The Menai Straits...

With the tide starting to flood, Andy, Graham, Mike Owen and I put in on the slipway at Menai Bridge. We then fought hard to make headway under the bridge. Once through, we found an eddy and made good speed towards the swellies. Only Andy had paddled this stretch of water before, so the rest of us had no idea what to expect. Breaking in and out of the flow was great fun and, once we gained our confidence, we headed for rougher water. It was like a fast flowing river but with an incredible amount of space; plenty of eddies and the chance to rest.
Everyone managed to stay in their boats and the paddle back to Menai Bridge with the flow took no time at all. As usual, thank you Andy for the coaching and boosting my confidence.

Philip Thomas.

Puffin Island...

On a superb Autumn evening Andy, Lizzie, Mike Owen and I set off from Penmon point for a paddle around Puffin Island. The wind was calm and there was about 2 hours before sunset. Heading out through the tide race we enjoyed breaking in and out of the flow and then paddled clockwise around the island.

The conditions were perfect and we would have been happy with just that. Then we came across a seal. One seal turned into two, then three, four, until there were too many to count including a couple of young pups. They all seemed very playful and followed us around the rest of the island popping up, giving us a fright and trying to bite the back of Lizzie’s boat!

Heading back for Penmon the seals left us alone and, with the sun going down, we had time to reflect on a magical trip. Well worth the effort and I am looking forward to doing it again. Once again, thanks to Andy for suggesting the trip and for the useful tips.

Philip Thomas