New Knysna Blades

2009-07-21T10:00:00.008+01:00

We've just got our first few sets of Knysna Racing, River and Polo blades through from South Africa. The overall quality looks excellent. We've got three interesting new paddles to play with.

The racing wings seem to be a fairly standard Wing (although Knysna describe them as easier going river runners than their full race wings; but then, South African racers are hardcore!)
They're a full carbon layup, no visible joins within the blade, with an overfit spigot. Very light, but still fairly stiff. They have the usual back-angle of a wing and would ideally suit a racer or fast-moving sea-paddler. We've brought them in as our Adventure Racing blade, as this style is perfect for fast, endurace work in rough or flat water.

The Polo Blades are very interesting. They are a foam-core Kevlar layup (no carbon), with an overfit joint. They are slightly heavier than our top-spec Brascas, but seem to be incredibly strong with a good surface area. We'll get them on the water asap to see how they feel. These will be a slightly cheaper polo option than the top line Brasca blades.

The River blades are full carbon again, with an internal fitting for the shaft. They seem to be a sleek, stiff river blade in a classic assymetric shape. Again, we'll get them in the water as soon as to check them out.

We'll have these made up over the next week and get them out to try.
As ever, if you're interested in trying anything or checking them out, email ali or george.

Cheers!
Scott.
www.powerplaypaddles.com

Erskine Bridge to Skye Bridge

2008-08-18T12:12:00.004+01:00

25 08 2007

by Iain MacDougall

Introduction

The Erskine Bridge to Skye Bridge was a trip I recently completed with my paddling partner, Chris Bell on the 11th of July 07. It had been a trip I had been planning for near a year after paddling around North Uist, in August 06 with Davie King and Barry Kelly. Why the Erskine Bridge to Skye Bridge well I live only a stone’s throw away from the Erskine Bridge and my mother is from Skye, where, as a kid I spent both my Easter and summer school holidays. Also I love sea kayaking and the great outdoors and thought why not combine the two and head off on an adventure.Incidentally, this is quite a long report and having a map (OS) maybe also handy.

4th of July 07

Weather: Sunny, force 3/ 4 winds with a moderate sea. I had been working this morning, planning to get away by mid-day but unfortunately didn’t escape until 2:30pm. I rushed home, frantically got my kit together and contacted Chris, my paddling partner. At about 3:30pm we made our way down to the Erskine Bridge and spent the next hour and a half packing and unpacking the boats. By 5pm, high water (HW) we were ready and jumped into the kayaks, heading for Dunoon. However, the enthusiasm was soon knocked out of us, as reality hit home and the task of paddling through a force 4 south westerly wind greeted us. We had intended to simply paddle up the middle of the Clyde to Cloch Point and cross over to Dunoon. But nevertheless, given the strength of the wind and the sea state we headed in shore, seeking shelter from the coast.As we slowly made passage, given the conditions we started to think about alternative plans. Maybe we could get out at the Royal and West club, Greenock and make camp there. Or perhaps we could continue on down to Lunderston Bay and cross over to Dunoon in the morning. You would be surprised how many different ideas passed through our heads during this part. We were both determined that we were going to make headway today and get the trip off to a good start.Anyway, we managed to pass the Royal and West club about 8pm and decided to crack on to Lunderston Bay. As the evening wore on the sun slowly started to drop and the temperature cooled. We plodded onto McInroy’s Point, where the Western Ferries cross over to Dunoon and put on our cags. Suddenly the wind died and we hesitantly made a decision to try a crossing. The plan was to kayak down to Cloch Point, venture out a bit and if conditions were conducive go for it. Well, we arrived at the other side about 9:30pm and slowly headed south looking for somewhere to stay the night.5th of July 07

Weather: Winds were still blowing westerly but had dropped. It was overcasts, drizzling and relatively cold for the time of year.When we left our campsite we headed south but I felt rather stiff and slow and to be honest not really too enthusiastic. However, as we approached Toward Point, our first notable landmark my motivation and spirits lifted. We turned at this juncture and headed north up the East Kyles of Bute. Within the space of half an hour the scenery became more rugged and striking with mist lingering in the hills and the vivid colours of the heather and grass shinning through. In the distance we could also see the Cal Mac ferry gliding across from Colintraive, all looking very picturesque and lifting the mood.

