Friday, December 26, 2008

Very Happy Christmas!!

I hope everyone enjoyed a splendid day of eating drinking and socialising...

With plenty more to come!

Many thanks to Fiona and the team who organised the Christmas re-enactment at Tynwald Hill http://www.christmasonthehill.im/- what a terrific success with literally thousands of people including many youngsters in the audience - thankyou for the opportunity to be part of it! Looking forward to next year.. Photo's to follow!


We also managed to squeeze in the traditional festive paddle with a few friends - thanks for a very pleasant, relaxed trip and the especially festive enjoyable goodies... :)












Just back from a paddle on the West Coast today with Sam, and setting off from fenella Beach watched a Peregrine Falcon getting mobbed by gulls right in front of us. So much always to see, if you look for it :) Another relaxing very calm sea so we could run through more ideas for our Aleutians 2010 Expedition, and possible obstacles we need to get to work on.
January 13th kicks off our first course of 2009, the Kayak Safety (indoor pool course) and our popular Introduction to Sea Kayaking - January course begins Sunday 18th Januay. Our full range of courses new for 2009 will be displayed on the website updates shortly, and the January 2009 newsletter! If you need details before then please contact us - info@adventurousexperiences.com

Monday, December 22, 2008

Sunset in the East...

Sunset off Laxey.. Sheltered from the strong SW winds, we paddled from Laxey beach yesterday, and a very positive coaching session commenced. The wide sandy beach provided an easy chart to recap the feedback from the previous session, and outline details for this one... with the focus continuing on engaging the hips and increasing individual's awareness of their lower body in relation to the kayak :) Jan's home baked cake bringing even more cheer to the session! The Youth Scholarship training session was a Gorge Scramble - and this brought a lot of laughs to the team! The winter season is a period when both our staff and students concentate on presonal performance, evaluating their present skill level and setting goals for the future! Specific training and low ratio coaching provide the imput, with motivation & dedication giving the other ingredients to success...

Traditionally the time of winding down, celebration ( and for some - hybernation...) others use this 'extra-time' to boost their skills and gain competative advantage, in many different ways!


The colder period allows us at Adventurous Experiences the opportunity to re-evaluate and gain additional feedback and act upon it. Upgrading facilities, designing new products and refining existing ones to match increasing demands from our customers.


We will continue to provide the most effective training facility for Outdoor Education, and give unforgettable adventurous experiences on the Isle of Man tailored to our clients needs. We are presently upgrading the main website, look out for some cool changes in the new Year!

Christmas On The Hill

A quick reminder of The Christmas story outdoor re-enactment (FREE Mulled Wine and Mince Pies) with carols at Tynwald Hill St. Johns 4.30pm. Free event, Bring a torch. Visit the animals afterwards. The event is a cast with adults (and one baby) from the local community including Mary riding a donkey. The wise men on large horses and shepherds carring newborn lambs. children are welcome to meet the animals and baby Jesus at the end of the show. Tynwald Hill, St Johns, http://www.christmasonthehill.im/
See you there, and look out for Joseph!

Keirron

Sunday, December 14, 2008

"To Dare Mighty Things..."

Spring tides and clear skies combined with light winds provided an exciting advanced trip round the Calf of Man and out to Chicken rock... a small number of whirlpools forming nicely along the way, and the ebb tide producing a fast moving paddle in which to make decisions and practice some moving water skills!





An abundance of Atlantic Grey Seals along the way, congregating mostly around South Harbour and a few outlying intertidal rocks.
Suberb conditions throughout the afternoon, and the return trip gave a stunning sunset across the 'Drinking Dragon' and nearby headland, with the Chickens Rock lighthouse peeping over the top, occasional flashes twinkling as darkness fell and we finished at the slipway exuberant and a wintry glow all round...















"FAR BETTER IT IS TO DARE MIGHTY THINGS THAN TO RANK WITH THOSE POOR SOULS WHO KNOW NEITHER VICTORY NOR DEFEAT"

adopted from a quote by Theodore Roosevelt by Kendal Judo Club

I believe this a fitting mantra for those trying out a new sport or ambition for the first time, or those attempting improvement or competition, where the outcome is never certain.


The Youth Scholarship and Development Program - Norway 2009 expedition team enjoyed a sea kayak trip - paddling from Niarbyl for this week's training session, practicing core technique and rescue skills along the way.


The sessions have an in-built excellent strength and conditioning aspect, and the team are certainly improving in every way. Looking forward to Gorge Scrambling next week!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

a week from Winter Solstice : ')

With a colder spell in for the past few weeks, we captured a few images (aside of coaching and off the water sessions) of very memorable trips;





"Thanks to all you guys for the kayaking trip, it was awesome and all of us had a great time! Definitely a good way of getting rid of a hangover!! ...Rory"

a couple more...



With goals set for 2009, members of the Adventure Club are fully committed to the winter schedule, and the trips and awards which lie ahead... A challenging day on Sunday just gone, and what a great performance from everyone! Looking forward to the Calf next weekend, and the socials Lauren is organising too :)

Quick reminder from Lol for 21st - meeting about 6pm in the Creek for a few social beverages, and a bite to eat for those who wish ...

Kelvin's Tackle - fishing and Kayaking supplies has moved to Ballabrooie - Adventurous Experiences base, opening officially with the new store in March 2009. In the meantime, we will retain our usual stock and continue orders (xmas vouchers are also available)

2009 Courses
If your wishing to book on any of the existing or new courses for 2009 - outdoors and lecture room based (or a combination of both) - please get in touch.
  • 'Introduction to Sea Kayaking' beginning Sunday 11th January, 08th Feb and 03rd March
  • 'Kayak Safety & Core Skills' (indoor pool course) beginning Tues 06th January and 03rd Feb
  • Various new courses beginning weekday evenings in January - contact us for details

Lastly, Christmas Gift Vouchers for adventurous experiences, courses and the Adventure Club are available online http://www.adventurousexperiences.com/vouchers.htm

and by contacting me keirron@adventurousexperiences.com