Sunday 23rd October – Sea Paddle – Trefor to Porth Dinllaen by Ian Crook
Ian Bell
Chris Bolton
David Gould
Andrew Garland
Catriona Hare
Adya Misra
Kris D’Aout
Phil Lloyd
Ian Crook
This trip began with a last-minute email from Ian Bell proposing an ‘Intermittent Sea Kayak Trip’. Being relatively new to paddling, I thought I’d come along and see what this style of kayaking was all about. Perhaps I’d get a few rests along the way?
We met at Bangor services in the wind and rain. The closure of the Menai Bridge was causing traffic jams on and off Anglesey, and the tides weren’t really favourable for an assisted there-and-back trip at any location. We opted to drive down to the Lleyn Peninsula and set off from Trefor.
As we arrived at Trefor, the rain stopped and the wind was easing. After the usual faff of preparing boats and kitting up, we pulled southwest around the harbour wall into some confused chop, but were soon steadily on our way southwest in calm waters.
As we pulled around the first headland, Ian explored a small rocky channel but decided better of it. Chris pushed on through, and with a tight turn at the end made it through to meet the rest of us as we paddled around.
We kept a steady pace past several small headlands and some great scenery, but when somebody mentioned there was a pub at Porth Dinllaen the pace definitely picked up. Despite this, and various mentions of Guinness, when we arrived at Porth Dinllaen sobriety prevailed and we sat at the top of the beach with our coffee and sandwiches.
With a south westerly wind due to swing to the south at midday, I was looking forward to being pushed back up the coast and the chance to try my recently rebuilt skeg. Sadly, not long after setting off again the wind eased and the push of the ebbing tide against us became the dominant factor. Chris drifted shoreward to avoid the worst of the tide. Others drifted offshore for no apparent reason, but seemed to be having a great time. Eventually, Ian stepped in to marshal the group back together, and we continued our slog towards the headland of Trwyn y Gorlech, which for a long time seemed to be getting no closer.
By this point, the sun had come out, and those of us in dry suits began to reconsider our life choices. Eventually, I had to do a quick roll to ward off heatstroke, soon followed by Adya who paid the price of a lost buff for her efforts.
The rocky shores due west of Trefor looked slippy and uninviting for a landing so late in the day, so we pushed on the final few kilometres around to the cars, with some leaping from their boats and sprinting to the toilets by this point. The final rocky channel of the day was barred by Andrew, with nobody allowed to pass until somebody agreed to write the trip up for the club website, so here we are!
A great day out for my second proper sea trip with the club. Many thanks to Ian Bell for organising.
One minor correction – the article is shown as written by Chris Bolton – that’s me – so I should point out it was actually written by Ian Crook. Thanks Ian!