New Years Shenanigans

A short & sweet new years day messing about session at Cardiff Bay with Christopher Evans, Elan Winter, Sean Hurrell & Gareth Jenkins...

Men In Black...

Rolling with sticks in Cardiff Bay...

No Rest For The Wicked...

Hmmm, crappy weather according to the Met Office though their timings were out yesterday, looked like Cardiff Bay was to be the venue for todays paddle. I cant say I was too keen especially when Chris mention the 09:30AM start time! I've been getting up at 06:30 all week for work & was looking forward to a bit more time in bed!

I did fancy a paddle with my mates again though so I persuaded myself to get out of bed despite the rain hammering on my campervan roof. I arrived at Channel View at 09:30 to meet Chris, Sean, Stu, Pete & Blaine (who I've not met before). Simon was there too to give everyone some beer, walnuts for me though as I don't drink :) He wasn't paddling today though.

We chose to paddle up the River Taff which was interesting against the current with the river in flood. It was proving hard work!

There's always one!

We went a little past the Millenium Stadium but the current was getting quite strong now, time to head back for the Bay.

The sun was blinding on the way there but all that was soon to change!

  

Here comes the rain

And hailstones too!

A bit of hiding was required.

Before making our way across the Bay & back to the cars tired & hungary. I was finding myself dreaming of a handful of Simons nuts by this point :s

Great to get on the water with the misfits again, a good morning on the water :)

Simon Finishes His Wales Exped...

So Simons epic Wales challenge comes to an end & i was off to Cardiff with Mike Mayberry to meet a few friends for the final stretch into Cardiff Bay where Simons family had arranged a small finale event, except it wasn't that small!

Myself, Mike & Chris Evans got there early & had to paddle across to the barrage to meet Simon & the guys. Pepper was coming too & itching to get on the water.

Lab's really are water dogs!

HELLO!!! I'M ON MY MOBILE!!!

Stuart & Chrissy were there too but couldn't hang around as Simon was late!

Nice colour co-ordination there Stu ;)

Here come the Guys via Flat Holm, an extra little adventure for the boys :)

Simon makes his way to the finish line :)

Thats James nearest, Stu & Chris who accompanied Simon to Flat Holm. It was quite bumpy apparently.

Stu badgered the harbour control for permission to go through the bay lochs by guilt tripping them I think?
A nice way to reach the finish though so top marks for the barrage guys :)

Entering the bay.

Is this the look of relief? ;)

Chris brought some champers. The guy with the camera is Derrick who completes our flotilla.

Croeso i Caerdydd, Yaki Da! 

Heading for the finish in a flying V formation.

Made it & the finishing event was bigger than expected! 

Simons bro was providing the live music that we could hear from the other end of the bay!

All in all there must have been about a 100 people waiting to watch him come home :)

 well done dude, you deserved this! :)

There was a lot of man love going on ;)

Evan Stu got a hug ;)

It was a fab event & a fab achievement for Simon. When he approached me with his plans & for advice nearly a year ago I wasn't too convinced he'd make it considering his kayaking experience was limited to short hops in an inflatable kayak.
I know from following his progress that he's worked hard to get ready for this event & his determination & love for Linda his fiance who sadly passed away has got him through this.

If you could make a donation to his just giving page (raising money for Velindre cancer care) i'm sure he would appreciate it, he's certainly earnt it!

https://www.justgiving.com/LookingOutForLinda/

Roll's & Rescues At Cardiff Bay...

Despite the rather parky weather a few of us from the 'Sea Kayak Cymru' Facebook Group, (Stuart, Kevin, James & Chris) decided to meet up on Saturday for a paddle in Cardiff Bay with the intention of practicing our rolls & rescues.

 Paddling across the Bay to Mermaid Quay.

 Coffee break? I wish!

 A little limbo to loosen our muscles.

Image By Stuart...

 Before we get wet, here I'm doing a clamber on deck :S

Image By Stuart...

And I volunteer for a x-rescue too :)

 Chris gracefully exiting his Delphin.

Kevin making love to his kayak :) We were all impressed with Kevin pulling off a roll earlier & making it look easy. It was his first roll outdoors. Well done mate ;D

After some cajoling we finally got James to test his new drysuit.
It was a pleasant enough couple of hours on the water but I think the parkyness of the water limited what we did a bit, (Brrrr!)...

Cardiff Bay Ice-breakers...

OK, so its Saturday, its bloody nobbling outside & there snow falling. I know, lets go kayaking???

It's this man's fault, Richie wanted to get out for a paddle on the weekend & quite honestly I don't think he feels the cold.

 Brrrrr.

Richie's not the only nutter on the water, Laura & Andy were displaying a 'positive mental attitude' too.

We decided it would be fun to paddle right into Cardiff city centre along the River Taff.

 Richies having fun :D

 Approaching the Millennium stadium through the snow, magic.

 Lets do some head shots :D

 Always smiling.

 Sleepy time.

 Sh*t, my turn.

 Winter wonderland.

Cheesy does it.
A fab day out, just got to try & dry my kit for tomorrows paddle :)