British Canoeing Coaching Matters Workshops - SW

Today I was delivering an introduction to white water stand up paddle-boarding as part of the British Canoe Union Coaching Matters update for the South West Region.

The two and a half hour workshop gave the candidates the opportunity to try paddle-boarding on moving water and get some useful hints and tips. However, the main focus of the workshop was safety.

We discussed the use of leashes, were they appropriate on moving water? We talked about the risks of having clients standing up rather than the norm in paddle-sports of sitting/kneeling. With the river being very low, this gave an opportunity to see first hand the issues with fins on the board and trying to run rivers at low level.

Overall it was a really good session despite the low levels.

Sea Kayaking on the North Devon Coast

It was great to be back out in the sea kayak today after a period of time out of it. 

Darren and I paddled from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin and back again using the tide to our advantage. We spent time rock hoping and assessing the coastline to deliver coastal adventure tours for the upcoming season with Channel Adventure. 

There were numerous varieties of of gulls as well as Oyster Catchers and the welcome sight of an inquisitive seal. 

The north easterly breeze made the start of the day a bit chilly and made for some fun conditions in and around the rocks.  

MIAS Level 1 and 2 Training - Day 2

Back out on the beautiful Quantock Hills AONB today delivering the second day of a MIAS Level 1 and Level 2 training for Wet and High Adventures. 

The whole day was spent outside covering the remainder of the practical elements of the course and the assessment of the candidates at Level 1.

Over the course of the day we looked at mountain bike navigation, warm up games, skills circuits, pre ride checks and PPE fitment and emergency procedures. The candidates were also given the opportunity to lead legs of the route, this meant they had to decide on the best techniques to use on certain parts of the trail. A great exercise to prepare them for their Level 2 assessment.

We also spent a little time on Level 1 terrain assessing the candidates to this level. I am pleased to say that all of the candidates met the required Level 1 standard and have development plans to prepare them for a Level 2 assessment in the near future.

MIAS Level 1 and 2 Training - Day 1

So today I have been delivering the first day of the MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructor Award Scheme) Level 1 and Level 2 Training course for Wet and High Adventures. The course is delivered over 2 days and by the end of the course the candidates hope to be assessed to Level 1 and received the training at Level 2. 

We spent the morning in the classroom at Cannington Activity Centre covering all of the Theory before heading out to the Quantock Hills after lunch to look at leadership techniques, skills improvement games and the remit of the awards.

It was a great day with blue skies, little wind and a great group of aspirant mountain bike leaders.

Tomorrow we will be on the Quantock Hills all day covering the rest of the syllabus and assessing the candidates at Level 1. 

Coasteering Training at Hele Bay

Today Alicia and I went along to Hele Bay in Ilfracombe to attend the National Coasteering Charter (North Devon section) training day. The day consisted of a low tide walk through of the venue looking at the jump spots and potential hazards, a pool session covering dealing with casualties with spinal injuries and the use of a throw line. After lunch their was a charter meeting. 

A good day that re-visited useful techniques and the opportunity to network, putting names and faces to the various companies that operate in the area.   

Coasteering at Watermouth Cove

Having started my new role at Channel Adventure on Tuesday 1st March the majority of the week was taken up with inductions however I did manage to get out on Saturday to take a group Coasteering at Watermouth Cove.

The group of 11 guys on a stag party braved the chilly conditions to take part in our first coasteering session of the year. We spent an hour in the water before the group started to get cold. To fill their time slot the group took on the challenge of the assault course and finished with a quick race in the surf rafts.

Thanks to Ben from Active Escape for supplying another member of staff and access to the cove and equipment.