12 Things To Know Before Coasteering

FIRSTLY... WHAT DO YOU DO IN COASTEERIING?

In coasteering, adventurers explore the rugged beauty of coastal landscapes by traversing along cliffs, swimming through sea caves, jumping into the sea from varying heights, and navigating moving water. It's a dynamic activity that combines elements of low level climbing, swimming, and exploration, offering a thrilling way to experience the coastline up close. With expert guides leading the way, coasteering promises unforgettable adventures and breathtaking views along the way. LEARN MORE: BEGINNERS GUIDE TO COASTEERING

1. ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURE

Coasteering is an inclusive adventure activity suitable for all, regardless of your prior experience. With an overwhelming majority of participants, approximately 99%, taking part in organised coasteering sessions without any previous experience. This thrilling water-based pursuit welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, ages and appitities for adventure.
 
Unlike some extreme sports that may require specialised skills, fitness levels or previous experience, coasteering offers an accessible avenue for adventure and excitement. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or it's your first time doing anything adventerous, coasteering provides a great way to spend time in the great outdoors.
 

2. What is the difference between Coasteering & Canyoning?

 
Coasteering and canyoneering are both fantastic outdoor activities that involve exploring natural landscapes, but they differ in the environments they take place in and the techniques used:

Environment:
Coasteering typically takes place along rocky coastlines, where participants traverse along the edge of the sea, jumping into water, swimming, climbing cliffs, and navigating through sea caves. Canyoneering, on the other hand, involves exploring canyons, often with narrow passages, steep walls, and water features like waterfalls and pools. Canyoneers may rappel down cliffs, swim through pools, hike, scramble, and sometimes use technical gear like ropes and harnesses to navigate the terrain.

Terrain:
Coasteering terrain consists of coastal cliffs, rocky shorelines, sea caves, and open water. Canyoneering terrain includes slot canyons, water-carved gorges, and sometimes remote wilderness areas with varied landscapes.

Water Features:
Coasteering typically involves jumping into the sea from varying heights, swimming through coastal waters, and encountering tidal currents. Canyoneering often includes swimming through canyon pools, rappelling down waterfalls, and navigating through flowing watercourses.
While both activities offer thrilling experiences in nature, coasteering focuses more on coastal exploration and sea-based adventures, while canyoneering centres around exploring narrow canyons and water-filled environments inland. RELATED: Coasteering – It’s not as scary as you think!

4. CHALLENGE BY CHOICE

Coasteering embodies the principle of "challenge by choice," offering you the freedom to choose how much or how little you want to do. One common question is, "Do I have to do the big jumps?"

As with many adventure activities, pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone is an inherent part of embracing new and exhilarating experiences. Coasteering allows you to choose your challenges – By far the biggest personal benefit from coasteering is being able to set your own standards by choosing to challenge your own personal comfort zone – for some that may mean swimming in the sea, to others it may mean a daring deep water cliff jump.

Whatever your personal limitations or appitite for adventure might be – you won’t be asked to do anything that you don’t want to do.

6. WILDLIFE & FUN FACTS

Coasteering is'nt all about big jumps. In fact it can be the opposite. Coasteering is a journey and in part is about connecting with your enviroment and surrounding yourself with nature, soaking up the elements. Learning about the natural enviroment only adds to your experience, be it barnacles, seaweed or seals – learning interesting facts only adds to the fun as you make our way around the headlands and bays is an integral part of being active in the outdoors.

7. IT ALL STARTED IN THE UK

The UK is the birthplace of coasteering and with its hundreds of miles of coastline has some of the best coasteering areas to choose from. In particular Wales, Cornwall and Scotland provide the unique blend of dramatic cliffs, headland, bays and of course the Atlantic seas.

8. COASTEERING IS IN SAFE HANDS

In 2011, a coalition of eighty coasteering providers and stakeholders, including organisations like the RNLI and ROSPA, convened to establish an advisory board aimed at representing and guiding the coasteering industry at a national level. This initiative resulted in the inception of the National Coasteering Charter (NCC), designed to provide unified guidance and support for coasteering operations across the country.

9. IT'S NEVER THE SAME TWICE

Coasteering is a dynamic adventure that's not always predictable. Thanks to changing tides, local weather conditions, the unique capabilities of each group, every session unfolds in its own exciting way. While the techniques and features may be the same it's the ever-changing nature of the coastline and our adaptability that keep each coasteering experience fresh and exhilarating.

10. It's Popular & Growing fast

 
Coasteering in the UK has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity over the last decade, with its appeal extending to a diverse range of people due in part to its blend of exploration and adrenaline. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, participation in coasteering has seen a steady increase, reflecting its widespread appeal and accessibility across different age groups and skill levels.
 

11. PERFECT FOR ANY GROUP OR OCCASION

Coasteering is the ultimate adventure activity suitable for any group or occasion. Whether you're a family on holiday, a couple enjoying a short break, or even a stag and hen party looking for an unforgettable experience, coasteering has something thrilling to offer everyone. It's a fantastic opportunity to bond with loved ones, create lasting memories, and immerse yourselves in a stunning natural enviroment. So, gather your friends, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for an adrenaline-fueled journey along some of the UK's most beautiful coastlines.

12. It burns calories

 
Coasteering isn't just an adventure; it's also a fantastic way to stay in shape. This thrilling activity engages your entire body as you navigate the rugged coastline, requiring strength, agility, and endurance. From climbing cliffs to swimming through sea caves, every moment of coasteering challenges your muscles and boosts your cardiovascular fitness. So, if you're looking for a fun and exhilarating way to stay fit while exploring the beauty of the coast, coasteering is the perfect choice for you!