At Buttock Point we took a few photos and then headed south down the West Kyles of Bute. As we got near Carry Point, there was a group of kids out sailing and shouting ‘hello’. Some asked where were we going and to be honest I don’t think they believed the reply – but it was true.

Anyway, we rounded Ardlamont Point and headed up the East side of Loch Fyne, stopping for something to eat, a mile or so up. For a large part of the day the weather had been fine, slightly rough on occasions but manageable. Nonetheless, when we left the beach a strong southerly wind picked up and created a pretty choppy sea. We had intended to cross at Eilean Buidhe (NR 916 693) but given the conditions this was presently out of the question and we started to think about camping in Kilfinan Bay. For me the pressure was slightly on because I knew today’s paddling would have a bearing on how we approached the Dorus Mor, hopefully the following day. We headed up Loch Fyne on a north bearing praying for the wind to die. Thankfully, not far from Kilfinan Bay we got our lucky break and crossed into Whitehouse Bay. The evening was starting to draw in and subsequently not too far from Crinan Canal we sought out camp.

6th of July 07

Weather: In the morning and afternoon the weather was nice and warm, with the sun shinning bright. However, later in the evening the sun seemed to disappear and the wind pick up.

We had originally intended to portage at Tarbet, Loch Fyne and then make our way north, taking in Loch Stornoway, Loch Caolisport and Loch Sween. However, looking at the map it seemed quicker and less arduous to go the Canal way –a mistake I’ll not be making again.

In summing up, Cinan Canal is designed for yachts and other such vessels but not kayaks. The whole canal section was nothing other than a nightmare. The embankments were steep and high making it very difficult to either lift the boats off or put them on. It was a day of unpacking and re-packing kayaks, which I doubt now saved us much time. Equally the trolleys we had were ok for pulling on relatively flat concreted paths, however as soon as there’s a slight incline or a dirt path then expect (acute) pain.

Subsequently, we got the boats off the canal at the soonest possible opportunity (NR 804 924) River Add, at Bellanoch and headed out into Loch Crinan. It was late afternoon and not surprisingly the sun had disappeared and a relatively strong westerly wind had picked up. We stopped off at Liath-sgeir Mhor (NR 778 980) and had some grub and then after some deliberation decided to make passage through the Dorus Mor. We were both quite tired from all the huffing and puffing at Crinin Canal but when you know you’re up against something you soon come alive. From a distance the Dorus Mor looked passive and friendly and I could see 3 men fishing off the Craignish Point. For some reason this gave me a false sense of optimism but I knew it would be a rough ride. The tide had been coming in for about 2 hours and as we got closer I could see moving water and eddy lines. Just off Rubh an Lionaidh, all of a sudden the flood water grabbed my boat and took me for a spin. I paddled hard breaking through the eddy line into the bay off Craignish Point – the first bit of excitement of the day. There, the water was calm, allowing me to watch Chris make passage. Incidentally, Chris is a bomb proof river paddler and to date I have never seen him batter an eyelid at even the most gruelling river monster. Anyway, unbeknown to Chris his trolley had slipped off his back hatch and was now trailing in the water. As he paddled towards the point, he was grabbed by the same stretch of water I had been but this time, despite arduous effort was unable to make a clean break through. Quickly he zoomed passed with his blades going at 200 mph but nevertheless, he eventually managed to break free and entered the eddy, taking a huge sigh of relief.

From here we headed north, passing Loch Beag and making camp in a nice secluded spot about 2/ 3 miles up.

7th of July 07

Weather: First thing in the morning the weather was nice and sunny with little or no wind, however as the day progressed the wind picked up to a relatively strong south westerly/ westerly.

Leaving the campsite, we headed north to Shuna, passing along its East shoreline. The scenery was stunning, looking into Loch Melfort with a flat calm sea.

Once we rounded Shuna we headed over to Ardinamir Bay between Luing and Torsa. However, we had slightly over slept and were running behind schedule. Subsequently we missed flat water and were now paddling against an incoming tide. We had a fair battle kayaking up Torsa Beag (NM 756 125) a narrowing between Luing and Torsa. But we managed, breaking out into an opening bay with houses dotted along the shoreline. We then paddled over to Cuan Sound and made passage along its eddies.

