Winter Sea Kayaking - Clacton Day Trip

This trip is designed for all of our ‘sea kayaking’ Members and guests who want to stretch themselves in terms of distance and general conditions with a like-minded group of competent, fellow paddlers. A ‘roll’ is not necessary but competent recoveries and fitness are prerequisites as well as suitable winter clothing and gear. The focus here is to have fun and good healthy exercise out in our beautiful environment together, doing something we love and blowing away the pre-Christmas cobwebs.

The trip plan is as follows; 

Clacton-on-Sea to Brightlingsea and Return  (Total 7 hours including 1hr30 mins breaks)

Launch Venue Clacton Martello Tower ‘F’ at RNLI Station, Grid TM1607 1407 (Address: 34 Marine Parade W, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1LS). Parking is off street with a ‘beach change’.

Launch: 8:30am (off the sand beach between the groynes)

Distance: 7.25 nautical miles, initial out heading SW 225 degrees, approximate time on the water 2hours 25 minutes at 3 knots average.

Arrival Brightlingsea: Approximately 10:55am (1 hour lunch break)

Depart Brightlingsea: 12:00pm

Arrival (Finish) Clacton: Approximately 15H30 (with 1 rest stop of 30 minutes and adding 30 mins for fatigue)

Dry suits are not compulsory but recommended and each paddler must have their own gear i.e. paddle, buoyancy aid and own sea kayak or touring boat meeting the three basic requirements;

1. Deck lines all around
2. Retractable skeg
3. Front rear bulkheads

Paddlers must have a tow system, a pea whistle on their buoyancy aid and at least one ‘other’ means of calling for assistance (flares/s, VHF radio, heliograph etc) emergency ‘grab bag’, extra warm clothing and plenty of food and fluids. A small first aid kit with any self-medication is also required for each paddler. This trip is Guided and each paddler must be self-sufficient with all of their necessary gear, food/water, load and carry boats et cetera.

So join us for a great day on the water to get some fresh air and burn some pre-Christmas calories!