Kayaking Port Erin

The following paddles have been described in and around the Isle of Man. These descriptions are a brief guide only, and should not be used alone for trip planning purposes.

Peel

Manx Paddle Sports have incorporated their web site here. They are a local paddling club whose aim is to promote kayaking on the Isle of Man, especially in schools.

Manx Paddle Sports information page.

Buy Palm, Dagger and Ainsworth kayaking gear through Mobex. Mobex are a Manx children's charity specializing in outdoor activities for kids. All profits are ploughed straight back into Mobex.

myKAYAK is the Facebook group where you'll find many of the kayakers involved with KAYAK.im .If you are looking for a paddling partner on the Isle of Man, Paddle Buddy is a way of linking with local Manx sea kayakers, surf kayakers and river paddlers.

Detailed wind, temperature, precipitation, visibility and tide reports for the Isle of Man all in one handy place.

The Guide pages provide brief descriptions of Manx paddles and are aimed at those planning paddling holidays to the Isle of Man.

Port Erin is a small seaside town near the south west corner of the Isle of Man. It has a large sandy beach at the base of a sea kayaking Isle of Man long, narrow, natural harbour which is lined on both sides by sizeable headlands. The beach is exposed to the prevailing westerly winds but is more sheltered than Peel due to the surrounding headlands. Once beyond these however, the kayaker becomes very exposed to the weather, with no reliable escape points either on the left or right turn out of the bay. Port Erin is one of the gateways to the Sound and Calf of Man.

Left: Port Erin Harbour and Beach

The long sandy beach provides easy access to the sea for the kayaker. Once underway the right (more northerly) side of the bay usually offers the most shelter from the prevailing winds. Depending on the tide there is also some interesting rock hopping and caves to paddle through on this route. The left (more southerly) side of the bay passes a small harbour and lifeboat station. At the edge of the bay on this side there is a reef of rocks extending from the coast to a green buoy near the centre of the bay. Though a problem for large boats this seldom causes a barrier to the sea kayaker.

sea kayaking Isle of Man Turning right (north east) from Port Erin the route follows the base of steep cliffs, with small boulder beaches and large rocks, some just submerged. There are no reliable escape points until the kayaker reaches Fleshwick Beach. However it is possible to land and examine the numerous mine workings on this headland (these are dangerous and should not be approached). The paddle is rewarding with numerous seabirds and the occasional porpoise seen along this stretch. Some 2Nm along the coast Fleshwick Beach is the first reliable escape point. This is a very steep shingle beach. This means that waves break very close to the sea margin and beyond these breakers it may well be too deep to stand on the sea bed. This can make launching                                                                                                 and landing difficult in rough weather.
     Above: Bradda Head helping to protect Port Erin Bay.
        (Below Bradda Head are extensive mine workings)

Fleshwick Bay N 54° 06.3' W 4° 44.8'

Turning left (south west) out of Port Erin the Sound and Calf of Man are a 30 to 45 minute paddle away. The terrain is similar to that found if the kayaker turns north with steep cliffs and no reliable landing points. There is an "L" shaped cave shortly after turning the corner after Port Erin which can be entered from either end and is approximately 30 metres long. The Sound of Man and Calf are extremely tidal and tidal races can become evident towards the Calf end of this paddle. The Calf and Sound of Man will be reviewed separately and are appropriate to advanced paddlers only.

Port Erin Harbour with Bradda Head in the distance. Note the soft sandy beach which is safe for launching and landing.

Warning: Kayaking can be dangerous. Non of the information provided here should be used to plan paddles by inexperienced kayakers, and without expert help and appropriate equipment. In no way should any person assume that any information contained on this site is a recommendation of the safety of the location, facility or professionalism of the instructing personnel. Indeed, some of the locations described can be dangerous.

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