Once passed Cuan Point, the sea state worsened with 5 foot swell rolling in which was also reverberating off the nearby cliffs. We slowly made passage to Easdale where we topped up on sweets and chocolate at the local village shop.

Leaving the shelter of Easdale and kayaking out in to Insh Sound the sea state was choppy, with south westerly swell rolling in and a brisk westerly wind. We followed the coastline up to Rubha Garbh Airde (NM 764 204) and then headed north to Kerrera. There we had something to eat and then paddled across the Firth of Lorn to Mull, Duart Point. In the Sound of Mull the sea was much calmer and the wind less vigorous, allowing us to take some photos. We then paddled up to Craignure and booked into the local campsite.

8th of July 07

Weather: Showers, with a brisk north westerly wind.

We had intended to have this day off and basically chill out but after a lie in we decided to paddle up to Tobermory. Given that it was basically follow the coast line I didn’t bother pulling out my maps and route planner. Chris had asked me the distance and I clearly remember saying, ‘it’s only a couple of miles, not far’, it shouldn’t take us that long’. We set off at about 1pm in glorious sunshine and flat calm waters but again, as soon as we turn the corner, the sun vanished, the wind picked up and the rain started. It was a quick change into cags and then the process of head down and paddling into the wind. From memory we arrived in Tobermory about 8:30pm and set up camp in another nice wee spot. On completion of cleaning up Chris looked at me and asked if I knew how to read a map and how an alleged short journey could turn into a marathon.

9th of July 07

Weather: Wind was blowing at about 22mph with an 8 foot swell, it was overcast, with prediction of heavy showers.

We left Tobermory about 8:30am and headed up to Ardmore Point (NM 470 593) making a final decision to either head back to Tobermory or go for it. After some reflection we decided to make a move and within no time at all were just off Kilchoan. Here the sea state was lively and the wind was quite strong but importantly not overwhelming. We checked in with the Coastguard, advising them of our proposed route and then headed off. The waves were crashing over the boats and external kit had to be well secured. The first couple of miles were fine, with no problems and we settled into a good rhythm. However, as soon as we started to turn north the waves were crashing off the cliffs creating a very messy, rough sea. These couple of miles were quite hairy and to be honest I was very pleased when we rounded the Point of Ardnamurchan, securing shelter. We took a few photos of the lighthouse and then headed off into Sanna Bay for some scran. The met office weather forecast predicated that the wind was to change direction from a westerly to a southerly and subsequently I hoped we would benefit from some sheltered passage along Ardnamurchan peninsula. However, despite a relatively calm sea the wind was strong and took a fair bit of effort to battle through. At about 5pm we decided to knock it on the head and have an early night. We started looking for somewhere to kip and by some fluke found the campsite of the trip. We pitched the tent, had dinner and contacted the relevant authorities/ people. The sun then came out, the wind died and we sat outside until about 10:30pm in the baking sunshine looking onto Muck, Eigg and Skye - perfection.

10th of July 07

Weather: Overcast; force 3 /4 winds and moderate sea state.

We left Ardnamurchan peninsula at about 9am, crossing to Rubha Ghead a Leighe (NM 649 789), being watched by a few seals. This was a relatively straightforward passage, the sea state had been calm with the wind behind us. We then kayaked across the Sound of Arisaig and had some lunch on the other side. After about an hour we headed east making passage to Loch nan Ceall. Here, there are islands at the head of the loch which at this time of year (July) are strewn with numerous seal pups. When we paddled passed they couldn’t get in the water fast enough but when in the water they came up to us seeming very inquisitive. We stayed here for about five minutes and then made our way north. As we left the shelter of the islands the wind picked up, again and the sea state worsened. We paddled for a few more hours in quite tough conditions and then decided it was best to store our energy and sought out somewhere to camp.

11th of July 07

Weather: On sticking my ugly head out the tent is seemed quite windy and the weather forecast predicted a force 3 / 4 wind and moderate seas. However, this turned out to be our best days paddling weather wise, with the sun shining, calm seas and only a cooling breeze.

Our aim was to get under the bridge today but we still had a bit to go and given the weather forecast did not hold out much hope. Anyway, we set off about 9am and made our way to Mallaig. Our intention was to top up on supplies but when you have a sweet tooth, you end up leaving with nothing other than big bags of sweets and family packs of chocolate. I must admit it was good while it lasted.

