South Devon Sea Kayaking

Sunday 22nd April

I took a dark step into the nether regions of kayaking this weekend, and went sea kayaking! My Wifes' good friend 'The Witch' is a mad (keen) sea kayaker and has been keen to take me for a paddle for a while. And while it may not be playboating, whitewater or high on the adrenaline factor, it's nice to get out and explore bits of the local coast line.

Leaden skies hang over Thurlestone

We put on at the little beach at Thurlestone, on a dull, gray slightly misty afternoon, but at least the air was warm and still, and there was minimal swell or tides to worry about. We paddled past hope, round Bolt Tail and along the cliffs until we reached Soar Mill Cove. Along the way we explored some of the many, and huge sea caves. We even ended up waking a snoozing seal in the dark recess of one cave. We also came across the remains of an old ship wreck, Some very rust steam boilers and a huge crank shaft.

Packing food, ready for the epic trip!

Then After a quick snack on the beach at Soar Mill Cove it was back in the water to cruise back to the car, making the most of the slack water in the tide. The sun even manged to pop out briefly! While it may not have the exciting edge that some paddle sports do, it's great exercise, and it's nice to explore some very out of the way parts of the coast line. Hopefully I'll be back in a sea boat soon, but not too soon!!