Adventurous Experiences Blog

Exciting Experiences

2009-07-13T08:11:00.014Z

A few pics from Corporate Events and other Adventurous Experiences...

'Taster' Sea Kayak sessions - £5 for a half hour trip, all money to RNLI!

Congratulations on a very successful Queenie Festival Tuesday evening and Port Erin Lifeboat day just gone. So much interest and some fantastic experiences!

Next event where our special 'Taster' sessions will be available is Port St Mary Lifeboat Day - 26th July - for info on this and other scheduled adventurous experiences - check out the website Calendar!

or ring the office on 01624 843034

Sunset action with Sam!

2009-07-09T09:00:00.008Z

Some amazing experiences and pics to take home from 'Evening Paddles' with Sam whilst I was away at the Island Games last week...

Plenty more pics of adventures to date, coming shortly :)

Keirron

Summer Newsletter

2009-06-24T04:02:00.017Z

Puffins off Peel, Paddling Perspectives... and more!

A warm and sunny hello from Adventurous Experiences! The summer of adventure is upon us and we’re informing you of some of the exciting experiences we’re providing.

A few pics from Sea Kayak trips from the last couple of days...

Adventure Week 2009 – FESTIVAL WEEKEND!
August 14th – 16th
Outdoor based festival with our key service areas of Safe, Fun, Learning running through all activities. Shared experiences, progression, journeying and discovery. Incorporating the 7th annual Sea Kayak Symposium.

Saturday and Sunday – Adventure Days! Choice of;
Coasteering
Sea Kayaking
Gorge Scrambling
Abseiling
Rock Climbing
Sea Fishing
A fantastic social including the rousing Saturday evening Ceilidh!

FREE camping space on-site

Guest Instructors from around the world!

Places are limited. To Book and get the latest information – check out the Adventure Week online.

Weekend offer - £99 per person – includes packed lunch on both days

Sea Kayak Hire extra at £15 per day

*2009 event also offers a fun combined hill run & kayak ‘relay’ race Friday evening*

****************

On the lead up to the weekend there are also activities running daily, run by a variety of guest coaches in addition to Adventurous Experiences staff and opportunities for formal qualifications in sea kayaking to be undertaken.

Following the festival commencing 18th August sees the Circumnavigation of the Isle of Man by sea kayak, a 4 day mini-expedition including wild camping – a great personal challenge and one that is open to varying levels of ability.

For further details check out the Adventure Week online.

Website Updates
We continue to update and modify the information online, so the website will host the most up to date information. The ‘Calendar’ of scheduled events now displays the day as well as the date, for easy reading.
The Calendar is a selection of adventures on offer for simplicity at the booking stage. We provide experiences every day, all year, for individuals, couples, small family groups and friends, corporate events, and larger groups up to and exceeding 100 persons.
To book an experience not on the calendar or make a group booking, please contact us with an outline of your preference and we’ll do our best to make it happen.

Youth Scholarship – Development and Leadership Program
The program forms a large part of our commitment to raising the level of outdoor skills and safety on the Island. The team of 7 students training for the Norway Expedition this summer are presently undertaking the hill walking part of their practice expedition down the length of the Isle of Man. More details on our Youth Scholarship program online.

Gorge Scrambling and Coasteering adventures
Due to the increasing demand for our ‘combined rock and water activities’ we have expanded our staffing in these areas and have a group discount of 1 goes free with every six persons. Individuals and smaller groups are also welcome.
We provide 6mm Sola full steamer wetsuits, we run adventures throughout the year, on days and times to suit the customer and tie in with the weather. The Gorge Scrambling and Coasteering adventures we run are open to absolute beginners including those who have no previous outdoor adventure experience.

Behind the scenes’
We welcome Rebecca Goodson to the staffing team. Rebecca has trained on the Youth Scholarship Program, and has joined us this summer in the role of full time office administration and assistant Coach. Becca will also aid the development of the website, and greater efficiency all round.
And many of you will have seen Sam Murphy is with us again for the summer, fresh from his first year of studies at Bangor University.

