Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Isle of Man International Sea Kayak Symposium - feedback

With guest coaches from all over the world, it was great to run the full day trips, and put students attending the symposium in touch with the wealth of experience on hand on the training sessions.

"Hi Keirron
Just a quick note to say thanks for the weekend. It was a terrific event even if I felt like I was doing six star training on Sunday with my hangover!! Phil and Pete were both brilliant (as also was Neil) and I got loads out of the two days. If you could repeat my thanks to them that would be great. Also a special thanks to Nico for getting us home on Saturday/Sunday.

Looking forward to more paddling soon.
Ian"



Saturday ran from Port St Mary - meeting at the Isle of Man Yacht Club in Port St Mary village at 10am, dressed ready to get on the water. After a cup of tea and an introduction to the event, we divided into various groups. The BCU 4 star and 5 star leadership training courses made us of the training rooms at the yacht club during the morning and the day trips and training sessions got on the water.

We paddled round the rocks, into caves and inlets - the coast really felt alive. Just overhead a pair of Peregrine Falcons were being mobbed by a flock of Choughs. Spectacular and it was just the start!

"Hey Keirron, just a quickie to thank you for an ace weekend, lots learnt and mucho fun!!! ...
Good sleep tonite methinks!
Simon"


I had Alice in the front of the 'Mighty Triton' with me, (so I could relax and enjoy the scenery) her paddling is stronger now, with a few sessions in her Pilgrim this summer. As we headed round into the Sound and then to a lunch spot, overlooking the inner tidal race, where we could watch the 4 star training group - heading for the standing waves.

"Hi Keirron,
Here are some photos I took as your group went through the sound...

Cheers,
Rory"



"Had a great time, good company and a beautiful day.
The cave and going through the sound were the best bits! :)
ali "

The 5 star training group leg by Nigel Dennis soon arrived for some practice in the moving water before heading further round the Calf of Man, to some interesting locations for the students.
One of the training group - George Shaw - a member of the Aleutians 2011 Expedition team, was on fine form in the Tide Races.



Returning to Port St Mary, exploring Sugarloaf Cave and Stack, we passed beneath Dougie and Squib, on a pumpy exposed route above us, the rock looked excellent!

All groups arrived back at Port St Mary about 4pm, for debriefs and pack up to make it back to Ballabrooie (Adventurous Experiences Base) near Peel on the West Coast for the BBQ!
Then it was Phil Clegg's presentation "The 2005 Circumnavigation of Great Britain in 80 days by Sea Kayak". Phil, who was heading up the BCU 4 Star leadership award training, delivered an amusing account of his team's adventures. Three kayakers paddled the entire coastline, calling in at the Isle of Man on-route.

Phil's account of the trip included photo's, anecdotes and vivid challenges experienced on the expedition.


The social continued - for some till late.
Sunday we met up ready to paddle at Port Erin Beach at 10:30. As another stunning day unravelled - bright blue skies, and perfect conditions. Following a group 'warm up' on the water, the Day Trips headed for the Calf of Man, with a view to paddling right round.

“Hi Keirron

I would just like to say thank you for a very enjoyable day out in the kayak. It was the highlight of my visit to the Isle of Man. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you but we have only just got back home to Portugal. Can you remind me what was the make and model of the kayaks we used as they were so comfortable I need to remember for when I change my boat.
Cheers for now
Philip”



Paddling past South Harbour we spied a Porpoise surfacing seaward of the group, and sat watching that as the 5 Star group caught up and dropped into land for early lunch. Andy North was with them, but on his own photography mission, which included the Chickes Rock lighthouse...
A massive flock of Cormorants (literally hundreds) were quite sight nearby, with more dotted all over the rocks, strangely camouflaged until you looked again.
We paddled beneath the 'Drinking Dragon' with the early ebb tide and had lunch at an inlet tucked away inside 'The Puddle' then continued round to Cow Harbour. Loughtan Sheep browsed for tasty grass on the steep cliffs above, Kestrel's hunted for prey as we paddled past... contentment was complete!

"Thanks...

... For a great weekend, Keirron. We had a fantastic time - a special thanks to Lol for taking good care of us, both on land and shore. Just on the M42 now, couple of hours from home.
I got a good photo of Jeremy with a couple of seals... I'll send it over once I've got my act together!
All the best
Tiff (and Jeremy)"


 
On route were countless seals, and we had to select beaches carefully, avoiding most of them due the little furry white bundles on each protected by the patrolling mother in the water nearby. The first new-born seal pup was spotted on the Friday, from which point they put on mass very quick.
 

Crossing the Sound with a steep ferry glide to counter the spring flow, we dropped through the little race to add a little more excitement to the trip. The icing on the cake was the Basking Shark feeding off Port Erin which delayed out arrival on the beach :)
 
"Hi Keirron,

Thanks for the weekend - very enjoyable. I managed to get a photo of the shark fin you might like to have, so I've attached it here.
Mike"



Many thanks to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for supporting the event.



Looking forward to next years symposium :)
Keirron

IoM Sea Kayak Symposium 2010 - PRESS RELEASE

The annual IoM Sea Kayak Symposium (international training weekend) 25th - 26th September, supported by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, was based in the South of the Island this year.  With an exceptional variety of wildlife encounters; basking shark, porpoise, peregrine falcons, kestrels, flocks of Chough’s and Cormorants combined with stunning weather made this 8th annual event, a huge success.


Students and guest coaches from the US, Netherlands, Israel, Finland and the UK, were attracted by the magnificent coastline, sea caves and variety of marine life.  The guest coach line up included Phil Clegg, who gave an evening lecture on his circumnavigation of the British Isles, plus world renowned sea kayaker, Nigel Dennis. 


