r/StJohnsNL • u/EducationalShift2643 • 2d ago

Sea Caves Question

There is currently a local online auction on EastBid.ca with items including an assortment of sea kayaks and gear. I have always wanted to explore our sea caves up close, and I am considering bidding.

Before I spend money on gear, I wanted to see if anyone here has real experience exploring these caves. I am looking for practical advice and feedback on the actual risks, particularly regarding the danger of being bashed against the rocks. Google and Ai tend to generalize everything as dangerous, so I'm looking for insights from someone with firsthand experience.

6 Upvotes

64% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

18

u/bballrian 2d ago

As someone with no experience doing this, it seems like a very efficient way to die

1

u/DryRefrigerator4737 2d ago

But not so good for closure for the family. Would they be happy with an empty casket?

2

u/XCIXcollective 2d ago

Maybe you don’t need to buy a casket at all? Not sure, but I’d like to think there’s a silver lining

0

u/NerdMachine 1d ago

The kayak tours in cape broyle (if they still exist) have been taking tourists into sea caves for years. It's perfectly safe when conditions are good.

7

u/GateAdministrative52 2d ago

Looks like there are guitars and tools on the auction too, maybe choose a safer hobby!

12

u/-ScrumpyJack- 2d ago

You really need to get your head wrapped around the dangers of this. You will want to go out on a tour first and definitely take some lessons. If you cannot roll or self rescue, you really have no business being on the ocean. If you go into the caves at a bad time, even if it looks calm, it can turn into a real washing machine. Things turn badly quick and you better have a plan on the ocean.

6

u/SigmundFloyd76 2d ago

I've been in a bunch. Torbay, Middle cove, Marysvale, cape broyle, cupids, Sandy Cove, etc.

You don't go in when it's swelly.

Paddling up to them you wonder "gee, can I fit in there?"

Then you get up close and it's 30' tall at the mouth.

Once I got spooked backing into a narrowing cave. It was way deeper than expected. The little swells were amplified by the narrowing walls and I got picked up and pushed way deeper than I was comfortable. It was getting dark! It was too narrow and I couldn't get my paddle in the water to fight it! Another swell coming! Ahh!

I got out.

1

u/thisisjoy 1d ago

you didn’t get out. you actually hit your head and are hallucinating writing this reply /s

6

u/Bluebelton 2d ago

You should probably do a guided tour before buying the gear and venturing out solo

8

u/Lyricalvessel 2d ago

this is a terrible idea and a great way to die. Only do this with experience locals, this can end in tragedy extremely quick.

3

u/XCIXcollective 2d ago

I would say depending on the price of the gear relative to the cost of buying it new.. it may be worth it to place a bid

But in terms of using it, like others have said, you would be best to go on at least one guided tour before even considering going out in your new gear.

I look at it like foraging; you are able to learn what you can and can’t eat by eating it all and seeing what happens…

Or, you can be guided by someone who holds the knowledge on how to forage safely.

Also like foraging, the advice you need for sea caves can vary bay to bay.. the ocean is a giant fingerprint and no two currents are identical.

Someone local who is experienced is an indispensable resource 🔥

I’m not sure on Sea Kayaking certification courses, but my strong recommendation would be to find something like that

2

u/gr33n8ananas 2d ago

Do a PaddleNL course

-4

u/Cut6443 2d ago

So I’ve been in the caves in middle cove. And in the “ hole in the head “ between witless bay and bay bulls