Enjoying the Waves - October 24

riding the waves (photo by T. Langle)
(photo by T. Langle)

Paddling close to home

Tobias

Have you ever thought about your definition of a great paddle? I used to prefer day long paddles that typically meant driving an hour or more to get to the starting point. In this area we are fortunate to have quite a number of paddling destinations within a half hour drive from home. This means more paddles with less of a time committment. Today, with winds forcasted to be 30 knots from the northwest, Tobias and I put in at St. Phillips. We were largely sheltered from the winds by Bell Island. We paddled almost down to Topsail Beach before returning. The wind driven waves intensified as they rebounded against the shore. Two hours on the water made for a great paddle.

Saturday - Sept 18,2010

The forecast predicted a windy day, especially during the afternoon. So, Dean, Tony and I decided to "catch" some waves before they grew too large. We arrived at St. Philips around 10:00 a.m. Despite heavy rain, we had a great time.

Dean takes a break

Tony on a wave

St. Philips Practice - Sunday, September 12, 2010

Instead of our normal weekend paddle, today a group of us decided to head to St. Philips, where we routinely meet on Thursdays to practice our rolls and rescues. The wind was strong, at times pushing the waves over the slipway. We had a great time surfing the waves. As those who kayak with me know, I love to paddle near the shore. Today I got a bit too close and ended up high bracing into a large wave which pushed me sideways into the rocky shore. For several seconds all I could see was white water. Every trip teaches a new lesson. Few photos were taken today but those that were show the spray of the sea on the lens of the camera.

Sean paddles into the waves

Tony enjoying the waves

Quidi Vidi to Cape Spear

Hazen enjoys the waves

Hazen & Stan near Fort Amherst


Stan, Chris & Gary

Hazen & Chris stop for a chat

Gary, Hazen, Chris & Stan

Stan on top of the swell

Stan takes a look at St. John's Harbour on the way to Cape Spear

Stan & Hazen with Cabot Tower in the background

Moonlight Paddle - August 26, 2010

A few of us got together for a moonlight paddle on Thursday evening. We left St. Philips and paddled to Topsail Beach. As we neared the beach, we could see the fires of people enjoying the great outdoors. We took a quick break on the beach and then paddled back to St. Philips. Although the moon showed only for a short period of time, it was still a great paddle.

a beautiful evening for a paddle

August 21, 2010 - Portugal Cove to Bauline

On Saturday, we paddled from Portugal Cove to Bauline and back.

Tony waits for us - sheltered from the wind

on the way to Bauline

lunch at Bauline

Bay Bulls - August 17_2010

It was a beautiful afternoon so I could not resist a short paddle. Where else to go but Bay Bulls? It's close and always enjoyable. Conditions always change once you leave the harbour. Today there were two metre waves but the wind dropped off.

South Side of Bay Bulls




Across the mouth of the bay to the north side

Cape Broyle - August 15,2010

I don't usually paddle solo but on Sunday I headed for Cape Broyle, one of my favorite destinations. I did not expect to see any whales so having them for company certainly made the day. They played for a long time and showed no signs of leaving the area any time soon.

On the way to Church Cove

The mighty creatures

Torbay to Flatrock - Sunday, August 8, 2010

On Sunday, Tony, Dean, Sean, Gary and I paddled from Torbay to Flatrock. Sunshine, warm temperatures and whales. Who could ask for more?

Sean & Dean on the way to Flatrock

Dean looks for whales

Bay Bulls to Witless Bay

Bull Island Trip July 3 - 4