expedition super boat with a wee dram of whisky in their hand while cruising along the islands.

After almost four passionate years of spending most of his free time on his dream boat Playmate she was nearly ready for her first season. The moment was was just around the corner with a few bits and bobs to do including finalising her insurance.

Then disaster struck.

What a devastation to lose your home and hobby. All the energy and time spend on Playmate lays at the bottom of the sea.

Through the years Nigel has helped so many kayakers to follow their dreams doing expeditions and motivating people to do their best.

There are stories of paddlers coming to him with very little experience asking for sponsored sea kayaks to go around the UK and he would reply "I will lend you a boat and if you do not make it you will bring it back and if you make it you can keep the kayak." as Eila said "Nigel just wants people to do well."

Now it is up to us the sea kayaking community; to support for once Nigel who has helped and influenced so many people. And see his dream coming through and get Playmate off the bottom of the sea and get Nigels spirit to fly high again. We believe he more than deserves it.

With so many people around the world if we contribute even little we can get the boat afloat for Nigel.

Above was written by Ashley Williams. She has started a Rise from the Storm fundraiser to recover Playmate.

Nigel has been of enormous help throughout all of my sea kayak and coaching development. From the first day I met him at the Anglesey Sea Kayak symposium in 2000 and ever since. I recognize myself in all that Ashley could put into words about the support and opportunities Nigel has given.

Penguins ?

When I asked around for pictures of yesterday I would never ever have thought Ray would be 'tricked' into this one. A select few Dutch sea kayakers know about Ray's Penguin warm-up one time at the annual Dutch Sea Kayak week; for many years organized by Elko (left) and Onno (right). And where do Penguins live?

Peddelpraat Ray Union

Yesterday was the annual Peddelpraat winter meeting.

For the past 20 (!) years Ray Goodwin guided the Scotland sea kayaking trips for Peddelpraat. Sea Kayaking? Isn't Ray that world renowned open canoe coach and guide? Yes he sure is. Ray, Lina and Maya were invited over to celebrate 20 years of Peddelpraat sea kayaking trips in Scotland.

What was his lecture about? Open Canoeing for sure. Anecdotes of his sea kayaking trips would fill the rest of the day with all the paddlers that so much enjoyed his guiding. I was impressed with his film about his Algonquin open canoe trip with two families with children. So Open Canoeing abroad with Ray is next? We have a signed copy of Ray Goodwin Open Canoeing so we better start practicing with one blade. Cunning plans... Another one of Ray's specialties.

Exactly a year ago I headed out to Ushuaia for my month long sea kayaking trip to Antarctica with a group guided by Justine Curgenven. Family health issues and other priorities had literally shelved the 7.000+ pictures and still unknown many hours of film footage of this expedition.

Yesterday was also the premiere of my Antarctica lecture. Condensing a 'life-time' experience into 45 minutes. Where I could probably talk an hour on every one of the 30 days there! Or just share one picture that says it all. Even all the trips with Ray. It is all in there (apart from the camp fires).

A little personal emotional moment at the start of my lecture when I realised that ALL of the paddlers that I learned sea kayaking from, my mentors, my coaches were present. Even the retired ones and paddling buddies that I have not seen for 10 years or more!

While Peddelpraat is 'just' one of the national kayak clubs, they invited every other national sea kayaking organisation. And ALL were there; the busiest winter meeting ever. The clubs' motto, since it's founding in 1975, has been [paddling] with each other not against each other. A national (sea) kayaking gathering it was.

P.S. I do not have pictures of yesterday, so hoping to share some of those later.

Weather Bound

Because of a high wind warning and flash floods in New York my flight to JFK got canceled. The flight already had an hour delayed arrival. After boarding the plane and waiting in it for more than an hour we had to leave the aircraft; deplane.

Lots of flights got canceled and lots of people are stranded. I am now booked on an extra flight early tomorrow morning. At least my connecting flight to Amsterdam is still valid. The only thing is that I now cannot spend a day in New York city, something that I was looking forward to.

I never before had the luxury to be offered a 'bed' right at the airport. Logistically probably the most conveniant solution. That and the rocking chair and the power outlet.

Earlier today...
I am not sure if I understand Starbucks anymore, if ever I understood them. The only coffee joint that was open. Apart from a 'Latte' there is no recognizable other coffees on the menu. I asked for a Cappucino and got the question: "What flavor?". Huhhh? I replied: "Regular". Not really sure if the cashier understood me I added: "Medium size". A minute later I got a 'Frappucino', not what I ordered. But they still do Cappucino, but I probably have to 'SPELL IT OUT: A HOT CAPPUCINO". I got my Cappucino instead and it actually tasted like Cappucino. A regular hot coffee might be even harder to get.

Happy Hands

Today I saw a remarkable example and result of using a metaphore. Dubside is running rolling classes at the Ocean Gathering Symposium.

I first met Dubside in 2004 at the Delmarva Retreat, a Greenland symposium where I first got truly immersed in Greenland kayaking skills. That was a humbling experience then. I met Dubside again on a few other occasions but never had the opportunity since then to see him coach.

