With high water at midday, we decided to meet at Bouley Bay, head west around Belle Hougue and then catch the last of the flood tide back to Bouley Bay. It is a paddle, which we have completed many times but the combination of the Island’s tallest headland; a significant tidal race and the remnants of the westerly swell produce at times an intimidating atmosphere.

We passed the small cottage at Wolf’s Lair, scene of an allied landing during the German occupation in the Second World War, a location selected for its isolation, something that it retains to this day. Belle Hougue was next, the Island’s tallest headland with a thin layer of cloud drifting around its higher parts. We paused to mark the waypoint in our GPS and then pressed on to the small fishing harbour of Bonne Nuit and then along the coast to Ronez headland, where we had decided to turn back and head for the cars. The 4 miles had passed quickly and we were lost in conversation, mainly about how we could develop the web site, and as such were oblivious to the deteriorating conditions.

A few powerful left hand sweep strokes turned the bows of the kayaks to the east and a solid wall of grey greeted us. We had failed to notice the fog, which hadn’t been forecast, spilling off the higher sections of the islands and reducing the visibility considerably. Within 30 seconds of starting paddling all signs of land had disappeared and we stopped to orientate ourselves. Fortunately both our kayaks had deck-mounted compasses and we knew that Belle Hougue was due east and little did I realise earlier that the waypoint which I had marked off the headland would be needed so quickly.

solid wall of grey greeted us

A quick press of the “GoTo” button told us that it was 2.03NM away and it confirmed the bearing, which we were already using on the compass. We confidently paddled on into the thickening fog satisfied that traditional navigational methods supported by modern technology would ensure that we reached our destination.

Paddling in reduced visibility always seems to enhance ones senses, particularly hearing, and today was no exception. At one point, when we were completely out of sight of land, we could clearly hear the eager chatter of the fulmars, who were busy prospecting the cliffs for potential breeding spots, and on another occasion there was the faintest sound of walkers on the cliff path several hundred feet above our heads. Both were indications that land was to our right or south as we carried on paddling in the fog. Further visual confirmation of our course was the constant swell approaching from the west, as long as we kept the swell on our stern we would be heading east.

My GPS read 0.48NM to Belle Hougue and there was still no sign of the 150 metre high headland, this was reasonably poor visibility. Where were the “bright intervals” of the forecast? The base of the cliffs finally crept into view when we were probably not much more than 200 metres away. From this point onwards it was a simple matter of following the coast back to the cars, taking care to avoid the isolated rocks, which would occasionally force the swell to break.

base of cliffs crept into view

As we paddled the final few hundred metres back towards the 19th century harbour we began to ponder about the day’s events. What if I had been in one of the Club’s kayaks, which don’t have deck mounted compasses? Would I have taken a small hand held compass with the weather forecast that we had on the day? Probably not. I am also known as a bit of a GPS geek who always takes one when going on the water. Sad I know, but I always find it interesting to see what speed I am travelling and how many miles I have covered. But what if I hadn’t embraced modern technology?

We could clearly hear the eager chatter of the fulmars

So there we were, paddling in our local waters with a reasonable forecast but were caught out in rapidly developing fog. As it was, we were well equipped to deal the conditions which occurred, but we did wonder whether that would have always been the case. I would like to think so but I am not completely sure.

On reflection it made us think about the need to always be prepared. At times we can be too complacent and without a small item of equipment could suddenly find ourselves in a situation which could so easily spiral out of control.

So next time you are out on the water run through a number of ‘what if’ scenarios. What if somebody capsizes here? What if the weather forecast isn’t totally accurate? What if somebody holes their kayak? etc. etc.. The list can be never ending but as we found today being prepared is a vital part of avoiding minor incidents evolving into major ones.

Kevin Mansell

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