Saturday, November 08, 2008

the cycle of change...

Its a time of change - in many ways, from the vibrant colours of the leaves to the bigger picture of the world on general.
The only thing that is guaranteed is - things change!
Generally for the better - and a great example of this are the students on our Youth Scholarship Program, in whom we see numerous small positive changes as training continues, and they gather increased confidence through working hard and achieving, pushing personal limits and working together to towards the final goal.
As the dates for the Norway 2009 Expedition loom closer, so do the dates for their A' Level and IB final exams, how they deal with pressure is one of the ways their individual characters and teamwork is displayed and the distance every one has come already is positive inspiration.

KELVIN'S TACKLE - FISHING & KAYAKING SUPPLIES - RELOCATED
On the subject of change, Kelvin's Tackle has now relocated from Michael St, Peel to Ballabrooie - Adventurous Experinces base, and will open again for trading in the new premises from March 2009. Till then Kelvin can be contacted with any enquiries through; info@adventurousexperiences.com
Orders for kayaks and kit needed before Christmas will need to be made as soon as possible

We have been using the windy conditions to get ahead on projects at Ballabrooie, scheduled to begin over Christmas, and the newsletter out in December with keep you informed as to our upgraded facilities, Adventure Club products and services and our new range of courses - (both practical and evening theory course) beginning January 2009.
Email me for details before then; keirron@adventurousexperiences.com

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

making the most of... the Isle of Man in November!

It was so hot (sheltered from the Northerly breeze) down at the Chasms on Monday,










great to see Dave and Sarah who joined us as it was Dave's Birthday.. and we realised we were overdressed for the Rock Climbing session, and lacking in sunscreen!






Last night was the last session in the October indoor pool 'Kayak Safety Course' and the November course begins next Tuesday evening...
The students on Youth Scholarship Program are training in the pool and on the sea now, and getting some excellent results :)

The final session finished with a fun team game with the usual wet result!

Monday, November 03, 2008

the risk of having fun :)

Sunday's paddles as usual were full of folk out to enjoy themselves, with the morning session having two main groups - those who had completed the Introduction to Sea Kayaking course, moved through to improvers and very comfortable in their kayaks (together with the Intermediates) and those who were having their first taste of paddling (or their second) and desired a relaxed gentle trip...
The afternoon sessions were novices and complete beginners, trying the sport before beginning the Intro course next Sunday, and those who have been out with us before and asked to be notified when good conditions were predicted...
Hot sun and blue skies continued right through the day, and a core wet skills staff session rounded off by the sunset concluded the experience.
Already looking forward to seeing everyone next Sunday, and conditions look excellent for novice night paddles on the West Coast - one scheduled for Wednesday this week. If your not in the Adventure Club and have not given me your contact details for updates and fancy joining us, you'll need to contact me shortly on keirron@adventurousexperiences.com or text me on 406655
These are few of the pics we took, more on the way to you via email shortly :) For those who were on the water with us, your personalised images will much more vivid and memorable...
New born fluffy white seal pups were lounging on a few of the rocky beaches at the sound, (the rewards for those who took the more challenging paddle) so the group landed further down, enjoying their break overlooking one of the local seal colonies. Meanwhile, easy novice paddles took in Port Erin Bay, the archway and shallow caves, with some basic tuition in maneuvering and control and short forays into the moving water near the headlands. Demonstations of easy rescue techniques by the coaches gave some thought for future sessions (ideally these wet skills are learnt first in the indoor pool then transferred to the marine environment). For those who were comfortable in their kayaks and desired a floating break, Lol assisted with her usual enthusiasm with the biscuits and hot drinks!

the perfect Gift... A Day of Adventure!

A bit of excitement seems to be the on the wish list with those planning events, whether Hen or Stag parties, Birthdays or a group of mates who want to try something different... Meeting outgoing people and learning a new skill or just time away from everyday life these are few of the reasons I hear when asking what it is people really want. (With Halloeen and Bonfire night festivities here, the next thing you'll know we'll be heading towards Christmas and gift vouchers may be just the thing this year :))




A glorious beginners paddle from Niarbyl on Saturday, followed by a Coasteering session at Peel. Happy Birthday Ian, and we look look forward to seeing you both again.

"Hi Keirron,
We had a fantastic day, one that we will always remember, THANK YOU! We are already talking about what we are going to do next….maybe rock climbing and then some more coasteering, the gorge scrambling looks good too.
I have just seen the pictures on the blog, they are great! ...

Clare and Ian"

We are happy to take book bookings for individuals, couples, small and large groups with discounts available for minimum 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24+ persons. Gorge Scrambling is an excellent inland alternative to Coasteering and we run rock climbing sessions and courses on demand.

Our new winter evening theory courses begin in January, making use of our fully facilitated lecture / training room onsite. The choice includes certificated modules in;

  • Sea Kayak Safety (combining well with our evening indoor pool kayak safety courses)
  • Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning - in general and specifically relating to the Isle of Man
  • Basic navigation for beginners (land and sea) understanding and practical use map + compass
  • Understanding weather - reading symoptic charts, clouds, basic forecasting and low pressure systems
  • Follow on practical sessions in hill and sea navigation

Email me for details - keirron@adventurousexperiences.com