Alongside this, our continuous staff training and development program show our commitment to continue to be the leaders in Outdoor Education on the Island. Recently, staff have benefited from training at the Anglesey Sea Kayak Symposium and a mini-expedition on the committing north coast of Ireland as part of their own personal development.

Adventure Club – established 2004
The Adventure Club is seeing continuous growth in its member base, with many of our students using it to also gain British Canoe Union awards. A one off annual fee of £75, allowing members to benefit from greatly reduced rates per activity session. Welcome to our new members who have joined recently.

NEW MEMBERSHIP DEALS online

Congratulations to Gary & Emily who gained Member of the Month for June! After completing a beginner’s course on the sea, and purchasing their own kayaks and kit, they joined the club recently to make use of the ‘progressive learning program’ and friendly socials. They have shown good progression and a high level of commitment.

Adventure Club exclusive;
Fri 03rd July Beach BBQ & beverages...
Fri 28th August ‘Classic Adventurous Experience’
10th September Anglesey Mini-expedition!

Outdoor Circuit Training
‘get fit for the outdoors' - with Keirron's outdoor circuit fitness training

** New beginners course available - starts 07th July **

Open to absolute beginners and those who have experienced Keirron's sessions previously : )
Tuesday evenings 6:30 till 7:30 pm - every week.
Price £12 for 4 sessions. Please contact us to book your place!

Lastly, our Sea Kayak Trips and Evening Paddles remain very popular, and advance booking is advised!

The final session of the June indoor pool course was transferred 'outdoors' last night - a spontaneous decision with no objections... :)

As always, you can catch up on previous adventures via the Adventurous Experiences Blog, with photos, write-ups and comments. We welcome your feedback on our services, and look forward to seeing you soon.

Keirron & the Team

sunset off Peel .... contentment ... !

Impulsive Coasteering a winner!!

2009-06-17T17:29:00.014Z

Just back from running an Coasteering session at Peel for the MCC cricket side visiting the island - who rang up on the 'off chance' - wondering what we could provide despite the adverse weather.... well we had just the ticket! :)

An adventurous day - filled with excitement and laughter - some delightful leaps into the foamy sea and exploring the bouncy cave were some of the highlights :)

"Keirron, thanks for a fantastic afternoon out, I still can't quite believe how much I enjoyed the coasteering - awesome. Thanks for the professional guidance! Tomorrow we are back playing cricket for the MCC..."

BBC Coast were filming as we finished the session with another quick dip into the bay!

Here's a few glimpses from yesterdays beginners Sea Kayak Trip from Peel - with sunbathing seals doing backstroke beside the kayaks, Puffins bobbing around nearby and constant commotion from the nesting Guillimots and Razorbill populations!

View from a Sea Kayak off Peel

2009-06-15T14:58:00.011Z

The Sunday kayak trips went from Peel, Fenella Beach this week, with hot sunshine and a calm sea :) Individuals selected the level of challenge they desired - and different groups headed North and South, exploring the various caves, channels, observing the abundant birdlife and generally enjoying the fantastic summer!!

The view from a sea kayak is second to none. Peering into the clear depths and gazing up at the towering cliffs and vivid rock formations - the perspective and feeling this gives is very powerful, humbling and immensely satisfying... Contentment is the description given by many.

"Many thanks for an excellent day last Saturday all the guys have mentioned how much they enjoyed it and keep pestering me to see the pictures from the weekend! Dave really appreciated the tryout of coasteering in lieu of his Kayak outing.
The talk now in the office is of gorge-walking..."

Andy shot past on his Hobi Island kayak... (top pic) Kelvin's Tackle - fishing & kayaking supplies will be stocking these shortly :)

And a few pics from our young adventurers Saturday ramble up Sleau Whallian...

Lastly - just got a few pics from the improvers Rock Climbing group at Aldrick.. instruction meant we had to rely on our support crew Veronica for pics... A cracking session on dry rock, out of the breeze :)

'which way is the beach'

2009-06-12T07:08:00.016Z

The satisfied feeling after completing an adrenaline fueled Coasteering session is what suits some... others were delighted by

a relaxing paddle yesterday out of Cornna (a favourite spot for family picnicks too) - with plenty of wild goats, cormorants and shags to spot along the way.. landing for a break on Dhoon Beach, with time for a quick sunbathe, before returning.

