Morecambe Bay crossing, (Roa Island to Knott End return.)
Maximum of 4 including AndyM
This event is weather dependent so a willingness to be flexible is essential. Plans to be discussed with all group members and then confirmed by agreement (after formation of event WhatsApp group).
Current forecast (at 0700 Monday Feb 28th) for Friday 3rd March into Saturday 4th March is stable. Please monitor forecasted conditions and wind-speeds/directions to gauge whether or not your ability and adventure threshold is matched.
We will only depart if everyone is happy to do so after discussions on at Roa Island Friday morning at 10.30am.
Call me on 07471 890975 if you'd like to chat or have questions before signing up. 4 max.
Co-ordinator Andy Murphy
1. Trip type: Sea, Friday 3rd March 2023 - Saturday 4th March 2023
Plan A - Crossing Morecambe Bay from Roa Island to Knott End / Fleetwood. Leaving on Friday 3rd March at HW Liverpool +0300 (0848+0300) =1148 to take last 3 hours of S-going ebb and then first 3 hours of new flood into Knott End/ River Wyre (5-6hr paddle), (HW 2120). Wind is due to lessen further overnight Friday into Saturday so after staying over in Knott End until HW +0300 (2120+0300) =0020 take last 3 hours of W-going ebb and then new morning flood into Walney Channel (LW 0353) arriving Piel / Roa Island ~0630 Saturday.
Plan B - to be decided by the group if conditions dictate.
Friday 3rd March Liverpool HW 0848, LW 1538, HW 2120
Saturday 4th March Liverpool LW 0353, HW 0937, LW 1627
2. Level of ability: Intermediate - Advanced with willingness to paddle at night. Max 4 including AM. All equipment to be self-contained.
3. Plan A: Return trip Roa Island to Knott End / Fleetwood.
4. Meet location/time: Roa Island Friday 3rd March at 1030 to pack/check gear and finalise plan.
5. Every participant to be self-reliant, self-sufficient and comfortable . Discussions to be held regarding equipment after formation of WhatsApp group. Everyone to bring along compass, bivi-gear, towing system, split paddles, paddle leash, whistle, vhf, emergency strobe, plb and submersible lighting (high-intensity and pin-light ba attachment). I do have some spares.
Stove to make warm food/drinks at Fleetwood and full set of spare clothing and safety equipment essential. Sleeping bag and warm 'down-time' equipment essential.
6. Anything else: The bivi experience could be very cold and urban. Neap tides. All VERY weather dependent but at the moment the sea-state forecast with high pressure 1030 on neaps implies a smooth crossing. Paddling at night has its own challenges but these can be planned and equipped for - don't worry if this is a first.
An extra layer of paddling gear / oversize/coverall jacket is advised and it will be essential to stay warm for an extended period whilst waiting for the tide to turn in Knott End.
Please read notes regarding trip protocols and definitions here:
