Stage 9 - Tenby to Broughton Bay

There's nothing quite like a tank firing at you to make you paddle faster. Mind you, just the thought is enough. On another crossing, this time from Tenby to Pendine, the headland view was interrupted by the occasional yellow marker buoy. These were to warn of the sand bars. Of course they were.

It wasn't until we surfed the waves down onto Pendine Sands for a break after the three-hour passage did we realise there was another active firing range and those buoys where in fact what the tank was aiming at from seven miles away...

We were glad therefore when we landed to find the tank's gun had jammed otherwise we may have been reduced to a thin red film over a wide area of Carmarthen Bay.

After an hour waiting on the sands for the all-clear from the range, we crashed back up through the surf and  headed in the general direction of Rhossili. After a clong but serene evening paddle, we decided neither Rhossili nor Mewslade were particularly advisable give we were about six hours in and light was fading fast. 

Worm's Head would have to wait. We decided instead to go for Broughton Bay, whose only access was up a steep hill into a caravan park. So after a bit of side-on surfing we glided onto the beach and in the last of the daylight de-kitted the boat and headed for the King's Head in Llangennith for a bit of refreshment.

Next, some fairly familiar waters to us - through Oxwich and Caswell Bay, followed by the marvelous Mumbles and on to Porthcawl via Port Talbot. Time to break out the sun cream again.

Stay tuned!
Ben and Tom 

Stage 6 - New Quay to Cwm Yr Eglwys

What a difference a day makes. After a choppy but manageable crossing from Aberaeron to New Quay with Andy Campbell and his paddle board, we expected more of the same for the next stage onto Fishguard.

Joined again by Tim Richards of New Quay Yacht Club, who had paddled out to meet us the previous day, this time with NQYC yacht following, we got the first hour or so of trouble-free kayaking we were expecting.

Cardigan bound - Tim Richards, Ali Davies and Emyr Davies

Knowing we had a couple of knots of flow with us, we were quite happy to press onto Newport Sands. That was until we got to Cardigan Island when any protection from the headland was gone and we had the full force of a 20mph southerly. The wind had come earlier than expected and we were in for a slog to Poppit Sands for a rest and to contemplate the next stretch to Ceibwr - the only get out before Newport.

View of Gwbert from Poppit Sands

Having made the call to push on, we knew we would be up against it. Little did we know how tough it would be. As we approached Cardigan Island, out of the lee of the headland past Mwnt - where we spent ten or so minutes readying ourselves and chasing a wayward pasty packet around the bay, we felt the full force of the wind against us.

Paddling against wind was tough, there were points where we thought of turning back, but its not a decision we take with even one or two knots progress - it's still progress. We were getting battered and so was Gary, our trusty mascot on the bow.

Wave after wave crashed over us, reflecting off the sheer cliffs to hit us broadside, as well as head-on and from the stern. This was energy-sapping stuff. And then we realised, perhaps this next bay wasn't Ceibwr after all. Maybe we couldn't land. Perhaps we might have to turn back. But with the wind due to pick up even more in the next half and hour we had to land!

What felt like seconds after this ultimatum had dawned on us, the tranquility of Ceibwr came into view. We'd done it! Just. 

Looking out on Ceibwr Bay

Both of us were equally relieved but couldn't help feeling a little disappointed about not reaching Newport - even if this was supposed to be our rest day.

After a refuel and recharge overnight at the Clark house in Llanpwmsaint, we headed back to Ceibwr for a two-hour push to Newport. We had a very small window to get the job done. The weather was due to pick up and fast, and with no support boat, it was down to us.

View over to Newport from Ceibwr Bay

After six consecutive days of paddling we were both really starting to feel the strain, but we knew the 10km to Newport was a must to keep on track. Again with strong winds against us, due to pick up to a 26mph squall at noon, we set off just after 10am, having logged a passage plan with Milford Haven coastguard. This element of the trip seemed now somehow more than just a tick on the checklist.

We rounded the next headland in very good time considering the conditions, so much so we decided to push onto the other side of the bay for Cwm Yr Eglwys to make an extra bit of distance before Sunday's enforced rest day and the possibility of missing one, maybe two more days of paddling time due to 40mph gusts.

