Sea Kayaking Cornwall 2013 - Bedruthan Steps.

Up to now, this had been a great trip, 2 classic paddles from Boscastle, one excellent paddle from Looe, and if the weather had turned, at that point, and we'd headed home, it would've been a fantastic success. But, unbelievably, the trip now just got a whole lot BETTER. Not that you'd have guessed it on this morning. The sea was crashing in at Looe, blowing Southerly, straight up the river - too rough. I thought, it would be a day off, so we headed back over to the North coast, and after much faffing about, ended up at Porthcothan, 4 miles or so, south of Padstow. The wind was now coming from the North, but, it had dropped to virtually nothing. So off we go, we explored the coast towards Trevose Head, last time I was here, the swell, prevented close exploration, of the wonderful cave peppered coast, and this time, we more than made up for it. Some of the caves were just amazing, as you can see for yourself, and the amount was staggering. I have actually missed quite a few out, in an attempt to keep the video to a manageable length. As good as this day was, believe it or not, it was still to get even BETTER still, the next 2 trips are probably the ultimate, as far as weather conditions go, just like being overseas.............but better.

[@GBPaddling]

If you like walking, you will absolutely LOVE kayaking, same type of activity i.e. exploration, but a different medium. Out there floating on a calm day, is just heaven, all your troubles seem to be left ashore.

[@GBPaddling]

It's a big bonus for me paddling in clear water, it also confirms that you're in a clean environment. It doesn't get much better than this.

[@tirrofa]

Frank, you and Matt should have a TV series, what another quality vid mate. Sheer Quality....

[@Keef495]

A really stunning video again Frank. Thank you for posting these, they make great viewing. Really enjoying your latest batch of Cornwall clips. Having paddled down there I can't believe how lucky you were with the wind and sea state on the North coast..! Looking forward to the next clips, so please keep them coming. I appreciate they must take some editing though...

[@Zongooo]

Wow. This is great. I was in the area at that time - early July 2013 - and it was blisteringly hot all week. Best holiday ever. Heaven! I didn't see any kayakers though. I will keep an eye out next time.

[@GBPaddling]

Thanks Keef, I spent 3 days on this, not full days, but on and off, the main problem was trying to keep the length down, there was so much to see. As good as the conditions were, they get even better on the next 2 videos. You will not believe how calm it was at Godrevy Island. It's brilliant to be able to get in all these caves, and tunnels when it's calm enough. We got back to Porthcothan at 11.30pm, we were knackered, but fortunately we'd had the steaks, on the beach....happy days.

[@StreetZipsSZ]

Amazing explore, thanks for sharing!

[@brickhead48]

Water looks so clear! Quality video mate glad you had such good weather

[@psycomule51]

Hi Frank, another fine offering! would be great to have some glassy days again but its blowing quite strong at present. Did manage to get out a couple of weeks ago on the south coast, we went round to the devils frying pan, nice paddle. All the best Paul.

[@teec3385]

These videos are brill my friend, I love coast walking but this looks great fun and so much to explore. Think I need a Kayak.!!!!!!

[@alanshunter]

usual high quality work Frank you had an exceptional weather window and you chose a fantastic location to explore. Gopro is working a treat as well , with those nice underwater shots .

[@robinengland5799]

outstanding trip, keep the great videos comming

[@psycomule51]

The Devils Frying Pan is a couple of miles from Kennack sands, that's the easiest place to get in, car park almost on the beach. A week earlier we went out from Poldhu cove, past Mullion, half way to Kynance, did a lot of fishing, caught a lot of Pollack and a few mackerel and back with wind and tide against us, knackering! would like a bit of that now! big seas and its blowing a hoolie! cheers Paul.

[@GBPaddling]

Ah yes, Shergar tasted lovely, ha ha. Good job we ate when we did, it was 11.30pm when we got back, no chance of a pub meal, or a chippy then.Self-sufficient is the best way though, learned that lesson up Scotland once, need some tins, and stuff for emergencies.

[@GBPaddling]

Hi Paul, the next video is Porthtowan, to St Agnes, which was like being abroad, and then the video after is when we met you and Aaron. These are amongst the best paddles I've ever done. The Devil's Frying Pan? that's near the Lizard isn't it? Our last paddle was Mullion to Lizard Point, some of the rocks there are amazing, the glassy green Serpentine, truly unique. I've more or less stopped paddling for this year now, we are still mired in recession up here, and it's still totally dire.

