Mountain Bikes, Kayaks and “Minor” Injuries


The crew woke up to the second day of Adventurous Training and genuinely couldn’t fathom the trip being any better, yet an Old Salt of Mountain Biking, Captain Josh Sleeman challenged his group to 22 miles on the bike, multiple hills and a tempest later and they were not thanking him. The second mountain biking group were treated to a more tempered 10 miles to ease them in after the madness of the first day. With the seas storming, the sea kayakers tested their core stability and steering capabilities with Major Al Mason in the Briny Deep of Falmouth.


Educational and Training Services (North) kayakers on the final day of paddling.


The third day offered a shorter day of adventures, but not for Officer Commanding 3 AEC Group. With a total of seven broken ribs (totalling 13 fractures) and a punctured chest and lung, Major Dan Bell landed himself (literally) in a world of pain and spent 24 hours trying out both of Cornwall’s finest


hospitals (see TripAdvisor for his reviews). Legend has it that this was after asking a nearby officer to “hold my beer” while he tried to land a double-reverse inverted kickflip. Thankfully, he did however, still manage to watch some of the carnage which ensued on the inflatable water assault course in the afternoon. You will all be pleased to hear that Major Bell made a full recovery from his grievous wounds by Oct 2022 and is still able to enjoy his many hobbies.


Land’s End and Sea Shanties


For the final day aboard HMS Seahawk, the mountain bikers ventured around the Lizard Peninsula for the final time while the salty sea kayakers attempted to make up the miles lost to poor weather. In their final journey, they were joined by Captain Chris Bolton, the famous singing sailor, who made their calming journey more joyful with a full complement of sea shanties! A final fish and chips meal in Portleven was well deserved before the treacherous journey back ‘oop norf’ began. For a full week ETS (North) indulged in pirating, pillaging and rum and it felt great!


Lt Katie Ireland and Lt Katherine Robbie in the stocks.


Ex NORTHERN PIRATE was a fantastic Adventurous Training opportunity, bringing the broad church that is ETS (North) together in one place where new and old relationships were developed, and unit cohesion promoted. Those participating were challenged, had their leadership tested, were encouraged to personally develop, and had an opportunity to develop their physical fitness and mental resilience.


Members of Educational and Training Services (North) assembled for fish and chips on the final night in Cornwall.


AGC JOURNAL 2022 143


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