Bempton in the Sea Boats

 

A wander under these iconic cliffs today in the sea boats. A little damp and breezy at times but nice to get beyond Staple Nook - keeping our distance from the cliff face of course..

Flamborough Caves and Seals on SUP

 

Today, with the conditions settling down a little we finally managed to paddle the north side of the head. It was still very lumpy and the odd big set of swell would still take us by surprise so caution was needed. A few firsts today, well done to every one of you who joined me on this little adventure...

Scarborough to Redcliff

 

A nice few hours back on the salt. Brilliant company and we were even fortunate to have a Red Arrows flyby.

Great feedback from the student after delivering mine telling her she had f*cked up.... But at least the logo was the right way up...

Flamborough Head in the Sea Boats

 A perfect few hours with our Scarborough friends around one of our favourite venues. Using the tides we bimbled around all the features.

Humber on SUP

Just occasionally our local estuary is benign enough to consider launching craft such as paddle boards. The river really needs a lot of respect but small tides and light winds meant we could dabble a little on this dark and turbulent waterway. Launching a couple of hours before high water meant we could have a wander up river and hand rail along the north bank before returning on the beginning of the ebb. I followed these awesome ladies on paddle boards in a fast sea kayak just to give support if necessary. The girls did amazing... Crazily stupid down at the Hessle foreshore this afternoon, hundreds of people, traffic issues and to top it off some snowflake moaning because we saved a parking place for our colleague, we are looking at better places to launch in the future...

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