Intro to SUP with Adventure International Staff

Today I was down in Bude, Cornwall delivering an introduction to Stand Up Paddle-boarding with returning instructional staff from Adventure International. The guys were really enthused with the sport and are now looking forward to completing their British Canoeing discipline support module next month. 

The Bude Canal was great venue for the session and the blustery winds made for challenging conditions at times. 

During the day we covered different types of kit, a range of stokes, journeying and games to improve confidence and skill level. 

A really good day. I'm looking forward to going back next month to deliver their Mountain Biking assessments. 

MIAS Level 1 and Level 2 Training

On Wednesday and Thursday last week I delivered my first MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme) Level 1 and Level 2 Training course. Day 1 was delivered in the Bridgwater area and day 2 was delivered on the Quantock Hills AONB. The weather was stunning on both days with blue skies and sunshine.

The four candidates were staff from Bridgwater College looking to gain a qualification to allow them to take groups on non-technical terrain and assist other already qualified staff to take groups on technical terrain.

Over the two days we covered all aspects of the syllabus with a focus on the difference between non-technical and technical terrain, checking and maintaining equipment, leadership techniques and group management. The course also touched on basic navigation skills, legal responsibilities, ratios and access.

All 4 candidates successfully passed their Level 1 and are now trained at Level 2. 

If you are interested in becoming a mountain bike leader then get in touch for future course dates. 

Hills Skills - Day 2

Today I was back out on Dartmoor delivering the second day of the Mountain Training Hills Skills course for the FdSc public services students from Bridgwater College.

It was another stunning day on the moor with a few light rain flurries early on followed by sunny skies.

We covered the rest of the hills skills syllabus looking at navigation strategies, problem solving, independent leadership and relocation techniques. This was all covered while walking the route the students planned in the theory session. 

Our route took us on a loop from Whiteworks OEC via crock 'o'gold, nuns cross and fox tor mires.

Biking with Beth and Sion at Cannop Cycle Centre - Day 2

Back out at Cannop Cycle Centre today with Beth and Sion. Having not been on a bike for a number of years caused Sion a few issues so he decided not to participate today which left Beth to have my full attention and some 1:1 coaching.

We started the day by riding the full blue Verderers trail which Beth really enjoyed. This trail gave us the opportunity to look at riding bermed corners, climbing techniques, descending techniques and riding on sustained single-track.

Over lunch we had a session on basic maintenance covering fixing punctures, putting chains back on and splitting chains. Sion was able to take part in this session.

After lunch Beth and I rode the Red graded Freeminers trails which gave her the opportunity to ride on more technical terrain. The main focus of this session was looking at line choice and momentum. Beth took on rock gardens, rooted sections of trail, boardwalks, tight single-track and small drop-offs.

We were a little dissapointed to find a punctured tube left tied to a tree on the trail side. This gave us an opportunity to discuss appropriate use of outdoor spaces and the impact human activity has. Just because its a man made trail centre shouldn't mean someone will come along behind you and clear up your mess. 

A great weekend spent out on the bike. 

Biking with Beth and Sion at Cannop Cycle Centre - Day 1

Today I have been working for Wet and High Adventures on the first of two day introduction to mountain biking course for Beth and Sion.

We met at the Cannop Cycle Centre in the Forest of Dean. I chose this venue for the range of trails to introduce various skills.

During the day we cycled the Green family trail taking in the short blue graded sections for added skill development, the two short blue graded training trails and some of the Blue graded Verderers Trail using the short cut back to the centre.

Its been a while since Beth and Sion have been on a bike so it took a short while for them to regain their confidence. 

We covered:

Pre ride checks

Correct bike fitment

Appropriate PPE and its use

Body position (uphill, downhill and flat ground)

Dynamic weight shift

Gear selection

Effective braking

Trail centre use and etiquette

A really good day in the sunshine. The plan for tomorrow is to stay at Cannop and ride the full blue graded Verderers trail and the red graded Freeminers trail.

Beach Lifeguard Course - 6th - 10th April 2015

This week I have been a student on the RLSS Beach Lifeguard course delivered by Gwilym from Wet and High Adventures. 

The five day course covers all aspects of becoming a beach lifeguard. Time was spent in the swimming pool, in the sea and in the classroom. The weather was great which made getting into the 11 degree sea a bit more bearable.

I am not planing on working for the RNLI as a beach lifeguard but using this qualification to give me the appropriate knowledge of looking after people in the sea environment when delivering coasteering.

I must admit I was a little worried about the timed pool swim but I managed to get the 400m done in 7 minutes 54, 6 seconds under the maximum time. Once tis was out of the way I settled into the rest of the assessment and enjoyed it. 

All six candidates passed, so a clean sweep for Gwilym. Thanks to Tim for assessing us. 

Somerset Secondary Schools PE Conference

 

 

Today I travelled over to Westfield School in Yeovil to deliver an Outdoor Education workshop for the Somerset Schools PE Conference.

 

The day was organised by Dave Bullock from Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) and covered a range of different sports and topics for teachers to book onto.

 

My Outdoor Education workshop had 16 booked on which was a good number. We looked at ways to embed and improve outdoor education into the secondary schools PE curriculum. This mainly revolved around structured team development activities, orienteering and shelter building. We also covered the cross curricular areas that Ofsted are looking for in all lessons and how to include them.

 

It was a cold wet day but all the candidates enjoyed the sessions and went away with plans to get it up and running in their schools.  

Navigation Training on the Mendip Hills

Back working with the Level 3 Outdoor Education students today working on their navigation skills. 

We headed over to the Mendip Hills AONB for a change of scenery. It was pretty cold in the stiff wind but a blue sky day with good views made it all worth it.

The 12 km circular route took us on through varied terrain from managed woodland, open heathland and farmland. 

During the day the students had plenty of time to practice the basic navigation skills from previous weeks, examples of these include timings, pacing, collecting and catching features.

We also found time to start working on some more advanced techniques such as hand-railing, aiming off and attack points. The students now need to practice these skills and become slick at them in preparation for their land-based outdoor activities module.

A really good day out in the hills.

Kayaking on the River Dart - Loop Section

Today I have been out on the 'Loop' section of the River Dart in Devon. The levels were pretty low but it was still good to get out and help coach on the Cuckmere Valley Canoe Club trip.

Mick and I drove down from Taunton to meet up with Steve, Andy and Dean from Cuckmere Valley who were doen staying on Dartmoor for the weekend. 

We looked at breaking in and out, ferry gliding, 'S' turns and river reading. Mick found some good jets for a spot of tail squirting as you can see in the images. Overall a really good day and great to be back out on the white water.