Coasteering

To see centres who offer coasteering, click this link and then click on the ‘coasteering’ icon…

Many of the outdoor activity centres offer guided coasteering sessions at a variety of levels and will provide you with all the essential safety equipment including wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids together with the knowledge to appreciate the special habitats that you will be seeing from a unique perspective. To help keep this activity sustainable follow the below best pactice (click Here for a printable version of this best practice).

All Outdoor Charter members have agreed to the Nationally agreed competencies for operating safely, and with due regard for the environment, and are represented on the National Coasteering Charter group. Click here to view these Nationally agreed competencies for centres offering coasteering, and here for minimum competencies for guides.

Coasteering Best Practice

Access to the coast in the UK is often taken for granted, however much of the coastline, and the paths we use to access the coast, are privately owned. Coasteering providers should familiarise themselves with land ownership of the sites they use, and any site specific access agreements that are in place.

Some areas of the coast are not suitable for coaseerng at various times of the year due mainly to nesting birds, and seals.  

The coastline is also home to an abundance of wildlife ranging from spectacular birds of prey such as the Peregrine Falcon, and internationally important nesting sites for sea birds, to rare plants and lichens and delicate rocky shore species such as sponges and sea urchins. There are also inlets, caves and remote beaches which are sanctuary for grey and common seals. Much of the coastline and wildlife on our coast is protected by law from damage and disturbance, and as coasteering guides we have a duty to lead activities on the coast with minimal impact to the environment and with respect for wildlife and other users of the coast.

Before Activity:

• Before developing a new stretch of coast for coasteering, first find out about land ownership / access at the site, and contact local conservation organisations to determine if there is any sensitive wildlife / geology etc in that area.
• For existing and established coasteering venues, ensure that you have up to date site specific agreements in place for access and use of the coast for coasteering activities from landowners, and relevant conservation organisations.
• Pass on any access agreements and conditions of use to coasteering guides during staff training.

During Activity:

• Avoid disturbing wildlife whilst coasteering – be prepared to change your route if necessary. Respect any site specific access agreements that are in place to protect wildlife from disturbance / prevent damage to the environment.
• Show respect for other users of the coast – keep noise to a minimum when coasteering along a tranquil stretch of the coast.
• Leave the coast tidier than it was when you arrived – where possible, pick up litter as you go, and report any pollution incidents / environmental damage to the Environment Agency or other relevant organisations.
• If changing into or out of coasteering kit at the venue, be sure to brief your group to maintain modesty at all times, and to use appropriate toilet facilities.

Suggested Guide Competencies for aspirant leaders….

1) Show knowledge of any access issues / land ownership / conservation areas covering the coasteering location especially any site specific access agreements to protect the environment / wildlife.

2) Minimise disturbance to wildlife / damage to environment during activity.

3) Lead activity with respect for other users of the coast.

4)  Leave sites tidier than they were when you arrived.

5) Brief group to maintain modesty when changing into and out of kit, & ensure groups use appropriate toilet facilities.

The following MSc dissertation on coasteerting provides a very useful study on perceptions of coasteering…

MSc Coasteering in the National Park – Ant Rogers

Here is the finishing paragraph of the conclusion of the above dissertation:

“Perceptions of coasteering amongst those engaged in other forms of recreation were generally positive. Many recreational users appeared highly tolerant of different user types, even when they stated that they were seeking tranquillity. This provides a solid platform from which to build consensus amongst different user groups where conflict occurs. The pro-active approach of the PCNPA in managing recreation in the Park through engagement with bodies such as the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum and the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter Group is key in ensuring the sustainable development of this novel and inherently non-polluting way of enjoying the special features of the National Park.”