CREEK&CLIMB

Life in North Wales

2012-01-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

Having finally made the move and now living in N. Wales its great to be able to get out constantly paddling, biking or climbing, we are still running courses in the Peak District as well. Hoping to start offering Surf Kayaking courses in the not too distant future.

Over the last few weeks i've had some good paddling trips on the Nantgrewed, Ogwen and a low water run of the Gamlan. As well as working with my long term students towards my L5. We've also been running a number of white water courses and sea kayaking courses although the strong winds haven't helped.

Busy few months and Level 5 Training

2011-10-27T03:19:00.000-07:00

Well its been a long time since my last blog, in that time i've run an intro Sea kayak course for Plas Y Brenin, run a number of private white water courses, some rock climbing in the Peaks .I managed to have an amazing 6 days kayak surfing down in Woolacombe during that wonderful heatwave in the beginning of October as well as meeting up with some old friends and paddling the classic white waters of Scotland.

The Last few days i've been on my L5 training which was brilliant and looking forward to trying out some new coaching methods.

Pembroke Sea Kayaking

2011-08-06T10:41:00.001-07:00

Having had a hectic July it was time to take a break before a busy coming August. So to that end i got out kayaking with Pete for 4 days in Pembroke.

Neither of us had been there before, it is a beautiful place and all though the weather was not great we had a great time rock hopping and paddling in some stunning locations.

With the next few weeks coming up of intro kayaking and some white water coaching in wales, should be a good busy August.

Hectic July and Mod Sea endorsement

2011-07-26T04:15:00.001-07:00

So far July has been an enjoyable but very busy month with the first couple of weeks spent working on Derwent Water with the CCT. Just in time to get back and help a friend run some trips down the Mersey and a couple of days Sea Kayaking in before passing my Moderate Sea Kayak endorsement, so now the company is looking at not just running guided trips but also Sea kayak coaching courses. (Hoping to update the website when i get a bit of free time) With an equally looking busy August coming up, just hope the weather stays nice, with a bit of heavy rain at night for some sunny river trips

Matlock Baths Intro White water

2011-06-25T03:27:00.000-07:00

Had a good day on Friday running a one to one introduction to white water course using the River Derwent at Matlock baths, we started off at the car park looking at the basics of moving water, having a spot of lunch before progressing down the river playing on the features, finishing the day by playing on the slalom site.

Helping a friend run some Open Canoe sessions over the weekend, with a 3 star White water Training and Assessment course running in the next few weeks.

Private Course's and Open Canoe Trips

2011-06-14T05:50:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a number of Private courses over the last few weeks, with a number of courses looking at rescue's such as eskimo rescues and deep water rescues, as well as beginner to white water courses with the first day being spent on the Peak Canals, followed by a day on the Derwent at Matlock Baths.

I had a great weekend doing some work for a friend as we did an Open Canoe trip up and down the River Weaver, highly recommended OC trip.

Being Busy

2011-05-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well its been quite a while since i last posted on my blog, although it was a bit quite over the winter months things have definitely picked up with a number of Private courses being run in both the Peak district and Wales, from introduction to kayaking, to looking at rescue skills and white water paddling.

I managed to get out to Woolacombe for some good surf for a few days, getting ready to run some Open canoe trips in the near future

Lower Tryweren Trip

2011-01-30T07:59:00.000-08:00

Had a good day this Saturday, guiding a group of college and school students down the lower Tryweren, they did really well on what was a beautiful but freezing cold day, plenty of hot cordial drank on the way down, definitely missing the sun and warm seas of Portugal.

Portugal Surf Kayaking trip

2011-01-17T03:45:00.000-08:00

Well after a nice Christmas with the family it was great to be going away getting some exercise done and going on a surfing trip to Portugal. We arrived on the first day in the afternoon and based in the Sagres area on the south west tip of Protugal in the Algarve, with a storm coming through we drove round a few of the beach's we were planning to surf the next few days.

