Coasteering Rescue Course Weekend.

Tows and rescues.

The Team.

Lumpy seas.

Good size swell.

Help! Help!...........

HPL have been hosting a Coasteering Rescue Award this weekend.

Based in Oban the participants took part in a variety of training and assessment scenarios based on potential coasteering accidents and situations.

Open water swimming, towing, marine cpr, casualty evacuation, first aid scenarios and movement in the swell zone and spinal injury and handling were covered.

The conditions were perfect for the course, large swell and high winds made for challenging but realistic situations.

The sea remains warm but the wind as it backed to the North West became a little cooler in feel.

Hpl are running BRAWA Coasteering Course Skills Training course next weekend in Oban, there is one place left.

Indoor Climbing work over last few days.

It has been pretty wild outside over the last few days so luckily I have been working inside!

On Wednesday I was at the Ice Factor working with the young people from the North Argyll Young Carers Adventure group and today I was working with Matt Heffer at The Ratho Climbing Centre, delivering day one of the CWA course to the students of West Highland College.

Its looking pretty windy for Friday so the SLSGB Coasteering rescue course we are delivering over the weekend should be pretty tasty!

Winter Walking and Mountaineering Skills Courses Special offers for 2012.

Winter walking at it's finest on the Ballachulish horse shoe.

Small ratios means a more individualised and personal experience.

Mountaineering ground and the use of the rope on day two of a Mountaineering course.

Open up your walking world!

Hebridean Pursuits Ltd have special offers on for the following two day courses based in Glencoe area.

Winter Walking Skills. Ideal for those who wish to extend their summer walking into the winter hills.

January 23rd 24th 2012.

Winter Mountaineering Skills. A good choice those with some winter walking experience but who would like to venture onto steep ground.

March 22nd and 23rd

Vouchers available for presents.

Based on a Minimum of two people the cost is £70 per person per course. Does not include accommodation or food. Includes specialist equipment.

To enquire or make a booking please call Andy Spink MIC on 07721778821 or email us on hebpursuit@aol.com

Working with students from West Highland College today.

Today I was out with students from West Highland College, who are studying on the Higher Adventure Leadership course. It was their first day on the 'Mountain Sports Module'. We ascended The Little Buachaille in Glencoe. The weather was kind to us, starting really wet and clearing up as we ascended to the summit, from where amazing views opened up down the glen.

For some this was their first Munro, and others the first chance to concentrate on mountain navigation. It will be really interesting to see how the students develop over their module through to February.

The Mountain module will involve, indoor climbing, outdoor climbing, expeditioning, winter skills and snow sports, leadership and yes I get to go snow boarding and skiing as well!

Gear For Sale.

• 
  Outdoor Kit For Sale.

Scarpa Phantom Guide Boots size 41 used 3 times £190.

• Patagonia R1. Fleece. Med. Black £35.
  
• Patagonia expedition weight fleece. Short zip. Grey. Med. £20.
• Rab Alpine Over Trousers. Event fabric, full side zip. Used twice. Med. £60
• Petzl Meteor 3 Helmet. Like new. £45
• 55m 8.1mm rope. Yellow and black. Excellent condition, have to many ropes so needs good home. £50
• Burton Snow sports rucksack. 35 / 40 litres. £40
• Macpac rucksack. 55 litres. Excellent condition. Purple and blue. £50
• Snug pack sleeping bag. Merlin sortie 3. £30
• Petzl micro head torch £10
• Dachstein Mitts. £10 pair. 3 pairs available. Small / med.
• MSR expedition xgk multi fuel stove and bottles. used but still working fine. £40
• Snugg 3mm wet suit. mini zip size small / med. Used. £40.
• Tikki Prodigy 6.5.4mm wetsuit. With Hood. S / M. worn twice. £90
  Air Tech mountaineering / walking ice axe. 55 cm. Used £35
• Postage included.
• 
  Contact. Andy Spink.
  07721778821
  www.hebrideanpursuits.com
  

Surf Kayaking Course.

Dry land drills.

An angry North sea!

Neil day 3, fantastic stuff!

Over the last three days HPL have been running a surf kayaking course for Neil.

We based the course at St.Andrews East beach and were lucky with the conditions.

Neil had only sat in a kayak once in his life! He called up to ask if he could learn to surf kayak even as a novice, so the challenge began for him this week, and he is hooked!

Neil did so well, stormy conditions on Wednesday and today really had him concentrating on all his edge control. Thursday was a lovely day with clean small waves letting us get to grips with the art of surfing kayaks.

Well done Neil, it's hard enough for seasoned kayaker's, I look forward to surf with you again soon...

Young Carers Adventure Project.

Today was the first day of an exciting Adventure Project for young carers from Argyll.

We will be working with these amazing young people through their school terms offering a variety of exciting and educational outdoor experiences.

Today we went Coasteering and Abseiling near to Oban. The conditions were really kind to us, staying dry and the sea is still quite warm!