"We have had a very good and very nice sea kayaking trip with you last Thursday.
This trip is one of our best souvenirs of our very good stay in the Isle of Man...
...Once again, we want to give you many thanks.
We really enjoyed this very good and very beautiful event."
Florence and Didier

The past few weeks have been a blur of activity, fuelled by the consistantly sunny weather which looks good for the month ahead :)

Plenty of paddles out from Peel with mild SW breeze to aid the tanning process...

A shot of some of the Youth Scholarship team taking 'time-out' from exams...

Some pics from recent adventures we have provided, taken part in and witnessed....

Dougie and Beef putting up a new rock climbing route on Bradda Head,

some skills practice in Port Erin bay...

Staff Training Trip - Rathlin Island

Situated off the North coast of Ireland, a committing place to paddle with powerful tides, stunning scenery and vast colonies of Guillemots nesting along the towering cliff faces.

Tollymore Mountain Centre provided us with kayaks, kit and Stevie... our local guide to the area, and other things :)

Many thanks to Oisin for organising the new SKUK Romany LV for me to use, in gorgeous pink!

Can't wait to host you guys over here...

another day in the office!

2009-06-02T22:45:00.004Z

Oily calm sea off Niarbyl today,

pictures say more than words...

Nesting...

2009-06-01T21:43:00.004Z

As the nesting season gets into full flow - summer has really arrived! :)

Rock climbing at Fenella Beach this evening was very relaxed and the stunning weather enhanced the overall experience...

observing Basking Sharks... from a sea kayak!

2009-06-01T16:18:00.012Z

Puffins galore off Peel...

Absolute clarity and stillness of the west coast of the Isle of Man.

Observing Basking Sharks on this afternoon's sea kayak trip from Peel was an absolute delight...

more pics from the last three weeks of adventures on the way :)

Keirron

Amazing days...

2009-05-11T08:56:00.007Z

More pics and a few words later... K

Just Do It!

2009-04-29T11:00:00.009Z

a step up..

2009-04-20T14:01:00.010Z

As summer evenings begin to book up and the camping gear gets dusted off, sunsets off the West coast just keep getting better!

Adventurous Experiences celebrated its 5th Birthday with an outdoor social, stylish BBQ with guest chef Shane and a fantastic array of food including scallops, strawberry and cream meringues...

Rounders in the fading light (thats my excuse), setting off chinese wishing lanterns, songs and dancing...

A fabulous chilled out evening, thanks to everyone :) A day beginning with a stunning sea kayak trip from Port Erin to Niarbyl, and finished when the band were finally allowed some rest as the next dawn began to break... Terrific!! Its great to be 30!

More pics are drifting in, will post a few after the evening tonite. K

Monday evening paddle was made even more memorable when we came across three perfect little ducklings surrounded by a multitude of hungry gulls...

In the total absence of the 'rest of the family', we scooped them into my kayak and continued.. Carefully lifting the slumbering fluffy balls into a fleece and then back to the farm, finally snuggled up in a box by the 'Esse' range :) With chickens and ducklings hatching now finding a foster mother should be possible...

Easter Weekend on the Isle of Man!

2009-04-16T06:08:00.012Z

Port Erin bay was the meeting point for most of the Easter weekend, warm, sunny and very close to the ice cream shop to finish..

Jellyfish have begun to arrive, heralding the return of the Basking Sharks in the near future - water clarity remaining excellent was ideal for peering over the side and watching the young seals swimming arounf beneith the kayaks and the mischievous tugs on the front toggle. Alerted by its distinctive cry, we watched a Peregrine Falcon circling the high cliffs above whilst Laughten lambs frollicked on the grassy slopes nearby.

Family groups also used the offer of the 'Mighty Triton' double kayaks, to take younger adventurers in the front with an instructor.

A relaxed paddle round the Calf of Man for the novice plus group, and the beginners headed round to Fleshwick past the mines in Bradda Head. Coming together to finish on the beach at the end.

The Youth Scholarship team shone on their mini-expedition around the Island, they've shown a high standard of paddling ability in all conditions and exceptional teamwork throughout. WELL DONE!!

