SEA TRIP - Keyhaven / Freshwater (Isle of Wight)

Leader: Phil Filby

This Needles trip is a classic but the conditions need to be fairly reasonable.  The tides dictate a narrow window of opportunity and the aim is to be at the Needles shortly before Low Water, approx 11:00.  This means that we’ll need to be paddling out of Freshwater by 09:30.  I would like to aim for 09:00 which would then give us time to land at Alun Bay if we are early.  We’ll then wander around the light house and then stop at the beach just around at Scratchell’s Bay.  If there is any swell this landing may be too exposed.  The tide turns quickly and the landing can only be short in order to get back around the Needles.  The return trip needs to be started no later than 11:30.  The channel south of Hurst Castle can get choppy in the flow and it’s important to allow for that flow by ferry gliding across and keeping a good look out for larger traffic.  The transit back could take as little as an hour, more like 1.5hr.

This trip demands an early start.  With 77 miles Bath to Keyhaven, a trip of 2hr 5 mins, an hr of messing about, means depart Bath 06:30.  The up-side is that it should be before the traffic builds up.  The return home will also be early, eta Bath 16:00, assuming there is no chance for playing about at Keyhaven.

More details will be circulated to participants closer to the time.

 

Open to anyone who paddles at 2-3 star level with previous sea experience. If under 18 you must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the whole trip including on the water.
 

You must register if you intend to come. Places are limited to ensure a sensible ratio between 3* and less experienced paddlers.

If you need a club boat email the quartermaster mailto:quartermaster@bathcanoeclub.co.uk