Everything Awesome

Another manic time for Everything Awesome starting on Wednesday with 3 days in Ambleside. donating some time to the Ambleside Sports we had a fantastic, hard, dirty and rewarding time, every July Lesley and i go to Ambleside. We work at the traditional lakeland sporting event, This has fell running, grass track cycling, Cumberland wresting, and way more, an awesome day out for many thousands of people.

Friday a visit to Malham Cove, some. hardcore Sport climbing takes place here, and some cave diving that we are not trained for yet.

Saturday started with some work in Foundry Climbing, giving a group of enthusiastic people their first introductions to climbing, followed by a trip to Underbank Reservoir for some Stand Up paddleboarding,

And to cap the weekend off. Sunday was spent with some CPD. i took part in a Paddle Sports Safety and Rescue course. This gave the knowledge to deal with dangerous situations in sheltered water environments.
Everything Awesome aims to be able to provide some instruction and leading for Paddle Sports in the next yr. We have access to some Awesome qualified instructors who can give you a great introduction to the sport.

Just a typical weekend in the Everything Awesome Household, Friday night we where at Underbank Reservoir, neatly avoiding the guy that charges a £10 to launch, we think he had gone home. I got lucky to have lesley from LDrehab paddling with us.

Saturday Morning i had 5 fantastic folk came along for some coaching on jumping with a mountain bike.
One of the customers was Dan, from DCOutdoors, it was awesome to coach a fellow sports coach, as i knew any feedback would be relevant.

Then Sunday, lesley again rock climbing at Crowden Great Quarry

A Weekend Full of Fun and (Slight) Dizzying Heights

A July weekend like this might seem a bit unusual to some, but for Everything Awesome, it’s become a typical part of my summer.

Saturday: The Beighton Gala was in full swing, and I found myself back in my element – teetering on stilts, juggling fire, and generally acting a goofball to put smiles on children’s faces. It’s a rewarding kind of chaos, and the laughter always makes it worthwhile.

Sunday: The morning started with a complete change of scenery. I was at the Foundry climbing centre in Sheffield, this time not as a spectator, but as part of a birthday party! Lesley and I teamed up to guide an 8-year-old girl’s climbing adventure. It was fantastic to see how well-behaved and enthusiastic the kids were. They absolutely loved the session, and their energy was truly infectious.

From the climbing wall, we headed straight to Underbank reservoir, where a new activity awaited us: stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Both Lesley and I are relatively new to SUP, although we’ve had a few lessons under our belts. This session was all about getting more comfortable on the water. There were a few wobbly moments, but that’s all part of the learning process, right? We definitely need more practice to master this new skill, but we’re determined to improve. In fact, our goal is to acquire a SUP qualification before the end of 2024.

So, while some might find my weekend itinerary a bit unorthodox, for me, it’s the perfect blend of silliness, physical challenge, and learning something entirely new. It’s a great reminder that there’s so much fun to be had, no matter your age, and that there’s always a new skill waiting to be discovered. Here’s to keeping things interesting and embracing the occasional wobble – both on stilts and on the water!

There is no need to go hungry when away. With the aid of an MSR Whisperlite stove and a little creativity Everything Awesome owner Mini Mansell knocked up this. Good food in a field, Twice fried chips with Jalapenos, Monterey Jack Cheese, and a splash of Tobasco sauce.

A Peak District Doubleheader: From Sheffield Walls to Burbage Rain

This past Saturday unfolded as a thrilling doubleheader, taking me from the indoor climbing walls of Sheffield to the rugged beauty of the Peak District for a Happy Birthday gift. It all began with an Adult Intro session at the Foundry Climbing Centre. Here, I had the pleasure of meeting five wonderful and enthusiastic individuals, all eager to embark on their climbing journeys. The session focused on equipping them with the fundamental skills needed to become safe and independent climbers. We delved into the art of knot tying, ensuring they could confidently secure themselves and their partners. The importance of proper belay technique was also a vital aspect of the session, as it forms the foundation of safe climbing practices.

After a rewarding morning spent empowering these new climbers, I hit the road with a renewed sense of excitement. My next stop was Burbage North, a legendary gritstone crag nestled within the Peak District National Park. Here, I was greeted by a lovely family celebrating an 11-year-old’s birthday in a truly unique way – a climbing adventure! Unfortunately, the weather gods didn’t seem to share in the celebratory spirit. As we began our ascent, the heavens opened, unleashing a relentless downpour.

Undeterred by the rain, spirits remained high. We embraced the challenge, and the climbing continued. Despite the less than ideal conditions, the birthday girl displayed remarkable determination and focus. It was truly inspiring to witness her enthusiasm for the sport, even amidst the downpour.