Good luck with the looming exams and final preparations and training for Norway this summer :)

'a taste of adventure'..

2009-04-08T19:59:00.008Z

Evening Paddle from Peel!

2009-04-03T07:11:00.007Z

Setting off from Fenella Beach, Peel on the Isle of Man, with an ebbing tide and sun spreading its orange glow across the sea before sinking beneath horizon...

The light breeze evident on the earlier Youth Scholarship training session had dispersed, and the usual spring time evening chill as the sun disappears failed to materialise...

It must be Summer!!

"My first evening paddle – an unforgettable experience! An end to a beautiful sunny day on the Island – made more memorable by paddling out from the “Sunset City” watching the sun sinking with every stroke along the coast towards Glen Maye – perfect conditions, so still - Will definitely be on the next one!"

Evening rambles in the hills are particulary pleasant at this time of year, taking the dog for a walk being the ideal excuse :)

Coasteering sessions

As the air temperature lifts, the sea becomes far more appealing. Coasteering sessions run all year round, making full use of the cosy Sola summer steamers - but enthusiam has really picked up recently. Exploring a section of coast at sea level, gulleys, sea caves, ledges and exciting leaps make this one of the most effective team building activities, through shared experiences and plenty of fun!

Sea Kayak Trips from Port St Mary

2009-03-23T14:56:00.009Z

A few pictures from Sea Kayak Trips from Port St Mary this weekend- exploring the South Coast of the Isle of Man.

Sea Caves, Sunshine and Squadrons of Seals!

Fluffy clouds, bright blue sky and some very happy paddlers - another day 'in the office' of an adventure sports coach :)

Easter promises to be an exciting time, and we've scheduled a variety of courses and experiences to suit both adults and 'young adventurers'.

As always we've a selection of Sea Kayak adventures planned, in addition to Rock Climbing, Gorge Scrambling, Coasteering and Navigation courses. Details on the website events schedule - http://www.adventurousexperiences.com/events/

Contact us for individual and group bookings online,

or text 07624 4006655

landline 01624 843034

see you soon, K

Sea Kayak Trip from Port Erin Beach

2009-03-20T08:02:00.013Z

Exploring the South West Coast of the Isle of Man...

For details of trips over the next few weeks of very sunny weather, check out

http://www.adventurousexperiences.com/events/

Marketing Travel Awards in London!

“I am extremely pleased for the recognition the Island is receiving, and this shows that the hard work has paid off.
It was an absolute delight to work with such enthusiastic and professional people, and I am pleased to have played a part in the success of this campaign. We’re looking forward to another exciting year of providing adventurous experiences on the Isle of Man!“

Keirron Tastagh

'the song of spring'

2009-03-16T07:45:00.013Z

I was pruning some apple trees in the orchard on tuesday, with the sun beating down and a robin belting out the spring song, perched high on a the branch of a blackthorn nearby.

It got so warm - the shirt came off and a perfect day was coming close. As I finished the job, light snow flakes began to fall and I realised that the Manx spring was indeed here!

But a welcome change from the recent windy conditions, and having used the last of the snow for 2009 the Youth Scholarship team leaped back in the sea kayaks and training for the circumnavigation of the Isle of Man at Easter commenced! A big congratulations on your results for the first AS curricular exams, keep up the hard work :)

Gorge Scrambling this weekend was highly enjoyable, and i'm sure veryone surprised themselves with how much they can do when they take up the challenge!
Sea Kayaking courses are running smoothly, and Evening Paddles are kicking off officially this week! With a brilliant forecast for flat conditions Tuesday evening looks set to be a winner :)

We'll be running beginners courses at Easter in Sea Kayaking and Rock Climbing, with the temperatures due to soar, and our usual full range of Adventurous Experiences will be running regularly.

The website schedule will show a few of the scheduled 'open sessions' available, but please contact us for group bookings or if the experience you want is not visible. We cater for Young Adventurers as well, the pre-requisite being the desire to have fun!

What is noticeable this year is the clarity of vision our students and staff have - with the goal of learning new skills, developing existing ability and exceeding the required standard :)

This is particularly clear in Rock Climbing and Sea Kayaking courses, where national governing body awards are also available.

