RYA VHF Radio Operators course

Today I have been at the club house of Watchet Sea Scouts to attend the RYA short range radio operators course delivered by Doug and Simon. 

We spent the day covering the syllabus and using the radios with Doug before being assessed by Simon at the end of the day. 

The venue, resources and trainers were great and there was plenty of tea and biscuits available to keep us going. 

The main reasons for doing this course are for safety communications during coasteering sessions and as part of my British Canoe Union 4* Sea Kayak assessment. 

High Ropes and Drive back south

This morning we were up early to pack and load the trailer before breakfast. After breakfast the students had time for a quick high ropes session delivered by the centre staff to give Gwilym and I a break before the long drive back from Snowdonia to Somerset. 

Overall the week was a great success and it was good to be back working with the Bridgwater College level three outdoor education students. 

Raft Building, Overnight Expedition and Climbing

Over the last two days I have been delivering raft building, Rock Climbing and assessing the students overnight expedition for their BTEC expedition skills unit.

Raft Building: On Wednesday morning the students were set a task to design and build a raft to transport them from one side of the bay back to the boat house. They got to choose their launch location, design and teams. After transporting their raft parts to the other side of the bay by canoe, the canoes were towed back and the students left to build their raft and paddle it back. The results were very opposite with one team succeeding and the other having a shocker!

Overnight Expedition: Following some previous training back at college and the completion of the mountain skills course over the last two days the students were tasked to plan a route from Wenallt back to the centre via the Aran Ridge. After being bused out to Wenallt both groups ascended Aran Fawddwy before dropping down to their chosen camp sites on the east side of the ridge. The following morning they made their way back to the centre in time for lunch.

Rock Climbing: Once the students had freshened up after their overnight Camp we headed to Barmouth Slabs for a spot of climbing in the afternoon sun. I took some of the students for some top roping on the lower tier, Gwilym took two students for a session on lead climbing and Rhys took the rest for some bottom roping on the upper tier. Rhys and I swopped our groups half way through the session. 

It was a great couple of days with the students really showing the skills they've learned over the past 13 months. All finished off with an ice cream in Barmouth before heading back to the centre. 

Navigation training in Llanberis Pass, DMM and Mountain Rescue visits.

Busy day today! Day three of the Bridgwater College level three outdoor education residential. 

The majority of the day was spent looking at mountain navigation and emergency procedures in the pass of Llanberis. We used some mountainous terrain under Dinas Mot due to its varied range of small features to test the students. During this session we also covered what to do in the event of an emergency, pacing, boxing and human impact on the mountain environment. Gwilym covered the same aspects of the mountain skills course with the other half of the students.

Late afternoon we headed over to Llanberis mountain rescue to meet some of the team. While at the mountain rescue base the students attended three presentations including: Rescue equipment, the callout process and vehicles. 

A good day covering different aspects of the use of mountainous terrain. 

Wet and Windy day on Tryfan

Today I was working for Bridgwater College delivering the first day of a Mountain Skills course with Gwilym Starks under his provider-ship. 

We spent the day ascending the north ridge of Tryfan and coming down via the Heather Terrace. During the day we covered movement on steep ground, route selection, the mountain environment, equipment choice and the layering system for clothing. 

The forecast weather was for very high winds and constant rain. We got the constant rain but the wind had eased enabling us to make a safe ascent to the summit. The pictures reflect the days rain, plenty of water on the lens!!

North Wales - Drive and Canoe Orienteering

This week I am back working for Bridgwater College after leaving in July to take up a new full-time position at Somerset Progressive School. The college have asked me to come back and deliver on their North Wales residential for the Level three Outdoor Education students.

We met at the college at 07.00 to pack the vehicles and started the 6 hour journey to Bala. We will be staying at Glan Llyn, a welsh speaking activity centre on the edge of Llyn Tegid.

Once arrived and settled into rooms the students took part in a canoe orienteering exercise as well as a challenge to build a rafted canoe. The activity was moved forward a few hours due to the forecast weather that was due to come in. I provided safety cover from the power boat while Luc ceased the opportunity to have a sail.

After dinner Gwilym and I took the students for a theory session on weather and appropriate equipment in preparation for the next few days when the students will attend the Mountain Training, Mountain Skills course.