WE were given a rough outline of the weekend, coasteering on
Saturday morning, paddling out on the Helford river to a campsite on Saturday
afternoon and then paddling back and going surfing in Porthtowan on Sunday. WE
had a really nice half hour walk to the coast where we would be coasteering,
providing everyone with an amazing opportunity to get well and truly sunburnt!
As WE got our first glimpse of the water there were longing looks shooting out
to sea, it was so hot!!! WE arrived at the first jump, an inlet with a cave at
the end adding the danger of getting washed into the cave. WE managed to get
five people across before the waves stopped arriving in sets and just kept
coming. The remaining four people including myself decided it was too risky and
walked it. WE spent the rest of the morning jumping and scrambling our way
around Fal Bay.
WE headed back to the campsite to make the final preparations for our overnight trip on the Helford River. The paddle was fairly short but very scenic, with a quick stop to pick some mussels on the way. WE arrived and set up camp. There was soon a fire going and the mussels were cooking nicely, when it started to rain. WE got the marshmallows flowing and made everything better with the power of sugary snacks...
The next morning WE paddled back down to the beach and
unpacked the boats, and then it was off to Porthtowan for a session in the
surf. WE had lunch next to the beach then hit the surf for an hour or two; the
surf was quite small but still pretty sweet. The waves were nice and green
meaning lots of carving and even a bit of hand surfing. When WE got off the
water there was a final talk about what to expect and plan for on the upcoming
Montenegro trip, then it was back up the road to Exeter air port for the flight
home to Belfast. It was a great weekend enjoyed by all, Montenegro here we come!!!
Check out the video and more photos of the weekend below:
Ali McCreery
