North Foreland 23rd June 2001

An early start and we arrived in Ramsgate around 8.45am. We met Paul at the pre-arranged spot but quite extensive alterations had taken place since Nick (Hamilton) had been here and given us the details! A quick look around and we found a good launch site a few hundred yards up the promenade. Hopefully the large building site between the original launch point and us wouldn't confuse the others!

By now a group of 8 had collected and we started to get ready whilst waiting for Nick to arrive, who had agreed to lead this trip for us. It was good to have 4 members of Maidstone Canoe Club join this trip (Nick was unable to join us after all because of a delayed flight).

I was surprised that the local radio runs a surf report for this part of the coast. It soon became clear why, every headland, beach and outcrop between here and Margate seemed to carry a surf break. Some quite large, even with today's weather, light F3 onshore winds.

Unfortunately the choppy swell was too much for John on his first sea trip. The bumpy ride and the Spectrum he had been loaned for the day was not a good match and he (wisely) decided to wait for us on a sunny beach while we continued the trip. Not sure what other attractions were on the beach but he seemed quite happy to stay there!

The cliffs along here are not very high but are dotted with little coves and rocky headlands that make up for any loss of dramatic scenery. Castles and old fortifications make interesting diversions as well. This is a very popular holiday area and the beaches were typical of that -busy with kiosks, shops and inflatable giraffes on most of them. Don't let that put you off though. Out of season or on a more settled day there is enough along here to make the journey worthwhile.

We probably had a greater mix of wave conditions here than you could find anywhere else in such a relatively short stretch of coast. The headlands produced overfall conditions; plenty of surf, the North Foreland race and most of Margate's frontage produce clapotis for about 2km before the beaches appear.

The conditions were not severe but I guess I should let the secret out now - I took a swim on this trip!! Just out from Ramsgate, on the return journey, an overfall had developed off one of the headlands. Being 'Tail End Charlie' and making sure Julie and the others all got through; I then just ambled casually through. The danger of not paying attention is exactly that! I didn't pay attention to the large wave that dumped itself right on my deck. The brace went out, held for a minute or two and then it was all over. Or, more accurately, I was over and out! No injuries and only a short distance to the beach. I had broken a footrest and the last few hundred metres was quite hard work with nothing to push against it. Time to fit a bulkhead footpad.

The day was finished in a very civilised style with all of us (including John) having our evening meal in a local restaurant. My thanks to all those who came along and had another enjoyable day out. I'm sure this trip will be on next years programme.