Friday has rushed around to be with us once again, which thrusts us nicely in to the Weekend.. what a relief!

And before we begin,  that’s that as they say, for January 2025. I’m not sure how inspiring it was for you but it did bring a ‘bit’ of wind, as with last Tuesday’s end of storm side shore winds, which managed to coax a reasonable number out at Worthing.  I guess the temperatures could have been a lot colder and the rainfall could well have been snow, so a case of count your blessings and be happy with your lot (snow on the Downs is fun, but nowadays driving in it is anything but fun!). Anyhow, we now progress into February and if the forecasters are right,  it’s starting off reasonably mild. Fingers crossed, it could be one of those February’s that brings early spring like temperatures, as in the past 18°C in mid Feb has been ‘available’ (without leaving the country) but just in case the forecasts are wrong, have you thought about…

We are finally getting to the end of the clearance Dry Poncho’s, which have been on offer from Mystic, Ocean and Earth, Red Paddle and Sola (never again will so many Ponchos be made by so many..) so now could be the time to buy, if you should be in need of complete coverage when changing, rigging or just walking the dog. And even if February does turn out to be warm, there’s still March, April, May, June, July…  All can be found at https://www.surfladle.com/towels-and-ponchos

Sad to say, what appeared to be a juvenile Bottle Nose Dolphin was washed up on the beach last Monday and a lady who had come across it dropped by the shop and asked if we knew what species it was. From the pictures she had (her daughter was with her so I guess they had not ‘stayed long’ ) it was obviously Bottle nosed but may have been a White nose. It had a scar on its body which could well have been caused by a propellor but whether that had caused its demise, hard to say. She had reported it to the Dolphin Project but I just wondered if anyone else had any news regarding it.. always interested when marine mammals end up on the beach.

It's a short blog tonight as until things get going again it’s always a bit quiet on the news front and I hate just listing kit..  time now for the weekend weather!

Saturday, wind is from the Sou’Sou’East 8-17kt with mainly overcast skies until late afternoon, when it clears but becomes dark J . Air temp is given as 7°C tops but that wind chill could make it feel a tad chilly (I know I said ‘mild’ but 7°C is mild in my book).  No sign of any rain and the cloud cover will remain overnight, so no frosts mentioned either. The onshore wind could produce a small wave for SUP or Foil fun (perhaps even a kite foil) and the estuary will be ‘full’, as we have a big tide range of 6.3m with the High at 13.05hrs (which reminds me.. we have a 6.3m Ezzy Wave sail on offer.. https://www.surfladle.com/ezzy-wave-mk2-63m-wave-sail-2021).

Please be aware of the SSSI when entering and leaving the water and no paddling over the mud flats near the houseboats.. please.

Sunday, the wind stays from the Sou’Sou’East but drops back 7-15kt in the morning and decreases further during the afternoon. The big difference to Saturday will be sunshine, that is said to be with us from the start of the day right through to dusk, which is now officially at 17.25hrs (pitch black here this evening and drizzle, even though it is supposed to be dry). Top day temp is again 7°C but it will feel a lot warmer in that sun, especially inland or out of the breeze. Tide hits High at 13.45hrs, once more on a 6.3m.. did I mention we have an Ezzy 6.3m on offer?  

And that’s it for another week. No one should wish ‘time’ away but the quicker we get to Spring, where the days don’t end before 6pm and the thermometer stays above 10°C, the better. Hope your weekend goes well and I’m sure you all know how to find us, should you need anything.. anything at all. Have a good’un!