Night paddling sea kayak trips

Several people have requested a night paddle and the autumn is a good time for this as the nights are drawing in, but the water is still relatively warm. The clocks change on 29 October.

Please note: these trips are a progression, and you will need to complete two canal trips before the Turf circuit, and a Turf circuit before Exmouth.

Some initial dates have been planned (dates below). Bookings for trips will open when they are posted on the forum. Priority is given to those people who are volunteers for the club (in whatever way) and those who have not been on a night paddle before.

Paddling on the canal on Tuesday evenings in the dark This requires following the EWSA night paddling policy which is a white light at the front of the boat and a red light at the back.
There is a regular sea kayak group which paddle on Tuesday evenings in the winter, which is independent paddling, ie you need your own insurance.

People tend to arrive around 6:15pm, but trips are not led.

Paddling the Turf circuit in the dark This is a led club trip and so will be club activity. We will not be back in time for supper. Meet at the club to set off by 6.15pm, expected return c 10pm. Bring a snack.

Before taking part in this trip you must have taken part in two night paddles on the canal in the dark.

Some initial dates when this will take place, subject to the weather are:

Tuesday 31 October
Tuesday 14 November

Attendance on one of these trips is compulsory before going on the Exmouth trip as the Turf trip will include training on night paddling skills and group management.

Maximum 6 people.

Paddle from Exmouth to Topsham c 4pm, break for supper, and return in the dark

Before attending this trip you must have attended one of the Turf night paddles.

Your lights on this trip must conform to the Maritime Collision Regulations. The requirements for kayaks are white lights both fore and aft.

Some initial dates when this will take place, subject to the weather.

Saturday 11 November
Saturday 25 November

Maximum 6 people

Comments

  • I've done a lot of night paddling now so can you put me down for the sat 25th Nov trip to exmouth. If you'd like me to a do a refresher I can also do tues 14th Nov. I can't do the 31st Oct or 11th Nov

  • Hi jane, i've done quite a few night paddles but never the turf loop i will be happy to come if that's okay

  • edited September 2023

    Hi Alex
    You are welcome to come on the trip if I am leading. However not all leaders take junior paddlers so watch the forum for when the trips are posted and see what its says then.

  • I’d like to come along. I’ll make sure I get a couple of canal trips in before then
  • Sounds like fun! Does previous year's night paddling on the canal count? I'm guessing so. I'd love to come on both turf and Exmouth trips. I'm flexible on the dates, though 11 Nov for the Exmouth one works better than 25th.
  • edited September 2023
    I would like to come but need to do all the night paddles previous to this. I would need to know the timings for these due to working hours.Thank you for arranging this.
  • edited September 2023

    I'm interested in either/both of the Turf trips. I probably can't do the 11th or 25th for the Exmouth trip but would be interested if the date falls elsewhere or it happens again.

  • I'd like to do the Turf trip on October 31. Will also have a few night paddles done by then. Also gets me away from the house on halloween which is a bonus.
  • I'd like to do the Oct 31st trip. I will try and do some canal night paddles beforehand. Are bike lights suitable for use on kayaks ?

  • @Willembliss i use bike lights on my kayak. I attach them to the kayak but other people attach to their buoyancy aid.
  • On both is good especially high up on a helmet for example as good to be seen if you fall in the water!!

  • Unfortunately I can not get out of work this early so I will be unable to come :(

  • Is the turf paddle happening tomorrow?
  • Tues 14th the weather is not appealing so I am cancelling the Turf paddle. Sorry everyone. We'll try again soon.

  • Is there a night paddle next Tuesday (21st)?
  • Hi Rob

    There is an evening sea kayak paddle every Tuesday evening from c 6.15pm unless it is raining really hard. These extra night paddles were with the intention of leading up to a night paddle on the sea, but we need light winds to make them viable.

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