Anglesey Club Weekend #1 The Swellies.  Sunday 17 May 2026.

The Swellies.  Sunday 17 May 2026 by Sarah Gille

A group of us got up early and waited for the tide to turn before setting off for one last paddle of the weekend. On the way home, most of us decided to squeeze in a trip around the Swellies on the Menai Straits — and it turned out to be the perfect way to finish things off.

After the usual faff of getting changed, loading boats, and launching without dropping half our kit in the water, we finally got underway. The tide was really moving through the gaps and around the edges, making everything feel fast and lively from the start.

We spent a good while messing about in the eddy behind the bridge stanchions, catching the flow and ferry-gliding back and forth while everyone found their rhythm. The water was playful and full of energy, with plenty of laughs as people tested themselves in the moving tide.

Not long after, we found a cracking little wave to surf and ended up staying there far longer than planned. One after another, we took turns playing on it, carving across the face, spinning out, and occasionally getting completely worked by the water to everyone else’s amusement. There were loads of cheering, splashing, and the usual banter every time someone nailed a run — or spectacularly failed one.

Eventually, tired arms and the thought of the drive home dragged us away from the fun. We headed back in, sorted ourselves out, packed the boats away, and stood around chatting for far too long before finally saying our goodbyes and heading home.

A brilliant end to a great weekend — good people, good water, and plenty of laughs.