One year on from the launch of the ‘South West Sea Kayaking’ guidebook the author, Mark Rainsley began scheming a first anniversary celebration. It was to be much the same as last year’s shindig based upon paddling, tall tales and other matters to be discussed around a table full of fine Devonshire ales.
Over 60 paddlers descended upon the misty village of East Prawle in south Devon and set up camp in the farmers field. I was part of a small elite force that headed for the ‘Pig’s Nose Inn’ to see what local beers could be found.
The Pig’s Nose Inn (photo – The Rainsley collection)
The mist was still down on Saturday morning but with just a light southerly breeze we split up into small groups and began to explore the local coastline. I had travelled from Runcorn with Tim Lambert from P&H Custom Sea Kayaks and a trailer load of demo boats. We Paddled out from Hallsands with a small group around Start Point.
Graeme Mackreth was amongst our number sporting his latest acquisition. I wondered if this classic skin-on-frame ‘Baidarka’ was merely a purchase of passion or perhaps a cunning investment in research for a future boat design.
In the evening we gathered in the Pig’s Nose hall for a series of short talks. Chris Wheeler started with a world tour of places less paddled. Olly Sanders delivered tall stories a plenty including an account of how he managed to blow the roof off a hunting cabin on the Greenland coast. Mark Rainsley described his recent Scottish adventures then I finished off with the virtues and beauty of northern England coasts.
On Sunday the sun came out as did plenty more demo boats.
(photo – The Rainsley collection)
Tim and I paddled with a group to Burgh Island where the hotel and pub were overwhelmed by thirsty visitors.
With the pub out of bounds we got in amongst the swell to explore the rocky shores and towering cliffs before reluctantly winding up the weekend festivities back at Thurlestone Beach.