Words: Tez Plavenieks
Pics: Tez & Fi Plavenieks
Following a hectic summer the tail end of 2017’s high season saw the
family and I (complete with new addition) looking for a quiet corner to
escape to with a spot of calm paddling thrown in the mix. As much as I (and
wife) enjoy bunting about in waves sometimes it’s just nice to stretch out
and ease back off the accelerator. With a window of idyllic weather on the
cards we had an opportunity – but where to head?
Following a scour of the interwebs the ever resourceful better half managed to nail down a decent
deal across the straits to the ‘other’ island in the distance. With Isle of Wight ferry crossings being
one of the most expensive per square nautical mile it was refreshing to have been given an
inclusive price for boat journey and accommodation that didn’t break the bank. Even though the
IOW is but a stone’s throw away from our home it hasn’t been a priority destination in the past.
Now with new born in tow, plus growing toddler, the prospect of hours to the South West didn’t hold
any appeal whatsoever. Instead a shorter hop was choice with a slumber nook of the island looking
far more inviting.
For those that know Freshwater Bay, based on the IOW’s SW corner, is a two faced spot. On this
occasion the forecast was suggesting calm seas and blue skies – perfect for a spot of mellow SUP
touring. I also checked in with Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co’s Charlie Cripwell for a bit more info
who confirmed that flat waters would be the most likely offering. Prescription delivered!
A brief Solent crossing saw the four of us land in Ryde. It was then a short hop to our
accommodation just outside Yarmouth. The West Bay Country Club and Spa is perfect for families.
Chalet style accommodation, in our case a two bedroom affair, plus access to gym, swimming pool
and spa facilities made for a brilliant set up. Yarmouth is close by with Colwell Bay, Alum Bay and
The Needles in the opposite direction – basically plenty of stuff to keep us entertained.
Coastline topography
There are plenty of spots for putting SUP style in all around the IOW but it was Freshwater Bay that
held most appeal for us. Why? Because of the coastline topography you find here. Fresh is
predominantly a reefy location with sheer cliffs flanking either end. Gin clear water makes for some
fab seabed gazing but it’s the iconic rock stack formation on the eastern side that gives Freshwater
its distinct feel. There’s beach at low tide which is good for family sand castles and sundown beers
while round the headland to the west offers paddlers some awe in spiring deep water views
complete with white cliff framing.
From point to point across the bay is only a short distance. But this was never meant to be an
exercise in smashing out the miles. With sublime weather on offer simply sweeping to and fro,
maybe doing the occasional full lap was where it was always going to be at. Fun times were had
sliding between rocky formations on the western corner out front of the Albion Hotel. Whist
paddling next to the iconic rock stack in the east makes you appreciate the scale of things.
For those with enough loot in the bank there are a bunch of properties in the area that would be
cracking for paddlers. In particular high above on the headland overlooking the main surf break
(when there’s swell that is) you can see one of these abodes that apparently costs slightly more
than an arm and leg. Further along in the opposite direction are other such properties that cash
rich weather freaks would love – some of the storms along this part of the coast can be ferocious.
Flying shingle abound!
Back to the paddling and passing the time meandering to and fro certainly allows for calm
reflection. As autumn was starting to give way to winter it was relaxing to soak up the last few rays
of sunshine in readiness for (what turned out to be) a long and cold winter. Even though there are
other paddlers that frequent this area we remained the only ones in sight during our short stay.
This shows there’s always possibility of snagging a decent quiet float with no one about.
Post-three days and it was back to our own little island and down to the daily grind. Looking back
on this trip and it was one of change for us as a family with new horizons emerging. Being able to
share this experience and give our kids a taste of our chosen lifestyle, even though still very young,
is what it’s all about as far as we’re concerned. Sometimes hardcore conditions are what’s on the
menu. At other times, however, a chilled time out is what’s needed with space to breathe, recharge
and get headspace in the zone for the continuing journey ahead. It also proves that you don’t need
to go that far for your own slice of quiet. Seek and ye shall find as the saying goes…
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