What to bring
You need to bring clothes suitable for the weather and also to get wet, a towel, a bag to carry your things including a mask and snorkel. Bring sunscreen, a drink and snack. Be prepared to carry! The access is offroad so no flipflops! We recommend trainers or shoes suitable for getting wet and scrambling over rocks. There are no toilets or changing facilities nearby. All participants must have signed a disclaimer form.
Briefing
From the moment you leave the road you will be in an extreme location. A trek off-road from the sea cliff to the sea below down a steep path. So good shoes and good balance is needed. This is one of our more extreme activities so expect to get tired and sore! There is a risk of small slips and scrapes.
All the guides are rescue trained and experienced with groups in rugged environments so learn from them. We may appear relaxed but at all times we are assessing your safety to provide the right excitement / safety balance. But, if there is a severe injury we cannot carry an 80kg man out of this environment so a helicopter or boat rescue is needed.
It is very important that everyone in the group remains safety conscious and takes responsibility to look after each other even if they are not your direct friends.
Do not throw or dislodge anything over edges or into the water.
Do not tamper with or remove your safety equipment once fitted.
If there is swell, wait for calmer water before entering or exiting the water. Ensure a strong grip on the rock when there is swell.
Do not participate in this activity under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication. Ensure you advise our guides about pregnancy, or medical conditions that might affect your activity.
Each person has a different comfort level. Find a buddy and work in pairs. It is your responsibility to look after each other. If you need help. Speak to a guide.
This activity has a lot of different skill aspects to it so if you are new to this sport there is a lot to learn. Anything you do not remember, ask your buddy or a guide.
Do not remove or adjust any of your equipment without checking with your guide. In this environment hazards can be unseen to you.
When jumping into water. Take instruction from your guide where is a safe place. Be aware of rocks under the water. Be aware of jellyfish.
When jumping into water, enter the water straight. With your feet together and your arms crossed to enter the water streamlined. Secure loose items. Try to avoid belly flops and face slaps.
When climbing out of water in swell, it is often better to be swept in with the wave feet first and use your feet to stand up quickly. Standing up reduces the surface area on your legs and stops you being swept about by the waves.
When climbing on rocks. Ensure you have 3 points of contact. Take instruction from your guide about different hold types he will point out as you proceed. Avoid holding tiny holds that could break. This route always has a big hold to use. Generally ensure you have stable feet to take your body weight and use your hands for balance and to assist you climbing. Your legs should do most of the work.
When climbing on rocks be aware of wet feet making the rock slippery so tread carefully. In difficult sections there is always the option to go into the water and swim to an easier section. Tell your guide.
If you or a buddy dislodges a stone and there is anyone below, you must shout ROCK!. If you hear this call, move your body close the rock face.
The sea is the most dangerous aspect of this adventure. When in the water, your buoyancy jacket will keep you afloat. It will not keep you upright if you are unconscious. If you see anyone not responding or in trouble. Make sure you tell a guide so we can assess as soon as possible.
When in the water your clothes make it difficult to move through the water, so do not try to swim too quickly. Just relax and make slow progress.
If you find yourself drifting in the wrong direction. Establish eye contact with a guide so you know that he can see you. He will assess what to do. He may give this sign (hand on head) to ask if you are okay and clam. You must always respond. If you are okay, repeat the hand on head sign back.
If there is a problem, try to respond by holding your hand up or waving your arm above your head until you see the guide respond with the OK sign (Hand on head). Control your breathing and remain calm until help arrives.
Generally, when you are in difficulty a guide will proceed as follows:
- He will indicate the direction you should calmly swim in.
- He will throw you a rope so he can pull you slowly through the water.
- He will put his fins on and swim to you and help or tow you back to the shore.
- If you are too far out. He will maintain visibility with you and fetch help from the emergency services to rescue you.
Although you may feel alone, there is never any need to panic as we always have a plan to get you back to safety.
Heat stroke and dehydration is a common on this activity so wear suncream, drink frequently, the guides have extra water and snacks. Ask for help early don’t “Tough-it-out” too long. Don’t drop litter, put it in a guide bag.
In case of minor injuries we have a first aid kit in a guide bag.
Minor scrapes and bruises is normal. If you follow these instructions very few people get hurt and you leave the activity exhausted and satisfied!