Relaxed Night Paddle

Superb conditions last night gave an exceptionally relaxed feel to the night paddle, and with the breeze dropping completely we were able to put in at Port Erin Beach and paddle the stretch of coast to the Calf Sound! As predicted, a warm and starry evening...
Top image - returning to the beach at Port Erin.

"Setting out from Port Erin at night seemed very natural and was unbelievably peaceful. Under the cover of darkness it would seem easy to become disorientated or unnerved. But with constant support from Keirron, we all soon settled down for a truely epic experience!"


Bioluminescence crept in as we left the bright lights of the bay behind, initially subtle flickering luminous lines from the bow, followed by the question "...is my glow stick leaking?" from one of the group :)

"Kayaking at night was a completely different experience in which the absence of full vision heightens all other senses which is needed to take training to a new level. The darkness makes you appreciate the unknown smaller scale beauty of the Island, such as the bioluminescence and the placidity movements of the sea. It truly was a surreal and relaxing paddle."

This phenomena - the result of disturbing the living micro-organisms in the water, is entirely natural and a joyous part of night paddling! Every paddle stroke produces an explosion of tiny lights - a chemical reaction converting chemical energy to light energy. Tecnically it's the substance Adenosine Triphosphate which is involved in this.

"Ninety percent of deep-sea marine life is estimated to produce bioluminescence in one form or another. Most marine light-emission belongs in the blue and green light spectrum, the wavelengths that can transmit through the seawater most easily. However, certain loose-jawed fish emit red and infrared light and the genus Tomopteris emits yellow bioluminescence."

http://en.wikipedia.org/

Beginners Sea Kayak Trip

This morning's trip from Peel shared the same conditions - but no glow sticks and head torches... A few seals cruised about and the residual swell from last week exposed and covered low rock shelved intermittently. We headed South to beneath Contrary Head, a relaxed pace and plenty of time to explore the inlets and sea caves. More Guillimots have arrived, and looking forward to seeing the first Puffins shortly!