BIG tide circumnavigation of Wallasea Island
Sunday 7th December saw the 2nd biggest daytime high tide of the year, so 5 members of the club grabbed the opportunity to hopefully experience the novelty of paddling across the main road to the island! A grey morning with a stiff south easterly meant that we were into the tide and the wind on the first leg down the Crouch. Turning the corner into the Roach brought little respite despite now having the tide with us. The wind over tide made the main channel quite choppy. Those paddling closer to the edge of the river benefitted from slightly smoother water, but less tide assistance. Further on, as we turned more westwards towards Pagglesham, we were greeted by many seals slithering down the mud into the water. They then reappeared like aquatic meerkats keeping a wary eye on us. Further up the river, we pulled ashore at Pagglesham for lunch, but the wind and low temperature meant that we didn’t stay long!
Next back to Pagglesham creek to paddle towards the road to Wallasea. The wind and tide were now behind us, pushing us along nicely. The height of the tide allowed us to take a shortcut across the saltings to the road. To our surprise, the water in Pagglesham Creek was around 100mm higher than in Lion’s Creek, creating a narrow stream of fast moving water across the road. Great fun was had, breaking out into the eddies on the road, then practising our kayak control and acceleration to paddle back up from the road into the higher water of Pagglesham Creek. After 20 minutes or so of playing here watched by car drivers stranded by the flood, we headed off down Lion’s Creek towards the Crouch.
Next mission was to cross to Creeksea, to try to paddle along the road there too! Bizarrely, the tide was pushing up gently upstream on the first half of the crossing. The north side of the river was already ebbing fast! We were disappointed on arrival at Creeksea! Not only could we paddle a long way up the lane alongside the dinghy park there, but we were able to do the second circumnavigation of the day, this time round the Creeksea Sailing Club race hut!
A gentle paddle with the tide, took us back to BSC; 5 very happy paddlers.
The tide on this day was 5.48m The next one this high will be on Boxing Day 2026, and the day after, so one for the diary?
Cheers Roger
Photos Supplied: Dan
Preparing for the year ahead - 2 Day First Aid course completed by 9 members of CKC. Across 2 days in late February, 9 members of CKC took part in a 2 day activity lead first aid course, provided by Helen Toser. Over the 2 day course everyone was able to get hands on with all elements of first aid, including practising the vital skills required for CPR and wound care, as well as being able to find the best ways to approach the initial triage of a patent and plan out the best course of action required for their assessment and treatment. We also took the opportunity as part of this course to review the CKC first aid kits, ensuring these have everything we need for this years paddles. Including the purchase of some additional non-standard items that will make our paddles even safer in the event that our members need to perform any first aid at the club, on away paddles or out on the River Crouch. The 2 day course was concluded with a number of practical scenario assessments and a short multiple choice exam paper. We are pleased to confirm all 9 members passed the course and now have a 3 year First Aid Certification. This is a great achievement for the club and will ensure that all paddles have additional qualified first aiders on them now. We look forward to taking the knowledge and experience learnt from this course and applying it to a number of "On the River" sessions that we will be holding for members in the Spring to Summer paddles. Additional to these type of yearly courses, we also hold a number of pool sessions across each year that aim to provide safety training for the afloat elements of a paddle, focused on solo self recovery into a kayak and also group managed rescues that may be required out on open water. Pictured, Mark being supported by Sue as part of the practical exercises we undertook over the 2 day course. Well done to all involved in this weekend and congratulations on your new qualifications for the club. We look forward to welcoming Helen back to CKC in the future more courses when required. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Andy , featuring Mark and Sue
Common Dolphin spotted by members of CKC on a recent paddle towards the mouth of the River Crouch. Members of a recent winter paddle managed to spot a common dolphin as they headed back to base near the entrance to the River Roach, without warning a dolphin was spotted as it swam close by members of the paddle on its way out the mouth of the River Crouch. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan and Lee
Anti Clockwise Lap of Bridge Marsh Island On the 17th January, members of CKC, hosted by Adrian / Dan, did a anti clockwise lap of Bridge Marsh Island. Due to the conditions on the day we got to the westerly entrance to Bridge Marsh Creek in quick time, so we decided to paddle further up the river to Fambridge for a lunch spot and to stretch our legs before the return leg with the assistance of the outgoing tide. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan & Lee
