Monday, April 29, 2013

April's adventures - the summer!

Saturday was a superbly busy and sunny day in and on the water.
The morning Coasteering adventure around Peel Castle enjoyed a fun 'warm-up' in the sheltered section of the route, practising moving through the rock and water environment.
 With everyone up for some increased challenge, we provided opportunity for just that...
Requiring all hands, the unforgettable adventurous experiences will serve to share their memories later...
Sorry for the lack of pics : )

Jack's Coasteering Birthday Party - also met up at Ballabrooie to kit up and the headed to Peel for an afternoon in the sun! 
 As predicted, conditions has lessened with the change of tide, and provided the ideal playground...
for both children and adults in the party!!
 Led by George, Kim and myself, a highly enjoyable adventure hit, with plenty of excitement and action! I know we'll be seeing you all again : )
 Saturday's early Evening Paddle also set out from Fenella Beach, in the real summer weather : )
 Exploring the coastline, inlets, caves and rocks South of Peel, blue sky, bright sunshine, warm weather....
 Finishing back beneath Peel castle.
Thanks to everyone for such a terrific day on the water. Here's to many more like it this summer : )
See you soon
K

Sunday's sea kayak training sessions ran from Port Erin, the morning beginners following on from last weeks fundamentals and beginners surf, some real improvements in confidence and performance.
Ian again led the Improver's session, focussing on individual balance, manoeuvring and control.

The afternoon session headed to the Calf Sound to play in the spring tide flows, and run through our core Intermediate training, opportunity to bring in the previous weeks of progressive personal skill development.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Bonnie Scotland

Headed up to Scotland to catch the last of the winter conditions, and put in a few routes... 
 ...on the Ben. I met tall Jim over in Sheffield, and we drove to Fort William, putting our grand plans together and laughing about antics from Uni days... Next morning, up at 5am for a brew and a bowl of shreddies...
 ...used the pony track straight up from the Youth Hostel, taking a few snaps along the way. Hitting the snow line at 750m, and stopping only to grab a duck wrap (now nicely chilled) in the porch of the CIC hut, we cracked on...
 ...finding the gullies pretty loaded, and lots of debris from falls, having committed fully to the route, we didn't hang about...
 ...working in banking, Jim did have to attend to office matters from time to time...
 ...a couple of nice steep pitches helped reduce a repetition of the worst hot aches i've ever had...
...listening to a heavier avalanche tearing down the gully below, keep moving...
...a constant downpour of spindrift, like grain from a silo (with occasional harder bits in), blown off the top by the strong SW wind, and a delightful cornice to make the summit even more rewarding!
 Then straight to the shelter - and after a bit of work chipping away the ice and snow, we got in...
 Sort the gear, eat some soup, be very thankful for our health, and then navigate the whiteout conditions off the summit...
 As we dropped rapidly, the flat light changed and what a stunning view!!
 Back at the hostel by 7pm, a phenomenal day!
Certainly merits the description of a 'real adventure': ) A different location today I think...
K

lessons leant...

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Surfing in sunshine

The Sunday Sea Kayak Training sessions ran from Port St Mary...
...working in 3 groups, with Ian taking one, John taking another, and Kim and me taking another.
 Gansey beach was perfect for beginners surfing, the sparkling new kayaks looking great! : )
 The afternoon Intermediate session headed to the Calf Sound, and conditions were pretty bouncy from Kione Y Ghoggan past Black Head....
 The Sound itself was flat, with a clean wave train flowing for a quick play...
 And then chocolate, drinks and snacks in the warm sunshine watching the Grey Seals opposite, basking on the rocks...
 What a spectacular day!!!
K

ps. George Shaw is back on the Island after his trip up the West Coast of the Outer Hebrides...
I kept sending him weather updates... wishing I could say it was going to to improve...He'll have some stories to tell!!!

Annie's Hen Party

Sea Kayaking from Port Erin Beach, in the morning....
 ...including some excitement in the waves and plenty of personal challenge...
 Then landing back at the beach to put the kayaks away, have lunch and prepare for...
 An afternoon Coasteering exploration!! : )
 Bright sunshine, with a mild sea breeze, and despite the water being at 7 degrees, a warm session : )
A terrific day of adventure with Annie and the other hens : )
See you all again on the water this summer!