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

The 'Freedom to Flourish'...

Firstly a quote from the Hen Party who booked for a Coasteering session with us on Saturday and due to adverse weather swapped to a Gorge Scrambling session... and absolutely loved it!

"Dear Keirron

I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you so much for Saturday morning - we had such an amazing time. Special thanks to Sam and Lauren...

... the two of them were absolutely fantastic, I can't speak highly enough about the confidence they installed in the girls and their friendly and welcoming personalities. I would absolutely remmmend this to anyone - we are hoping to have another trip for the coasteering so i'll stay in touch...

Jo"

Its been a whirlwind a few weeks, in which there have been many new and exciting changes. Pictured here - the team on the Youth Scholarship Program who are confirmed for the Norway 2009 Expedition. (taken whilst on Hill Navigation training session on the Island).

A group of us completed our Open Water PADI Award - scuba diving with Mann Scuba Divers based in Port Erin, (one of the deals available through the adventure club) and whilst out in Cancun for Phil and Clare's wedding, also got a few dives in. Swimming amongst the coral reefs with a Nurse Shark, Morray Eels, Stingrays, Barracuda and numerous other species of fish! It was amazing :)

A very memorable holiday, and i'm very lucky and proud to have to such excellent staff to run sessions in my absence, and obviously upkeep our reputation of providing Safe, Fun, Learning experiences on the Isle of Man. (As customer feedback shows!)

The BBC were out with us today, for a quick interview and following our Youth Scholarship Team on a Coasteering session around Peel Castle. Great to be back in Manx waters again after a week away!

And as I had some freetime on the plane, I put a few of my thoughts down on paper regarding 'Freedom to Flourish' on the Isle of Man.

The theme ‘freedom to flourish’ runs through the current advertising campaign, featuring the ‘Island Lives’ of those who live and work here. The professionally produced television advertisements join local people in their regular day, bringing to the public eye glimpses of how their passions and lifestyle choices are both supported and encouraged. How this positive attitude provides the catalyst for happy wholesome pursuits, and the environment in which many talented achievers have blossomed.
One of the flavours (for many the main ingredient) to island life is the accessibility to the outdoors; part of ‘everyday life’ with choice to encompass every taste. The Island is rightly proud of the accomplished sports people, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts who have utilised this freedom to flourish. The lifestyle choices made by such people are reflected in their success, their employment and their home.
Freedom involves countless choices, including the freedom to take risks; because the biggest risk in life is not to risk. I am a great believer of the mantra “It is certain that we will not live forever, but not all of us really live”! Adapted from Mel Gibson’s phrase in Braveheart.
Risk is the possibility that something may happen which we do not intend. When decision making (in every aspect of life) we weigh up the pro’s and cons and select the option which will bring us our intended result. We are in fact conducting risk assessment, using processes as simple or complex as the decision maker wishes.
Some take more risks, some choose less, and characters, education, achievement, enjoyment and the resulting lifestyle are the product of this. Different cultures, previous experiences and situations can sway the process, but the individual is ultimately responsible for his or her decision. Individuals decide whether they live life to the full, get by or merely exist – taking no risks, losing nothing. Gaining nothing!
Taking risks need not be irresponsible, or involve money, possessions or physical harm. To take risk is to try to achieve what is not certain. To step out of your comfort zone and possibly not reach the intended goal. “It is the journey, not the destination which is important.” Adapted from a quote by Arthur Robert Ashe, Jr.
There are those with natural talent and drive, to push themselves to their utmost limits and beyond the limits others feel comfortable with. It is a fine line between someone at the top of their game, pushing boundaries and taking ‘risks’; and someone well outside of their ability level, displaying an irresponsible attitude and providing a poor role model. Which side of the line often depends upon the attitudes of those taking the risks, and the perceptions of those not taking part.
The Isle of Man is the perfect adventure playground for those wishing to partake and excel in outdoor pursuits whether gentile strolling or adrenaline pumping extreme sports, and everything in between. The role of the outdoor education provider is to ensure a safe, fun learning experience and reduce the real risk as much as practically possible. These are constantly assessed and reduced to feelings of exhilaration, apprehension or fear of the unknown, and coping with these emotions (aspects of operating outside of personal comfort zones) in an unfamiliar environment. Certain inherent perceived risks remain which are integral to the activity. These heighten the senses, ensuring the journey is an unforgettable adventurous experience!
The long term objective of the instructor or coach is to allow those, under guidance, to develop independence of tuition, at their own pace. Achieved by having the skill to effectively ‘read’ people, make decisions, inspire confidence, pass on knowledge and awareness, and carefully balance nurturing and persuading, leadership and consideration. Ultimately it is the skill of bringing responsible decision making processes (risk assessment) out in others. To teach and build the qualities of team work and leadership in students, with the emphasis on gaining experience in an environment suited to the students’ ability and learning style. The instructor has the participant as their primary focus.
Those pushing their own personal limits do this without the responsibility of coaching or leading others at the same time, and so can operate at an ‘extreme’ level. This may include increased perceived and real risk, and that individual has the freedom of choice to do so frequently resulting in the individual’s ability to flourish.

