Beachy Head, 30th September 2000

Despite the awful weather earlier in the week and provisional plans made for an alternative trip we still found ourselves on Seaford Beach ready to go. True, the weather had settled down but in the short time it took to shuttle cars between Eastbourne and Seaford it had picked up again.

The numbers coming had fluctuated during the week but it was good to see 12 paddlers turn up and looking forward to a days paddling. For some this was their first trip around the Head and lighthouse - for us it was local water but still enjoyable and we were keen to get started.

A slightly wet launch through, what had become a bit of a dumping surf and we were away. Only casualties here were a couple of drinking bottles and a cap! The cliffs on this western end of the chain still carry lots of topsoil and are marked in shades of tan and brown. A distinct contrast to the gleaming white backdrop of the Seven Sisters chalk ahead.

A slight chop here and there settled the group into what was to be expected most of the way to Eastbourne. Add a little clapotis every now and again to keep you on your toes and the trip was going well. As the Cuckmere river enters the bay, there is always the chance of a small overfall effect forming and today was no exception. Nothing to worry about or cause any problems but worth remembering that its there. The weather threatened to spoil the day but the sun kept shining as we started beneath the main cliffs themselves. Surf sprayed high up the face as waves boomed into the hollows and caves that litter the cliff bottom along here. Why is the camera always in the back hatch ? Some of the more daring (or foolhardy) paddlers crept under the cliffs to investigate the spray more closely.

Lunch was planned for Birling Gap, about half way along the coast. The high tides and dumping surf meant this was not going to be an easy landing. Fitting 12 people, 11 boats into a space about 300m x 7m already occupied by picnickers was a challenge. In true British custom we landed haphazardly around a couple of old ladies, stripped off our wet gear and then apologised for disturbing them !

As we ate and lounged in the sun , the tide was dropping and the second half of the day could start. Keen to ensure everyone got off safe I was left to fend for myself in the breaking surf, much to Kodak's approval as the cliff steps and beach was now full of snap happy photographers recording our departure. A pair of large waves in the face probably made good photos for them.

Past Birling Gap it was not long before the water roughed up over the shallow rocky shelves that draw themselves off the cliff base like scales of some long lost dinosaur. Then - there she was - the red and white obelisk of Beachy Head lighthouse that sits so proudly beneath the towering cliffs. How many tragedies has she witnessed on this sad stretch of cliff that has the highest incident rate of suicides in the country?

The notorious Ledge was now in view. Easily recognizable by the spray, white water and general turbulence stretching about 2 km. out to sea. Also you can recognize it next time by Paul (Upton) shouting "see you later, going out to play" as he disappeared from view. Once across the ledge, great rolling waves were intent on pushing us to the beach. When Maggie and Joe suddenly did impersonations of a Space shuttle launch in their double Triton, everyone's concentration perked up immediately.

The cliff tops gently drag themselves down to meet the urban hustle and bustle of Eastbourne. Today the beaches were fairly busy considering the time of year but nobody bothered us. I don't suppose anybody really likes paddling alongside seafronts and promenades but sometimes it has to be done. A least Eastbourne does not suffer from the tacky arcade syndrome of other coastal towns. Then it was all over. Another good day, plenty of sunshine, a mixed bag of waters to enjoy and good company. Our thanks to all those who came and look forward to seeing you all again soon.