Kayaking to Stocking Island

I’m happy to report that my kayaking days took a turn for the better after that first windy day. Weather conditions improved each time we went out as did my skills and confidence. I still have a lot to learn but Chris has been setting me simple tasks which mean that I’m getting better all the time. I'm comfortable using the rudder now and able to cope a lot better with waves, although I still prefer calmer conditions. Call me old fashioned but I think kayaking at dusk should be more akin to a romantic stroll, rather than a roller coaster ride!

After a few hour-long sessions we decided to take the plunge (no pun intended) and spend a full day kayaking. There’s a great cay north of Great Exuma called Stocking Island which has a beach bar and a volleyball pitch. It’s a great place to chill out and a perfect lunch spot.

As soon as we set off I was delighted to see that my paddling was far stronger than only a few days before. I was putting into practice the skills I had been learning which meant that I was (hopefully) using less energy to make my kayak go further. I still hadn't deciphered Chris’s riddle to “move the boat, not the water” but nevertheless I was making good progress! 

We quickly reached the nearest groups of sailing boats – a destination that had thwarted me on the first day. Passing them with a wave, we went under a low, narrow bridge with, I must confess, a little shrieking on my part! Chris captured this on video so we’ll be putting it on YouTube soon - I'll make sure to add a link here.

We paddled up past Georgetown harbour, along some smaller cays and stopped on a beautiful, deserted beach for a break and some biscuits. We generally don’t leave shore without a good supply of snacks – it’s as vital as sunscreen here! We spent some time lazing on the beach enjoying the peacefulness.

Eventually we got back on the water to make the crossing to Stocking Island. We were leaving the shoreline and crossing a bay and so it was harder to gauge how much progress we were making. This can often make the distance seem a lot further than it is but with the promise of a delicious lunch waiting for us at Chat "N" Chill our spirits were high.

Due to the leisurely pace of the day, it was well past lunchtime when we arrived and the biscuits were a long forgotten treat. I was hungry and as a result I was beginning to feel the impact of the last 4 hours of paddling.  We pulled our kayaks up onto the beach to rest beside a whole host of inflatable dinghies that bring the boaters to the island each day. We headed straight for the bar to place our food order and sat looking out to sea with a cold beer. I had to admit it was nice to be out of the boat - I definitely wasn't up for any volleyball action that afternoon! 

Stocking Island is home to some friendly southern stingrays that linger near the shore line and are fed on leftover conch. It’s a fantastic experience to stand in the sea and watch them swim right up to you, often passing right over your feet. They’re incredible to feel, quite silky smooth yet amazingly sturdy, and if you’re brave enough you can feel them hoovering up the food from the palm of your hand.  

After eating tasty conch burgers and rice and peas (a common meal here), we had just another hour of paddling to take us back home. It had been a great day and despite my aching shoulders, I knew I was ready for the three-day trip. It was just as well as we were heading out in just two days!