A nice trip today, though very familiar at this stage! I need to start going further afield. That’ll be possible after next weekend, when I do the level 2 kayaking course.
Nothing much to report from today’s trip. The tide had just turned, so the water was high and fairly calm, though the wind was quite strong. I headed out along the north harbour wall, across the north beach and along the coast a little, before turning around and heading diagonally back to the harbour. I paddled around the marina and harbour once before exiting.
The tide and wind made the return journey very quick, though raising the starboard paddle into the strong offshore wind occasionally had the effect of pushing me over to port. I countered this by keeping the paddle much lower and wider.
Again today I found myself at time gripping the paddle too firmly which started to become uncomfortable. Relaxing my hand fixed it almost immediately, but my instinct is obviously to hold it more “completely”, with my fingers fully holding it all the way around. I’m sure I’ll learn more about grip technique on the course, but I suspect I’m right and will just have to focus more on consistently using a looser grip.
Notes
Lessons Learned:
I need to ensure the kayak is loaded on the roof with the cockpit between the 2 supports. On the way back home today the wind blew the kayak sideways and I had to stop and adjust the position. If the cockpit is forward of the front support, the whole thing can slide significantly.
I need a way to keep my wet and sandy gear separate from the rest of the stuff in the car. I think I just need to keep my civies in a plastic bag and allow my kit bag to get wet and sandy without worrying about it.
Conditions
Dry, windy, sunny and comfortable temperature. Tide was ebbing. Minimal swell