Weymouth Sea Bimble and Rock Hopping

June 2010

The morning cloud was thick and grey with rain looming over the hills. In the distance was the blue sky I wanted and for once it seemed to be heading my way.

We set off fairly early for a Sunday to get to the Boat Shed. On arrival Cap’n Rog was already there and it wasn’t long before fellow Sea Kayak “Newbie” Andy was there as well. We loaded the Sea Kayaks and were soon, somewhat rapidly, heading towards the coast. It was looking like it would be just us three today.

Cap’n Rog guided us through the lanes to the East End of Weymouth and before we had finished unloading our boats two more  seafarers ,Jo an advanced sea kayaker and Nick another Newbie, had arrived.

Boats unloaded we headed down to the Sea where there was already a congregation of Jet skis on the water.

Safety briefing over we launched and I had my first feel of a Sea Kayak. Wobbley, difficult to steer and a bit clumsy was my first impression. Not a bit like my trusty old steed Whippy!

It was a bit breezy and choppy but Andy and I paddled out both certain it was going to be a “wet” day and the others in their Gps followed.

Nervously we paddled on and with constant reassuring from the Cap’n we relaxed just a little. We paddled along the coast until we turned into a lagoon where, with instructions, we practiced edging and avoiding rocks. We then paddled on to Osmington where after, for me, some careful rock dodging we landed on the beach for some lunch. Whilst having lunch we were joined on the beach by two Divers and two other Kayakers in the form of Athol and Claire.

Jo promptly cleared the entire beach of any rubbish ours or not and stowed it in one of the Easkys and we launched onto the Sea again. This time Nick had swapped with Andy and was in the Easky ( make of Sea Kayak ) and Andy was in Nicks GP. The return trip was I believe easier or less choppy and unpredictable heading into the waves and the wind. I was still finding it hard to relax but after some excellent coaching from Athol on forward paddling and hip release I started to relax and really enjoy myself.

We “rock hopped” ( weaving your way through the rocks in the surf close to the beach ) our way back to the beach where our loved ones were there to great us. Well mine anyway.

All in all a great trip just perfect for me to get a feel for a sea kayak and to test out the effectiveness of my motion sickness pills.

We ended the day with a chat and some cake. Perfect.

What the guys got up to while I was

Paddling.