In the Hurst Narrows, the kilometre-wide gap between Hurst Spit and the Isle of Wight, the tide squeezes through at speeds of 5 knots and beyond. A number of tide races form, the race nearest to Hurst Spit being known as ‘The Trap’.
On the ebb flow, ‘The Trap’ can be an entertaining roller coaster propelling paddlers out towards the Needles Rocks. However, when the tide is ebbing outwards against the prevailing south westerly wind, the waves in the race surge and break. On these occasions ’The Trap’ isn’t always a fun place to be…
Mark
Been meaning to add a comment for a while, just to say thanks for the great blog and that I’m looking forward to your book. Having recently returned to kayaking, and being a newcomer to sea kayaking, it’s great to be reminded of the fantastic coastline we have here in the south - a good antidote to a most excellent blog from north of the border!
Thanks for the kind comments.
Yes, one of the reasons I was keen to take on the book is that anyone following films, websites, article etc. about UK paddling, could be forgiven for believing that there is only the West Coast of Scotland and North Wales.
As you’ll know, we have fabulous sea kayaking in the SW. Solitude is harder to come by, but I think that the human impact - from busy ports to yacht havens to coastal fortifications to tacky resorts - actually adds an extra level of interest.
I honestly believe that the variety we have in the SW makes for the most interesting coast that Britain has. I hope that I can do it some justice!
Cheers,
Mark
The solitude issue is an interesting one because just being on the water detatches you (obvious I know) from the land. I guess we don’t have the same wilderness as elsewhere but I’m sure your night paddle to the needles was isolation enough!
To me the sea is wilderness on the doorstep (with added interest at it’s edge from cliffs, beaches,ports etc.)and it never ceases to amaze me how few people appreciate that. My wife and I enjoyed some paddling on the river at Fowey last weekend and we only saw one other person on the river.
Keep up the good work.