[@GBPaddling]

Hi Carrick, no, and I know I should. I've got way with it a lot, but it is a problem. I have the underwater housing, and it has a polarizing filter on, which gives great results, it was well worth the money, and I would recommend it totally.

[@GBPaddling]

Well The Pink Floyd are indeed my favourite group after The Beatles, so there will definitely be influences from all them. Up-tempo stuff doesn't go with this type of gliding across the water, so it's always going to be easy listening, atmospheric stuff, and that suits me. This is my element, the peaceful side of it all, the caves, coves, etc. Whilst others prefer the adrenaline stuff. Each to their own, I say, don't want to be close in to those rocks in a 'glass boat, when it's rough.

[@GBPaddling]

There are another 5 or 6 trips from this outing, every trip was just the best. That spell of weather was probably a ten year one off, just so glad we made it, and all before the School holidays, and therefore the crowds.

[@emmanuelcachia5389]

one of the best kayak videos.....like.. from island of malta

[@GBPaddling]

Don't think the BBC will come calling, if they see Matt's TVLicence videos, ha ha. But you are correct, they should pay us obscene amounts of money to go kayaking, and titting about, ha ha. What a life that would be? If only we could get a spell of weather like this once a year?

[@GBPaddling]

Unbelievably, the Bedruthan Steps, were a bit of a let down. Only reason, being that the direction of light, didn't show them up at their best. As you know they are quite spectacular. I walked down, at low water last time, and it's a brilliant walk, and close up they're really impressive. Don't think we'll ever get it so calm though there, it's normally crashing in.

[@jotierney6956]

I may well have been watching from the campsite above Bedruthan if this was last summer. This will probably sound rather stupid, but watching kayakers cross the bay as the sun sets always makes me wonder what you use to navigate back to a beach when it's pitch black????? I've seen some quite a way out. Lovely video, really enjoyed it, thanks.

[@GBPaddling]

Ah well Jo, you should've been out there with us, it was magic. I thought the Bedruthan Steps would be more impressive to paddle around at high water, but having visited previously at low water, I'm undecided. As you know the Bedruthan Steps are absolutely magic, and it is one of my favourite beaches. Navigating back is easy, most of the times it's just following the coastline back to our start point, as we usually start, and return to the same place. But if you watch the Portreath to Godrevy video, we returned in THICK fog, and that was indeed a challenge.

[@GBPaddling]

I followed your advice Alan, matching the render to the incoming file..........and it didn't work? Can you believe it? Ha ha, just my luck.Re-did it, in my usual setting , and it's fine. For some reason 1440x1080 50i, works best for me, and you don't change a winning team do you? I've had the best trip ever here, it gets better still yet, but I would've still loved a Scotland trip as well, this year.

[@jasonharrison906]

Can I firstly start by saying that I luv your videos. I live in cornwall and have just taken up kayaking(sit on top though). I was wondering if you would be so kind to tell me about the cave at about 10minutes, the one where you see the light coming through from under the water? which direction was it from porthcothan? what was the tidal state etc? many thanks and looking forward to some more videos jai

[@GBPaddling]

Hi Jason, have you got 'Google Earth?' If so, follow the coast north, from Porthcothan until Treyarnon Bay. Come back south from the corner of Treyarnon Bay, there is a very narrow gully, then the next bay is the location. Find the coastal path, and there is a photo - 'Looking across Treyarnon Bay to Constantine Bay, Cornwall.' Follow the path south of the photo, until it curves, right on the edge of the cliff, and that opening is the actual cave, approx. 1 mile north from Porthcothan. @ 9.04min there is a pinnacle that marks the bay containing both that cave, and the deep labyrinth one that we explore in the dark, at around 14mins. Take 2 torches, and don't forget the tide needs to be around mid-tide for it to work like you see in the video.

[@jasonharrison906]

GBPaddling here? 50.524346, -5.028749 on google maps

[@GBPaddling]

Jason Harrison I cannot get the co-ordinates you quote, but if you click on the satellite icon, the cave is directly above the words 'Wine Cove'. The Labyrinth Cave is directly under the words 'SW Coast path.' The whole are is fabulous, but remember you need a day without swell, which, as you probably know, is very rare on the North Coast, the Bedruthan Steps are an absolute must, as well. I did an older video, coming back from Trevone Bay, past Mother Ivey's Bay and around Trevose Head......another ten out of ten day, that was.

[@GBPaddling]

Thanks Alan, you clearly have great taste, and an ear for a gradely choon, ha ha. We didn't half get in some tight spots, my boat has took a right beating. That's what you get if you follow Jesus..............so remain a sinner, ha ha.