Anglesey Weekend #4 Saturday 26th Sept Trearddur Bay

Anglesey Weekend #4 Saturday 26th Sept Trearddur Bay by Andy Bond

Saturday began with a leisurely start, with enthusiastic paddlers leaving Tyn Rhos campsite around 9:30, heading for Trearddur Bay, aiming to be on the water for 10:00. A spring tide and F4/F5 south-easterly wind created feisty but appealing conditions in the bay; the sun glinting off the waves, and white tops visible at the mouth of the bay and further out to sea. Two groups took to the water. The first was led by Dom, with the intention of enjoying some reasonable surf conditions around the morning high tide, with maybe some exploration around the bay.

The second group was led by Keith and Ian. The idea was to practice and develop rough water paddling skills: more specifically boat handling, rescue skills and, if time allowed,  surf launches and landing at the top end of moderate water conditions. The first part of the morning was a warm-up, paddling out to and around marker buoys, getting used to turning and paddling with a strong following sea. A short session focused on edging and draw techniques, with a safe zone at the side of the bay allowing a progressive approach and opportunity to regroup. Crossing the bay allowed us to admire a couple of distant jet skis but, more usefully, practice paddling with the main swell side on to the boats and an occasionally strong gusting wind.

We landed for a lunch break, and a chance to reflect and contemplate options for the afternoon. With the wind abating temporarily and sun breaking through the clouds, we relaxed in warm, balmy conditions reminiscent of the club’s legendary easter Menorca trip earlier in the year, where warmth and sunshine were constantly on tap. 

Ian proposed a short trip after lunch, around to Porth Diana. Leaving the relative safety of the bay, we encountered a lively swell and stronger winds, making some of the paddling quite challenging. All managed well, Sally in particular excelling and enjoying the lively conditions, and we relaxed as we gained the safety of the small bay. The return trip gave the option to head back around the small island protecting the entrance to Porth Diana; Ian led us safely out, and we headed back to Trearddur with a noticeable following sea requiring a degree of concentration.

The final part of the day was focused on rescue skills, with Keith and Ian giving us coaching advice, and on hand to step in if anyone needed assistance. We had the option of practising either in the calmer water at the side of the bay, or out closer to the further marker buoys where there was a pronounced swell and stronger winds making everything a bit more fun/ challenging depending on your perspective.

Heading in at the end of the day, Andy was able to demonstrate a very inelegant surf landing, as his kayak somehow lost its sense of direction and careered across the rear of Ian’s boat, a scary reminder of a similar incident last year. This shows that some of us at least need a bit more practice in this area.

Reflecting on the day afterwards, the forecast had been poor, and there might have been a strong inclination to head for the warmth and comfort of a cafe, or just stay at home. But, as the saying goes, if you never get out, you never get anything done. The day was memorable for several reasons: warmth, sunshine, a chance to improve essential boat handling and rescue skills, but most importantly, at the end of the day, a coffee in the sun and a massive ice cream courtesy of the Sea Shanty!