Sea kayaking in Jersey. A day of contrasts and changing weather
Calm seas and sunshine but note the fog banks in the distance
On Saturday Jersey was either a very warm and sunny place or, very foggy.
It all depended on which side of the island you were on. We were kayaking from Greve de Lecq. Trudie was guiding an oyster trail from Seymour slip on the south east coast no more then 5 miles away.
Friends were kayaking to Les Écréhous in 40m of visibility running on GPS and chart work/compass course while others were kayaking to the Paternosters (Les Pierre de Lecq) in sunshine.
Jersey Met had forecast a risk of occasional fog banks drifting over from Normandy. It seems this fog bank decided to spend the day sightseeing around Jersey.
Seymour slip in the fog. Taken around the same time as the kayaking photo
This is a good reason to always carry a compass -and know how to use it- as the fog could have easily drifted onto us while kayaking. You can see the fog rolling down the cliffs in the distance.
Three days later and we are experiencing snow and force 8 winds!
Derek Hairon
Derek Hairon is a British Canoeing level 5 coach (sea) and sea kayak leader guide and assessor.
Derek is the first nationally endorsed British Canoeing accredited guide in Jersey. The British Canoeing kayak guide endorsement supports and recognises the additional skills required when fulfilling a guiding role on sea kayak tours and expeditions worldwide.
Over 49 years of sea kayaking experience. Expeditions to circumnavigate Ireland by kayak, Outer Hebrides, Aland Islands, Faeroe Islands and Alaska. Plus, lots of sea and surf kayaking in the UK. White water-kayaking expeditions in Nepal to paddle the Tamur and Marsyandi Rivers.
Derek wrote Sit-on-top Kayak. A Beginner’s Manual (Pesda Press). It is now in its second reprint and is also translated into French. He is the author of the Channel Island and South East Coast Sea Kayaking guidebook (Pesda Press).