With 18-20ft surf crashing heavily everywhere it looked like it was going to be more exciting than we thought. However we got up the next day to find some smaller surf at Mareta a nice beach about 2 mins drive from the apartment. With an onshore wind it was a bit messy and still big, we managed some surf before eventually getting pummeled into submisson, followed by more driving to breaks further on the south coast for safer options.

A few beers and some good ideas about choices for the next few days some lovely fresh fish at the restaurant washed down with some fine wine followed by a good sleep.

Bright sunshine and the storm and large swells had passes with the next day a quick look at Mereta beach showing clean 4 - 6ft surf our fortune had changed.

It made a great warm up day with the next few days being spent at Beliche a beautiful beach but with over a 150 steep steps down to the beach carrying all your kit especially back up after an exhausting session took its toll.

The week was great, sunny, hot, consistently good surf and food with beautiful scenery definitely heading back next year.

Freezing Cold in the Lakes

2010-11-29T03:17:00.000-08:00

Just spent the weekend working on a 4* WW kayak assessment, not too bad on the Leven the first day, with the second day spent on the Eden and the car thermometer saying a temperature of -11, honestly say one of the coldest days I've had on the river, but good fun, just glad to get back home before being snowed in for the evening.

Surf Kayaking on Anglesey

2010-11-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

Had a great weekend surf kayaking in Anglesey, the first day was a bit messy spending most of our time at cable bay, but the Sunday gave us nice fairly clean waves at about 4ft with some bigger sets coming in it was a great time and all of us received our 3* award at the end of the weekend, with a surf trip coming up soon to Portugal it was a good weekends practice.

4* WW Kayak Training & 3* White Water Training & Assessment coming up.

2010-11-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

Since my 4* sea assessment i've been out mountain biking in the Peaks the last few days before i headed up to the Lake district to work as an assistant on a 4* white water training course. With pretty good levels the first day was spent on the Kent through Kendal before finishing the day with a quick paddle down the classic section and force falls. With ok levels still about we spent the second day on the Lune. The next few weekends are looking to be busy with some surf kayak training in wales and running a 3* white water training and assessment the weekend after.

Sea Assessment

2010-10-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

Well its been a busy couple of weeks, with my 4 star sea assessment (passed) at the weekend, plenty of mountain biking in the peak district, with the rivers starting to flow more regulary and coming up it will be good to get out kayaking over the next few days.

South Burbage

2010-10-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

After being very busy working the last few weeks it was nice to get out today for some bouldering at south burbage, nice and sunny but cold enough for some really good friction and a bit of a sunbathing out of the wind, heres hoping for a few more days of sun.

White Water North Wales Course's

2010-09-25T05:41:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of weeks i have been running a 5 day and 2 day private course for beginners to white water in N Wales, with the river levels quite high at times we managed to have some good sessions on a number of rivers and different sections including the Llugwy and the Dee, with the final day of the 5 day course a run down the llugwy from Pont Cyfyng to Forestry falls.

With a few days off i'm looking at getting out in the Peak district for some mountain biking and a bit of bouldering before working on a multi activity and a private one to one kayaking course next week

North Devon Surf Kayaking

2010-09-13T06:21:00.001-07:00

After working hard last few months it was nice to get away surf kayaking in Woolacombe. A little village on the north coast of Devon. With the surf forecast and weather not being great things at first were not looking good. However the weather changed and had good sun and surf for 4 days with fairly clean 3-4 ft waves, good local beer and food. I also spent some time taking a nice walk on the coastal paths to Morthe point, having not sea kayaked down south it seemed a great place to spend some more time.
I had forgotten how tiring surf kayaking was and generally exhausted after a few hours of playing in the surf, this left lots of time to explore the local area and the heritage. A great way to spend a holiday and I will definitely be going back soon.

Sea Kayaking and working on the llyn

2010-09-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

Ive been very busy the last few weeks working in the Snowdon area and the Llyn Peninsula as well as getting some good times out sea kayaking with friends around Angelsey with some nice dougnuts to be had after a hard days paddling at Benllech. Also gorge walked the Lower Prysor which gave plenty of opportunity to scout out the river for a possible run next time its up. With the Sat and Sun being pretty blowy managed a short sea trip on the saturday and some good surf over the weekend. Looking forward to a bit of chill time from working and a kayak surf trip down in Devon soon.

