The ideal place for some SUP expedition then? Yes!
As long as you make some plans and are aware of the
possible hazards – strong tidal flow, tricky access,
few escape points and lack of phone signal. Then
there is the sea itself, which can drop a thick fog
within seconds!
As usual our trip was a last minute decision, basically
being dictated to by the weather/sea gods. After a quick
call to Stephen Hale (aka Stuttieboy), we were loading up
the paddle wagon or the ‘Beach Hut on Wheels’ as it’s more
commonly known. We knew a great ‘stealth camper’ spot
not far from our desired put in, so we headed there hoping
that we could get parked at our desired place. We did…
Next morning, we didn't need to rush as our tidal window
allowed a few hours to have breakfast, coffee and chill until
about 11am. We then hitched a ride with the tidal conveyer
belt. Our put in was at Kimmeridge Bay, where we would
catch a one knot flow after paddling about a kilometre or so
to the outermost point at KBay: Broad Bench.
As we rounded the infamous Bench we saw a couple of
sit-on-top kayaks with children on board. The father
asked me if the next point we could see was Durdle Door.
He seemed shocked when I told him it was at least
another five miles away! I also told him that he would be
fighting the tide all the way back too, otherwise they’d be
waiting for six hours. He didn't even realise he was in a
tidal stream, with his whole family. At that point they
turned back. To be honest he and his family would most
likely have been OK but it just highlights the possible
dangers lurking for the unaware.
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