Dave's Basking Shark encounter pics

Some great shots taken by Dave Quayle, whilst we were out on an Evening Paddle with a group of friends off Peel.

Very relaxing evening to start with, made even better by an encounter with a fair sized Basking Shark.

Having predicted the coastal area it seemed to moving towards, we paddled there and waited to see if if it would be inquisitive...

and as usual it was!

Grant had just caught me on the mobile, and busy chatting to him I turned around to see the gentle giant heading straight in my direction. Water clarity is still excellent, and you could see just how big it was.

It continued around and through the group, passing underneath kayaks, and turning lazily around and back under again...

Apart from the 'Biscuit Incident' everyone stayed warm and dry,

and a well done to Rachel on your first experience of kayaking, it will be a memorable one no doubt!

Adventurous Experiences are an Accredited WiSe Scheme Operator, and as such we follow the guidelines for interacting with Basking Sharks, as well as other marine animals including Seals.

It is unlawful to intentially disturb, harm or cause distress to these protected species.

more info at;

http://baskingsharks.wildlifetrusts.org/wise.php

Coasteering session - Nottingham lads

Coasteering is one of those activities which can run in all sorts of weather. We take a totally flexible approach, ensuring a group of very mixed abilities can be on the same activity, with each pushing his or her own comfort zones, with the option of missing out or changing sections as required.

The Nottingham lads are over on the Island for the weekend, on a 'stag' party, with a difference!

These were a couple of the antics they got up to on their Coasteering session...

Basking Sharks and Family Paddles off Peel

Here's a few pics from todays excellent paddles....

Cheers for a great day guys!

Atmospheric Evening Paddles

A few pics from the the last couple of family evening paddles from Peel...

All manner of cloud formations and colours.

Every trip you see things from a different angle.

Meeting different characters,

and enjoying different adventurous experiences!

The Mighty Tritons (double sea kayaks) are becoming popular with the young kids in the family, (with an Instructor in the back seat), allowing everyone to journey at the same pace.

Tidal Races - Evening Paddle

With a perfect wind against tide due for this evening, a Tidal Races trip to the Calf Sound was planned for the intermediates... The sea was decidely bouncy!

On the way we saw a couple of Basking Sharks. They were very inquisitive. The first we saw was only a small one, and after changing direction, came round and under the kayaks, before swimming away. The second was a big bigger....
And that came very close, and more difficult to predict in the rough water. It would appear close by, before swimming under the kayaks, and round and under again. Fantastic to see they are very much in evidence still, with plenty seen off Peel today, and more seen from the breakwater at Port Erin. The West Coast seems to be the favourite. With calm and sunny weather due from tomorrow into the weekend, we'll be out on beginners paddles on the West Coast every day.

The Intermediates group continued to the Calf Sound, where the Races were just right, a fair few swims and rescues were soon underway! No pics of this delightful activity i'm afraid as the photographer was otherwise occupied.
In the sheltered area upstream from the tidal flow, seals were basking in the sunshine and giving our American guest Stuart, plenty of opportunity for photos!
Then it was time to head back to Port Erin Beach, as the sun sunk to the horizon...
Great to be back on the Island again, hope the Basking Sharks stay around for another week till the Isle of Man Adventure Week begins!

Vancouver Is. Expedition - update 3

Sunny greetings from Orcas Isle in the American San Juans!
We've had absolutely fantastic weather here, and the team have been busy with different projects in the local community. These have ranged from a beach clean, to garden maintainence and building compost heaps and sandboxes at a childrens nursery, (as well as getting time to play themselves...)!

Many, many thanks to Djuna and Matt from Body Boat Blade, who set up the residential, and hosted us magnificently during our stay on Orcas.


Here's a couple of words describing the expedition as a whole, from the crew;

Nash
Awesome, eye - opening, awe - inspiring, adventurous, challenging, fun, interesting.
An eye opening experience and a once in a lifetime adventure.

Gez
Amazing, awe - inspiring, exciting, fulfilling, phonomenal, tiring, demanding, memorable, once in a lifetime experience, maritime madness!

Sam
Exciting, challenging, tiring, character building, blistering, scenic, dissappointing in not reaching goals when fishing, kayaking and mountain walking, a learning process, but all together ... not too bad at all and is the way forward!

Graihagh
Exciting, tiring, adventurous, fun, hungry, challenging, new, endurance, physically and mentally demanding. A once in a lifetime experience!

Adam

Challenging but fun. Pushing yourself harder and harder. Bloody amazing!

The team will be the Saturday evening guest speakers at the Isle of Man Adventure Week, beginning 15th August, where they will be giving a presentation on their expediton. Starts promply at 7pm and followed by a Ceilidh, at old Patrick School, Patrick (near Peel on Saturday 18th August).

Vancouver Is. Expedition - update 2

Just back from Strathcona National Park...

Spectacular few days up there, culminating in an attempt of Mount Tom Taylor.

Well done guys, a lot of hard work and a terrific experience!