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Sea Kayaking 1
Sea Kayaking - The Ultimate Way to enjoy the coast!
“Fancy a go at sea kayaking?” asked Mark, our Publisher. “Sure,” I replied – without really taking in what I’d agreed to do. In reality I was a little nervous. I’m not overly fit, I’m the wrong side of 40 and any kind of activity on the water with my husband normally results in threats of divorce! However, these past couple of weeks the sea has sparkled and the sun has succeeded in buoying up my confidence levels and enticing me out onto the water.
The morning arrived and we crossed the river to meet up with our instructor, Ben and our fellow kayakers – a group of 3 from the distant climes of Exeter!
Ben kitted us up quickly in the necessary gear to keep us and our belongings safe and dry – thankfully no sign or indeed need for wetsuits. After a concise and clear briefing we set off down the slipway. I was anticipating an ungamely manoeuvre into the kayak but it was both surprisingly easy to balance and push off and with modern additions of foot and back rests - comfortable as well.
We paddled off in a line towards the castle whist hugging the Dartmouth embankment heading out to the sea (cue Hawaii Five-0 music). It is seemingly the ultimate way to sightsee in Dartmouth with unrivalled views of BRNC and in the space of 3 hours we paddled past the paddle steamer, the Cardiff Castle and passed by the steam train just before reaching shore.
You quickly understand why sea kayaking is so popular and unlike rowing you can see where you are going and it’s surprisingly relaxing. It’s a chance to see the bits everyone else doesn’t – other boats can’t venture as close or manoeuvre as quickly and it doesn’t take long to get away from the crowds and pleasure boats. As you head out to sea there are hidden caves and coves to explore and close to Kingswear Castle even a WW2 torpedo store.
It’s also a perfect time to be at one with nature without the noise of engines. We spotted shags, were joined by a trio of ducks and hoped for a sighting of the elusive local peregrine falcon.
The kayaks are pretty stable and even as we ventured further out to sea, the waves and wind did increase but that gave us enough of a challenge without scaring us silly. We all remained pretty dry too - except poor Ness who inadvertently demonstrated a perfect capsize. Calmly and deftly Ben righted a rather wet but unperturbed Ness even with sunglasses still strapped to her head.
Ben Brierley started up Sea Kayak Devon in the summer of 2012 after spending 15 years exploring the coasts of Scotland. His arrival in Dartmouth was pretty much a chance decision as he looked at a map of the British Isles to work out where he could start a new business. He chose Dartmouth with its interesting coastline, clement weather and its apparent lack of sea kayaking.
He has impressive credentials combining 15 years of adventure training, the highest level of sea kayak instructor qualification with the essential calm, friendly and approachable manner which quickly puts you at ease. You really do feel in safe hands.
After 3 hours on the water (including a short snack stop on Newfoundland Cove) we came back enthused and full of talk of further kayaking adventures. I’m now keen to paddle round to Mansands and Scabbacombe as well as circumnavigate the Mewstone in the hope of cuddling up close to our fishy-breathed seal friends.
It’s fun, good exercise in the fresh air, environmentally friendly and great for those core muscles too! It’s also a great activity for all ages - Ben can take out small children (over 5) on a double kayak and when the older children get tired he pulls out a rope like a magician and tows them along! Your trip can be tailored to the needs and abilities of the kayakers taking into account the weather, tides and winds. You can do half-day, full-day and even 2 or 3 days with camping inbetween for the truly hardy.
If you haven’t thought about it, do and tell your friends and family. As they say at Sea Kayak Devon - this is the ultimate way to enjoy the coast and the River Dart!
First Published July 2013 By The Dart