.Date : Sunday 11th September 2022.
What : an early starting day time paddle, depending on route selected on the day could well be 15 km of paddling. An early morning start so bring a brunch !
Where : The Glaven Ports. Likely to include Morston, Blakeney and Cley, North Norfolk coast – salty water.
When: Meet at the club 0545 hrs for a prompt 0600 hrs departure. Those completely self contained living close to North Norfolk may with prior agreement be able to meet at the get in point (0700 hrs).
Facilities: Sorry I cannot guarantee any toilets will be open at the start / end of this trip although toilets (National Trust) do exist at Morston Quay.
What : A trip for kayaks (long tourers / sea kayaks) NOT canoes. The intention is to paddle from the Morston area using the incoming and very high tides on this day to take us up to Cley windmill at some point. We may go via Blakeney quay initially or upon returning from Cley, when we may paddle up to Blakeney Quay , thereafter onto Morston thro the creeks finishing at Morston car park . That can be a hard slog. It’s an opportunity to paddle for a few hours on salty water in this area. We will not be paddling out to Blakeney Bar.
What’s it like: It’s a day of exceptional high tides and will involve paddling in an area of relatively open water so it's only suitable for paddlers who can make progress even in windy and strong tidal conditions. Water depths may vary so you need to be used to getting in and out of your kayak. It's most certainly not for your first ever trip! You need to be a confident paddler on the sea or open waters, used to wearing a spray deck and be able to make progress against wind and strong tide flows. Although the plan is to use the tide to assist us there will be stretches when you will have to paddle hard to make progress against the tide.
What to bring? The usual items as if for a day trip, including waterproofs, additional clothing, snack and drinks packed in waterproof containers. As its an early morning start by all means bring a brunch (possibly for at Cley) and a packed lunch (for later in the day). Money for an ice cream at the end is always useful.
The car parks at both Morston and Blakeney – are pay and display car park. National trust members can park for free, so bring your National trust parking pass/ membership card. These car parks can get busy and in the case of Blakeney disappear under high water.
Transport, cars and roof rack space. As with all our trips we are dependent upon club members assisting with transport both for paddlers and boats.
Corona virus - Do also consider bringing your own supply of for example sanitiser, first aid kit and tissues, bag for any rubbish etc. Please respect others views on matters such as maintaining social distancing etc.
Upon return from the paddle all paddlers will be expected to wash down and clean all club kit used including any club kayaks used. Sea water is quite corrosive and kit its expensive.
Please use the online sign up facility, once booking is open, to indicate your interest that you would like to come. Your status will show as short listed. This trip is not suitable for beginners especially if strong winds are forecast. Those signed up may well get an email from me querying, asking about your experience of paddling against tide. Don't take it personally!
This trip is likely to be oversubscribed so don't assume you have a place on it unless the clubs website shows you as Attending / or you receive an email to confirm your place. If successful but subsequently unable to attend please let me know (via the online sign up facility) straight away so your space may be offered to another.
Tide calculations used in planning this trip Blakeney Bar – High tide 0734 hrs , 2016 hrs Blakeney Quay – High tide 0814 hrs, Morston Quay - High tide 0804 hrs, Cley – High tide 0834 hrs. Travel time Club to Morston 1 hour.
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