Back in the early summer of 2021 I was trying to find as many ways as possible to get out on the water. One weekend Alex wanted to go sailing but I wanted to go paddleboarding. The wind speed was around 7knots from the South West. This was perfect for both sports. We decided to have a micro adventure together. We grabbed the chart for the Solent and planned a route. We decided, due to the South Westerly wind and the rising tide – we could both sail and paddle to Beaulieu. So we took the two crafts – Alex on his Wayfarer dinghy and myself on my paddleboard.
We set off from Lymington at around 8.15am on Saturday 26th June. Launching from public slipway at Bath Road Car Park. The temperature was just right, I was wearing the following; a Long Jane 3:2 GUL wetsuit, my 3mm Decathlon surf booties and a buoyancy aid. My arms feel free in a long jane wetsuit, rather than a full body suit. I find my strokes are much better and I can find rhythm much quicker. In my long jane suit my body stayed a good temperature and I knew I wouldn’t panic if I happen to fall in.
Due to the rising tide, this meant I would be paddling against the tide to get out of the Lymington River. Alex towed me to the mouth of the river, which was rather fun. We didn’t half get some looks, I smiled and waved politely at on lookers. I then knew I could use the tide to my advantage – paddling East towards Beaulieu on the flooding tide.
Paddling to Beaulieu from Lymington, there aren’t many hazards to be aware of. I did however, stay closer to the shoreline than Alex as I felt more comfortable there. I was also aware, that the closer I got to the shore and the marshes the less the tide would aid me on the trip (tides aren’t as strong in shallower water). I passed Tanners Lane, spying on the beautiful estates and larger houses on the New Forest coastline. Alex’s Wayfarer has a deeper draft than my paddleboard, meaning he had to stay out in deeper waters at times.
I was paddling well and I could see Alex sailing around in the distance. He kept coming closer at times and we were weaving in and out of each other, having mini races and dodging each other. We managed to tie ourselves together, Alex ‘hove to‘ slowing us down and I sat on my board attached to the boat.
We both had a hand held VHF and used a local channel to communicate when needed. I paddled a total of around 11km and planned to go further however things started to change.
I reached Beaulieu spit, also known as Warren Farm Spit. The wind turned and resulted in wind against tide, creating a less than ideal sea state for paddling. I dropped to my knees and paddled hard through the chop. I managed to push on to Needs Ore Point and Gull Island (see map below), but I realised I wouldn’t be able to paddle into the wind with the increasing chop.
Be aware it is illegal to step foot/land on Gull Island due to its protected status! See news article here.
The next part was more unexpected.
I had planned to paddle around Beaulieu spit and up Beaulieu River into Bucklers Hard. However, with the deteriorating conditions we decided (over radio) that if we wanted to make it to Bucklers Hard I would need to get in the boat.
Alex performed his first rescue by getting as to close to me as he could. I then paddled out against the conditions and somehow managed to get from the paddleboard into the boat without falling in. It all felt very dramatic in the moment! We quickly realised we were dragging a 11 ft long inflatable board. So I set to, deflating the board whilst Alex safely sailed us away from the spit. Once I’d finished wrestling with the board we got the motor on and headed up Beaulieu River. I was shattered and so relieved to get to Bucklers Hard. A well deserved lunch break and ice cream was in order.
The plan was to deflate my board at Bucklers Hard and we’d sail back. So, after that point, we were back on track. I managed to roll the paddleboard up neatly, securing it in the boat with bungie ties and we were ready to go again.
We motored down Beaulieu River and put the sails up when we reached the river mouth. We tacked West, into the wind, tacking our way back. After what felt like a strenuous morning, the wind got even lighter and I had very relaxing crew duties on the route back. I put on more suncream and an extra layer as my body cooled down. I also threw on my GUL lightweight spray top over my wetsuit to protect me from the slight chill and the sun.
Below is the route I took on my paddleboard with some stats taken from my Garmin watch. I started tracking the route once Alex finished towing me out of Lymington and then I stopped the activity when Alex had to collect me before heading into Beaulieu River.
Tips for coastal paddling or costal navigation in craft of any kind:
- Either go with a buddy or tell someone your exact plans. Over the years we have found the ‘find my friend’ app very useful and we can track each others whereabouts.
- Take a phone, VHF (and learn how to use it!) or carry both.
- Check the weather (wind, rain and visibility) for the duration of your adventure.
- TIDES! When in your favour they are your best friend but when against you they can be your worst nightmare. Areas of the Solent have tidal streams of 5knots+ (this can be as quick as your paddling speed – you ain’t going anywhere and you will tire). Great resources here.
- Kit – make sure you have the correct clothing on, 1 for the activity and 2 for the water temperature.
- Take layers, first aid kit, plenty of water and food for your trip. I pack all my things up in a dry bag on the deck of my board.
- Know your abilities and always be able to adapt to changing conditions.
What coastal adventures have you done? I’d love to hear about them.
Ness x
Here’s also a short video I made on the day about the trip.
Ness' bit of everything 