The weather has not been kind to kayakers for the last few weeks, with strong winds and rough seas and rivers going up and down like yo-yos. Sunday was the first time for about two months that there were club outings – a small group went to Coquet Island from Shorebase while the river runners … Read more

This year’s Weirwolf paddle didn’t happen because of the strong winds. Instead of a flotilla of boats decorated with lights paddling up the estuary a select group gathered for a club meeting and pooled tea at Shorebase featuring Hamish’s excellent chilli.

Last weekend was a surfing weekend for the club. On Saturday Tim from Shorebase gave a surf coaching session to a small group willing to brave the cold to try out the new surf boats that Shorebase has acquired and develop their surf skills. On Sunday the regular sea group found the sea outside the … Read more

This is a favourite run for the club and the first one of the season took place on Saturday in glorious sunshine. The scenery was stunning with the autumn colours – particularly the beech trees, even the fish were leaping out for a quick glimpse. The group saw an abundance of ducks, several dippers and … Read more

River running starts when the fishing season ends and most years the club supports the Hexham club in putting on their annual Tyne Tour. Sadly this year it had to be cancelled because of flood warnings but other runs are being planned – you can find out more by contacting the club – see https://coquetcanoeclub.co.uk/ … Read more

This Sunday the sea group met at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea where they had a lumpy start in 1.3m swell and headed South into the prevailing wind riding the waves towards Cambois with the odd, occasional big wave trying to catch folk out. There was a plan to make a beach landing but the swell plus waves was … Read more

Last Sunday the only club outing was a sea paddle to Amble Links followed by some rescue practice – the sea is at its warmest at this time of year so the best time to get wet. The forecast had been for strong winds from the South and it had seemed likely that we’d have … Read more

Visits to Coquet Island are always different. Last Sunday there were dolphins but not as many seals as on Wednesday. Our group of sea kayakers was round the back of the island when a passer-by on a motor boat told us there were dolphins heading South on the landward side. After completing our circuit there … Read more

Last Wednesday’s evening outing was only a small group but they had a lovely calm evening to paddle round Coquet Island. Not many more Wednesday evenings left before it starts getting dark too early. Photos Richard Sill.

There have a been a few Thursday surf sessions recently. A chance to practise launching and landing in surf as well as enjoy the thrills and spills of riding the waves. Going out through waves the instinct is to raise the paddle but the correct technique is to lean forward and paddle hard for stability.