Coasteering equipment
One of the best parts of Coasteering is swimming in the wild sea water below. A coasteering adventure without getting wet is just not a real coasteering experience! Coasteerers must dress for the event and neoprene wetsuits are worn, along with booties, gloves and hoods in the colder months. Coasteering can be done all year around but in winter 4-5mm thick wetsuits are worn, whereas they are normally 3mm during the warmer months. A helmet is always worn, along with a buoyancy aid no matter what the season is.
Coasteering is regulated by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and there is an established British Coasteering Federation which regulates the activity.
Safety practices
Before you start your adventure, you and your group will be given a briefing about water safety, swimming along the coast with rocks, what to do in an emergency, how to climb along the rock (there must always be three points of contact with the rock), how to swim defensively and aggressively in order to deal with the sea water and correct body posture when jumping. Over the years the British Coasteering Federation has developed the position of the crossing of the arms in order to prevent any shoulder or arm injuries when hitting the water.
Locations for coasteering in the UK
The activities of Coasteering have been around for ages as they are ways of discovering sections of the coast that would otherwise be impossible to reach. However, it was established as a commercial activity in the 1990s in Pembrokeshire in Wales which boasts a wonderful coast for such activities. Nowadays there is excellent coasteering along many parts of the British coast, in particular Dorset, Cornwall, Anglesey, the Isles of Scotland and the Highlands. One could say that Britain boasts the world's best coasts for Coasteering!
Coasteering excursions
Coasteering can be for all levels as different intensities can be chosen. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced levels and Coasteering races have been developed in other countries. It can also be geared towards ecological studies of the coast and it is becoming a tremendously popular activity for hen and stag dos, teambuilding events and birthday parties.There are full and half day sessions offered with half-days running from 2-4 horus and full days from 5-6.
By regulation, Coasteering sessions must always be led by a minimum of two Coasteering leaders (2 guides for a group of 14 but if the group is any bigger, more guides must be added). One may be a head guide and the other an assistant. The activity provider running the Coasteering activity must hold insurance for £5 million.ç
This is an exhilarating activity that's a must for everyone! Children to grown adults will have an memorable experience in natural surroundings while really blowing the cobwebs away! Have a look at our directory and find a coasteering provider near you!
