January 2019, Round Two At The Races! - Richard Janes
Round two at the races! Two recovery days from surfing South Stack and a great forecast of light Northerly winds with a Spring tide found our team of Roger, Justine, JF, Mirco, Jan, Garry, Geth, Steve, Barry, Paul and Me having a 'staggered' start from Porth Dafarch, heading North to the races of Penrhyn Mawr and South Stack. Now, The meaning of 'Porth Dafarch' may have originated from the contraction of 'Porth Dau Farch' (harbour/inlet of two horses/stallions). We didn't let accuracy get in the way of a good story (!) as the late arrivals (Paul, Steve and me) left Porth Dafarch behind as we paddled North towards Penrhyn Mawr and the first race. Thoughts of beautiful waves most definitely spurring us on; "Wild, wild horses, We'll ride them someday" (Rolling Stones)Tide pulling us through 'mini Mawr', we could soon see the rolling white of Penrhyn Mawr, along with the odd paddle flash from our friends already in the race. ..... And what a joyous race Penrhyn Mawr was today! Effectively, the last hour of a Spring tide, boils and whirlpools had subsided, water depth increased leaving beautiful rolling waves breaking, then running out onto an oily sea. Our efforts swiftly followed by lunch in the sun at Porth RuffydWith domestic commitments for several team members, our group now split. Paul, Gary, Steve, Jan and me headed North. Beautiful rock hopping towards South Stack and beyond. Looking West, South Stack race looked lively with a light breeze blowing spume from the crests of waves. So that's where we headed for a stunning surf session. Multiple and extended rides on rolling, near perfect waves. I truly didn't want to leave; "Wild Horses, Couldn't drag me away" .... But sadly, failing arms meant it was time to submit to the ebb flow and the paddle back to Porth Dafarch. Passing Penrhyn Mawr, now silent. Redolent and waiting for the flood, it was difficult to remember the excitement of the morning.Our day finished with a beautiful sunset as we packed soggy kit and warmed chilled bodies after another fabulous day.