Keirron Tastagh

October delights - Adventure Club and other stories

A stunning pic by Jenny (an Adventure Club member for some time now) from one of her recent expeditions... Not many of these on the Isle of Man despite numerous sightings, especially when the Guillimots are here in large numbers!

Peel was our put in for Sunday's paddles, with the October Introduction to Sea Kayaking kicking off, as well as different levels of trips and Adventure Club training sessions.

Some swell was still running from the previous few days of wind, and this made paddling close to the cliffs an interesting experience! Further out was quite flat, especially heading North, and the groups who paddled South found some conditions off Contrary Head, on the way to Glenmaye Beach.

Congratulations to Martin Dycher, Sarah Creer and Lauren Roberts on completing the new BCU 3* Sea, as well as those working towards the generic 2* Award, or have just had their first session on the 'Intro' course with us.

***VERY EXCITING***
Those who have not seen the TV clips from new Isle of Man Tourism Marketing campaign, we have the full length one (featuring Adventurous Experiences) on the main website front page for the moment; http://www.adventurousexperiences.com/


You may also have noticed the addition of a few updates - including the profile for Lauren Roberts who officially joined our staffing team recently.

Our Youth Scholarship Program has moved into the concentrated coaching stage, with the seven person team training in both the indoor pool and on the water, as well as in depth route and location planning, fund raising and completing the second year of full time study of their A'Levels!

'the drunken dragon'

A grand climax to the September 'Introduction to Sea Kayaking' course - paddling out from Port St Mary, across the sound and calling in for a break at South Harbour, on the awesome Calf of Man! Time for cake and drinks and even a quick sunbathe...

Then get back on and paddle the coastline in reverse, past the climbers ascending Sugarloaf Stack, avoiding the divers swimming the caves and underwater rock shelves, and finish at the slipway. This group are now joining the October Pool Kayak Safety course, combining the wet skills with time on the water! The last session of the Sept Pool course is this Tuesday, with those guys now getting on the sea in October... With the summer holidays behind us, and the coaching season in full swing, its an ideal time for those wishing to try or take up the sport as the sea is at its warmest and you start to get a little more free time :)

Nice to see a good mix of the Adventure Club on the afternoon sessions. Well done to the group who paddled right round the Calf, beneith the Dragon shaped rock (stooping to drink from the surging waters beneith - or alternatively, having had a few too many..) and meeting up with the others at our favourite spot! We look forward to welcoming our new members at the October social...

Lastly, a big congratulations to Emma and Jenny for achieving members of the month this September!!

Late Summer Evening Paddles...

Making the most of the recent evenings of splendid conditions off Peel...
Kitting up novices in cosy fleeces and dry tops, and paddling out as the sun begins to set, casting a phenomenal array of colours over the water and Mountains of Mourne on the horizon.

Stillness and calm, with only the occasional sound of the curious seal swimming along behind, diving gracefully beneith the surface. As evening turns to night, we paddle back towards the 'sunset city', round the Castle and back to the beach.




Apart from glowsticks and headlamps (to let other waters users know of our presence) we use little artificial illumination - the natural soft evening light is plenty to see by. A Relaxed and very pleasant way to spend an evening with a few friends..

Lastly, a couple of shots from the 2008 Sea Kayaking UK (SKUK) International Dealers Meet

held at Holyhead (base of Nigel Dennis's Sea Kayak School and the SKUK Kayak Manufactuing). Some delightful sunsets off Treaddur Bay and interesting topics for discussion, including the new Romany RM (plastic) put through its paces by Karin, with a variety of Inuit paddle and hand rolls.

With enough talk of Skegs endured, it was time for a trip out the offshore islands - the Scerries! The rock forms a very sheltered lagooon, and provides the perfect habitat for the local seal colony as well as bird reserve. A fabulous place for lunch and a quick dose...

Rene has a put a host of images he took up on his site http://www.seekajak.ch/

Introducing Sea Kayaking... on the Isle of Man

A few pics from the September 'Intro to Sea Kayaking' course, where students have started straight on the sea with us.

