Land & Wave Outdoor Instructor Training – People, Places and Activities

It’s that time where we go through the week just gone – the highs, lows, people and adventures. It’s been another action packed week of Canoeing, Climbing, Coasteering, Paddle Boarding and Bushcraft.

• Climbing – Single Pitch Award  (SPA)
• Paddle Boarding – BCU
• Canoeing – BCU 2*
• Coasteering – NCC Guide
• Bushcraft – BBA Level 1

Last week saw us exploring awesome Purbeck places; Dancing Ledge and less trodden paths in Wareham Forest.

This week’s adventures have seen us back on the Jurassic Coast as well as rediscovering our love for Sandbanks, Poole Harbour and the woods.

We really can’t reiterate enough how wonderful spending a day in the woods is; especially if you’re learning all manner of new tricks along the road to becoming a Bushcraft Guru.

Bushcraft – BBA Level 1

This week the trainees were out with our Bushcraft Jedi; Owen Senior as well as Paul Taylor, Sam Locke and Sophie Eaton (find out more about them here). The guys have been getting to grips with the fundamentals of bushcraft and starting to work their way up to the British Bushcraft Association Level 1 Award. The BBA Level 1 consists of 6 core skills:

• Fire lighting
• Tools (knife work, axe throwing and saws)
• Shelter Building
• Feather, Fur & Fin (preparing small game)
• Site Management
• Group Management

They spent two glorious days in the woods this week focusing on fire lighting and knife skills.

Coasteering – NCC Guide

The team has started gearing their learning towards leading groups and taking charge of sessions. As well as their own training they’ve been out shadowing and observing our instructors with client Coasteering groups – getting out on the front line.

This week they took our BTEC Students for a practice coasteering session at Dancing Ledge, spending the day in the water and really putting leadership skills into practice.

Paddle Boarding – BCU

Last week was the teams first Paddle Boarding session and due to the Storm Angus we headed inland  and made use of a local lake to get started. It was an ideal way to get  used to the basics of Paddle Boarding before heading to the beach. We waited until Friday when the sun was shining and the wind was gentle before we headed to our base at Sandbanks & Poole Harbour, our favourite summer paddle boarding spot.

Sam Canning – 19

Why did you choose the course? I’m originally from Northern Ireland and was working as a qualified butcher but I just wanted a change. I used to Kayak in Ireland in my spare time and really wanted to turn it into a career.

What have been the highs of the course? Definitely that we’re outside all the time. It’s the most hands on training you could ask for and has been the best way to learn.

What have been the lows of the course? It would have to be spending all day in the water and getting out to realise you’ve forgotten your towel. Also some of the heights of jumps and climbing have taken some getting used to. Otherwise I’ve loved it all.

Ellen Hall – 19

Why did you choose the course? I grew up in the North East and love the outdoors, I went on to do an Outdoor Adventure BTEC so this was the next step for me. It’s always where I’ve wanted my career to go and this is going to get me there. Hopefully I’ll end up working abroad somewhere!

What have been the highs of the course? Coasteering is absolutely my highlight and favourite activity of the course. Although that does lead me onto the lows..

What have been the lows of the course? The walk back up Dancing Ledge hill! It’s slowly getting easier but it’s still a killer. Also the daily wetsuit zip struggle is very real. Again I’m getting used to it but it certainly puts an obstacle to the day.

Michael Spence – 23

Why did you choose the course?: I was working at Dorset Waterpark and they suggested it was a good route for me to go down to progress in the outdoor industry. I’d love to end up in Germany either working for an outdoor company or starting my own.

What have been the highs of the course? Being outside every day and trying new things as well as building on the old. Coasteering has long been a favourite activity so being able to go out consistently is great. I’m enjoying it all though really!

What have been the lows of the course? The heights when climbing have taken some getting used to definitely. I’d also have to agree with Ellen, the walk back up Dancing Ledge hill is a real killer.

25 November 2016 by Phoebe Webster