Mountain biking and introduction to white water.

2010-08-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have once again been dry with the rivers dropping again, but this has given me a chance to get out mountain biking and bouldering. I've been busy working on a number of private introduction to white water courses in North Wales, as well as some personal sea kayaking around Anglesey. Hoping to get out tomorrow for a good days mountain biking in the Peaks.

Busy July

2010-07-25T03:56:00.000-07:00

Over the last month i've been working hard on a number of courses in the Lakes, Peak District and North Wales. Working on activity weeks, introduction to kayaking courses for groups and one on one white water kayak coaching, but also getting plenty of time to play as well. After a long slog to the top of Skiddaw it was great to Mountain Bike back down. Thanks to a bit of rain in wales got to get out paddling on the llugwy, conwy and glaslyn at good levels. With work in August on some white water and Sea Kayak courses coming up, also hoping to get away for some surf or more Mountain Biking.

Gisburn Forest Mountain Biking

2010-06-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

Just been upto Gisburn Forest for the first time Mountain Biking, really good course in beautiful surroundings. The trail is an 18k long red route with some black route options along the way, a lot of time and effort has been put into the trails and they've done a great job. It was a lovely clear day and the surroundings are amazing with lots of varied wildlife, and some nice single track and an awesome little section called Hully Gully. Highly recommended

Being Busy

2010-06-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

Its been very busy for the last week or so working in North Wales with a school group taking them walking up Snowdon, as well as Gorge walking, Abseiling and Mountain Biking.
It was then time for a 3 star white water training and assessment course in the Peak District, it was a good weekend and everyone passed, with a couple of photos showing Tom and James playing on the river.

Sunny Skye

2010-05-28T04:54:00.001-07:00

Just got back from an awesome trip up in Skye Sea Kayaking. Had great weather for the whole time we where there, myself and Simon drove up on the Sunday with the plan to kayak around Rassay and Rona (the isle of red deer) which is a 3-4 day trip and another days kayaking with the possibility of climbing the last couple of days.

The forecast was not great for the first day with northerly force 4-5 winds blowing in our face with slight to moderate seas by the afternoon after getting to Brochel castle (the castle had been built the Macsweens in the 15th century and was said to be able to sleep 80 people, it was taken over by the Macloeds which they used as a base for pirating).
It was time to give up for the day and unwind with good food and beautiful views out to Skye and the surrounding areas.

Having checked the inshore forecast for the next day with strong winds of force 5-6 and Rough sea state in the North we decided instead of being exposed at the top of Rona to sneak between the two islands and kayak up the left hand side giving us a better chance to escape if need be.
The sea was better than anticipated made good progress up the left hand side in mod sea state saw plenty of cormarants, oyster catchers and seals, before progressing back down to Rassay for another beautiful evening camping in the wild.

We woke up the next morning with a nice Northerly wind and some good swell making the going back nice and easy for a change with some good waves to Surf on the way back, once back on the mainland it was time to celebrate with some good local food, beer and not forgetting the all important whisky. With Snow and hail that evening and worsening weather forecast for the next few days we decided to go on a short trip to Wiay island a very picturesque island with lots of varied wildlife making for a great trip, having finished the trip by early afternoon and the rumours of horrid weather coming in we decided to head back home and be gratefull for the fine weather we had.

Work and Pleasure

2010-05-18T02:56:00.001-07:00

Having spent the weekend running some open canoeing sessions in North Wales in the sunny weather at Llyn Padarn as well as the great ice cream, it was time to head out to the peaks and get out mountain biking with Pete. Great day worn out by the end but a nip to the pub after a good bike ride and basking in the sun can't be beaten, off to do a first aid course tommorow.

Lee Quarry

2010-05-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

After a great weekend sea kayaking on the llyn peninsula. I spent a great day at Lee Quarry Mountain Biking, a great little venue near Rossendale, with loads to play on and practice without having to slog uphill for hours on end.