Leaving Mallaig we entered the mouth of Loch Nevis. To our right, about 100 metres away I spotted 3 dolphins porpoiseing towards us. I called out to Chris and we cautiously and slowly headed in their direction but unfortunately they moved away. We then made a straight passage across the mouth of Local Nevis and kayaked up to Loch Hourn. The scenery about here was striking and dramatic with the high sided hills and deep glens. Looking across to the Sound of Sleat, I could see the Gaelic College, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and to it south Aird where my grandfather was from. With the sun shinning and the hills towering above, I found it a very humbling place to be.

Kayaking pass Sandaig Island, just north of Loch Hourn, the Sleat peninsula gradually gets closer and more vivid. I remember 2 days ago paddling around the point of Ardnamurchan and seeing Skye, away in the distance and thinking will we every get there but now here we were within touching distance. Nonetheless, we still had Kyle Rhea to get through and time was running out. We had intended to have something to eat at Gleneig Bay and then slowly make our way through the Kyles but that was now out of the question. Flat water was at 17:15 and we only had 20 minutes to get through before the tide started against us. Both Chris and I paddled like crazy and were followed by a large bull Grey Seal for most of the way. Kyle Rhea is not a section you want to get on the wrong tide, however there are apparently eddies up both sides but I was too tired for any of that hullabaloo.

When we finally managed to paddle the section we stopped at Rubha Buidhe and had some well earned dinner. From here it was a straightforward two and a half mile paddle and under the bridge. We both shook hands, took a few photos and then set about the now mundane task of looking for a campsite.

Summing Up

Unsupported trips like this take a lot out of you and require a fair bit of training and planning before heading off. There are a million and one different things to remember, including safety kit, food, route planners, dry kit, and camping gear. For me, perhaps the most challenging aspect of the trip was camping. In all but one night we wild camped which meant firstly trying to find a suitable site and after a hard days paddling requires a bit of effort. Then, once you have located a site you have to unpack your kayak, set the tent up, drag the boats above the HW mark, make scran and then clean up. It’s not finished there, you have the task of contacting the Coastguard and home, generally meaning a yomp up a mountain, (in the wind and rain). And in the morning, it’s all the same again but in reverse with the tide generally out about half a mile. All in all, paddling 25/30 miles per day is the easy bit and with each paddle stroke you’re that wee bit closer to Skye.

Another point of note for me was the remoteness and the fear of getting into trouble. We made numerous open crossings, with very exposed sections, not including kayaking very strong tidal features. Getting help is not easy and making contact with the outside world is often impossible, so being well prepared was essential. Many of the parts we paddled were fairly inaccessible, with only the odd (empty) house dotted along the way. When you read some of the Coastguard accident reports or near misses, it tends not to be a major event that triggers a rescue, it is something innocuous (or obvious) which subsequently creates a domino effect. Therefore being prepared for all eventualities was a must, this included blisters on your hands, exposure, or a sore back from lifting the boats. The thought of getting into difficulty in some of these sections filled me with dread, being out there all alone.

Anyway, my biggest regret of the trip was doing it too quickly. I wished we had taken days off and explored the coastline and hillsides more. Looking back we were on a mission, the aim was to get to the finish line, heightened more so by the incessant head wind. Sadly many of the hidden gems along the way went undiscovered and the chance to take in the dramatic scenery was often missed. To me, this was a great disappointment but given that I live not too far form the highlands and Skye I am returning again in August but this time at a more leisurely pace.

And finally I would like to say a big thanks to several people: firstly my good lady, Lynsey and daughter, Chelsie Cheeky Chops; secondly Ali Denny of powerplaypaddles.com for making both myself and Chris a cracking set of paddles; thirdly, Jim, Davie and Barry for giving me advise and a loan of kit; fourthly Simon Willis for raising the profile of our trip; fifthly Willie for picking us up from Skye, acting as support worker and sending us weather reports and finally to all the people who have given donations to the British Lung Foundation, thanks. justgiving.com/kayaking-iain

I hope you enjoyed the report.

Cheers

Iain

PowerPlayPaddles Blog

New Knysna Blades

Erskine Bridge to Skye Bridge

25 08 2007