Coach Development - surfing

Coach Development today was surfing at the Calf Sound in sea kayaks.

Jan and Kim were styling in the warm sunshine, with a bit of rescue practice thrown in.

 Earlier i'd been helping Chris Allix fit out his new SKUK carbon Cadence.

He then took it out off Peel for a trial run, and loved it! Chris is again entering the legendary Devises to Westminster International Canoe Race at Easter this year.

Having successfully completed the four day event last Easter, Chris then paddled from the Isle of Man to Monaco summer 2012, raising money for children's charities, and celebrating his 60th birthday!!

With such inspirational figures in the Adventure Club, setting and achieving their personal goals, its no wonder there's such a buzz on the water : )
See you soon
K

Youth Scholarship - TR 3.

 The Youth Scholarship training session no. 3 took place in Port Erin bay yesterday late afternoon.

 A few images from sunrise that day as well - offering different perspectives...

 The training team have taken to this 3rd discipline, like the previous two, with aptitude and smiles : )

 A pleasure to deliver experiences and training to - looking forward to seeing further progress on TR 4.

As promised - after Easter you'll be deciding your expedition location for summer 2014, and structuring the training plan till then to suit. 

K

ps. Last night was also the last pool session for the Discover Sea Kayaking 'B' course.

March course is already full, a few places available on the April 'B' course.

Then the next one begins in September.

insatiable sunday's

 See you next week : )

K

Saturday antics

 George just sent through the pics from the BCU 2* Training today.

He has designed this course to cover the canoeing skills side of the award prior to assessment in March.

 Kicking off an hour later than the canoeists, the Coasteering Stag Party met at Ballabrooie this morning to kit up, before heading to St Michaels Isle, Peel for some adrenaline pumping fun!

 I know we'll be seeing you again this summer : ) 

We've a few choice routes to choose from, with increased committment and stunning caves!

K

Youth Scholarship - TR 2.

Team photo by Mike Wade

 Tuesday evening's Youth Scholarship - Development and Leadership Program, 2nd training session took place beneath the mighty Peel Castle, with a tremendous panoramic sunset backdrop.

From the initial intake of 22 students from Castle Rushen High School, Queen Elizabeth II High School (my secondary school) and Ballakermeen High School, there are now 19 students progressing on the self-selection program delivered and funded by Adventurous Experiences.

As our main Community Project, (we also raise funds for the RNLI and other directly linked charities, and well as reduced rate youth group activities) our Youth Scholarship program is a focal point of our long term strategy to raise the level of outdoor skills and safety on the Island.

"Running since 2002, the program has a long standing history of bringing about life changing experiences and perceptions within young people, putting back into our community."

Looking forward to next Tuesday already : )

Keirron

a buzz in the air

Sea Kayaking progession 

There is a definite buzz in the air (and on the water), things are getting increasingly active, and folk are are too! The wildlife are more prolific, and plenty of positive energy around. 

 Saturday's progressive sea kayaking session ran from Port Erin beach, meandering along the coastline, having a break for Katia's renowned flapjack and hot drinks on an otherwise inaccessible beach...

Spotting a border patrol cutter cruising past, and briefly popping into the bay, before it headed off again.

With the wind at our backs we returned to Port Erin to finish with some wet skills in the bay.

George is impressed with the students on the 2* training course, working on their canoe handling skills.

Sunday morning's Discover Sea Kayaking final paddle was also from Port Erin,  

 Our perspective from sea level provided ideal viewing of a rescue of some stranded sheep by the Port Erin Cliff Rescue Team - as well as a timely rest on the trip. (Andy gave a hand from below).

 Arriving back at the beach in time to meet the Adventure Club - Intermediate's, eat some lunch and swap stories before we headed off the Calf. 

The next stage for students following the Discover Sea Kayaking Course, is the progressive learning program, delivered through the Adventure Club.

 As predicted, quite a bouncy afternoon journey, perfect conditions for the group, providing incremental challenges, with areas where it eased off in between. Some sizeable swell and interesting headlands, especially beneath the Drinking Dragon.

 Good lines by Tony who led the advanced sections, plenty of white stuff around would have made for terrific photo's, hoping George got a couple.

 Another great day in delightful company, on the sea in the bright sunshine, seals, shags, and a welcome sign of the coming spring, the Guillemots have arrived to breed and nest!

 Whoopee!

K

ps. its nearly into the climbing season as well : 0