The fetch in the Firth is not great however, nor is the depth, so any strengthening wind can create trouble for the inexperienced paddler. At that stage Carsten decided to put his head down and just get to land. As you start the crossing, your goal is just a blue shape on the horizon. And that's a trap. A good deal of navigational knowledge and experience is also a prerequisite for this crossing.
Tidal flows can reach one knot in northerly and southerly directions.
This doesn't sound like much, but on a crossing of ten nautical miles such a current can make a real difference, and fog and rain can obliterate any sign of land, making transits useless and straight paddling difficult. On the eastern side of the Firth treats await those who are prepared to go the distance. Many camping grounds dot the mainland shore. When Carsten finally made it to the beach he collapsed in a heap - exhausted. When I replied that it only took twenty minutes, he gave me a scornful look, crawled up the beach and spent the next half an hour gorging on pita bread and chocolate bars.