SEA  PADDLE  –  PORTH DAFARCH  &  Penrhyn Mawr –   Sunday  21st  July  2024

After a great rescue session yesterday, it would be fair to say I was somewhat achy this morning.  In an attempt to revive myself, a ‘Full English’ (breakfast) in the ‘Paddlers Return’ seemed like a good idea.  

Ian had given those booked onto the trip the details of where and when to meet and, surprise, surprise, there we all were, right place, right time.   It is not easy to get a parking space in this very popular spot on Anglesey, but we did, some much better than others.  The parking Gods were smiling on Martin and Nikki that day.  After quick introductions we got ourselves kitted up and helped each other get the kayaks down to the water’s edge.  One of the kayaks was having a very special day, it’s first outing on the sea.

There were five paddlers, Adya; Eamon; Ella; Fiona and myself, Roger.  There were four leaders, Ian; Gary; Nikki and Martin.  The leaders had all been involved in the Saturday rescue session and didn’t just turn up to ensure we had virtually ‘one-to-one’ marking.  Honest!  (They may tell you otherwise.)  

Ian gave us his briefing for the trip and we were off.  We paddled out of the bay, and then Nikki went ahead and confirmed conditions would allow us to turn right and on towards the stacks.  We had no intention of getting there, content to just enjoy the conditions and with a bit of rock hopping for those so inclined.  As a group, we made our way through the inner channels under the cliffs but then five of us decided to have a look for some bigger water at Penrhyn Mawr.  However, although on ‘Springs’ and we had a bit of a breeze, we were there at ‘slack water’ and the overfalls were dying away as we arrived.  We soon grouped up again and continued on.  As we went around the headland, towards Abraham’s Bosom, the bigger sea we had been looking for found us and what an entertaining 15 minutes we all had.  There was a quick pit stop after this little adventure and then lunch at Abraham’s Bosom.  We discussed what star * rating campsite this would be.  Gary explained that to him a 5* campsite had to be totally isolated.  Abraham’s Bosom is accessible i.e. people could get there.  People bring dogs and dogs tiddle on tents.  I mentally knocked another star off!

Lunch over we had the return paddle to look forward to.  This time a lot of the paddling would be into the waves making life a little easier and again, a few of us took the opportunity to indulge in some exciting rock hopping.  To end there was a nice little surf on to the beach, followed by a quick debrief when someone pointed out that the Valley Hotel carvery stopped serving a 3 pm.  It was a mad dash up the beach and away.

This trip was a bit of the iconic ‘Stacks’ sea kayak paddle which needs to be undertaken with those who know what they are doing.  So, thanks to the leaders for their time, assistance and encouragement and another great day on the sea.