Some Christmas activity

It has been a tradition for nearly 40 years to go for a swim on Christmas morning. Members of the Jersey Canoe Club have been entering the water at 11.00 on Christmas Day long before swimming increased in popularity.  Although some of the public swims on the Island now attract over 200 people the Club has never sought publicity but with word of mouth our only form of advertising we still manage to attract a good turn out.

This year the conditions were completely benevolent.  Light winds, warm sunshine, an ideal tide height and a water temperature of just above 11 degrees.  After a quick dip it was the traditional mince pies and mulled wine before heading off for a family Christmas.

Preparing for the swim at St Catherine's

A selection of the Canoe Club group just before 11.00

We didn't hang around too long!  It was 11 degrees but still felt pretty chilly.

Boxing Day has always been a paddle out of Ouaisne and this year was no different. Approximately 20 members of the Jersey Canoe Club gathered in the car park in rapidly deteriorating weather conditions.  Just after high water on a spring tide it was obvious that there would be an entertaining tidal race off Noirmont, so that's where we headed.

We were not disappointed, there were some delightful waves to surf, some interesting moving water and the deterioration in the weather conditions was delayed.  Two hours on the water followed by a pint in the warmth of The Smugglers was a perfect way to start Boxing Day celebrations.

Launching from Ouaisne

Heading along the side of Pt Le Fret in rather grey conditions.

Noirmont Tower from the east.

A bit of chop is always enjoyable.

The German Tower at Noirmont is clearly visible as we headed back towards Pt Le Fret and Ouaisne.

One of the great locations in Jersey, La Cotte de St Brelade.

By the morning of the 27th December wind had increased dramatically, gusting to 50 knots so looking down from the cliffs the sea state had deteriorated significantly since the day before, although the sun was shining down  and what had been a rather grey landscape.

 

 Ouaisne with some surf rolling into the beach, in contrast to the day before.

 The swell was starting to break against Pt Le Fret.

 Looking down in La Cotte de St Brelade.