Winter Sun Paddle on 13th December, Heading out the mouth of the River Crouch A small group of paddlers took advantage of a break in the miserable winter weather to paddle out to the mouth of the River Crouch for some well deserved winter sun, with enough time between the tides changing the group was able to have a coffee and cake on the sands before head back to base with a lovely sunset all the way home. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan
Open Boat training day on the River Chelmer, provided by Adrian On the 30th November, members of CKC, hosted by Adrian had a day out on the River Chelmer to practise their open boat skills. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan
Sunday 24th August Club Paddle - Seal Watching on the Wallasea Lap Taking advantage of the highest weekend tides throughout the summer and low winds, makes lapping Wallasea island a fairly easy paddle for any ability. With sunny skies and hardly any wind, on the day, 5 members of the kayak group set out from a Burnham Sailing Club for a relaxed day on the river. As it was Burnham Week, it was lovely to see the Thames Barge moored up at the Royal Burnham Yacht Club as we headed down river towards the entrance to the River Roach. Heading around Wallasea island in a clockwise direction means that for the first leg of this trip, we need to head against the incoming tide, from Burnham Sailing Club to the entrance of the River Roach is about a 40 minute paddle, made a lot easier with hardly any wind on this day. Once you turn into the River Roach, you are then being pushed with the incoming tide for the rest of the paddle, with the south side of Wallasea Island normally providing any required shelter from incoming winds. This part of the river is very popular for Seal watching and we normally encounter the planned tour boats which leave daily from Priors Pontoon at Burnham and Essex Marina on south side of the River Crouch. Due to the really good weather on the day and as "Promised by Dan", we were able to float by a large group of seals resting on the banks of Foulness Island enjoying the midday sunshine. We then paddled up to Paglesham Boatyard for a well deserved lunch and to stretch our legs. After lunch we made the short paddle up Paglesham Creek, where we meet up with Amanda & Martin who kindly helped us with lifting the boats across the main road leading into Wallasea. We then paddled down Lions Creek and headed back to Burnham Sailing Club as a larger group, before watching some of the Burnham Week racing from the end of the pontoon. After a day of very relaxed weather and hardly any wind, on arrival to BSC we were greeted by increasing winds and a lot of chop at high tide. Overall, another lovely 4 hour paddle around Wallasea and probably our last one for this Summer, we will be back around on the next high tides in November, December and January. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan / Martin
Sunday 17th August Club Paddle - Dengie Flats & Foulness Sands Taking advantage of the continued warm summer weather and ideal conditions for a slightly longer paddle, 6 paddlers from the CKC took to the water on Sunday 17th August with one aim, let’s go "Out, Out", as one famous comedian would say. The aim of this paddle was to get outside the banks of the River Crouch and the relative shelter this normally provides us with on most of our shorter paddles. This allowed the group to see some parts of the River Crouch and wider coastline they haven't necessarily seen whilst kayaking before, including the Dengie Flats, Foulness Sands, Offshore Windfarms. The additional benefit of heading directly out of the river in the direction of the Whittaker Channel is that we also get to experience the more bracing conditions heading in from the North Sea, including stronger winds and larger waves. The forecast for the paddle held firm throughout the day with a strong easterly breeze gusting up to 19kn head on, providing some bouncy conditions as we passed the entrance to the River Roach and slowly turned directly into the winds as we headed out the River Crouch. Once level with the mouth of the River Crouch, we could easily see the Dengie Flats and Foulness Sands rising on both sides of the channel. Due to the good progress we made on the first leg of our paddle, we arrived around 1 hour early of low tide and had to adjust our plans due to the Dengie Flats being mostly still under the water at this point. We then crossed over towards the Foulness Sands through some lovely chop, with waves exceeding the height we normally get to experience in the confides of the River Crouch on a regular basis. This was a good skills practice for the group and very fun in the warm and sunny weather, whilst taking advantage of the easterly breeze as most of the larger waves would be head on. After arriving on the south side of the channel we stopped for a lunch break, admiring the views across to Foulness Island, Bradwell, Clacton and the Sandbanks in the near distance. After our lunch break, we headed back to home via the South Shore of the River Crouch, staying close to the banks of the Foulness Island before cutting across to the North Shore just past Horse Shoal Buoy. Being tide and wind assisted for the entire paddle home is a real pleasure, also allowing for some surf conditions close to the shallow waters. Overall, a great 14-mile paddle completed in 4 hours, which included our half our stop on the banks of the channel for lunch. We also had the pleasure of celebrating Sophie’s Birthday and hope she enjoyed marking it with such a nice paddle out on the river. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan / Dee / Sophie
We’re excited to introduce Paddle Points , a brand-new section on our blog dedicated to all things kayak-related. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of useful information, from choosing the right equipment and mastering essential techniques, to kayak safety tips, maintenance advice, and insider knowledge from seasoned paddlers. We’re kicking things off with a focus on kayak safety and skill-building, sharing a curated collection of rescue and technique videos to help you paddle with more confidence, control, and enjoyment. Whether you’re just starting out or refining advanced manoeuvres, online kayak training videos are an invaluable resource for paddlers of every level. From quick tips on grip and stance to step-by-step guidance on complex rescues, these expert-led clips bring the coach straight to your screen. Think of it as your own floating instructor, 24/7 Paddle Points available any time you need guidance… and without the soggy shoes. Here’s our recommended learning path: Online Resource Video's T he below resources are publicly available from across YouTube channels, below are selection we believe you may find useful. Getting Past “Tippy Kayak”, and learning to edge your kayak - Click Here Advanced Manoeuvres - Click Here Edging a turn in a sea Kayak - Click Here / Turning tips - edging your kayak - Click Here Learning the reflective brace - Click Here Sea Kayak T Rescue - Click Here Sea Kayak Safety Equipment - Click Here Sea Kayak Safety Line - Click Here Self Rescue Training Drills - Click Here / Self Rescue - Cowboy Style - Click Here / Float Self Rescue - Click Here Worth watching this further video as it’s good example of how to get both boats away from any dangers before attempting the T Rescue style - Click Here Pool Sessions As mentioned before, this is an excellent opportunity to practise a variety of strokes, refine your rescue techniques, and generally sharpen your skills, whether you’re a newcomer to paddling or a seasoned kayaker looking to stay at the top of your game. Future Pool Sessions Planned for CKC Members 20th September - 18th October - 22nd November Cheers Dan / Chris Photos Supplied: Club Archive Photos
Most summer Wednesday evenings I drive from South Woodham to Burnham for our club social paddle. Today I had the luxury of being collected by Rick and Dan with a club boat on the roof for me, and we headed to the shore of the River Crouch on Marsh Farm Road for a weekend paddle. Here we met up with Chris, Alan and Andy. Once on the water, Dan told me to paddle straight then turn and point to Burnham which I did. Then they said ‘Sue turn for a group photo’ I think we all realised in that moment that ‘quick’ turning is not something I have fully mastered yet- work in progress and now at the top of my skills practise list!! We then started our paddle towards Burnham under blue skies with the fast flowing tide and the wind behind us. Having walked that river bank for the last 30 years, seeing it from the water was fantastic, Even more so as we got to Fambridge and saw the house on sticks close to the Ferry Boat Pub. All so pretty. The stretch of water from Fambridge to Bridge Marsh was completely new to me and a real treat. We found a beach to stop off for a drink, snack and a few pics. Once we had taken in the views and had a breather we got back in our kayaks for the last stretch back to the club. Last Wednesday evening was tough on the river but today the sun wind and tide were our friend- a perfect Saturday afternoon with a great bunch, how lucky we are. Cheers Sue Q Photos Supplied: Dan / Sue / Chris
Wednesday 30th July Weekly Club Paddle on the River Crouch Easy conditions on the River and great summer weather allowed for a quick paddle up to Bridgemarsh island. Once there, the group decided to split into 2 smaller groups. The first group taking a leisurely paddle back to Burnham Sailing Club, whilst the 2nd group continued on further up river. This allowed us to pass beyond black point and into the part of the Crouch River which then faces directly west. Allowing us some playful conditions in the outgoing tide as its rushes around the corner towards Creeksea. We enjoyed one of the summers best sunsets before we turned around and headed back to the sailing club before the last light. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Dan