From there we headed to the night stop in Goodwick where we were joined by our top chum Nick Green and his surfboard. We duly celebrated this by going to the pub.

Knowing the day was a kayaking write-off we headed for the beach in search of some surf with three boards and an inflatable crocodile. The red flag warnings just added to the fun.
 

Lads at Whitesands

Next we're hoping for a window for to head south for Marloes, but with the wind picking up again, it may be a day or two before we can get on the water. But one thing is for sure, if we can, we bloody well will!

Stay tuned!
Ben and Tom 

Stage 4 - Barmouth to Aberystwyth

Anticipation is everything, especially when you're expecting to get a 15mph southerly wind to the face. Add in the knee-knocking prospect of the open water passage being an hour more than the tide window, today's solo launch was tense to say the least...

The plan for the day was getting to Tywyn to meet Oak, fill up with pasty, have a leg stretch and move on to Borth. Borth never happened. With the headwind, we were forced into the cover of Tonfanau headland before getting to Tywyn, making about 3 knots headway - less than half our average of the previous day!

Post-Barmouth selfie

Then, after passing the unpredictable chop of the fast-flowing Dovey estuary and losing a GoPro in the process (sorry Ed!), a glorious sight... Aberystwyth, we thought. Then we got closer and Aber's seafront edifices seemed to have shrunk. Salty-eye can do strange things to a man's vision!

Having passed Borth(ystwyth), we headed for the Aber actual. But by this time the tide had turned and it felt like we were going backwards. But then, an even better sight, the amusement arcade on the pier. They have the best 2p slot machines in the west there.

By this stage though, 7km from Aberystwyth, having battled through 10km of the flood tide against us, fatigue was really setting in and it was do or die...possibly, literally.
As we edged closer we could again see Oak's van on the shore. We've never been so pleased to see that man or his van or the Belle Vue Royal Hotel.

Tomorrow a potential force four looms so we're in for an early start to meet Andy Campbell, a local kayaker met through Sea Kayaking Cymru, and half a dozen members of Aber Kayakers at Llanystryd, en route to New Quay.

Dear Derek Brockway, please send good news...
Stay tuned!

Ben and Tom

Stage 3 - Abersoch to Barmouth

This was always going to be a challenge, and today's paddle was certainly worthy of the label. Starting off in Abersoch at 8am with Stuart of Sea Kayaking Anlesey fame and some gigantic box jellyfish for company, we were greeted bit glassy water and no wind to speak of. Ideal conditions for a paddle. Except this was no ordinary paddle, we were attempting to cross from Abersoch to Barmouth - a potential 10-hour nonstop crossing! Thankfully sense prevailed...

We decided instead to hopscotch and handrail (one of which is an official kayakers' term) our way to Barmouth via the picturesque Shell Island. At which point we were joined by Tony "Pebbles" Gardener - partner to Kylie who joined us on the first day from Caernarfon to Trefor.

Tony Pebbles in his Stratos

It was great to see Tony again at Shell Island after obliterating the largest pasty this side of St. Ives, paddling the surf with him into Abersoch, to be greeted by Kylie, son Tom and Pebbles the very enthusiastic Jack Russell.

And just to add that extra bit of shine to an already glistening day, we were met on the beach by Sam, secretary of the Merioneth Yacht Club to meet their wonderful president, Wendy who served us both with two bottles of Madog's Ale which we happily absorbed while taking in the spectacular view over the other bar.

Bar view from Merioneth Yacht Club

Tomorrow is possibly the biggest challenge so far - Barmouth to Aberystwyth in a seven-hour tide window and zero landing spots past the 2/3 poin at Borth. Oh, and another 10-15mph southerly in the offing. Brave pills at the ready..!

Stay tuned!
Ben and Tom

Stage 1 - Caernarfon to Porth Oer

What an incredible start to the journey around Wales, with 31 testing miles under our belts and seeing a sight which is a once in a decade for even seasoned kayakers like Geth Roberts who we were very glad to have with us to experience the day.

