Bournemouth, Sept 2025
We had one of the shortest paddles in our recent history, but what a trip! Originally we had planned to paddle from Bournemouth Beach around Hengistbury Head. the weather did not look promising on the weather apps and as soon as we were on the beach it was clear that the trip was not going to be feasible. Instead we set our goal to be somewhat less that half the planned distance, staying in Bournemouth Bay.
Launching through surf, we were soon out in the wind and waves. While the waves were moderately large, they were mostly not breaking, meaning that we could enjoy riding up and down them as we followed the bay along.
After about 2km it became clear that the wind was having too much of an effect on the group and we decided to land near to Bournemouth Pier – landing through surf. Breaking out the group shelter to keep the wind from getting us too cold, we decided that the best plan would be to return back to the start point.
Once more we launched through surf, back into the wind and waves, paddling with our head down until we reach our start point. Then another surf landing, making 4 surfing launches and landing all within 4 km!
Although it was a very short trip, it had everything: wind, waves, surf and some lessons for future trips.