Coasteering Calls
Climbing, swimming and jumping are all fun activities in their own right. But combine the three and add a picturesque location and you’ve got – COASTEERING!
Okay, so I admit, I initially had cold feet. I’d heard from friends that coasteering involved hurling yourself off a cliff – not something I was itching to do.
However, I’ve never been one to back out of a challenge.
It all began fairly sedately and calmly. Wetsuits on – struggle one. Then we were kitted out with helmets, life jackets and some kind of floating shorts!
The safety briefing was informative but slightly alarming. However, I felt pretty confident that Nick and Tony knew what they were doing.
But then the journey back – physical and metaphorical. My mum’s words rang in my ears, ‘Diamonds are lumps of carbon made under pressure’. And yet, I felt a little bit anxious.
Approaching Towan Head, the majesty of the Cornish Coastline made my anxiety dissipate. The steepest lifeboat slipway in the country – 40% incline, now decommissioned, reminded me about the depth of the water. Barnacle encrusted cliffs, rose out of the clear blue water as the sun reassuringly warmed my shoulders.
The southern crook of the world was there to be discovered. Adventuring coves, sea caves and the foamy Atlantic was exhilarating.
We were taught to climb the rock faces and how to safely jump off the cliffs. And small jumps prepared us for the big jumps. We navigated a tall cliff and standing there at the top I realised, ‘It’s now or never’.
Twenty pairs of eyes watched me contemplating whether I’d do it.
My heartbeat racing inside my chest. One deep breath and here goes…
A falling sensation and a rush of joy. I’d done it. I’d jumped.
Over in the distance, a seal lay on its back sunning its belly unaware of my small achievement.
Aside from the rush of adrenaline, coasteering gives people the chance to explore all the parts of the coastline that you wouldn’t normally see. Sea birds, dolphins, seals and small fish swirling beneath the surface are all there to be witnessed firsthand without disturbing their habitat.
As I navigate my way back along the craggy rocks, I look out to sea – the Atlantic. The sea sparkles enticingly as I feel a sense of wellbeing.
Diamonds are not the only gems that sparkle. Nature has much value and coasteering enabled me to discover the treasure that is our majestic coastline.
