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

learn to kayak...

 ...and discover Coasteering.

Saturday's Coasteering adventure enjoyed a still day, with the lightest of breezes and calm conditions, a little swell to aid the excitement! Great way to celebrate Craig's Birthday : )

"Hi Keirron

Just wanted to say how much Craig and I enjoyed this morning... it was absolutely brilliant!  We will definitely be back, maybe when the weather is slightly warmer!  Please thank Kim as well and Alice was good company.
...We're looking forward to seeing the photos... Thanks again
Vicky and Craig"

 As the Sunday Sea Kayak Training sessions were full, we put an extra afternoon session on the Saturday.

This group have completed the Discover Sea Kayaking 'A' course together, joined the Adventure Club and are enjoying challenging experiences around the Isle of Man coastline each week.

BCU 2* Award Training

Whilst this was taking place at Peel, George had the BCU 2* Award trainees out on the river in the Canoes, learning their strokes in preparation for the March assessment.

 Sunday's Sea Kayaking (today) was also from the sunset city of Peel, using the natural protection from the Easterly wind to best effect. The morning session was the 5/6 Discover Sea Kayaking 'B' course, who completed their sessions in the pool last month, and now transferred to the sea environment and kayaks...

The afternoon Intermediate Trip headed North, using the rock gardens and narrow inlets and caves to practice their developed skills in manoeuvring. 

REALLY enjoyable day, thanks very much for everyone's efforts.

Looking forward to next week!

K

stormy stories

We enjoy a fair amount of Coach Development over the winter months, and of course one of our favourite places to practice our own skills, play in the waves and observe wildlife is the awesome Calf of Man.

Friday's weather was fairly fresh, as we headed out through the surf at the Calf Sound.

So many seals about, everyone one an individual character, a little bit choppy for getting the camera out most of the time...

Took a break at South Harbour, and walk over the three Lighthouses breaking the line of the cliffs on West side above the Stack.

It rounded off a very busy week, and gave some preparation time in the afternoon for the weekend ahead, before Coach Development again in the evening...

Thursday had been Coach updates and an in-depth recce of a new Coasteering route.

Youth Scholarship - TR1.

The new intake of Youth Scholarship students got together at Ballabrooie for their first training session.

Those who continue with the Development and Leadership program will take on 18 months of sessions delivered and funded by us.

By Easter this year, the training team will have decided on the destination of their 3 week self-sufficient expedition, and the program is then further tailored to that goal.

This session was preceded by Lifeguard Training with the team at Western Swimming Pool, and following the TR1. adventure, it was straight to the pool again for the second weekly pool session of the current Discover Sea Kayaking 'B' course.

Its going to be a very busy and enjoyable year!

Keirron

busy times : )

 Out for a quick surf this morning, bit of a cross wind made things interesting...

 Some stunning views around the Isle of Man coastline today though, in the bright sunshine!

 A pic from last weekend's training trip with a following sea... timed to get off as the wind started whistling!

This group are training hard for the Isle of Man Circumnavigation this summer : )

The last two weekends have really stepped up in terms of coaching demand and folk very motivated to progress. Its a vibrant mix of folk and a great place to be! New members progressing from the Discover Sea Kayaking courses into the Adventure Club. See you all soon.

K

ps. Entries are coming in for the Adventure Race in June, so if your up for the challenge, let me know soon!