To add a touch of excitement and utilize the wet conditions, I decided to set up an abseil. This provided the family with a thrilling descent, adding a new element to their climbing experience. Despite the rain, it was clear they were having a fantastic time exploring the wonders of the Peak District.

Looking back, the day could only have been improved by one thing – cake and chicken legs! While the rain may have put a damper on the scenery, it certainly couldn’t dampen the celebratory spirit. Witnessing the joy and determination of these individuals, both at the climbing center and at Burbage North, served as a powerful reminder of the pure enjoyment climbing can bring. It was a day filled with learning, challenge, and a healthy dose of wet weather adventure!

www.everythingawesome.co.uk

Two Weeks of Mountain Bike Magic for Yorkshire Dales Guides (Despite the Weather!)

The past two weeks working at YDG Yorkshire Dales Guides have been an unforgettable adventure. While safeguarding regulations prevent me from sharing photos, I can’t wait to tell you about the incredible experience of coaching 200 fantastic 13-year-olds on their mountain biking journeys. Their passion for the sport was truly contagious, and their eagerness to learn made every session a rewarding experience.

The setting for our program was nothing short of ideal. Nestled within the grounds of Giggleswick School, we had access to a fantastic private facility. This provided the perfect environment for these young riders to develop their skills in a safe and controlled setting. The varied terrain offered a range of challenges, from smooth, winding paths to more technical sections that tested their balance and control.

However, the undeniable star of the show was the resilience of these young riders. Let’s face it, the recent UK weather has been, well, horrendous! We battled through rain, wind, and even the occasional downpour. But here’s the thing: these challenges never dampened their spirits. Every day, they woke up with an infectious enthusiasm, ready to conquer the trails whatever the conditions. Their unwavering determination was truly inspiring.

The way they embraced every obstacle as a learning opportunity was a testament to their positive attitude. Each session saw them pushing themselves further, their skills blossoming before our eyes. It was truly remarkable to witness their growth and development over such a short period. While I can’t share pictures, let me paint a picture with words: imagine the look of pure joy on their faces as they mastered a tricky section of trail for the first time. Imagine the camaraderie and encouragement they offered each other as they navigated the challenges together. And finally, imagine the overwhelming sense of accomplishment radiating from them at the end of each day, knowing they had pushed their limits and emerged stronger.

These past two weeks were a powerful demonstration of the impact perseverance, teamwork, and a genuine love for a sport can have. These young riders didn’t just hone their mountain biking skills; they learned valuable life lessons about facing challenges head-on, supporting one another, and never giving up. Their positive attitude and unwavering determination are an inspiration to all. The future of mountain biking looks incredibly bright with this enthusiastic and talented group leading the way. I have no doubt that they will continue to develop their skills and passion for the sport, leaving their mark on the world of mountain biking for years to come.

If this interests you. then get in touch. www.everythingawesome.co.uk

Another session with Dan at DC Outdoors

This past afternoon, Everything Awesome had the pleasure of spending some quality time with Dan on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) adventure in Sheffield. We met at the bustling Victoria Quays, a vibrant hub on the city’s canal network. After a quick gear check and a good 30 minutes spent refreshing our paddling memories (it’s amazing how quickly those skills can fade!), we were finally ready to set off on our journey.

The afternoon unfolded into a delightful exploration as we paddled for roughly 5 kilometers along the picturesque canals. With the sun casting a warm glow on the water, it was the perfect setting for a relaxing yet rewarding afternoon. The highlight of the trip, however, came in the form of new skills learned. Dan, a patient and encouraging instructor, introduced me to the art of paddling sideways. This maneuver, while seemingly simple, adds a whole new dimension to navigating a SUP. We also tackled the challenge of maintaining a straight course while paddling on just one side, a skill that requires finesse and core strength.

As the afternoon progressed, it was time to put theory into practice in a rather unexpected way: personal rescue training. This involved, somewhat counterintuitively, starting in a state of perfect balance and dryness. However, the fun twist came with the deliberate plan to take a tumble into the cool canal waters. Now, let me tell you, this “controlled chaos” came with a valuable lesson – my clothes were ridiculously heavy when wet!

While the initial shock of the cold water might have been a tad surprising, it certainly served as a powerful reminder of the importance of proper gear. So, guess what tomorrow holds? You guessed it – a wetsuit purchase is officially on the agenda! This experience highlighted the importance of appropriate attire for water sports, especially when venturing out on open water.

Looking back, the afternoon was a perfect blend of learning, laughter, and a little bit of getting soaked. It was a fantastic way to explore the city from a unique perspective and reconnect with a fun outdoor activity. With a renewed appreciation for the importance of proper gear and a newfound confidence in my paddling skills, I can’t wait for my next adventure on the water!

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