Loop Head Meet 14 & 15 June 2014

[Gavan Sheridan]

Hi Folks,
Sorry for tardy mobilisation on my part - there is no 3G coverage on the west coast of Skye!
Thanks to Trish Carraher for settling any nerves about whether or not this meet was going ahead. Thanks to Martin G for the wonderfully informative post on the lie of the land at the mouth of the Shannon.
So here's the plan: briefing outside the Light House Inn, Kilbaha at 10:00 on Saturday morning. The most likely scenario is to launch from Kilbaha soon after that. Those joining the trip need to have sea kayaks and personal kit suitable for a day on the sea. Protocol is for everybody's safety and enjoyment, so craft or paddlers that are not sea worthy will not be joining us. This trip is aimed at Level 3ish sea paddlers and not super accomplished gurus (though they are also welcome).
I think this bulletin board would be the most useful forum for any queries as the question of one may inform many. However, my contact details are below should you need them:
gavansheridan@gmail.com 087-6712335.

Looking forward to your company,
Gavan

[conorsmith]

Link to area marine charts as follows - http://www.westernyachtclub.com/chartsbundle/charts.htm.


If anyone is looking for OSI maps of the area, send me an email and I will return with copies. These are A4 in size and perfect to print, laminate and sticking to your deck - iskacommittee@gmail.com

[colinfrancis]

Will not make this one see you a the next meet

[brianmacmahon]

Sorry you can't make it Colin.

If you've haven't paddled Loop Head before you couldn't pick a better weekend for it.
An opportunity like this doesn't happen often.
The weather Gods have finally smiled.

It's looking like a good one.

[colinfrancis]

Hope All travelling got there O.K

[brianmacmahon]

Many thanks to Gavin for keeping us all together around the Loop on Saturday.
We were blessed with perfect conditions.

Great turnout, great conversation and we got to give a rasta sheepdog a haircut.
What more could you ask for

[chris ted]

Great wkend.thanks to all....

[Gavan Sheridan]

Thanks everybody for a great weekend, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great as always to meet up with old friends and new. The west coast paddlers made all visitors feel most welcome. In particular I would like to thank Martin for providing the bigger picture in terms of paddling options and accommodation. The detailed knowledge provided by Mattie and Chris really added to the experience. Such a collaborative approach is typical of what makes The Irish Sea Kayaking Association so good to be a part of. Looking forward to many more paddling days in Clare in the future,
Gavan

[conorsmith]

Only able to join the group on Saturday, rounding Loop Head from both directions, slow and easy on the way out, with a nice steady pace for the return. Off the headland and particularly on the return leg, getting a feel for the power of the sea as the waves boomed off Diarmuid & Grainne's Rock was really spectacular. Thanks again to Gavan and everyone involved in organising the trip.

[ND]

Great week end and paddle (saturday only for me, but I'm sure sunday was fabulous too) - went around loop head on foot on sunday: never seen so many dolphins all along the west coast to Ross bridge.
Thanks Gavan for organising the meet & trip, Martin for the accommodation and weather gods liaison.
cheers
Nic