welshkate

Courtesy Photo from Chris Constantine on a higher tide

I’ve heard stories of them, seen pictures of them, read the guidebook entry on them, checked out their website, but nothing can quite prepare you for them. You just have to go. I’m talking about the Bitches, a tidal race that forms between the mainland of West Wales and Ramsey Island, about 1 km off shore. after checking the tides (6.2 m), swell (< 0.5 ft) and wind (< 0.5 knots), we were on for an early Sunday session and Chris assembled a group of experienced paddlers, from South Wales and Aberystwyth Uni.

The paddle out began before sunrise - quite impressive given the previous night’s session at the pub in St Davids. Nothing like being on the water at 6:45 am to blow the cobwebs (and hangover) away. We launched from St Justinian’s, under the life boat ramp (about 4 h before high tide). The paddle out was flat calm and allowed time to take in the beauty of the area. It took about 40 minutes to paddle to the island and we stopped in the harbour to stretch our legs, closely followed by a rather large grey seal (i think)- about the size of a Jackson Allstar.

Photos by Kate & Chris (L to R): Seal in harbour; the eddy; the hole.

As the tide rises, and the series of protruding rocks submerge, the bitches is transformed into a playboating dream. Currents were funky, eddy-lines boilely, undefined and swirly, whirlpools were fun and unpredictable, but the main focus was on “Bitches Hole” and the “Top Wave”. We watched the sea go from flat calm to a big choppy mess, but as this happened, the features began to form. We played hard on the surgey hole as we waited for the Top Wave to form.

Photos by Kate & Chris (L to R): Gavin (Rhondda paddlers) surfing; me back surfing; Chris about to blunt

As time ticked, I kept looking over towards the Top Wave, willing it to form, but on this occation, we were dennied. Hopefully next time.

Photo: Top wave, not quite forming.

But I think that by looking at Nicki and Chris, you can tell how happy we all were to be there!