Saltburn to Skinningrove

10 April 2000 - No Passport Required

Sea Kayaking Boring ~ Pah!

High sea or high winds - some confusion about the weather reports.

So with some trepidation I turned up at Saltburn with 2 boats - Surf and Sea. Novice in one and never even seen the other before. The lads and lass with whom my well-being rested had loads of gear and experience, so me butterflies were unfounded really. Unload the boats and it's definitely sea boats - Gulp! - Never ever sat in one before. On with the gear and off we go, full of confidence and wit (honest...). We're about to launch and the day's leader casually hands me two mansize fireworks to store in my boat just in case .... Lummy' Butterflies back with a vengeance or what!

Then we were off, surging out through the surf ~ all I could think of was HAWAII 50 To my amazement, I was actually enjoying it. Straight on was easy, across the swell? Well that was another question. The sea is a really belittling beast, especially when viewed with ya bum in it. Still, landed at Skinningrove totally dry and tucked into a mouldy pie and warm coffee with street cred intact, just ... Half an hour later, off again, just pick a wave and paddle like hell. No problem, I'm an expert - how wrong I was.

What little confidence I had disappeared like a scalded sprat. The four mile return suddenly seemed like ten, and getting longer by the minute. Everyone assured me with casual indifference that we were making great time - it felt like an age to me.

When told to head for the pies (Home Sweet Home) I tried to look confident with a nod, cos I was past being able to speak. Careered in on the surf without mishap, apart from nearly beheading Richard. Never in my life have I been so glad to be back on Saltburn Beach, it was great - it didn't move up and down!

Thanks must go to all who shepherded me out and back, it was really a memorable day (for what I haven't decided yet). Only one witness to me kissing the promenade at Saltburn. He was from Barcelona and seemed to 'know nossing'. Thanks again, it was a great day!

Conditions - light cloud/sun.

Light swell 3-4 feet or metres (not sure).

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