I started my Saturday afternoon snuggled in a blanket with a hot drink. A couple hours later I was jumping off cliffs into the North Sea. I know I’m a big fan of being in the sea. But did I mention this was October?! A spur of the moment decision led to one of the best afternoons, coasteering in North Berwick with the amazing guys at Ocean Vertical. What is coasteering, I hear you ask? Let me explain what this adventure sport is and why jumping off rocks into the sea is something you must try!
Note: This was not a sponsored post with Ocean Vertical nor was I asked to write anything. I had the absolute BEST day with this fantastic company and just want to shout about them!
What on earth is coasteering?
I actually didn’t know the answer to this either when I said yes. Turns out coasteering is like a medley of adventure sports, all thrown in to one afternoon with a good helping of salt water. Climbing, swimming, scrambling, cliff jumping, water, land – you name it.
Coasteering involves exploring the area where swells of the sea meet the land. You should expect to be clambering around rocky islands, climbing up rocks then jumping off of them again. Gradually, you’ll work up from swims to small jumps to bigger jumps. You’ll also be swimming in the sea between your playgrounds, timing waves and swells.
What can I expect on a taster afternoon?
First, you’ll be in good hands if you’re with a reputable company. The team at Ocean Vertical are highly experienced instructors. They’re also very easy going, making them super approachable if you have any questions or concerns.
To start with, you’ll get used to swimming around in your wetsuit and PFD. It’s a weird experience swimming in a PFD, especially in amongst rolling waves near the shore! You’ll start with small “shallow dives”. This is not the dives you see in the Olympics. It’s more about wading into the water safely, from a shallow start.
Gradually once you are used to swimming around and the temperature of the water, you’ll start scrambling around the rocks – and jumping in the water again. This is where you properly begin coasteering. You’ll work your way up to trying higher jumps over the day too. Don’t worry – the experienced instructors will keep you right about the safest way to land!
Our last couple of jumps were pretty damn high. It was amazing, but most of us questioned whether we were up for it or not. I’ve done a bit of canyoning before, which is a very similar sport. So I knew I had to face my fears and do it. Because that feeling of free falling into the water? It’s INSANE. And utterly addictive!
Team support and facing fears
Top tip: face your fears – but be decisive. It’s an exhilarating experience when you manage to push new ground and tackle a high jump. But our instructors made a really good point: you need to be committed. Either commit to facing your fears, or hang back. There is no shame in holding back if you’re not ready – you’ll normally get a few go’s at each jump, and you can always try the next one!
When you take part in a taster session, you’ll be amongst other beginners. It’s a perfect way to test a sport in a supportive environment. There is an amazing community spirit, where everyone encourages each other. For an activity like coasteering, where everyone was facing something new, having a supportive environment, from both peers and instructors, is invaluable.
Our group all managed to complete the highest jump. There were lots of cheers, motivational shouts and claps. It was awesome, and no doubt the group encouragement had a huge part in everyone managing to do it.
Are you ready to go coasteering?
Coasteering is an incredible adrenaline activity, that lets you see the mainland from a whole new perspective. Keep an eye out for wildlife spotting, whether that’s dolphins, fish or kelp! Coasteering in Scotland can be cold – but given we managed it in October, I can assure you you’ll be in good hands. It wasn’t nearly as cold as you’d think! Coasteering involves all the things I love about adventure, from climbing to nature to salty sea. There are levels to suit everyone and when you’re with a fab, experienced company like Ocean Vertical, there really is no excuse.
Have you been coasteering before? Or let me know if you’re now going to try it!
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- Tiree: Scotland’s Surf Retreat
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- Why are we drawn to the sea? (Guest post)
