The Autumn is upon us and with that comes ‘storm season’, so for those still keen to get out on the sea there’s going to be time spent paddling in the wind over the coming months. For many the thought of sea kayaking in the wind, and certainly trying to turn your kayak in the wind, just brings memories of hard work, turns of a thousand strokes and the trusty sea kayak seeming to have a mind of its own that often is not wanting to do the same as the paddler!

Paddling around Skye recently with a long-term friend, we could not help but laugh at ourselves and ask: ‘Are we finally getting old!?’. It was partly to do with the aching joints when getting out of the kayak at the end of the day, partly due to the need for camp chairs to support our tired backs,

We’ve all been there; the date for a week’s sea paddling has been in the diary for months, guide books have been studied and inspiration has been gained, a great group of people are coming together for a special week and you can’t wait to get started. Then, in the days before the planned trip it is becoming more and more apparent there is going to be a big spanner in the works – the weather!

There is nothing like pulling ashore on a white sandy beach at the end of a day sea kayaking knowing that this is going to be your home for the night. That feeling of escaping from it all and connecting to the nature that surrounds is what inspires so many of us; in particular when out on camping trips.

Every year spring marks the time of year we see a welcome return to some of our favourite sea birds. Many of them returning after travelling immense distances or spending a winter out at sea. To see them returning to their favourite nesting grounds and experience their sights, sounds and smells is a unique opportunity that sea kayakers are lucky enough to enjoy.

You’ve been working hard all week, yet all the time keeping half an eye of the fantastic forecast evolving for the weekend. Those magical two days where you can escape from it all, finding peace and solitude on a remote section of coastline with only close friends and the surrounding wildlife for company.