South Dildo in the sun

Yesterday, Tony, Dean and I paddled from South Dildo to Southern Point. It was a warm, sunny day. This is the same area that a group of paddled in last year in quite different conditions. On the trip yesterday, we did not see the same waves that last year provided some with the chance to roll, surf and otherwise find out what it's like to have a big wave fall on you. The pictures below show what we experienced yesterday. At Southern Point, we felt the effects of the strong winds. At this point, we headed back as planned. A great day with a total distance paddled of just over 23 km.

Tony


Dean, gotta love those Greenland paddles

Tony and Dean check out a camping location

Looking down at Tony

Dean and Tony

Dean & Tony check out this shelter on Dildo Island

Tony, with Dildo Island in the background

Familiar Waters

With a forecast of strong winds again this past weekend, on Sunday we decided to paddle close to home. So it was off to Philips once again. Tobias and I had a short paddle (13 km) to Topsail Beach and back. Although the wind was strong at the beginning of our paddle, it eased off after about 3 km. We had been hoping for strong winds to blow us back to St. Philips but it was not to be. We had to settle for moderate waves to take us home.

Leaving the slipway

Tobias, where is your kayak?

Tobias measuring the wind speed. At this point, it was 20 km.

Against the Wind

Last Saturday the land forecast was for SW winds 30 km, gusting to 50 with snow squalls. Four of us decided to head to St. Philips to play in the waves. We paddled into the wind for a while. Although it is good practice, it can tire you very quickly if you don't pace yourself. Paddling back to St. Philips was easy with the wind and waves pushing us along. After a couple of hours, we gave it up and headed to the beach side restaurant for coffee. Another great day!

Nice wave

Neville, waiting for the right moment

Time to wash the salt from the gear

Kayakers' Playground

Have you forgotten how to have fun? Yesterday, we did not forget! I forgot about everything else and just enjoyed the moment. It was easy to see from watching others play in the waves that they get it. They understand that you just have to get out there and do it. Seven of us had a short paddle of about 15 km out of Witless Bay. We paddled out to 'Top of the Point' where we were exposed to the wind. There we stayed about 300 metres offshore to avoid the more chaotic conditions near shore. The we headed back and played in the waves crashing over the shoals near Camel Head. Thanks to Stan, Gary, Gerard, Tony, Dean and Neville for a great day.

Tony

Dean and Gerard dig in

Stan waiting for the right moment

Neville, on the wave

lunch

our playground - near Camel Head

Breakin' through the ice

Yesterday was the kind of day to be outdoors. Although the temperature was minus ten degrees celsius very early in the morning, it was sunny with blue skies. While many people were no doubt heading to the ski slopes or to the back country on their snowmobiles, six of us travelled to beautiful Cape Broyle for a paddle. After breaking our way through the ice, we paddled along the north shore for about ten kms and had lunch at Coughlan's Cove near Brigus South. After lunch, we crossed the mouth of the harbour and headed for Church Cove, a distance of just over 2 1/2 km. By the time we got back to our starting point, we had paddled about 24 km. A great day and a great place to live!

breaking through the ice meant extra effort

Tony checks out the falls

Dean takes a close look

Many places to explore: Gerard moves in for a closer look

a good place to stop

enthusiastic paddlers

you don't get this in July

while some boats are tied up for the winter, others keep moving

St. Philips to Big Freshwater Cove

We are fortunate to be able to paddle all year in this part of the province. Yesterday our winter paddling group met at the slipway in St. Philips at around 9:30. I doubt if you will find a more enthusiast group of paddlers anywhere. The temperature was about -1 C which was quite balmy compared to the temperature a week ago. Thanks to Stan, Tony, Tobias, Dean and Gerard for a great day.

The wonders of winter paddling

Despite light winds, waves crashed upon the shore

Gerard in his Valley Kayak

Tony and Gerard near the Falls

Tobias and Dean at the beginning of paddle

Stan taking pictures

Strong winds and storm surges leave behind debris

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