Skip to main content

Students enjoy European kayaking adventure

UCLan Outdoors students recently travelled to Europe to apply their academic learning in a 'real world' environment.

The group visited whitewater rivers in Slovenia and Germany to enhance their kayaking skills and gain a number of additional qualifications to boost their CVs.

Student Beth Wilson said the trip had provided the group with an invaluable insight into the outdoor environment.

"Our first alpine paddling experience was unreal," said Beth. "The scenery, the culture, the food, the crystal clear water and of course the kayaking. A week in Slovenia, finished off with two days in Germany, truly was amazing!"

The students paddled on three of Europe's most popular whitewater rivers, the Soča, Ammer and Rissbach, and also explored some of Slovenia's most iconic sights.

Beth added: "We not only did a vast amount of paddling, we were also able to enjoy the 'kayaking lifestyle', starting the day with coffee and finishing with ice cream - what could be better?

"We ventured into the Slovenian mountains to view the majestic Boka Waterfall, and spent a late afternoon rock jumping into the beautiful waters of the Soča.

"Our group also had the opportunity to gain qualifications whilst there, including whitewater safety and rescue training, and 3 star kayaking.

"The 36-hour minibus journey there and back was most definitely worthwhile - a return visit next year is definitely on the cards."

Please click here and here for video footage from the trip.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Scottish Winter Skills Enhancement

           Our students recently tackled the Scottish Winter Skills Enhancement course as part of their studies. Two of the group - Hannah Smith and Jack Whiteside - have provided UCLan Outdoors with a record of their time in Scotland. Jack's video can be viewed above, while to read Hannah's blog please click here .
A number of the UCLan Outdoor team presented at the Adventure Sports Coaching Conference at   Plas y Brenin earlier this year demonstrating the continuing participation of staff in industry Presentations included: Prof Dave Collins and Dr Loel Collins : Redesigning Training and Accreditation Systems in Adventure Sports Coaching Dr Howie Carson and Chris Eastabrook : Adaptive Automaticity in Adventure Sport: Contemporary Views And implications Sharon Rosser : Understanding successful aging through Nature Challenge Activities, insights from the older adult climbers, cavers and sea kayakers Dr Paul Gray : Using Social Interaction to promote, All good coaching is individualised Dr Helen Hooper, Rosemary Smith and Cath Wilson: Learning through sharing experiences: critical reflections of the experiences of three female outdoor instructors. Abstracts  can be found here 

Lodge hosts welcome week activities

First year undergraduates visited a local outdoor education centre as part of their induction week programme. The group took part in a team building trip to Hothersall Lodge in the Ribble Valley, where they enjoyed a range of outdoor activities designed to whet their appetites for the months ahead. Hothersall offers students the chance to gain experience and National Governing Body qualifications throughout their time on the UCLan Outdoors programme. For more information about the Lodge please click here .