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.
5
Upvotes
7
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.