After a lovely night with Mo and John from the Royal Welsh Yacht Club, we were met outside the Anglesey Arms by David Southern and Kylie Matthews from Sea Kayaking Cymru to start our epic leg - which turned our to be more than 30 miles! Dr David and Kylie joined stop in Trefor where we were met by our trusty road crewman, Oak and the the lovely Southern family.

With Geth at Porth Oer - 8pm finish

Leaving David and Kylie at Trefor, we went onto Nefyn with Geth Roberts, stopping for some much needed flapjack. With the seas still glassy we decided to make hay and made the final three-hour push to Porth Oer, where, we saw one of the rarest sites on these shores - a pod of Risso dolphins!

What a day that was. Today we are joined by Geth for the next stage from Porth Oer to Abersoch. We can't wait.

Cheers,
Ben and Tom

Dream big and full of ale

Every now and again we all experience moments in our lives that dramatically shape our futures. No, I’m not on about the time I witnessed Ben fall 6ft through some stairs and smash a chair to bits, or about the time that I stopped him from doing a Jimmy Hendrix and subsequently put his phone through the wash. 

The moment in question came about as a result of a conversation Ben and I had about purchasing a fishing kayak... 8 pints and two bottles of wine later and we had decided that we were going to kayak around Wales!

The day after most drunken conversations people either don’t remember the conversations they had, or they choose not to remember them. For Ben and I this was different. We realised that we both had the same goal; to do something—anything—to promote disability enablement and equality. And what better way could we do that than to partake in something that would challenge us both to our limits, on an equal basis, not as individuals but as a team.

We are now just days away from setting off on our trip and it is simply staggering to think how far we have come. We have learnt to kayak in a pool, reservoir and on the sea. We have learnt to roll and self-rescue, undertaken radio and safety courses, learnt about coastal navigation, set up and updated numerous forms of social media, sent thousands of emails and created our own logo and events. And much to my displeasure we have both spent countless hours in the gym over the past 6 months. 

This trip would not, however, of become a reality if wasn’t for the kindness, generosity, and selflessness of a number of very special people. Wales' kayaking and sailing communities have truly stepped up to the mark with offers of sea support, accommodation, fundraising and even promotion. They have helped inspire us with their unwavering enthusiasm and made us believe that this was all possible, even when we doubted it was. A couple of groups deserve a special mention though. 

This trip would simply not have been possible without the support of both Escape Watersports and Croesyceiliog Canoe club. 

Both Croesyceiliog and Escape have provided us with lots of equipment, hours of expert advice and backed us from the very beginning. They have somehow managed to turn us into something resembling credible kayakers who also, on occasion, actually look quite good doing it.              

The last, and most important person to mention in all of this, is Ben.

There have been times over the last 18 months where he has driven me mad with his general stubbornness and highly speculative ideas, but he is the ultimate example of disability enablement. 

At no point in this trip, or in his life, has he ever let his disability define him and I have never heard him use it as an excuse. Ben doesn't have it easy, but he'll never tell you that. Going in to this trip he is fitter than me, physically stronger than me, and more determined to succeed than anyone I have ever met.

There is not anyone else (disability or not) who I would rather be doing this challenge with.

It goes without saying that when we launch off Anglesey on Saturday we will be apprehensive and full of adrenaline. 

We know it’s going to be hard but we will also know that just by getting to the start line we have already won our race. 

Tom

There's a map for that

It's now officially one week and some days until we set off on the big paddle from Anglesey to Cardiff! So this seemed like a good time to share the map of the trip with markers (tastefully pixelated) and notes for each stage.

We are looking for backup support on stages 9 to 11 particularly so if any experienced kayakers, sailors or amphibious car owners want to join us on those or any other legs, we would be glad to hear from you.

Here are some details for each day of the trip with possible exit (and entry points) along they way - which are accessible by car for anyone wanting to join us for part of a stage.

Anyone who wants to get involved can get in touch on Facebook or email seabeyondisability@gmail.com.

Route plan:

Stage 1 – August 27th

Newborough to Nefyn

Estimated launch time: 10:15 am

Tide: High water at 5:51pm. Against one knot tide

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: Dinas/Morfa (5.3m)

·         Exit 2: Clynnog Fawr (9.2m)

·         Exit 3: Trefor (11.6m)

Notes: Weak tide against us. Land in Morfa Nefyn, second bay

Stage 2 – August 28th

Nefyn to Abersoch

Estimated launch time: 6:00am

Tide: Ebb tide between 6:30am-12:30am.