The event was timed to coincide with spring tides, to ensure conditions would be available for British Canoe Union (BCU) leadership training courses and easy access to challenging tidal conditions. This combination of scenery, wildlife and challenge makes the Isle of Man is the perfect adventure playground and training location. The organiser, Adventurous Experiences (the Adventure Sports Centre based near Peel), are working closely with the Isle of Man Steam Packet and the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure to grow both this event and the Isle of Man Adventure Race, which is held annually in June.

"last Group off the beach on Sunday"

“Safe, Fun, Learning is the key to our success” says Keirron Tastagh, owner and lead coach at Adventurous Experiences.  Tastagh went on to say “I’d like to thank our dedicated team of professional coaches who deliver our international events, experiences and coaching courses year round, as well as our sponsors, the Isle of Man Steam Packet and the Isle of Man Yacht Club.”
Students, ranging from improvers to very experienced paddlers, had the choice of different levels of days-trips, coaching in personal skills, tidal races and incident management, and BCU 4 star and 5 star leadership coaching courses. There was a lot of sharing of experiences from the sessions at the social BBQ on the Saturday evening, plus a few drinks to relax some tired muscles.

During the weekend, another fast time was put in for the 85 mile non-stop circumnavigation of the Island by Eila Wilkinson (UK), and Monday a group set off at a more relaxed pace to paddle around over four days, camping each night and carrying all their provisions in the kayaks. This group includes Chris Allix, Director ICM Group, who is training to kayak to Monaco next summer.

Photographs by Vaughen Roberts

2011 Isle of Man Symposium runs 24th and 25th September, circumnavigation following 26th till 29th.

http://www.adventurousexperiences.com/iom-events/isle-of-man-sea-kayak-symposium/

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

the Adventure continues...

...year round!
Coasteering around and beneath Peel Castle with a reasonable swell running provided the buzz this group were looking for, with the occasional squeal thrown in for good measure.

We provide 5mm steamer wetsuits by Sola, (very warm, fitted and unrestrictive) our new range of fitted Buoyancy Aids from Peak UK, (CE approved and meeting our demanding 2010 specifications, modern stylish and comfortable!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Coasteering - Isle of Man

Gazing at the rainbow arching over the Mountains of Mourne, having just leapt from the cliff into the salty depths of the Irish Sea and then climbered out on the rocks to the welcoming heat of the suns rays...

Led by Sam - Brenda & Andy scrambled, swam, jumped climbed and explored their way around the rocky inlets and coastline beneath Peel Castle.

Indoor Heated Swimming Pool - Kayak Safety Courses

 
The September Kayak Safety Pool Course is underway (Tuesday evenings at Peel Pool) and we presently have a few places on 4 week courses beginning 12th October and November 16th.
Contact us to book your place soon.


Adventure Club & Sunday Sea Kayak Training
Landing on a secluded beach for a break during the Intermediate skills session on Sunday... We're now in the Coaching season, and we've updated the website Calendar with block courses running on Sundays through October and November.

*******

Sea Kayak Symposium 25th & 26th Sept
(weekend festival with guest coaches and evening entertainment)
Check out the website pages for details - book soon as only a few places remaining!
Keirron

Monday, September 13, 2010

a little something...

...to make you smile today! :)



Sent in by Eva-Lotta, one of our paddling friends in Finland.
Look forward to hosting you and your colleagues over here again for training, paddling looks very good with you :)

Eve-Lotta's pics from the Youth Scholarship Expedition to Norway last summer can be viewed online
See you soon
Keirron


ps. We'll be offering 'A' Level students from the Island's secondary schools the opportunity to join our Youth Scholarship Leadership and Development Program during November this year.

Thursday, September 09, 2010

september evening paddle & a mini-expedition


Finishing beneath Peel Castle as darkness filtered down...
September often produces ideal conditions for Evening Paddles, and breathtaking sunsets!

Steve & Ceris visted the Isle of Man on their bicycles to take in the outstanding beauty and enjoy the evenings at local taverns... for Ceris's Birthday.
They booked in for a two day mini-expedition with us, during their break including an overnight camp.

 

The local wildlife became part of the experience and the weather played its part well :)
Look forward to seeing see again
Keirron

Monday, September 06, 2010

Isle of Man Adventure Race 2010 - Video uploaded




Uploaded on the Adventurous Experiences Video Gallery, the 5 minute clip from the 2010 Isle of Man Adventure Race, sponsored by PwC, held 26th & 27th June this year.


Already set as an annual event in June - we are excepting pre-bookings from teams of 4 to ensure your place in the 2011 Isle of Man Adventure Race - weekend 18th & 19th June.

Official Sponsor of the Isle of Man Race

Only 25 team places wil be offered in 2011, with exciting plans to develop the event in to include an elite course in addition to the amateur course in 2012!
Next years event will also be supported by 3FM.

Bespoke Corporate Training


Continued Professional Development


Outdoor development training programmes are widely used for team building, leadership and management development. Our bespoke programmes are designed, in conjunction with the client, to meet specific learning objectives. The outdoor elements of the programmes are carefully designed simulations aimed at putting theory into practice in a memorable and enjoyable way.

 
Our team building days give unparalleled experiences to work groups, through shared experiences, building trust and long term working relationships, nurturing leadership and communication and enhancing motivation; increasingly effective at integrating new staff and getting the most from your existing team


Friday's Corporate Team Building Day was designed to integrate new recruits into a team, exploring and challenging personal limits and motivation, delveloping a team awareness and positive attitude whilst delivering thought provoking experiences along the way.



A truely enjoyable memorable day - an absolute pleasure to deliver!
Wishing the whole team all the best over the next few weeks of training...
Keirron