Contributed by Doug Smith

A group from SCC ventures onto the sea once a week during the summer months (usually Monday evenings) meeting at Stonehaven Harbour. When conditions are reasonable the coastline around Stonehaven is perfect for exploring in kayaks - small channels and large caves, large cliffs that support multitudes of nesting sea birds (including puffins, fulmars, razorbill, guillemot, kittiwake and eider duck). The smell is almost overpowering! - Yes, the smell is guano.

On many occasions close encounters with seals and the dolphins that patrol the coast. Sea kayaking also gives the opportunity to get a unique view of Dunnottar Castle.

If weather conditions are especially poor, the harbour is generally still sheltered enough to provide a safe area for practising rolls, deep water rescues, Eskimo rescues and paddling strokes.

The club does not have any sea kayaks for hire, but many members use longer river boats - not as fast or as easy to paddle in a straight line, but good for exploring rock gardens and caves.

The beauty of sea kayaking lies in the horizons that are opened up to paddlers. Scotland is a world renowned sea kayaking venue, with deserted beaches that can only be accessed easily by boat. A sea kayak generally has over 100 litre capacity for kit storage, double the amount of a large rucksack, allowing paddlers to make extended voyages into the wild or take some luxuries for shorter trips. The sea lochs and tidal races are particularly impressive venues for those with the necessary skills.

Thumbnail Photos of Trips with the NE Sea Kayakers

	Isle of May Trip, Fife	Out in the open sea on the way to the Isle of May	Stonehaven to Cove Bay Trip, Aberdeenshire
Isle of May Trip, Fife