BOM forecast Southerly 20-30 KNOTS 2.5 to 3 Metre Swells. The Observations at Little Bay put the wind speed between 19 & 29 KNOTS so the forecast was spot on. Barnabas called me the night before to see if I was up for a paddle. "Of course I was". The problem was I had only ever paddled with Barnabas on the kayak clubs Tuesday night paddle and as that trip is so well managed I wasn't really sure if Barnabas was experienced enough to handle what I knew would be pretty wild conditions.
But with a beard like his I should have had no doubt that Barnabas would take the heaving seas in his stride - which he did! I was able to let rip with the sail as Barnabas seemed even more in control once he had his sail up and we both ripped up the coast at record speed. The pool of kayakers who enjoy a rough sea out and back sailing trip is getting a bit small so i'm glad I can now add Barnabas to the list of those that do!
