The day started with torrential rain on the M5 and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one wondering what I was doing driving to the coast. Still, the forecast looked like it would clear up in time to hit the tide. We held our nerve and were rewarded with near perfect conditions for an intro to coastal paddling.
Following the Avon down from Aveton Gifford down to the coast (site of the famous Bantham Swoosh), we had a chance to practice eddy hopping and breaking in and out as the tide built. A private beach to ourselves was the perfect spot for lunch and a bit of tidal theory, before hitting the sea proper.
Our journey took us out round Burgh Island. Though only a few hundred metres from the buckets and spades of Bigbury it could have been a million miles away. We were able to work on technique and confidence in the small but long period swell, as well as paddling into and sideways on to wind and chop.
All in all, a magical day on the sea.
Check out our upcoming trips here. We’ll add more throughout the year or if there’s a few of you we’re always up for running a bespoke trip.
A four and half hour trip down the coast and back with a picnic in a picturesque sandy cove completed the experience I definitely want to do again. Thanks for organising – 100% recommend to everyone – Tim ensures that whatever your ability you are fully catered for and made to feel totally welcome. – B“Great trip from Aveton Gifford to Bantham beach and beyond. Great mix of river, and sea, giving us the opportunity to learn a good mix of new skills to handle currents and to *try to* master the waves! Really impressed with the patience and knowledge of Tim who took us on our day long adventure. Really chilled, fun day!” – S“Moving on – Time to try SUP Bristol Discover the Sea trips – So with limited expectations I booked the Trip to Bantham and experienced one of the best days I can remember – Led by Tim whose leadership and advice inspired my confidence to try things I never thought I could do. I was so chuffed – I was stand up paddling for long periods of time through the deep waves, by the rocks, through the changing currents / tides and not falling in ( all the time anyway ).” – B