One of the students wanted some tips to improve her off-side roll. After some observation Dubside asked her if she knew about Micky Mouses' Happy Hands. She came-up on her off-side with the same open hand position as she went over; with the paddle between her thumbs and index fingers; perfect. Even better than on her 'on-side'. Impressive observation and use of metaphores; Happy Hands!

Just before lunch, Dubside had the group race to the beach. I think I could keep up with him with my euro paddle: faster, faster, faster; for a short while... And only with most extreme exertion. Humbling experience again... I consolidated on all my Greenland rolls I ever could do before.

Rocky Landing at Little Tybee

Tybee Island has lots of sandy beaches, offshore sandbars, current, tide-rips, waves and surf. The Savannah River has a big shipping lane, buoyage and a very long stone breakwater (at low tide). However rocky landings and rescues near rocks, that is in the British Canoeing Moderate Water Sea Kayak Leader syllabus, requires sometimes some improvising.

The same probably goes for dealing with 10+ second ocean swells in some other parts of the world. Or areas with lots of rocks but no tides. Or areas in the UK that have only sandy beaches? What is the definition of 'Moderate Water' ?

GPS Track 25-10

GPS Track 26-10

Rough Water Discovery

I am at the Tybee Island Ocean Gathering Symposium. Today we went out for some rough water discovery.

Tybee Island is blessed with numerous offshore sandbars, of which the 'triangle' is the most famous and treacherous. But with the right conditions it is an amazing rough water playground.

On the northeasterly tip of the island, just 100 metres from the sheltered put-in at Tybee Creek, waves create confusing seas. On the flood this is a safe playground because whatever happens a paddler drifts into an eddy behind the point.

But on the ebb everything drifts into more and bigger waves. Last year I had someone out of the kayak standing knee deep on the sandbar (without the washed-away kayak) but unable to walk to the beach because of the fierce rip current around the point. That created some interesting group management challenges.

An offshore sandbar off Little Tybee Island allowed for safe playing conditions on the ebb. Again anything would drift out of the surf zone into calmer water; today. Challenging conditions, low consequences. With Dolphins around us in the surf and on our way back.

GPS Track

Tri-State Sea States

This is my second year at the Autumn Gales Symposium. It is run out of the scenic town of Stonington in Connecticut. It is less than two miles to Fishers Island that is in New York state and about two miles towards Napatree Point that is in Rhode Island.

Long Island Sound fans out over reefs between Fishers' and Napatree creating tidal races on the ebb and the flood. Ideal topography and distances for the Autumn Gales', that runs for the nineth year. One day we crossed over to Beavertail out of Narragansett.

GPS Track 17-10

GPS Track 18-10

Skerries Questionmarks

The tide was perfect for a paddle out to the Skerries at max ebb. Yvonne planned the trip yesterday but we were aware and both questioning if the weather (wind) would suit the plan. With the last few days of strong westerly and northwesterly winds, yesterday force 6 to 8, 'on paper' this trip today would be questionable to say the least.

We went to Cemlyn to look at the sea and discuss the options. The sea was very white and rough at the obvious locations of the various tidal races out there and around the Skerries. Furloughs race was unplayable in a way that we considered it unsafe. There looked to be 'pathways' towards the Skerries that would be 'possible', but why the risk? The wind was still a solid force 5/6 against max ebb. Questions...

Lots of alternative plans came to mind. In the end we decided to paddle against the flow towards Cameas Bay and have lunch there. After lunch the tide would have eased a bit and would probably change some perspective? Paddling back towards Cemlyn the wind had dropped to 4 and the sea had quietened down to a point where I asked Yvonne on the spot to take us to the Skerries.

At dead slack we arrived at the Skerries. A short break there and then surfing back to Cemlyn Bay via West Mouse.

Decisions: when question marks become exclamation marks.

GPS Track

Hike

With the forecast for today and possible paddling tomorrow Yvonne and I did a wide hike up and around Holyhead mountain 'visiting' the paddling highlights from high ground in high winds.

At North Stack we could peek down at Parliament House cave. We saw three addult seals and a seal pup on the beach. Two addult seals in the water between the all white rock gardens. The seal pup was dangerously braving the surf line on the gravel beach. Washed up with every wave and again and again making it's way towards the waters' edge... What are you doing?

Double Bill

With a strong wind forecast the plan was to paddle out of Trearddur Bay towards Rhoscolyn Head. It soon became clear that we would not go much further. Heading into the beach at the Caravan Park beyond Ravenspoint we decided for Plan-B.

Overlooking the sea, we discussed and evaluated safety issues. What did we expect it to look like before heading out? What are the conditions actually? Learning opportunities. Happy to paddle in these conditions? Comfortable to perform a rescue? Heading out wide for 'big sea' paddling conditions back into T-Bay.

After lunch Mirco wanted to try-out back surfing. The surf did not look too impressing at first but back-surfing was incredible today.

GPS Track

Looking for a lunch spot

The Saturday club has gathered for a paddle out of Porth Dafarch. There is a nice swell. There is not much happening at Penrhyn Mawr yet, so we continue towards Abrahams' Bossom for lunch. But all beaches are taken by pupping grey seals. We paddle back to Porth Ruffydd.

