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.

Mountain Bike Guiding on Exmoor

Today I was out on Exmoor guiding mountain biking for a group of six guys from the Clevedon area. Not knowing the area the group asked for a 20-25 mile route taking in some classic Exmoor trails.

Our day started and finished at Dunkery Gate. The route took in Dunkery Beacon twice, Webbers Post, Horner woods, Lucott Cross, Hawkcombe, Ley hill and Dunster Path. 

It was a great day with dry trails, lovely weather and a nice breeze. The views were pretty good too. We even found time for a quick stop in a tea room in Horner for a brew and an ice cream.

Mountain Bike guiding on Exmoor

It was good to be back out on Exmoor on the bike today guiding for Exmoor Adventures. The group of ladies travelled down from Surrey to be shown what Exmoor has to offer for mountain bikers.

I met the group at Lynch House in Bossingnton where we started our ride. The 14.5 mile route took in Dunkery Beacon via Webbers Post and Dunkery Path before returning along Dicky's Path and Horner.

The slightly overcast and breezy day made cycling conditions good while retaining good visibility and therefore treating the ladies to some great views across the moor and Porlock Bay.

PES assessed expeditions - Final day

After another night in the Bell Tent I was back out mountain biking with the final group of Level 3 Public Services students for their assessment. We rode the same 10.5 mile route as yesterday and monday with the weather remaining excellent. All the students did really well negotiating the technical terrain, road sections and some ascents. 

PES assessed expeditions - mountain biking day 2

Yesterday was the midweek turn around of groups. Level 2's and the Level 3 'C group took the short walk to Bossington from the campsite before returning back to college. We then collected the Level 3 'A' and 'B' groups for their 2.5 day expedition starting with a short walk from Bossington to Pool Bridge camp site. 

Today, I was out with the 'A' group for their assessed mountain bike ride. Hannah and I observed the groups skills on a 10.5 mile ride starting near the top of Dunkery Beacon and making their way back to Camp via Porlock post, Webbers Post and Horner. 

The group showed great team cohesion throughout the day welcoming another student to their team who couldn't make the early part of the week with her tutor group. This continued back at camp while finding large logs to use as benches to go around their camp fire.

Remote Supervision on Exmoor

My mountain bike was the mode of transport today to be out and about on Exmoor supervising the level 2 and 3 public services groups undertake their independently managed walks. I covered 20+ miles  of great trails to get between the groups and check their progress.

Tough job in the glorious sunshine, some great views too. 

PES assessed expeditions begin

Today is the start of a week working for Bridgwater College on the assessed expeditions for the Level 2 and 3 Public Services students.

We travelled with the Level 2 students and one of the level 3 tutor groups to Exmoor today. The Level 2's taking part in an accompanied hillwalking day while I took the Level 3 group mountain biking.

My group started near the top of Dunkery Beacon taking in a 10.5 mile route back to Pool Bridge Campsite. 

With the rest of the day the students set up camp and started their camp fires. Gail managed to persuade the campsite owner to let us use the bell tent for staff so Max got the log burner going. 

Audax Uk Dunkery Dash

 

 

Today I took part in the Audax UK Dunkery Dash road cycling event with Dave and Dom from Bridgwater College.

 

The 64 mile route started in North Petherton and went via the Quantock Hills and Exmoor before returning to North Petherton. 1750 metres of climbing in total with the three main climbs being Enmore Hill, Elworthy Hill and Cothelstone Hill.

 

It was really good to get out on the road bike again and this time with a few others to make for a more social affair but the persistent light rain, head winds and road grime made it pretty interesting to say the least.

 

Really happy with a time of 5 hours averaging 14.68 mph including a good tea and cake stop at the top of Dunkery Beacon. 

 

My next planned road cycling event will be the Somerset 100, a one hundred mile route taking in the Somerset Levels and the Mendip Hills in May. 

Hen's take on a Team Challenge in Simonsbath, Exmoor

Today I was working for Exmoor Adventures, the first time this year. I travelled over to Simonsbath on Exmoor to meet Tom to set up a multi activity team challenge for 14 ladies on a hen party.

The ladies took part in Archery, Orienteering, Spiders Web, River Crossing Task and other problem solving tasks in order to gain points. The winning team were awarded a bottle of prosecco.

The ladies all enjoyed the tasks despite the mixed weather. 

Thanks to Louise from Simonsbath House Activity Centre for letting us use the Archery range.

Mountain Biking with Bridgwater College Public Services Students

Today was the start of the most practical week i've had for a while. Three days mountain biking and a day teaching navigation on the Quantock Hills.

The Quantock Hills are also the venue of choice for the three biking sessions this week with Bridgwater College Level 3 Public Services students.

We started at Crowcombe Park Gate where the students started by getting themselves kitted out with all the appropriate equipment and taking part in a pre ride assessment to check their skill level. Following this we went on a short loop via Withyman's Pool and Halsway Post before stopping for lunch at the minibus.

After lunch we headed off towards Triscombe Stone and descended down into great wood before climbing back out of the valley and returning to Crowcombe Park Gate.

All the students did really well in the cold weather conditions. The day started at -2 degrees and finished at +2 degrees with snow showers.  

Thursday and Fridays sessions will mirror todays so there wont be too much to comment on but I will pop up some images.