Gig rowing

I've finally fulfilled a dream I've had since moving to Cornwall, and tried gig rowing. It is the fastest growing sport in the South West, and probably the only one where men, women and children can all take part in the same boat!

A Cornish pilot gig is a six oared rowing boat that was originally used to rescue people who were ship-wrecked, or to guide a ship into port. Today, there is a growing sport associated with it and the World Championships are held every year in the Isles of Scilly. 

I joined the Helford Gig Rowing club on a lovely sunny evening. The river is a beautiful place that is worth the effort just for the views of the wooded banks, herons and sandy beaches. 

We set off from outside the Ferryboat Inn, two boat loads of mainly amateurs plus one dog called Ruby who came along for the ride. Although I often 'caught a crab' by dipping my oar in too deeply,  I wasn't made to feel awkward or embarrassed. The cox was kind and there was a lot of laughter on the water. I'll definitely be back. 

Happy times

Isn't this a beautiful place? We stopped off in Gweek on the way home, it was early evening and the sun was dipping low behind the wooded hills. The tide was high and we enjoyed a cloudless sky with not even a breeze to make the water ripple.

This a working boat yard, but all was quiet as everyone had downed tools and was relaxing. We watched as a pair of swans drifted passed, pausing by the boats hoping someone might throw them some scraps from supper. 

Gweek is a small village on one of tributaries of the stunning Helford River with a pub, shop/ post office and a boat yard. It's been a port since Roman times and in the past has seen hundreds of small boats sailing up and down the creeks with cargos of oysters, copper ore, pilchards and limestone. It's also home to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary where they look after and rehabilitate sick, injured and stranded seals. 

Well could you resist? Sid's Fish and Chips has been visiting Gweek for years, he knows all the regulars and it only takes one visit for him to recognise you again. After working up an appetite on the rope swing, we took our take away and sat down on the bench overlooking the river. 

There followed the sound of happy munching and the relief of no washing up!

Messing about on the river

I'm no sailor, but I love messing about in a canoe on the nearby Helford River. Our family shares a Canadian canoe which is pretty sturdy. Although I did embarrass myself once in front of a group of friends, by falling out of it just as we came ashore. Let's just say it wasn't my greatest moment!

The Helford is a stunning river estuary south of Falmouth that runs from Gweek in the east to the open sea. It is totally unspoilt and feels like stepping back in time with thickly wooded banks, small hidden coves and wading birds looking for treasure in the mud.

It is home to a wide range of wildlife, both on land and under the water including little egrets, bass, eelgrass beds, and the famous Helford oyster. Oysters have been harvested here since the 3rd century BC and are said to have been a favourite of Turkish pirates!

Here was my favourite find of the day - what a whopper!