Adrenaline Junkie? Why not try Coasteering!

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Like adventure sports? Love to be in the water, climb rocks, get a close up look at hidden caves and coves? We have just the thing for you! Coasteering has been a coined-phrase since the 1970's and it's a growing trend in the adventure sports and travel world.

As best we can tell, the first, formalized group led activities of Coasteering were found on the Western Welsh, English and Scottish Coasts in the UK. Commonly found there but also now offered in and around the Irish Coast. These regions provide many high cliffs and hidden coves that are not accessible by car or walking path, which makes them ideal for guided adventure tours bent on discovery. Coasteering has also been part of Adventure races more commonly found in New Zealand but also can be found in Australia, Canada, and the USA today.

A defining factor of Coasteering is the opportunity provided by the marine geology for moving in the “impact zone” where water, waves, rocks, gullies, caves etc., come together to provide a very high energy environment.  

Coasteering includes Adventure Swimming, Diving, Jumping, Rock Climbing, Scrambling, Canyoning and Sea-level Traversing. Rock climbing equipment is not used, however as any dangerous climbing is usually done over deep water with safety spotters where needed. Coasteering is always a wet activity as swimming is a big part of the adventure course or guided tour.

The equipment required is full wetsuits with integrated protective gloves and shoes suitable for climbing and gripping rocks. Helmets and buoyancy aids must also always be worn.

A slightly more than the general level of fitness is required as the risks include impact with rocks, abrasions, drowning, and hypothermia.  Hmm, that all sounds mildly distressing! So what are the benefits? Seeing a Coastline from an up close and personal view of course! The energy and excitement of the physically challenging traversing of unchartered coastline.  Being one with nature, jumping into waves, rocky climbs and sea-trekking. Seeing secret places hidden from the average person. 

Yes, it's an adventure and a challenge that's worth the trip. If you want to give it a try and are in the Kinsale area of County Cork in Ireland, we found a Coasteering company where you can give it a try. It's Kinsale Surf Adventures, find them at www.surfkinsale.com.

So best of luck, be safe and send us a comment or email if you go and tell us all about your Coasteering Adventure!