As I was out paddling on Saturday evening the usual speeding power boats were passing Sandy Beach. One went upstream to give a good ride to Phil and the other was heading downstream. I pulled over at a small beach on the corner and took my camera out to get a good photo of this pretty big boat called Molly blowing its horn and
travelling at high speed. It would be a good picture to send to the Transport Department I thought!
My idea was to take a picture and get back in the deep water before the big waves came and hit the shore but just as I was about to take off the water was sucked from underneath me, like the tide had gone out, similar to what happens before a tsunami. It was so strange.
That wasn’t good news, not only was I trying to put my camera back in my pocket I could see the two big waves heading my way were generating more height as the water shallowed. I was stuck on the sand and had little time to get away from shore and as the waves which now had grown to being over my head height, just barrelled down on top
of me. Immediately I was soaked, my kayak filled completely to the brim with water and I was washed against some tree roots and the sand bank. My Epic paddle, which I have been using for the last 15 years got a bashing from my kayak and the kayak got a battering as it was pushed onto the roots and shore. Luckily my paddle and kayak were fine and apart from being a little embarrassed I was okay. However I was the wettest I have been for years, not a dry patch on my body but I was still in my
kayak and upright, although I had to get out and empty it for its first time ever.
Whilst these jolly people sped along the river the waves being created were eroding the shoreline and undercutting the trees that are already in danger of falling over.
I knew I shouldn't have been on the shoreline when a large wave heads towards shore, but I didn’t expect to be on shore, however this served as a reminder to keep away from the shore when the waves of a power boat come your way.
