Rye and Camber

So it's back to Rye for the annual grass court tennis tournament, not that I enter, but there is a big contingent from Old College. It all starts on Friday when it rains, so matches on the artificial clay in the rain! I go down on Saturday when the weather has improved and the magnificent grass courts are in use. Saturday is also BBQ and disco day, all rather subdued, a lot of players must have been put off by the rain on Friday.

On Monday I ride the bike into Rye and take breakfast at the Old Boundary Arms where I get talking to the staff about exploring the countryside. A walk to Camber Castle is recommended, take the footpath off Harbour Road, so after breakfast that's where I go.

Built on a shingle bar as sea defences the castle became isolated and was abandoned in the middle of the marches as the sea retreated in the 17th century. The shingle bars can still be seen with now inland water a haven for birds.

In the evening I go out to Camber for a kite lesson and buy a 2nd hand board to replace the one lost at Murtosa Portugal. Down from a 142x43 to a 136x41cm. A reasonable cross-shore wind but it drops and I'm struggling to create enough power to get on the board. Still good practice in diving the kite strongly without crashing it into the sea. Quite a large swell to, so I'm having to water start in between the breakers, little practice of this in Portugal where the water was mainly flat.

Back at Rye Tennis Club for a shower, there are no facilities at the Camber Kite Surf Centre. I just jump in the van in my wetsuit and make the tripin 10min, and a great shower. Old College are having a good run and many are still in the competition come close of play on Sunday when sadly most have to scratch since the final matches are on Monday. Phil is able to stay on and clinches the men's handicap open. Well done him (with the big smile).

Good winds predicted for the following weekend and I travel to Camber again to stay at the tennis club. On the Saturday I take an 8m kite but somehow break a line and have to hire a replacement. I also upgrade my harness from seat to waist type, altogether more modern.

It is now mid August with still a couple of months kiting to be had in the UK. Disappointingly I'm still not a proficient kiter and will have to make best use of the time remaining if I'm going to reach this goal this year. Let's hope there is wind.