After the obligatory faff time, it was 12noon before we got on the water Rather later than planned (I blame that cup of coffee at the services myself!!). Out through the surf we collected up beyond the break line and started off towards Morte Point. Paul was paddling his borrowed sea kayak for the first time, and despite it being the longest boat seemed to find it hard to go in a straight line. Frustrated at battling with the boat, he then realised that the rudder steering system was being knocked by his footplates... So after some brief adjusting, and a language lesson from Dave (yes Morte point does mean Death point.... encouraging hey!) we headed off around the headland

The tide was running strongly as we rounded the point, enjoying some bouncy waves in the overfall created by underlying rocks and currents. With little wind to increase their height the waves were negotiated without incident and we headed in towards the rocks of the coast to explore. Feeling unexpectedly tired Dave realised that his footplates were not properly adjusted for his height, so treated us to an unplanned lesson on "mending boats at sea" - a very impressive display of balance, skill and trust in those of us holding his boat! Progress was slow, so spotting a beach we headed in for a short break and snack. Judy decided she didn't like the looks of the surf (chicken!) or the steep shingle bank to climb up so watched from a distance, taking the time to practise turning her sea kayak without falling into the sea!

Off again, we decided to head out further from the coast to catch the current on towards Martin's haven. As we neared Bull Point, something very strange happened - despite paddling forwards we were going backwards.... Hmm we were supposed to have found the 1.6knot tidal stream in our favour, but sure enough as we rafted up the lighthouse at Bull Point moved further ahead of us... Time to reassess our plans, so we paddled back in towards the coast line, and feeling that we had been caught in a large local eddy pushing the opposite way to the main flow we decided that a rock-hop on to Lee Bay might be the best plan.

So by 3.30pm we were paddling into the first beach of Lee Bay for a (very) late lunch stop. By this time the sun was out and the views spectacular. Paul caught up on some sleep, and we waited until the tide turned before heading back into our boats and back to Woolacombe. This time we kept close into the coastline, weaving our way in and out of rocks and coves. Back around Morte Point (yes we all lived to tell the tale!) and in towards the beach. By this time the sun was dipping and the surfers were beginning to disperse. So whilst Andrew, Dave P and Paul executed a very impressive surf to shore, Dave and I caught some larger waves and arrived at the beach in various (less than textbook) fashions. So, tired and happy, the tidy up began - boats and people up the beach, cars to fetch and kit to sort. As Dave surveyed the scene by the cars and decided to take up cricket as there would be less kit involved, Andrew told us not to worry about it, and did a grand job cleaning and emptying kayaks with Dave P's sponge.

So we went home. Rather later than planned after a really good trip - not quite up to Martin's Haven, but still a trip to be recommended.

Many thanks to Dave B for teaching, leading and supervising trip, to Dave P for sorting kit, transport and planning, to Keith for loan of boat and to all who came for an enjoyable day on the water.