Other have preferred to begin with our indoor pool 'Kayak Safety' courses, covering rescues and core paddling skills.
Spaces are available on the October 'Kayak Safety' indoor pool courses running Tuesady evenings at Peel, as well as the 'Intro' and 'Improvers' courses running on Sunday's beginning 05th October.
Conditions have been perfect for reaching the Calf of Man, as well as observing the abundant bird life and seal colonies on route. Even for those who would just like to tell the difference between a Cormorant and a Shag, a Chough and a Crow... Viewing the Island's spectacular coastline from a different angle, learning new skills and meeting personal challenges and like minded people.
All sorts of experiences recently...here's a few of them.



There is only room for a few pics here, so if your's is not one of them, drop me an email and i'll get them to you if possible.

Congratulations to the lucky 11 year old winner of the Sea Kayak Trip from the Sulby School Raffle, who made best use of her prize with a trip to the Calf with us, well done!

secret places... exploration by sea kayak!

Today's forecast was for winds increasing from the South East, veering SW and reaching F8 by late afternoon / early evening... This was what our two students (already completed preliminary leadership and instructional training in their local club in Israel) had come to the Isle of Man to experience. Like all our clients; including visitors from the UK and further afield, they have grown to expect the high degree of customer service and professionalism Adventurous Experiences provide, and feel safe under the guidance of our competant local and experienced staff.

As the introductory day, we chose a sheltered location where we could complete a safe yet challenging trip, rock hopping along the way, keeping in close and using the coastline's natural rock obstacle course to practice edging and manoeuvering. Seals swam about us or slumbered in the intermittant caves, the screeching of Peregrine Falcons from their nest overhead, and still large numbers of Cormorants clustered on the steep angular rocks close by. Then it was time to head out and run with the wind, stopping at a well hidden cave to explore the caverns with Stalactites and waterfall, and have lunch:) Nice place for a few pics, before swimming the kayaks back out and testing some more skills. Off the water by early afternoon as the wind strengthened and gusts whipped the sea into a frenzy... Back to the lecture room and planning for tomorrow's paddle! Even with the less predictable and often changable weather, we continue to run safe, fun, learning (and unforgettable) adventurous experiences!
Our 5 - 6 day packages, using high quality local B&B's, giving an active, adventurous day combined with home cooking and luxury accommodation are proving very popular during the 'training season' (running September to May) when we book in many smaller groups and individuals, on beginner, improver, intermediate and advanced sea kayak courses, those who wish to really progress. Some find it more convenient to do this through an intensive block course, (such as the one described) and we cater for these as well as regular weekely sessions for those who live locally, and can only spare a few hours at a time!
We're just back in from the evening pool session at the Western Swimming Pool, Peel - where the weather was very mild :)
Kayak safety and rescue indoor pool courses begin monthly; alongside certificated Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning courses - skills necessary for the recreational kayaker and small craft user alike.

Corporate Training days and courses give unparalleled experiences to work groups, through shared experiences, building trust and long term working relationships, nurturing leadership and communication; increasingly effective at integrating new staff and solving issues within a existing team. Coasteering and Gorge Scrambling are especially popular in this field, and unless we get water on the lens... we generally get you some terrific pics of your day as well! Training days are designed using combinations of any of the adventures we offer - locating theory to practice, with the flexibility to make use of our facilitated modern lecture as much or as little as required...


All sorts of excitement over the past few weeks, with never a dull (or free) moment!

The first Finnish Sea Kayak Symposium took place at Hanko - weekend August 23/24, where I met so many fantastic, and down to earth people, including the 'celebrity' to the NIL festival visit by Johanna - one of the two Scandinavians students, who began at either end of the Blue Ribbon (combined Finnish and Swedish coastline) competing against each other to finish the 3600km paddle. A terrific event - I look forward to the next one...
Prior to this the combined new BCU 2* and 3* training and tests organised by Jukka Linnomaa - Sea Kayaking Finland, was great fun and local conditions were ideal for the purpose.
Thanks as always to the Linnonmaa's for their great hospitality.

Back on the Isle of Man, the Cancun Crew have two more dives left to complete our PADI Open Water Diver certificates, and there was enough dry and sunshine hours to fit in some delightful rock climbing at the chasms, cuminating in a traverse across the roof of Sugarloaf cave and then ascenting Sugarloaf Stack - twice :) A pod of dolphins feeding in bay beside us (looked like Atlantic White Sided) and a 'small' Basking Shark swimming past a few feet away as we completed the decent...

Congratulations to Gordin Warner completed his circumnavigation of the island in aid of cancer research, and many thanks for the bottle of single malt which appeared in my room :)
To top this, a big congratulations to the two Adventure Club members who progressed their eskimo rolls from the pool to the sea, and are now looking very solid. we're all really happy for you!!

Life on the Isle of Man is simply phenomenal!!