Monday, June 29, 2009

Monday Morning Wave


There are three great elemental sounds in nature; the sound of wind, the sound of rain and the sound of the outer ocean breaking on a beach. I have heard them all and the sound of the ocean is the most dramatic, the most beautiful and varied

- John Witzig -

Friday, June 26, 2009

Climbing Wall Award Training


I joined Dave Hooper this week, who is a mountain instructor like myself, to help run a Climbing Wall Award (CWA) training course. The two days where run at Awesome Walls in Liverpool and Stockport. Though our paths have crossed several times over the years, this is the first time Dave and I have had the opportunity to work together.

The CWA is a relatively new and nationally recognised award from the MLTUK and is intended for climbers, youth workers and teachers with experience of indoor climbing who are in a position of responsibility, supervising activities on climbing walls and abseil towers.

The award is about demonstrating good practice to add to the enjoyment of the activity and covers personal climbing, supervising and management of climbing activities such as bouldering, the teaching of basic movement skills and roped climbing (but not lead climbing). Most courses also include an optional abseil module, which can be run over an evening, for those wishing to run such sessions from artificial structures.


Get in touch should you wish to do your Climbing Wall Award

Further information can be obtained by visiting the Mountain Leader Training UK website

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

When We Walk To The Edge


When we walk to the edge
of all the light we have
and take the step into the
darkness of the unknown,
we must believe that
one of two things will happen….
There will be something
solid for us to stand on
or we will be taught to fly

- Patrick Overton -

Monday, June 22, 2009

Monday Morning Wave



Going over the falls can be the funnest thing in surfing. When I'm out at big Pipe with Kelly and Ro, I just keep telling myself... "Self, you're having way more fun than those guys!"

- Chris Malloy -

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

MLTUK Climbing Wall Award


The Climbing Wall Award scheme provides training and assessment on how to organise and supervise safe, effective and enjoyable sessions for relative novices using artificial climbing structures such as climbing walls and abseil towers. Ideal for anyone with personal indoor climbing experience who might act as a leader for groups of novices.

The scheme comprises of a 2 day training course, a period of consolidation followed by a 1 day assessment. The Abseil Module can be included in the main training and assessment courses. Please note that all candidates should be registered with the scheme prior to the course.

Get in touch should you wish to do this course

You can find a wealth of resources at Indoor Climbing.com

Further information can be obtained by visiting the Mountain Leader Training UK website

Monday, June 15, 2009

Monday Morning Wave


It's just the best way to start your day. Surfers eat pizza. People who surf, they know the object is to have fun. You work hard, but you work hard to have fun

- Cynthia Derosier -

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

MLTUK Single Pitch Award


The skills needed to supervise groups of novice climbers in potentially hazardous environments are different to those required to climb safely with friends. The SPA provides training and assessment on how to organise and supervise safe, effective and enjoyable sessions for relative novices on single pitch crags both in and outdoors. Ideal for anyone with personal climbing experience who is involved with schools, outdoor centres, youth work or acts as a leader for groups of novices.

The scheme comprises of a 2 day training course, a period of consolidation followed by a futher 2 day assessment. Please note that all candidates should be registered with the scheme prior to the course.

Get in touch should you wish to do this course

Further information can be obtained by visiting the Mountain Leader Training UK website

Monday, June 08, 2009

Monday Morning Wave


Photographer: Anthony Walsh

The sloping arc of a wave-face, a humid blanket of broken cloud, and the casual form of a rider on an ancient alaia surfboard, frame the star of the show at The Pass, Byron Bay, Australia.

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

UKCC Level 1 in Coaching Paddlesport

This is the first level course for people wishing to become a paddlesports coach. The 4 day course covers all elements of the syllabus. Including the foundation safety and rescue test. Students on the course will leave able to operate under direct supervision or under remote supervision depending on experience and aptitude.

Prerequisites are 2 Star , current first aid certificate, FSRT and a completed CR Form from your National Association.

Get in touch should you wish to do this course

Further information can be obtained by visiting the British Canoe Union website