It was great to see some of the new faces at the Adventure Club social on Saturday, thankyou very much for a delightful evening, and the spectacular array of delicious food :)

We're looking forward to seeing all our friends at the birthday celebrations on the 18th April!

Clarity of Vision

2009-03-02T09:02:00.010Z

"Hi Keirron, Beautiful pictures!! I had a great time on Sunday. At first I struggled a bit but I improved a lot and had a lot of fun. Thanks for your support, I can't wait for this Sunday!!! Jose"

"...Carly had a blast on sunday, as did I. I'm so hooked its not even funny.....cheers, Sam"

"Keirron

Very much enjoyed Saturday. You’ll see me again for some coasteering in Summer and some more rock climbing. Thanks for the photo’s ....

Chris"

Goats Galore!

2009-02-23T08:10:00.006Z

Launching with the falling tide from Laxey Beach, there was little evidence of the strong Westerlie wind lifting the sea on other stretches of coast. A Cormorant dived and surfaced briefly before diving again, and a Grey Seal copied its antics nearby. Another group of complete beginners enjoyed their first trip on the 'Discover Sea Kayaking' course, heading South round the rocky protrusions, past the waterfall and occasional pairs of Oyster Catchers observing from the boulders at the waters edge. After a break and some dry land practice, we used the shallow bay with excellent water clarity to continue practice, and were joined by the 'Novice' group before all heading back towards the layers of shingle beach, now exposed down to the sandy platform at its base.

A treat was in store for the 'Intermediate' paddle, heading north beneath the towering cliffs, looking out for the sometimes illusive Wild Goats. Just round from the harbour we spied a young 'kid' bleating apparently stuck in a steep gully, watched by the parent goats from the sheer rocky step above. As another ridiculous rescue plan formulated in my mind (or at least the basic concept of assistance with no actual plan) we waited to see if it was in any trouble. The youngster slowly made its zig zag way upwards, constantly looking up - seeking assurance from its folks, and looking back with distain at the colourful array of kayaks. The difference between these wild looking, sure footed mountain goats and the dim witted half-grown sheep we have removed from difficulty on occasions on the West coast are vast. So the group continued paddling, and we made a mental note to check it on our return journey.

A challenging paddle ensued to Port Moor, with the distinctive lighthouse on Maughold Head visible and getting larger as we rounded each headland. Then a favourite part to Adventure Club paddles as the cake, hot drinks and other home-made delights were unearthed from kayak hatches and the 'happy tent' was on standby in case anyone was cold :)
We enjoyed the tail wind on the way back, and as evening drew on, pairs and small groups of goats were seen right along the coast, as the season for 'kids' to arrive is here and the goat community splits up to give birth and rear their young.
Spring is demonstrating her positive influence on the natural environment, and I leave the skylight open in the evenings to wake up to the excited twitter of small birds. Snowdrops and Bluebells in the glens precede the vast array of daffodills and primroses lining the roadsides. On and off the water, folk are 'waking up' to spring and getting active. Its going to be a very busy and constructive 2009!

Check our Schedule for adventures we are running this week.

Rock Climbing on the Isle of Man

2009-02-21T21:05:00.010Z

A few shots from the Chasms today! We trotted down to 'Tower Slabs' to introduce a few very keen beginners to their first ascents, in this well known Eastern Section of the Chasms - beneath the eye catching 'Tower Butress'. As we began setting up anchors and learning a few knots, looking across we spied Dougie flashing up 'Pushing Daisies' - E5, with Beef belaying below. Phenomenal!!

Full sequence on my Picassa gallery by Monday :)

http://picasaweb.google.com/keirron/

After the students gained confidence on some less demanding routes, we scurried quickly past 'Pushing Daisies' and did some bouldering problems on a sheltered section of rock above Torque Test wall. With this going well, we then put up a top rope a more challenging route to finish the session on a pump!

And lastly an image from Thursday's Youth Scholarship hill navigation, finishing in the plantation after a route up over the hills and through a little bit of fog!

