Storm Imogen - 8th February 2016

The next storm of the winter was making its way across the Atlantic and it was looking to be a big one. Swell forecasts for Sennen were giving 36ft at 19 seconds, coupled with a spring tide and hellish westerly winds, it was enough for me to drive down from Plymouth. Kieren joined me and we made our way along our West coast haunts to get some photos and footage. The waves were phenomenal.....

The Magic Seaweed forecast was very colourful....

First stop, Lamorna Cove at Low Tide.....stunning! Some of the waves were topping Carn Du.

A quick look at Porthcurno..... the bay awash with whitewater

Next up Porthgwarra....

We walked along the cliff path above Hella Point to look at the Runnelstone Reef. The swell was huge and the spray so heavy it was impossible to take photos.The wind was unlike anything i have ever felt, super strong to the point where we had to crawl to avoid being blown over, it must have been gusting over 80mph. We hid behind a lump of granite on top of the headland and admired the view.

Finally Sennen. We arrived 3 hours before high tide to catch the action. It was huge.... proper huge

The breakwater at the start of the pushing tide...

We walked up to the old coastguard hut on the cliff (see top of cliff in below photo). It is perched about 150-200ft right above a fairly vertical cliff face and when the swells hit this they smash straight up in front of you.... exhilarating!

It gives great views over the Cowloe Reef and across the whole of Sennen Bay to Cape Cornwall.

and towards Longships Lighthouse

Phenomenal.... Offshore wave buoys were recording waves at 60ft and winds gusting up to 90mph. It didn't feel much less on top of that cliff. The spray stung when it hit you.

Sennen Breakwater getting some....

The tide was nearing high and the swells were really hammering in.

Big ol' heavy jaws

Thats some water...

Choppy or no?

What breakwater?

The tide topped and it was time to go. Soaked, salted, pressure washed, exhilarated, smiling and freezing cold..... what better way to spend a day off when you can't go on the water!

Here is some footage taken from the old coastguard hut at Sennen, around 150ft above sea level. Select HD and watch the Atlantic meet the coastline in full storm conditions!