In the context or Arrto´s recovery, we planned a quiet sunday-morning paddle: From "Wijk aan Zee" to "Bakkum"vv.
After exploring a new startlocation, we took off.
I paddled this part of the coast only once before.
And again, as at the other occasion, I found this part of the sea having a rather nervous (or better : challenging) wave-pattern: Taking into account the wind was not more than 4Bft, there was a big swell occasionally starting to topple over further out at sea. A swell which had cross-waves from another direction in it. This made paddling sometimes a bit bouncy. It could well be that this has something to do with the very long jetty from IJmuiden-harbour, which obviously influences the current and/or created deeper spots at sea thus influencing the wave-height.
However, we both liked the sea and the waves here today. But I don´t think I would take a beginner with me in this stretch of sea.
Coming near Bakkum we noticed a strange object standing in the water near the beach. Arrto thougth these could be the remains of an art-project along the coast last year. Taking a closer look I concluded it could well be an old wreck as well because the surface looked as if the object was there already for years. Or could it be a part of the reinforcements which were built along the coast during WO II?
Anyhow, the object looks like a threat to me at high tide: today we met at low tide having the object clearly visible. But I would not like it to paddle there at high tide when it will be almost invisible.
Just be aware!
After a break there we paddled back and, having the wind from behind, we made the distance much faster. Probably we paddled a little closer to the beach because it was necessary to stay alert for the swell starting to build up and to prevent waves smashing us upon each other. Finally we could land, performing the art not to make a looping if the waves build up.
Details: date 26 aug 2007; participants: Arrto, René; temperature 17°C; sunny weather, wind NW 4(-5)Bft, distance ±15km.
