13 April 2025

The forecast was for drizzle with temperatures not entirely conducive to outdoor activities. Nevertheless we headed west with an air of positivity in search of adventure (well, our first paddling excursion with the club at least!). Arriving at the Seven Sisters Country Park we were met, not with the promised rain, but instead some very welcome spring sunshine. We readied our equipment and following a safety briefing from Dom our trip organizer, we each took to the meandering waters of the Cuckmere River. Our party numbered around a dozen members possessing a mixed range of ability and experience ranging from relative beginners like myself and Tracey to those who were much more at home on the water.

Our schedule would ensure that we benefited from the incoming tidal flow as we headed upstream towards our destination, the village of Alfriston. As we followed the course carved by the river we were treated to an alternative viewpoint of some otherwise familiar countryside which, with its coverings of spring growth, was looking close to its best.

After the better part of 2 hours paddling we reached our destination and hauled out onto the river bank at Alfriston. There we were able to make use of the local amenities before returning to the riverside where we continued to enjoy the sunshine while we ate our lunches and waited for the ebb tide. So it was that at about 1.30pm we found ourselves back on the water and, once we had recovered everyone’s boats, embarked on the return leg. For us “newbies” some sections of the return journey proved more challenging as, while still benefitting from the outgoing tide, we had to contend with a stiff breeze which slowed our progress.

Despite these challenges we all arrived back at the car park at approximately 3.30pm, a little tired, but with a great sense of achievement and enjoyment. Our thanks goes to Dom and all the experienced team members who helped to make this outing so enjoyable. We each felt supported and encouraged by them throughout the day and were able to learn/hone our techniques as we paddled. All in all it was the perfect introduction to club outings and we look forward to many more to come.

Bernard Perkins