Cappoquin Paddle

We had been planning this paddle since before Xmas and finally the day has arrived. The plan is to meet in Youghal, ferry boats to Cappoquin and paddle down to just past Youghal bridge.
We made Youghal at about 9:30 and everyone changed into rivergear (except me) leaving dry gear in cars for collection at the end of the paddle. Racked 3 boats per car and travelled to Cappoquin. I changed into river gear and packed my clothes in dry bags in the boat. We were on the water at 10:50.
After paddling about an hour it became apparent that the biggest obstacle was the wind (F4/F5 Southerly blowing straight against us) and we had practically no assistance form the tide/current. We stopped for lunch just past Villierstown Castle at 1PM. At this point we had paddled 6miles with a further 7miles to go. The forecast indicated the winds would not abate in the afternoon but instead gust stronger. This would be hit and miss towards arriving in Youghal before dark so the decision was made to turn back. At least the strong wind would be at our backs and help us along.
Some nice river waves gave us time to practice our surfing skills! About a mile from Cappoquin the wind dropped and sit on tops had a fair struggle against the outgoing tide. Everyone made it ashore about 4:30 just as it was getting dark. I was the only one with dry gear to change into so we had people sitting in damp neoprene in the cars all the way back to Youghal.
Many lessons learnt today!

Xmas CSK Paddle

Elaine Mullan from Celtic Sea Kayakers (CSK) put an invite up on the ISKA bulletin board for their Xmas paddle meet in Dunmore East. I contacted Elaine and decided to go along. Joe, Pat and Paul couldn't make it as they were either abroad or too busy finishing off fitted kitchens! Invite on bulletin board asked people to bring along mince pies - tried in Tesco this morning and not a mince pie in the house - hopefully Elaine won't send me home!
Arrived in Dunmore and the water was flat which was surprising since the forecast wasn't great. A total of seven turned up for the paddle and we headed West past Portally towards Ballymacaw where we stopped for lunch. Other people had mince pies so I'm the hook! Conditions were glorious and you wouldn't think from the photos this was a Xmas paddle.
We got back to Dunmore, loaded up the boats and headed for cappuccinos. This was a very nice social gathering and I really look forward to paddling again with this group. Hopefully the next time more of the lads will be able to make it.