Along the way we meet a Norwegian Paddling group with Gry. She was on the Antarctica trip with Justine in February this year.

The rest of the afternoon was spent playing at Penrhyn Mawr. Lumpy but not intimidating.

With Ed, Paul, Rich, Geth, Yvonne, Axel, Petr, Steve, James and Gry.

GPS Track

Quantum Paddle

A big contrast to the stormy weather in Isle of Man just yesterday. A beautiful sunny day paddling to the Skerries from Cemlyn. Keirron, Marc and I decided to continue to Porth Dafarch for a nice workout.

GPS Track

Calf of Man

A nice day around the Calf of Man, a small island off the southern tip of Isle of Man. Wind, tide, waves and cliffs make for a variation of fun paddling conditions; a great playground. I am here for the Isle of Man sea kayak symjposium by Adventurous Experiences.

Loreto Islands Challenge

Earlier this year I was in Antarctica. It is not often that one comes along unique 'organized expeditions' in very remote areas and with itineraries that require above average paddling ability and experience.

End of October, Ginni Callahan of Sea Kayak Baja Mexico is guiding a 20-day paddling challenge that combines all the islands of the Loreto National Marine Park, including the remote islands of Montserrat and Santa Catalina.

The remote islands of the Loreto National Marine Park are unique, scientifically significant, absolutely beautiful, and require special permits to visit. Very few people ever get to go, and no other kayak outfitter has ever brought a group to the most remote island, Santa Catalina. Ginni has been there before and is now organizing it for a group of skilled paddlers.

Because of the remoteness and the paddling distances for the crossings, the required paddling ability is BCU 4* Sea or equivalent or better.

This is another of those rare opportunities for skilled paddlers to join such a special trip. And Baja gives you an extra month of Summer.

For more information : Loreto Islands Challenge

The Birds

We (Justine, Mirco an I) were not the only ones that thought the Skerries would be a nice trip today. Paddling from Cemlyn would be using the very last of the ebb and hence today an early 10:00 AM start. Three seperate groups went out at about the same time. We were the last to go, but we arrived first. This late in the tide we decided to almost aim at the Skerries, today the shortest and fastest route.

At the Skerries the Terns are full-on nesting. Even staying on the designated path we got attacked by the angry birds. Justine held her dry bag over her head. Seems like a good idea. However her dry bag now has a pecking rash.

Upon leaving we met an inquisitive seal and had a small race to play in. With the building flood via West Mouse cruising back to Cemlyn. A beautiful day!

GPS Track

Magnificent Craft

Today it crossed my mind how magnificent sea kayaks can perform in conditions. With some swell remaining and a bit of wind, Penrhyn Mawr could only be very rough today. A beautiful sunny blue sky day reduces the 'fear factor' a lot. The sea kayak was not the limiting factor. My kayak can handle it, I am trying to more and more.

Justine and I continued to Parliaments' House Cave for lunch. There we met a group of four friends out for a rough days paddle. I think it is time for Justine to bring out a new film. Her "This is the Sea" films had a big influence on how paddlers view tidal races and what is possible with a sea kayak. But now the 'men with beards' are back ;-)

Anglesey Sunset

My 'group tent' got shredded on Sunday night. Effectively the UV detoriation killed it after 6 seasons of 'base-camp' use. The windward side, buffeted by wind, was still holding on, but the whole front door flap was ripping all over the place. Kind of 'open plan' camping.

For the last two days I have been staying with Petr from Czech. He kindly offered me a place to sleep. A few years ago Petr built his own carbon/kevlar racing sea kayak in Prague. Put it in the water there and paddled all the way to Nordkapp and partly back; a 5000 km trip...

After dinner we drove the scenic coastal road back and took a small detour twards South Stack for this nice sunset picture.

Now it is packing-up and driving back to the Netherlands via Hull ferry. Hope to be back soon!

The Big Rush

The last day of the group in Anglesey. We did not have a proper play in Penrhyn Mawr earlier in the week because of the tidal times. Leaving the campground at 8 AM to be on the water at 9 AM for the last half of the flood to get the most out of it. Hardly any wind and no swell; might be too flat and easy?

I should have known better because of earlier experiences. Too eager to have them have a good time at Penrhyn Mawr...

Penrhyn Mawr mid-flood at spring tide is very, very hard work. Ear deafening water rushing, boiling, swirling. Knife sharp eddylines. Burning-up our final reserves of this weeks energy very quickly. Getting to the gully to have a break was a real challenge.

The last hour of the flood gave us some nice and gentle waves to finish a great week in Anglesey.

Never again a 'big rush' to get to Penrhyn Mawr at mid-tide Springs.

GPS Track

Penrhyn Mawr 'Chicken Run' at mid-tide Springs

In Running Order

Today we paddled from Moelfre to Camaes bay visiting the historic brickworks ruins at Porth Wen.

For the 18! years now that I have visited this place I spun this wheel. All is still in 'running order' although a bit rusty and squeaky at times.

GPS Track