Flamborough Head with Ashleigh

 

Ashleigh had messaged me to see about a trip under Flamborough Head. With an early start today it deemed possible, we had two hours of flooding tide to work with and a light easterly wind to contend with, then a mid morning ebb to make our way back to our launch spot. A paddle plan was made.. Ideally we wanted to launch from Thornwick Bay but the car park is closed, we parked at North Landing with the car park to ourselves... but it was a totally different story when we landed.. Lots of space on the water and even isolated bays to ourselves. It was Ashleighs first time out on this coast and she did amazing.. Conditions were certainly not for beginners and even as advanced and moderate water paddlers we were kept on our toes,,, awesome to be back doing what we do.... Wildlife was plentiful, so many puffins, razorbills, guillemots and gannets... and the seals put on quite a show too....

First Post Lockdown Paddle

Jumped on the tidal river with Fi after work in the fast boats... fortunately we had the waterway to ourselves.. Back doing a little that I love...

 

Thank You..

 So this happened and you all gave so much... Thank you so, so much...

Lock Down Paddle the Humber

Lets get behind Ken on this, he is going to paddle the distance (and time) that it usually takes him to paddle down the Humber from the Humber Bridge to the sea and Kilnsea on the pool in our back garden. It happening this Friday morning to raise funds for the RNLI. He's out there now doing a little training for Friday. Love Fiona... 

Kens Words... Thank you for visiting my page. I'm raising money for the RNLI and I'd be really grateful for any support you can give. At this challenging time in all our lives, the RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crews are still on call 24/7, rescuing people in danger at sea. This coming Bank Holiday Friday (VE Day) I intend to undertake a 'virtual' paddle of The Humber, from the Humber Bridge, around Spurn and up the coast to Kilnsea. This is a journey I have completed several times for real and I can usually complete in about 6 hours with tide assist. Follow me as I undertake this 6 hour journey on my outdoor pool in a leashed kayak, a distance of just over 34 miles or 55km's. During the paddle we’ll be keeping you informed with live updates and various fun things. I will endeavour to paddle for the full distance of at least six hours. The coronavirus pandemic has meant that the RNLI's normal Mayday fundraising activities for 2020 have been put on hold, but I'm determined to do my bit from home. Perhaps you could support me by donating the money you've saved on your usual coffee or fuel? Whatever you can donate, please help me hit my target. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kenneth-oliver5

Lockdown - the Pool

 I think this thing has helped my mental health no end.... simple fixed paddling, rolling and sup yoga in a closed world. I'm updating this blog as lock down eases, looking back this pool saved me as well as the kindness of my wonderful family and friends...

Sea Kayak Surfing at Scarborough - Lockdown is Coming

 

One last group paddle in dynamic water, no, close contact, no socialising afterwards. My dear friend Dave said to me today...."Its ok trying to stay alive..but sometimes you need to feel alive too..." It felt right and good today but sadly I don't know when we can do this again... With Dave,Glenn, Rudi and Claire

Toyah's First Canoe Trip

 

A slight break in the weather and a great little opportunity to introduce Toyah to paddlesport. Lovely to have Rudi with us clocking up more miles on her pathway to becoming an established paddler too. Wilfholme to Hempholme & back into a head wind, always a beautiful journey, marsh harriers and barn owls a plenty, sadly no otters today though.

Freestyle Canoeing

 

A day of Canadian Style and American freestyle canoeing. Thank you so much to Sam and Marion for an excellent day of instruction. I don't think Becky Mason has competition any time soon from me....

Filey Brigg

A perfect few hours on our local play spot, conditions where lively at Brigg End and everyone had great fun. Then back to Cobble Landing for the very important brew and de-brief.... Just brilliant to be paddling with my old mucker Dave again and of course Glenn and Rudi, oh I forgot to mention....this is Rudi's first time on the sea....

Homeward Bound

A small break in the weather and a light northerly wind, a perfect evening to shoot home on SUP.

More Training for Rudi

Had Rudi falling out of kayaks and self rescuing today, well it is March, it may as well be mid summer. Hard as nails that lass, no she didn’t drown and yes she did make a full recovery.

Blast Up the River in the Taran

A quick blast up the swollen river today in a howling wind, journey cut short after discovering a very wet, cold and lost dog on the river bank. It took a lot of work going house to house but eventually re-united with a grateful owner.

Paddle Home

Gorgeous evening to paddle home..With plenty of flow and a WNW breeze on my back progress was mostly rapid.

A Quick Run Up to Snakeholme Lock.

A cold, damp and windy Sunday morning, the slightest let up in the worst of the weather and just the hardiest paddlers on the water. A most excellent couple of hours, thank you for the company Stuart, Gareth, Rudi and Fiona.

More Tuition for Rudi

More tuition for Rudi, in slightly more challenging conditions too. An upwind battle from Tickton to Beck End and then a return journey with following wind and waves. This was an ideal environment for Rudi to experience the effects of wind and flow against a long boat. We spent time exploring the effects going upwind and downwind, also turning a longer craft in this environment. Much progress was made, the girl did good.