Friday 26th April 2013

A day working as Technical Advisor for Leicester Outdoor Pursuits in Markfield Quarry. This was a familiarisation day for SPA qualified to look at the potential as an introductory crag venue. Fine by me.

A day working as Technical Advisor for Leicester Outdoor Pursuits in Markfield Quarry. This was a familiarisation day for SPA qualified to look at the potential as an introductory crag venue. Fine by me.

Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st April 2013

Having wanted to spend a night on Skomer for some time now, this was my first opportunity to run this trip for Sea Kayak Guides. I was also very fortunate to be supported by two excellent, experienced and very knowledgeable assistant guides Tom & Dr Lou Luddington. Tom works for the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter Group http://www.pembrokeshireoutdoors.org.uk/ Dr Lou is an expert in the marine environment. What a privilege to have been able to paddle with them!

We gathered our 7 clients at Martins Haven and headed out in what was the best weather I have had this year! Clear skies, light winds, neap tides and Sunshine! Skomer is one of the “Jewels in the crown” in Pembrokeshire sea paddling, and even on neap tides still provides some interesting conditions around some of its headlands and islands! The rafts of Puffins and Guillemots indicating that sprig was finally here!

After a short walk to the farm complex, the accommodation on the island is excellent. A quick cup of tea, then out to enjoy the bird life, especially the Puffins. Sat amongst them and enjoying watching there comical behaviour, it does not get much better! Sadly the Sunday was wet windy and overcast but did allow us to paddle back to St Brides. Got to go back same time next year.

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th April 2013

This was the start of this year’s excellent Guide Training Programme http://www.wild-scotland.org.uk/about-us/wilderness-guide-training-programme/ For me; this gave me the opportunity to catch up on the opposing modules which I could not attend last year. The first day’s training was Astronomy delivered by Rupert Hutchinson. This was a brilliant day which tried to put across the immensity of the universe and how to portray this to clients. Rupert’s passion for the subject was equally immense. I would happily do the day all over again. Check out his Facebook page “Wild Stargazing”.

On day two I attended “Interpreting Gaelic in the Landscape” by Roddy Maclean This workshop looks at how the Gaelic language has evolved and how we can attempt to put this across. My tongue is still recovering after trying to find its way around some of the pronunciations. A fascinating day with plenty yet to learn!

Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th April 2013

A group of four keen, enthusiastic and competent paddlers provided an excellent couple of days. The big spring tide and southerly swell produced some exceptional conditions on the infamous “Bar” at the entrance to Salcombe Harbour. These were well in excess of what is required of the award at times. Unfortunately the strong winds and deteriorating conditions meant that we needed to cancel the evening night paddle, something for the candidates to complete as part of their action plan.

Participant Glyn Brakenbury used the course as part of his preparation for his forthcoming Land’s End to John O Grote’s solo sea paddling trip.

Monday 8th April & Tuesday 9th April 2013

Day one allowed me to observe Lee delivering the programme supported by some excellent presentations. I was more than happy to recommend him as a future BCU provider for the course.

Tuesday evening gave me the opportunity to help Lee and Nick Arding install the promotional stickers on their kayaks for their forthcoming (depart 17th May) around the UK trip in aid of Clic Sargent, a charity supporting children with cancer and the Marine Conservation Society. Follow their progress, find out more or to donate visit their website www.aroundbritain4britain.co.uk or Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/AB4Bpages?ref=hl

Sunday 7th April 2013

This and the following three courses were run in conjunction with Lee Pooley of International Coaching http://www.internationalcoachingandguiding.co.uk/

Using the Bolt Tail area off the South Devon coast, the fresh south easterly wind against the flood tide gave excellent conditions for the assessment.

Thursday 4th April & Friday 5th April 2013

This privately organised, but open course was run in conjunction with Nigel Robinson of Sea Kayak Guides http://www.seakayakguides.co.uk/ on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset and Poole Harbour area. The continuing cold off shore winds did not make it the most pleasant of assessment environments!

28th & 29th March

Run in conjunction with Nigel Robinson of Sea Kayak Guides http://www.seakayakguides.co.uk/ this course was organised for a group of American paddlers working towards their BCU 5* award. The Spring tides and bitterly cold off shore winds provided demanding conditions for the candidates and guinea pigs alike, as well as extremely careful venue consideration by the assessors! After setting out, I eventually called the night paddle off due to the deteriorating sea state.

16th & 17th March

This inspirational workshop was organised by Wilderness Scotland as part of their Guide Development Program. Colin Prior’s http://www.colinprior.co.uk/home/ landscape photography is legendary, but a chance to take part in one of his workshops was a great privilege. As an ex transparency SLR photographer, I was used to concepts of shutter speed, depth of field, ISO etc, however I have never received any instruction in digital photography. Colin’s quiet, informative style has rekindled my old passion for photography. A fantastic two days. Check out ADOBE “Lightroom” as a photograph manipulating software program.

9th & 10th March

The first BCU paddling course of the year, and the weather to remain the same for the next few months! Very cold offshore winds made it difficult for the assessors to find suitable and safe locations to run the course. Take a look at the pictures for a full impression. However they never give a full appreciation of the conditions!

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