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: Porth Towyn (3.1m)

·         Exit 2: Porth Oer (10m) Make weather judgement, not a lot of stop offs after

·         Exit 3: Aberdaron (17.5m)

·         Exit 4: Hell’s Mouth (25.2m)

Stage 3 – August 29th

Abersoch to Barmouth

Estimated launch time: 8:00am

Tide: High water at 6:40am. Flood through Barmouth at 12:51pm for six hours. Finish leg by 6:41pm.

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: Pwllheli (5.5m)

·         Exit 2: Cricceth (14m)

·         Exit 3: Harlech (18.6m) big beach

Stage 4 – August 30th

Barmouth to Aberystwyth

Estimated launch time: 11:00am

Tide: Two knot ebb tide near springs starts at 11:37am

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: Tywyn (11.3m)

·         Exit 2: Ynyslas (16.8m) Make weather call at Borth

Stage 5 – August 31st

Aberystwyth to New Quay

Estimated launch time: 9:15am

Tide: High water at 6:42pm. Ebb tide at 10:24am

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: Llanystryd (7m)

·         Exit 2: Llanon (9.3m)

·         Exit 3: Aberaeron (13.7m)

·         Exit 4: Cei Bach Beach (16.4m)

Notes: Meet at beach off Pen Yr Angor Road. Milford Haven tide times start at Aberystwyth. Not many alternative stops

REST DAY

Stage 6 – September 2nd

New Quay to Fishguard

Estimated launch time: 10:45am

Tide: Ebb starts at 11:30 approx.

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: Aberporth (10.3m)

·         Exit 2: Poppit Sands (11m) Club to join?

·         Exit 3: Newport Sands (26.4m)

Stage 7 – September 3rd

Fishguard to St Davids

Estimated launch time: 11:30am

Tide: Ebb starts at 12:15pm.

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: Abercastle/Tregwynt (11.6m)

·         Exit 2: Porth Gain (24.4m) switch for club

·         Exit 3: Abereiddy (17.4m)

Stage 8 – September 4th

St Davids/Whitesands to Dale

Estimated launch time: 11:00am

Tide: Ebb starts at 12:15pm

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: Caerfai Bay (7.8m) possible start

·         Exit 2: Newgale (13.2m)

·         Exit 3: Broad Haven (18.5m)

Stage 9 – September 5th

Dale to Tenby

Estimated launch time: 9:00am

Tide: Ebb starts at 9:18am

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: Gravel Bay (6.4m)

·         Exit 2: Bosherston (17.4m)

·         Exit 3: Freshwater East (21m)

·         Exit 4: Lydstep Beach (27m)

REST DAY

Stage 10 – September 7th

Tenby to Rhossili

Estimated launch time: 1pm

Tide: High tide at 10:05am. Tide with us at 3:00pm

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: Saundersfoot/Amroth (5-6m)

·         Exit 2: Pendine (11m)

·         Exit 3: Pembrey (20m)

·         Exit 4: Hillend (26m) best landing spot, possible camp?

Stage 11 – September 8th

Rhossili to Porthcawl

Estimated launch time: 8:30am

Tide: TBC

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: Newslade Bay (6.5m)

·         Exit 2: Port Eynon (11.4m)

·         Exit 3: Oxwich (14.5m)

·         Exit  4: Mumbles/Langland Bay (24m)

Stage 12 – September 9th

Porthcawl to Barry

Estimated launch time: 8:00am (possible launch at 5:00am)

Tide: TBC

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: Southerndown (4m)

·         Exit 2: Atlantic College (10m) Halfway stop

Stage 13 – September 10th

Barry to Cardiff

Estimated launch time: 9:15am

Tide: TBC

Stop options:

·         Exit 1: St Mary’s Well (5m)

·         Exit 2: Penarth (7.5m)

Come and join us on the water, on the road or at the celebration party on September 10th at the Lookout Cafe, Cardiff Bay!

More updates coming soon. Stay tuned!

Ben and Tom