Another coasteer and close encounter with a seal

Posted on September 5, 2007
Filed Under - adventures |

Did a full day of coasteering today. Rich and Phil from Breathe Adventure were taking out an army regiment from Southampton and invited me to tag along. I must be some kind of adventure activity charity case…..but I’m not complaining! Last time we left rather late so the tide was not high enough to do the biggest cliff jump. But this time it was game on for the 35 ft jump. Most of us were fine with it as we had worked up to it on the smaller jumps, but one girl took ages to work up the courage to go for it. Fortunately she did it in the end, otherwise we’d still be there now waiting for her!

Coasteer

The picture above shows the coastline on the south side of Newquay Bay where we did the coasteer. There are plenty of caves, nooks and crannies to explore as well as ledges to jump off. As a bonus, today the local harbour seal was out and about. He is attracted by the fish brought in with the fishing boats in the harbour or the people who fish along the coast, so he associates people with food. He kept popping up and following us for a bit; it is really cool to be in the same water as him. He’s a big bugger but still quite cute - he is all huge eyes and huge nostrils.

We did a long coasteer in the morning at high water, and a shorter coasteer in the afternoon at low water. Most of the army group didn’t make it back in the afternoon as they were nursing hangovers and wanted to do something more sedate. Richie and Phil were also nursing hangovers to be honest but, like the professionals they are, soldiered on throughout the day. I lost a contact lens in the afternoon session while trying to dive down to the bottom in my helmet and buoyancy aid. It’s really difficult, you have to dive straight down otherwise your buoyancy aid prevents you from being able to dive. It is the source of much hilarity, watching people attempt this. Almost as funny as watching grown men getting the old ‘disco legs’ at the top of a 30 ft jump.

There is also good coasteering around Porth, including a large cave with a blowhole that can be accessed at low tide. Somewhere for me to explore soon!

Stumble it!

Comments

3 Responses to “Another coasteer and close encounter with a seal”

  1. Vicki on September 16th, 2007 4:06 am

    I found your blog when doing a bit of a web search on key words as a result of feeling fearful about an upcoming big life change. (I’ve had a few big life changes including moving alone to London from NZ in 1998, and then moving back here again for a better quality life 4 years ago.) Now I’m about to start a really scary new job, but one that will give me amazing experience and networks to run my own business; something I want to start doing in a few year’s time. ANYWAY, the main reason I’m writing is to say “bravo to your courage in making such a big life change in alignment with your values - on your own!” I have been interested to read your whole blog, because I am fascinated by the process that starts with the seed of an idea or a dream,and then progresses through the stages of making it happen. Including the “tests” (like the moments of self-doubt, people’s confidence-knocking comments, your temping experience etc). Well done on an inspiring story! Keep going!

  2. gubernatrix on September 18th, 2007 12:16 am

    Thanks so much for posting, Vicki. It is great to get such supportive comments and know that there are people out there who understand what you are trying to do! Good luck with your own adventures.

  3. Wahoo on October 6th, 2007 5:46 am

    Thank you for sharing!

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