Unfortunately the right half of photos are not shown.
To view the complete picture, right click on picture and click on 'Open image in new tab', then click on picture for bigger size.
Then click on View Raw Image in left side bottom corner.
We had to launch our boats at an angle to the incoming tide otherwise the wash would spin our long boats around.
Once afloat the difference compared to a river boat is quite noticeable.
A sea kayak just rides the waves or goes through them!
Also a sea kayak moves a lot faster and requires less effort which was useful as we were paddling against a strong wind.
Normally I enjoy viewing passing scenery and taking photos but with the sea now becoming quite lumpy we had to concentrate on reading the sea and negotiating each wave – or at least I did!
After 90 minutes of paddling against a strong wind and across an incoming tide we reached Folkstone (approx 4 miles) and had our lunch on the beach.
Robb explained how going back would be different; although the tide was still coming in, the wind and sea would now be behind us. This means more steering strokes.
Back on the water we noticed the difference, with the wind and waves now following us; again it was solid concentration.
Every so often someone would disappear from sight, the swell was that strong.
Our day finished with not one capsize and given the challenging sea conditions and the experience of the group, this is something we were all pleased with.
Thanks to Rob for his leadership,Pete for driving and to Julia for organising this very fulfilling day.