BCU 2 * Paddle-sport Course on the Exeter Canal

Today I have been out on the Exeter Canal with some of the Staff from Plymouth College who were working towards their BCU 2* Paddle-sport certificate. The 2* is a pre-requisite for the Level 1 coach award which they need to assist with this years activities week.

We looked at all aspects of the syllabus in both open canoe and kayak. The guys did really well dealing with the stiff breeze and occasional strong gusts of wind. As you can see from the photos yesterdays rain had pushed the water levels up so much that even the canal was a foot higher than usual with excess water from the River Exe.

With another session planned for next thursday the guys should comfortably get through the award ready for their foundation safety and rescue course the following weekend.

Biking with Bridgwater College

Out and about on the Quantocks today Mountain Biking with group of foundation degree students from Bridgwater College. We met at Crowcombe Park Gate, sorted equipment, carried out safe cycle checks and headed off.

All of the students did really well given the weather conditions! The morning session took in a ride along the ridge toward Triscombe Stone, down into Ramscombe and back up to Crowcombe Park Gate. As you can see from the photos we did have some beautiful sunny spells but the shear amount of surface water from the previous nights rainfall meant everyone still got a good soaking!

After a stop for lunch we headed out along the ridge toward Staple Plain, This end of the Quantocks is a lot more exposed to the elements. This the students quickly realised due to the thick band of heavy rain that had moved in during the lunch break bringing with it some strong winds, perfect for pulling all your body heat from you when wet. The bottom picture shows the amount of surface water, the trails were more like tributaries!!

With the kit all packed away in the trailer it was time to wash the bikes before getting into dry clothes to warm up. Even the Royal Marines out training in the area didn't look impressed with the weather so hat's off to the students for keeping their spirits up!

Next Wednesday the students have to plan a route for themselves and work together to complete it while being self sufficient. Should be fun!!!

More Walking on Exmoor

Today I have been back out on Exmoor with more of the BTEC Level 3 Public Services students from Bridgwater College.

We split the students into two small groups and sent them off on different routes. I tailed one of the two groups for half of their route to get a few miles in and make sure they were ok. Andy check pointed the others in the mini-bus.

At the half way point I joined Andy once I was happy my group had the sufficient skills to navigate the rest of the route. Both groups made good time over their required distances battling miserable weather and a stif head wind along the top towards North Hill.

I decided not to take any pictures today due to the poor weather.

Canoeing for a Hen Party

Back in Taunton today and out on the River Tone for a spot of Open Canoeing. 11 ladies who are staying at Somerset Yurts booked the session through my company Discover Moor for a hen party. The group were looking for a sedate activity on the saturday afternoon before going out and enjoying the Taunton nightlife.
We got on the river near Firepool Lock and paddled upstream and against the stiff breeze to French Weir. Here we played a couple of games before heading back to Firepool and the get out point. After a couple of hours the ladies had had a great time but were getting a little chilly so we opted to cut the session a bit short based on a group decision.



Discover Moor can offer one off activities or bespoke packages for your group, for more info take a look at www.discovermoor.co.uk or send an e-mail to info@discovermoor.co.uk.

Bronze D of E Practice

I have been back down in South Devon working for Plymouth College again for the last two days. Yesterday was a busy day in the office catching up on many things after the easter break.
Today I have been out in South Hams in the Start Point area check pointing groups taking part in a practice expedition for their Bronze D of E award. All of the groups did really well covering their routes in roughly the time they had allocated. The weather struggled to make up it's mind with heavy showers coming and going leaving behind sunny spells and many rainbows. A little help pitching tents was needed by some groups but overall I was really impressed with their skill level and attitude.

Bike Maintenance and basic bike handling skills

Back out working with Bridgwater College today but with the Foundation degree students.
We spent the day at Cannington Activity Centre. The morning was spent with some time in the classroom looking at some theory behind mountain biking and an introduction to bike maintennance and safe cycle checks.
The afternoon sessions were made up of some basic bike skills and a further maintenance session looking at all the repairs that can be done out on the trail.
This was my first of four sessions with these students, a really nice group that I'm sure will enjoy the next three sessions out on the trails of the Quantock Hills.

Walking the Exmoor Coast

Today I have been out working with a group of btec level 3 students from Bridgwater College. We took the students to Whitstone post o Exmoor as the start point for a walk to the tank grounds on North hill just outside Minehead.
The students were set various navigation challenges along the route and had to complete the distance within a set time.
An interesting day with varying types of weather to test the students.