RIVER CUCKMERE TRIP

River Cuckmere 'Open Club Trip' Sunday 25th November
We're going to paddle (6 Km) on rivers and sea ... down the Cuckmere river with the outgoing tide to the coast, then along under the cliffs to Birling Gap and a welcome drink in the pub! (map link) This trip is open to all club members and is suitable for "beginners" with a bit of confidence ... all the way down to the sea ... if at that point the sea is a bit rough you can get out (but it would be a good walk back to the car park). However as the river mouth can generate some interesting fun waves it may be worth exploring around the beach. The trip also involves a portage (a clamber over a bank and a slide [seal launch] into the top of the tidal river mouth). If the sea conditions are looking a bit too much when we check the weather forecast, we have an alternative (5-7 Km) route in mind from Alfriston down to Exceat, possibly visiting the beach at Cuckmere Haven for a play.

Cuckmere river mouth

Birling Gap waves on a good day (Magicseaweed)

Pub at Birling Gap - note rocks on beach! - experience required to surf here!

The schedual is ... meet at the Club at 10:30, load kayaks etc, drive to the get in at Exceat, unload, then drive the vehicles to Birling Gap. It will be cold and you may get wet. Be prepared! You will need to bring a kayak, paddle, spraydeck, helmet, buoyancy aid, suitable clothing (it will be cold), pogies/gloves' spare clothes, hot drink, food and money if you want a lunchtime snack and drink at the pub (we most certainly will!). One point to note is that you may need to carry your boat up a steep staircase attached to the side of the cliff at Birling Gap to get to the car park - that is unless we park further down the cliff but we will decide on the day.

Directions
Remember "MEET AT THE CLUB" 10.30 - but if you want to know where we are going, the easiest route to Exceat is A27 round Eastbourne, turn left at Wilmington, go through Litlington, right onto the A259 then left into the car park for Cuckmere Haven ... Map Link

Requirements
We need at least three paddlers to sign up to this trip and we need you to commit to coming "rain or shine" as this trip will be OK in all conditions except the most extreme situation of storm or flood! Please let Diana, Dave or Mark know that you want to do this trip ... and if you are new to "little adventures" such as this, remember that you need warm gear to wear whilst paddling (bring an extra top as well) - and you need warm gear to get changed into when we land! Dave / Tel: 07973 342272 / email dave.waine@btconnect.com Mark / Tel: 07977271609 / email info@hastingscanoeclub.org.uk NOTE: if you send a message to the canoe club email please put "Canoe Club Info" in the email title as we get so much "spam" that if you don't it will end up in the bin!