Cinsta East to Kei Mouth

Lekker to be back on the water before sunrise, greeted by a few dolphins just behind the breakers. At Haga Haga, 15km in, I remembered a family Christmas there in 1985 – the last time I’d heard “Walk of Life” by Dire Straits on the wireless.

Shortly after, the wind and seas picked up and I saw a big splash close on my right, which had me sprinting for a while. Approaching Morgan Bay the cliffs were stunning, a reminder of the Wild Coast ahead. The surf at Morgan Bay was big and messy as always; I stayed close to the rocks past the Kei lighthouse to ride some good waves round the corner, then opted for a tiny beach before the river mouth rather than the big surf at the planned landing spot.

Big swell and strong winds forecast meant sitting tight until Monday.