Challenge Yourself
We provide transformative training which can inspire both new horizons and new careers.
We are a leading provider of expedition, wilderness and remote training courses. As a result, we teach both here in the UK and across the globe, pairing in-the-field experience with classroom learning.
Practical experience in extreme environments is the cornerstone of our teaching.
Solo Crossing English Channel
In October 2022 our director and coach Gary Fletcher undertook a solo crossing of the English Channel.
Arctic Circle Expedition
In March 2023 our director and coach Gary Fletcher having been unable to undertake an exped to Antartica for technical reasons and desperate to experience these extreme conditions as a follow on from his solo English Channel crossing decided to visit the opposite Pole and led a short expedition to "way north" of the Arctic Circle with Mike Middleton, leveraging support from Lise Haug as an expert local guide.
Great Bahamas Bank Expedition - May 2023
Continuing the expedition and challenging Paddlesports theme, Gary, in a completely fully loaded single kayak, was joined by a team of four double kayakers during an epic expedition along the Great Bahamas Bank.
During their expedition, the team had the extraordinary opportunity to camp on a number of enchanting desert islands, where they strung up their hammocks beneath the night sky. In spite of the difficulties posed by their proximity to nature, such as mosquitoes, they remained resilient and immersed themselves in the breathtaking surroundings. The unforgettable wildlife encounters, including sightings of iguanas, sharks, and stingrays, increased their appreciation for the pristine majesty of the Bahamas.
After navigating an impressive distance of over 100 kilometres, Gary's endurance and resolve became apparent. However, an injury prevented him from participating in the expedition for a day and a half.
Gary utilised his expertise during his time away from kayaking by taking on the roles of sailing and powerboating. He scouted potential camp sites to ensure that the team had sufficient places to rest and reorganise. Gary's unwavering support and commitment were instrumental in maintaining the expedition's momentum and overall success along the Great Bahamas Bank despite his temporary inability to kayak. His contributions demonstrated his dedication to the team and their shared journey.
Gary rejoined the group at a magical moment, just as the team was appreciating the beauty of the mangrove lagoon.
Experienced Staff
Gary, formerly the National Staff Officer for Paddlesports within the Sea and Marine Cadets, oversaw a team of 291 skilled staff, supporting 14,000 cadets and 7,000 staff. His leadership integrated paddlesport into the core syllabus, promoting safe, enriching experiences and adventure. He also ensured rigorous health and safety standards through detailed risk assessments and paddle plans.
As a coach at Battersea Canoe Club, Windsor and Eton Canoe Club, and Poole Harbour Canoe Club, Gary refined his skills and stayed connected with the paddling community. His expertise earned him a role with the British Canoeing Awarding Body's Technical Group, contributing to the advancement of paddlesport standards. Details of this role can be found here.
Gary is proud of his contributions to paddlesports, inspiring a legacy of safety, education, and adventure.
Latest News - New Expedition Equipment!
We are very excited to receive our one of a kind custom Explorer Kayak made by Nigel Dennis incorporating our very own Lead Coaches "Fletcher Tartan". The boat is purpose built for future expeditions and you won't miss us on the water!
Land
We have instructor qualifications in Archery, First Aid, Touring and Camping as well as Horse Riding. We can also supervise and assess the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions.
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Sea
We are able to instruct in a variety of conditions in the sea from Paddlesports to Power and Safety Boating
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Land
We can run a wide range of land and shore based courses
Archery
Taster Sessions
The best way to try out the sport of archery is to take one of our Taster Sessions.
No previous experience is required and we will introduce you to a Recurve Bow and our team of Archery GB qualified and experienced coaches will instruct you in the basics of shooting the bow and arrow safely, through one-on-one coaching during the one hour long Taster Session.
There is a minimum age limit of 8 years old, but no upper age limit assuming you are still fit enough to pull the bow string safely.
RYA First Aid
One Day course
Our one-day course covers all the usual first aid subjects, but from a boating perspective.
It is aimed at anyone who goes afloat, whether on inland waters, rivers, estuaries or on cross channel passages.
This course is MCA approved and satisfies the requirements for Coastal Skipper Yachtmaster and Advanced Powerboat certificates of competence and some commercial work afloat.
Horse Riding
Equine Tourism
We hold the equine tourism award and are able to lead rides out at various establishments and giving you the opportunity to enjoy the countryside on horseback.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Gold, Silver and Bronze Paddlesport Expeditions
We are huge advocates of paddlesport expeditions in Canoe, Kayak and even SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard). We want to help as many people as possible access these new sports and learn these amazing skills for their expeditions! We can also supervise and assess.
Sea
We can offer dynamic and exciting courses and expeditions for adults at beginner skill-levels.
Paddlesports
Our introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions, British Canoeing paddle awards are an excellent way to get in to canoeing. We work with adults to eighty years young and you don’t need any previous canoeing experience, specialist kit or skills! If you've been canoeing before, the introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions are also a great opportunity to find out what Canoeing has to offer. Perhaps, it's been a while since you were last out on the water, or maybe you want to share your passion and introduce family and friends to the sport. If you are looing to further your canoeing development, we also offer British Canoeing's new Paddle Awards.
Explore
Feel like an adventure? How about paddling through the Fjords of Norway with our friends?
Skills
Fancy learning some new skills? Maybe you want to learn to roll or improve your technique, or perhaps explore something new... Greenland rolling? Where better than perhaps the warmer waters of the Mediterranean? We can arrange the perfect trip for you through our friends.
Disciplines
Want to try something new? A White Water course on the River Dee in North Wales? Surf Kayaking anyone? We can arrange the perfect intro for you through our friends, whatever the discipline.
RYA Power Boat Level 1, 2 and Safety Boat Courses (including direct asessment and ICC / International Certificate of Competence)
Get hands on with boat handling and seamanship in powerboats.
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Powerboat Level 1
Provides a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats. It covers boating techniques for launching and recovering a boat from a road trailer, everyday boat handling and the use of safety equipment. The course may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planing and displacement, and the certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type of boat in which the training took place. A one day introduction to Powerboating with no previous experience required.
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Powerboat Level 2
Provides the skills and background knowledge needed by the competent powerboat driver and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It aims to teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. The course can be taken at an inland or coastal location. It may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planing and displacement. The certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type of boat in which the training took place.
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Safety Boat
This two-day course provides the skills required when acting as an escort craft, safety boat or coach boat for a fleet of dinghies, windsurfers or canoes, or for racing or training activities. It includes rescue techniques and elements of race management and mark laying. It is strongly recommended that a member of the rescue crew should hold a first aid certificate (or should have experience of first aid).
Air
Aviation course or trial flight? Contact us for more information on what we offer here.
Aviation Proficiency Courses and BGA Introductions
Having taught the Air Cadet syllabus for many years and recently passed out of the Sea Cadet Corps Aviation Instructor Proficiency Course I am able to teach introductory sessions into aviation for various youth groups. I am also a member of the RAF Flying Association.
I am also a very active member of the British Gliding Association who we can arrange introduction and trial flights with.
expedition
noun 1. a journey undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of exploration, research, or war."an expedition with us via the land, sea and air to discover new horizons"