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Sunday 28th November - Sea Kayak Winter Exploring Trip River Dart - Weather update below
How about heading up the River Dart to catch the last of the autumn colours (or fall colors as my American colleagues say). The current forecast for next weekend is starting to look kind again with sun and moderate winds. If the current forecast holds I will lead an explorers trip which is open to all sea paddlers who have been out on trips this year. Meet at the quay car park at Stoke Gabriel to be ready to launch at 10.15 am. High tide at Totnes at 12.00 noon so plenty of water to explore the top of the estuary. Dress for winter paddling because it is showing air temperatures of 7’. If anyone needs help loading or transporting boats please shout and I can come to the club for 8.45am. In view of the temperature and tide times I will aim to be off the water for 2.30pm
We have strong support so novice sea kayakers welcome. If you have any concerns about your experience and the conditions on the day please feel free to ask questions in the chain below. If we believe that the final forecast is too challenging for your experience we will let you know in advance so you don’t have a wasted trip.
Confirmed
OWEN
Stuart O
Pete C
Kwinten
Maggie
Martin
Comments
I’m up for this Owen.
I'll join you. I can take two extra boats.
Sorry, cant do this weekend.
Just checking: the quay car park is the one near the jetty with the cafe on it?
Pete. Yes the one by the water. It holds about 10 cars and if we get there early we can normally park. If not drop the boats and head back up the hill.
Very keen to encourage car sharing because it is the right thing to do and yes parking is limited.
I'm no longer sure that I can come on Sunday as I have pulled a muscle in my neck reversing the car. Sorry, offer to transport boats is withdrawn.
Hi Owen, is this still on with weather, fallen trees etc? Still up for it and plan to load my boat tonight unless I hear that there is any change of plan.
Just to confirm that I am still planning to run the trip tomorrow. The current forecast is still looking ok and we have some sun. This said I will double check first thing to ensure that the current storm has blown through. Will post an update at first light. Please do double check in the morning
I think we are good to go.. Just gentle tree movement out of the window. Wind Guru is showing 8knots (with 13 knot gusts) from the NW at Dartmouth. It will be cold but the skies should be clear. We can use the shelter of the river bank on the way up and what wind there is will blow us back in the afternoon. I will aim to be at the car park for 9.45.
Great trip Owen!
Kwinten, here's your rolling vid: https://1drv.ms/v/s!AmVa6Rshw9smqxqDYags06piCHow?e=TDhlH0
It looks like you're doing a late head swing away from the water which is probably where you're losing energy on the roll.
And something else which I found interesting, this is a document describing some noteworthy hulks on the river Dart. https://map.forgottenwrecks.org/uploads/documents/FWFWW_River_Dart_Site_Report_FINAL_S.pdf The one we passed is the Kingswear Castle, an old 1904 paddle steamer. The current paddle steamer on the Dart is a restoration of its replacement of the same name.
Thanks Owen and all, good day.