ADVENTURE
Coasteering
Matt Bray has been an adventure guide at TYF in St David’s, Pembrokeshire, since 2015
CAN THE SEA GET TOO ROUGH FOR COASTEERING? It can be certain in locations, but that’s not usually a problem for us because we’re based on a peninsula. If it’s too rough along one coast, we can always switch to the opposite, more sheltered side.
DO GUESTS EVER GET SCARED? Bobbing about in the Atlantic beneath Pembrokeshire’s sea cliff s isn’t something your average Brit does very oſt en, so we might see a nervous face or two at the start. But almost everyone acclimatises quickly. If they don’t, we usually climb out with them for a breather on the rocks, and talk about the conditions and what exactly we’re going to do. That usually puts their minds at rest.
ARE THERE MANY CLIFF JUMPS? No, even though cliff -jumping photos are the ones that usually get published. We never start guests on leaps that are higher than a metre, and only when conditions, terrain and the character of the group allow do we go higher. Our highest jumps are about seven metres.
WHAT’S YOUR OWN FAVOURITE PART OF COASTEERING? When it’s rough, I love clambering onto an almost-submerged rock, surrounded by water and getting washed off again by the surging sea.
WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE ENJOY COASTEERING THE MOST? Interestingly, the people who think they’d never do it fi nd they get the biggest kick from the experience. Non-swimmers especially. Oſt en, they’re grinning from ear to ear when they get back out.
4 DINGHY- SA IL IN G
WHERE Winds are steady and light at Paleros
beach club on the west coast of Greece. Here, a small armada of dinghies awaits your sailing pleasure, with friendly instructors on hand to show you the ropes. WHEN From May to October. WHAT While piloting your little boat might seem disorienting at fi rst — push the tiller right and the dinghy turns leſt — you’ll fi nd yourself progressing quickly if you stick with it; especially if you sign up for the daily sunset regattas at beginner-friendly Teras and Laser Picos. WHO Anyone aged six and up can take lessons. HOW With Mark Warner, seven nights at Paleros start from £1,029 per person half-board including fl ights and transfers as well as sailing equipment and tuition. Structured RYA beginner’s courses cost £100 per person extra.
markwarner.co.uk
5 S KIMBOA RDING
WHERE Anywhere in the world that has a
gently shelving, sandy beach that’s free of rocks. WHEN Long summer days. WHAT Skimboarding is one of the most accessible beachside activities for anyone willing to give it a try. The boards themselves are usually made from wood or fi breglass-covered foam — shaped like a teardrop and a few centimetres thick. Throw it fl at on a skein of sea water at the water’s edge, jump on board, and suddenly you’re skimming over almost nothing. Mistakes are oſt en punished by painful, public pratfalls, but focus on fl at water, not waves, and soon you’ll be having all the fun in the world. WHO Young children will be most excited, but anyone who doesn’t mind falling over can give it a go. HOW Beginner skimboards cost as little as £20 but provide hours of splashy fun.
National Geographic Traveller – Coastal Collection 13
IMAGES: ALAMY; MARK WARNER
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92
