Portsmouth Canoe Club: 13/12/2020

Tuesday 15 December 2020

Drone view of sea kayakers

Club members near the M275 bridge rounding Portsea Island on 11 December 2020

from Tomasz

Monday 14 December 2020

First light on the last day before lockdown 2 revealed a hard frost. Not my ideal paddling temperature but I’ve been around long enough to know that it would improve as the day went on, so we set off for Lymington. We arrived to blue sky, warm sunshine and a calm sea. Andrew and Norma were already there and there were lots of boats of all shapes and sizes getting out on the water to make the most of good weather on the last day of freedom to do such things for most of us.

We set off in 2 doubles, grateful to be on the water and happy to chat to one another. We headed out to the Jack in the Basket, then set off on a heading for Newtown Creek on the Isle of Wight. Half way across a swarm of helicopters appeared, some flying alarmingly low over us. Happily, they headed on towards a ferry moored off Cowes and proceeded to hover around it for some time.

Eventually, the ferry was moved into the western Solent so that we could see better (thanks guys). We pulled up onto a mosquito infested but otherwise commodious beach at the entrance to Newtown creek and watched the manoeuvres while we ate lunch. Eventually the ferry, little black boats and helicopters moved away again and we paddled on into the creek. It was a complete contrast to the Solent. It was incredibly peaceful and the sun highlighted the colours of the last of the autumn leaves. We had the place to ourselves and when we went under the bridge at the far end, it felt like another world.

Having explored the furthest reaches of the creek, we headed north, back across the Solent. Even on the calmest day, there is always a lumpy bit in the middle somewhere, but not that day. On arriving back at the mainland shore we weaved our way through the marshes to get back to Lymington.

We felt very privileged to have been able to enjoy lovely weather, good company and a cabaret c/o HM forces to have a last paddle on the sea for goodness knows how long. We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when.... (just be glad I’m not singing it). In the meantime we’ll keep paddling fit by going along our local canal.

from Martin and Sue

Up Portsbridge Creek with a paddle

Kindly organised by Chris Turner, six of us, in three pods of socially distanced pairs, set off from the Ferry Boat Inn, Hayling Island, at 12.15 (HW 16:57; LW 10:12 and neaps) heading north up Langstone Harbour in calm water with no wind. The incoming tide was still low and we passed a small group of seals basking on the mudflats as we headed for Portsbridge Creek. Just enough water in the creek to get us through and under the M275 bridge to Portchester Lake. As we glided past Portchester Castle the silvery blue afternoon light had an ethereal quality.

Reaching the Salt Café at Wicor Lake, we stopped for coffee and cake (can recommend the courgette and pistachio!) before putting in again for the return journey. We watched a murmuration of starlings in the distance over Portsmouth Harbour weaving and dipping between Portsmouth and Gosport, a magical display. Dusk was falling fast as we paddled back down the creek under the bridges and barely enough head room to get under the railway bridge back into Langstone Harbour. Night had fallen as we headed back to the Ferry Boat and our return at 18.00 was heralded by distant fireworks! Distance covered was just short of 17 miles and I was happy and tired after a very fulfilling paddle.