Sailing from Leigh on Sea, Essex 26/11/08

Weather pretty good with a light SW force 3, ideal for a great day out in the Wayfarer. Tom and Miriam joined for the second day of their RYA sailing course. The previous day a couple of weeks ago it blew old boots, so today's weather was a treat. Miriam is a medical student in London who had completed her Level 2 some time ago in the west country and Tom works in publishing. They both did a brilliant job in tough conditions last time so we spent the first hour sharpening up tacking, gybing and upwind technique. After a welcome coffee on the water we set about practicing picking up a mooring, man overboard and the 5 essentials. It was an absolute joy due to the great company and good weather. Tom amazed me with his knowledge, mostly gained from reading books. The Encyclopedia Britannica on all things nautical; next stop around the world. Miriam absolutely brilliant and a fast learner on all fronts. After some tight manoeuvring by the clients amongst the moored boats to get back to the slipway we headed for the local cafe for a hot drink and some food.

Tom amazed us with his knot tying skills before we moved on to cover basic pilotage and chart work. Time to award those well earned certificates and bid a fond farewell.

Another brilliant winters day on the water.

If you would like to join the fun give Mike a ring on 07887 890389 or visit the website at www.perfect.uk.com

Up the creek, with a paddle....

Time for another recreational 8 mile paddle on Saturday 22nd November. This time I thought I would take my Liquid Logic river kayak from the 2 Tree Island slipway. Bitterly cold with a 25 mph breeze made for interesting paddling. After a shivery launch at low tide I soon warmed up paddling against the headwind. Very beautiful but wild. Absolutely tons of bird species hunched up against the wind on one side of the mudbanks. I soon followed their example using the shelter and calm water on one side of the creek. Birdwatchers from the bank gave me that look of ' rather you than me' and stumbled on also hunched against the cold.

Took a few little detours up tiny streaming creeks, birds a go..go all sheltering, plucking the odd frozen worm from the mud. The sun came out and the world changed, gloves off, hat off and time for a few photo's. If you really want that feeling of peaceful escape it's either up a creek with mud banks towering 2m above your head and just the sound of wind, trickling water and a few birds or the alien landscape at 20,000 feet on Annapurna. Different but great for letting the wrinkles in your soul escape.

Enough fluffy stuff and on with the trip up river towards Benfleet past Hadleigh Castle. You come across maybe a 100 old wooden posts on the Hadleigh side. The effect of the low light creating shadows on the mud was magical. The creek is very shallow and you have to pick your route carefully between buoys. Seagull heaven on the left side with the great black back and herring gulls showing no fear.

Pretty hard work paddling mostly with a strong beam wind, trying to weathercock the boat constantly giving me a real ache down one side. Eventually realising dark would catch me out I turned back surfing the small waves most of the way back. Knackered but totally content back at the slipway managed to get enjoy that flash of a beautiful sunset before heading home to collapse.

If you fancy a wilderness paddle you don't have to go far www.perfect.uk.com . It's closer than you think.

Sea Kayak Essex - Mega Diamante Sovereign

Sea Kayak Heaven

Yesterday was a great day on the water. Went paddling in my NEW gorgeous Mega Diamante Sovereign Sea Kayak. I picked it up last week from Malcolm at Mega and was wondering if it paddled as good as it looks....Stunning red and white deck with silver flecks...fully pimped...Launched from the 2 Tree Island Slipway in Leigh on Sea at low tide, noted the envious looks from a couple of plastic sea kayakers just coming in.

After a brief tussle wading through the mud, I climbed in and paddled away heading up the creek for the pier. At low tide the scenery is a sublime muddy moonscape of sand and mud, enhanced by the low sun it shimmers and sparkles. Plenty of waders and brent geese teasing grub from the mud. Wind behind me I was shocked at how quickly I was covering the ground, 4 knots with no tide - it's so light in comparison to the fantastic plastic. The mega glided effortly, handled like a dream. I found myself grinning madly. A couple of miles down the ray I pulled over onto the sand and enjoyed a coffee break.

Almost a mile from any living person I felt truly relaxed. Views as always stunning....nothing moving apart from the wildlife and a few fishing boats in the distance. Off again heading for Southend pier, small wind blown estuarine chop allowed a little surfing. I love this kayak.

2 miles from the pier on the southern ray sand bank my old friends the seals enjoying a little November sun. Drifted past taking a few photo's and onto the pier. The wind had freshened a little and on the nose, worked hard getting back to Leigh on Sea. Practised a few more advanced strokes in the Leigh Creek surrounded by 1,000 Brent Geese and waders. Very appreciative until a high brace had me splashing for survival. We have lift off, as my fans took fright heading off for more peaceful mud. After a 10 mile paddle I determined that the Mega was even better than it looked and we are looking forward to sharing a few tales this winter.

If you want to join me next week ring Mike on 07887 890389 or visit the site at http://www.perfect.uk.com/