Gwilym's Adventure Blog

Today I took some students out for some Sea Kayaking. It was meant to be a friendly first trip as although all had paddled before it has been on rivers. The wind was picking up as we headed out along The Hoe, accross to Jennycliff Bay and beat us back just before we reached Fort Bovisand. We then had great fun rock hopping along the coast back to The Hoe and eventually back to out start point  by Mayflower Marina.

Self Portrait Today I accompanied my students on their Open Water Dive at Fort Bovisand led by Instructor Hayley. Unfortunately 2 had ear problems today so only 2 made a couple of sucessful dives. The visibility varied between less than 1m upto about 5m at times. I am still getting to grips with my new camera so photos will hopefully improve over time. Today was also a first day out for my new Scubapro X-Force BCD and it was very comfortable so impressed with it so far.

Back out with Bridgwater College today at Anstey's. This is my last planned Coasteer of the season and it was a shame that it was so murky in the water but that did not detract from having a great day. All 11 students made it round to the cave and had a great time. Compared to the forecast, the weather was amazing and the water warm.

Today as part of my own going Divemaster training with Aquanauts I was providing shore suport for an Advanced Open Water course at Firestone Bay in Plymouth sound. Now, based on the fact that all the divers were in Drysuits and I was not, I ended up much wetter than they did. The wind and rain were persistant and eventually seeped through to my base layers.

Continuing working with the same students as last week, today we looked at a number of other skills including no mask swim, weight belt removal and hovers. Going into the sea next week, all the students are looking forward to it and I am looking forward to working with them again.

Today I was out with the year 11 and VI Form climbers. Taking advantage we headed to Sheep's Tor and joined the 2 other groups there for a great afternoon of bouldering, leading and top roping.

Having been without a dog since 2007, yesterday I collected Daisy a 3 year old working Cocker Spaniel who will be featuring in the blog as she accompanies me on my days out and about

Out with staff and students from Bridgwater College today at Anstey's Cove in Torbay. Excellent weather and big tides made for a great low water Coasteer. Afterwards, it was time to take out the Plymouth College RIB in Plymouth Sound Unfortunately the camera was playing up so no photos.

Today I was down at Bigbury with some of the boarders with a number of Sit on Top Kayaks havng some fun in the surf. Camera on the blink so no usuable photos today

After getting back from a night at Whiteworks Bunkhouse with Year 7 Students I headed out onto teh moor with 3 clients for an afternoon of climbing.

As part of my Divemaster Training I am working with students on their Open Water Course. Today we were in the pool looking a basic skills from setting up equipment to mask and regulator removal. All did well and completed the skills to a good standard.

It has been a busy week of meetings and catch up before getting new students on Thursday for the new course we are running. This weekend has been spent at the school bunkhouse on Dartmoor with the boarding prefects doing team challenges and scenario training. The result was cooking a lovely 3 course dinner and running activities this afternoon for the younger boarders.

First day back in the UK and I spent it in a pool with students from Aquanauts as I am working towards my PADI Divemaster. It was a busy session going through a number of skills and getting the students ready for their Open Water sessions.