Relaxed Night Paddle

2009-02-18T09:13:00.014Z

Superb conditions last night gave an exceptionally relaxed feel to the night paddle, and with the breeze dropping completely we were able to put in at Port Erin Beach and paddle the stretch of coast to the Calf Sound! As predicted, a warm and starry evening...
Top image - returning to the beach at Port Erin.

"Setting out from Port Erin at night seemed very natural and was unbelievably peaceful. Under the cover of darkness it would seem easy to become disorientated or unnerved. But with constant support from Keirron, we all soon settled down for a truely epic experience!"

Bioluminescence crept in as we left the bright lights of the bay behind, initially subtle flickering luminous lines from the bow, followed by the question "...is my glow stick leaking?" from one of the group :)

"Kayaking at night was a completely different experience in which the absence of full vision heightens all other senses which is needed to take training to a new level. The darkness makes you appreciate the unknown smaller scale beauty of the Island, such as the bioluminescence and the placidity movements of the sea. It truly was a surreal and relaxing paddle."

This phenomena - the result of disturbing the living micro-organisms in the water, is entirely natural and a joyous part of night paddling! Every paddle stroke produces an explosion of tiny lights - a chemical reaction converting chemical energy to light energy. Tecnically it's the substance Adenosine Triphosphate which is involved in this.

"Ninety percent of deep-sea marine life is estimated to produce bioluminescence in one form or another. Most marine light-emission belongs in the blue and green light spectrum, the wavelengths that can transmit through the seawater most easily. However, certain loose-jawed fish emit red and infrared light and the genus Tomopteris emits yellow bioluminescence."

http://en.wikipedia.org/

Beginners Sea Kayak Trip

This morning's trip from Peel shared the same conditions - but no glow sticks and head torches... A few seals cruised about and the residual swell from last week exposed and covered low rock shelved intermittently. We headed South to beneath Contrary Head, a relaxed pace and plenty of time to explore the inlets and sea caves. More Guillimots have arrived, and looking forward to seeing the first Puffins shortly!

'Discover Sea Kayaking'

2009-02-16T10:03:00.012Z

It's always a special experience; leading students into sea kayaking for the first time. This 'first impression' of the sport is so important as it forms the basis of the decision to continue - on the road with so many avenues of enjoyment. An immediate beginning to a progressive positive change in lifestyle, perceptions, new shared experiences and fulfillment.
It's a flexible solution to 'down time', stress relief, escapism and work / life balence. Providing the flexibility to gauge individual needs and ability within a group, and to structure the time and content of the trip or session to suit, is what makes our staff so important to this process. Providing challenge and excitment where desired, and catering for different needs - from off the water breaks to advice and practice of new personal kit! (Including drysuits)

How to Learn
We run beginners Sea Kayak Trips regularly; see Schedule, and the next 'Discover Sea Kayaking' course with spaces begins 01st march.
Some students prefer to complete a indoor pool course prior to learning on the sea - the next 'Kayak Safety & Core Skills' indoor pool course with spaces begins 07th April.

Evening / Night Paddle
Tomorrow evening is looking excellent for a perfect night paddle, available to beginners and those who have paddled with us before. Flat calm sea and toastie warm in our comfortable paddle wear. A guaranteed Unforgettable Adventurous Experience!

We selected Port St Mary for Sunday's sessions; very sheltered for the absolute beginners and the more lively waters outside for excursions for the more experienced. The Calf was as ever; stunning and peaceful with seals and sea birds all about! Saw a few Guillimots near Sugarloaf Stack, so we may see the huge numbers of the comical migratory bird return for breeding on the sea cliffs early again this year; countless rows of teeming black and white. The constant flurry of activity and noise often revealing intermingling Razorbills sharing the same nesting sites.

Whilst on a lively note, a few images from the Youth Scholarship training session, as they put a few of their skills into practice whilst exploring the 'rock gardens' of the West Coast ...

It snowed a little...

2009-02-08T19:02:00.005Z

Training for Norway!!

2009-02-06T09:40:00.009Z

Recent snowfalls provided a varied and exciting training opportunity (and well earned break from studies and route planning) for the Youth Scholarship team.
Excellent preparation ahead of their three week, self-sufficient expedition in Norway this summer..