To the Kayaks! …on bank holiday Monday afternoon. Recent days have seen some spectacularly high spring tides out along the estuary. The bright blue skies and wind were too much of a good opportunity to resist an afternoon of paddling.
The dinghies had already launched and were out racing. It was the perfect weather if you wanted some wind in your sail, not so if you were battling against the elements with only a single oar.
We took the strategic decision to make the most of the incoming tide and head upstream. It felt more like we were battling an outgoing tide to be honest, such was the ferocity of the wind blowing the waves back at us. Splashes ahoy!
Once we were past the barrier it was surprising to see the Bank Holiday river traffic pretty much non-existent. We saw C. He was out doing his usual daily swim. A few brief polite words were exchanged before we pressed on.
Rowhedge was reached. There was another couple swimming close to the public hard. I say swimming, it looked more like they were simply treading water.
Both pubs on the other side of the river were busy with Bank Holiday boozers. The Essex Harbour Patrol boat was moored up and ready to pounce on any speeding jet ski dickheads.
Windy Corner was reached. It was an absolute bastard. I tried to head for the channel but was blown off course.
We came within touching distance of the University but decided to cut our losses as the waves continued. We drifted back downstream with the tide now turning.
Just as we were recovering the kayaks, some scouse fella came up to me and asked me about high tides. He wanted to know the precise science behind what governs high and low water.
Fuck me, you’re asking the wrong dude fella.
