South Wales Outdoor Activity Providers Group

7 Mar 2023 Camping Leader Assessment (by Outdoor Matters)
2023-03-07 00:00 - 23:59 (Europe/London)
Join us in the Brecon Beacons for a one day assessment of the skills and knowledge required to manage groups on overnight camps. This Mountain Training approved course is run by an experienced trainer and includes pre course support and online learning materials.

Venue Abercraf, cost £85

5 Mar 2023 Gower geology (by Outdoor Matters)
2023-03-05 00:00 - 23:59
A day exploring the geological history of Gower with geologist, academic and climber Bethan McCarroll. We will explore the story behind the geology of Gower, the forces that have shaped it and how this can be passed on to those we take climbing.

Venue Tor Bay, Gower, cost £40.

Fri 3 Mar 2023 CPD Workshop: Learn about…the Nedd Fechan Caves
2023-03-03 10:00 - 15:00 | Pont Cwm Pwll-y-Rhyd, https://what3words.com/dabbing.pound.framework, nr Ystradfellte
NB this event is subject to weather conditions. If there is too much water in the Nedd Fechan, we’ll either postpone or replace with an alternative activity.

Come and join Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer Alan Bowring and Cave Instructor Juliet Parker-Smith, for a geological exploration of the ‘upper’ Nedd Fechan gorge and its caves. We’ll explore Bridge Cave then take a walk along the river and dry valley via Pwll y Rhyd to White Lady Cave and Town Drain. Participants will need suitable clothing and equipment for a day’s caving (wellies, over-suit, knee pads, belt, helmet & lamp), plus packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ or RSVP using the buttons below, or e-mail coordinator@swoapg.com (there may be spaces even if the tickets are all ‘sold out’).

This is the second of a series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places. Each will be led by a volunteer SWOAPG Provider* with expert staff from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £15 for first employee, £10 each for additional employee (employed staff only, not freelancers, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £28 (this will include Associate Membership up to 31 March, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
* The Provider for this workshop will be Juliet Parker-Smith.

1-3 Mar 2023 Hill & Moorland Leader Training (by Outdoor Matters)
2023-03-03 00:00 - 23:59
Join us in the Brecon Beacons for 3 days building the skills and knowledge required to lead groups in Hill & Moorland terrain in the UK. This Mountain Training approved course is run by an experienced trainer and includes post course support and learning material.

Venue Abercraf, cost £230.

26 Feb 2023 BMC FUNdamentals of climbing 2 (by RockUK Summit Centre)
2023-02-26 00:00 - 23:59 | RockUK Summit Centre, The Old Drift Mine, Treharris, CF46 6RD, United Kingdom
Provider: Ian Dunn

25 Feb 2023 BMC FUNdamentals of climbing 1 (by RockUK Summit Centre)
2023-02-25 00:00 - 23:59 | RockUK Summit Centre, The Old Drift Mine, Treharris, CF46 6RD, United Kingdom

22 Feb 2023 Navigation for a successful assessment (by Outdoor Matters)
2023-02-22 00:00 - 23:59
Spend the day fine tuning those nav skills and making sure you are capable and confident when you go on your assessment.

Venue Craig y Nos, cost £60

18-19 Feb 2023 Mountain Training Climbing Wall Instructor Training (by RockUK Summit Centre)
2023-02-18 00:00 - 2023-02-19 23:59 | RockUK Summit Centre, The Old Drift Mine, Treharris, CF46 6RD, United Kingdom
RockUK Summit Centre and Green Spider

Provider: Joby Davis

17 Feb 2023 Contour Masterclass (by Outdoor Matters)
2023-02-17 00:00 - 23:59
Spend the day getting geeky about contours, shape and making navigation easy. We’ve even got some contour only maps to use on the day.

Venue Craig y Nos, cost £60

16 Feb 2023 Camping Leader Assessment (by Outdoor Matters)
2023-02-16 00:00 - 23:59

10 Feb 2023 SMART: Sustainable Marine AdventuRe Tourism: Sustainable, Safe and Local?
2023-02-10 00:00 - 23:59
Swansea University, Bay Campus 11am- 5pm

Oceans are of great importance in ecological (climate regulation, biodiversity) and societal (economic activities, environmental services, and residence) terms. In line with recent interest in ‘Blue Growth’, healthy oceans are fundamental to achieving global sustainability, and are thus identified as one of the core SDGs in goal 14 ‘Life below Water’. However, there are significant challenges in everyday understanding of the influence of the oceans on our lives and the impacts of our behaviour on it. Marine adventure tourism has a key role to play here given our dependence on the health of the ocean for a wide range of recreational and ecosystem services.

This one day think-tank will address issues surrounding sustainable growth in the marine adventure tourism realm. In presentations from leading businesses, agencies and researchers we will examine existing challenges faced by the sector and scope for future economic opportunity and collaboration. Government delegates will provide a policy background and we will invite European funding experts to identify future opportunities. After lunch we hope to maximise the university’s location on Swansea Bay, engaging directly with contemporary issues in our marine environment. The afternoon will explore funding and collaboration opportunities for marine adventure tourism.

Confirmed speakers include:

Dr Olga Garcia, Interpretation Spanish Regional Government.

Dr Steve Taylor. University of the Highlands and Islands

Dr Robert Bowen, Cardiff University

Dr Carl Cater, Swansea University

Dr Maggie Miller, Swansea University

This event is supported by the Welsh Government SCORE (Supporting Collaborative Research and innovation in Europe) fund.

If you are interested in attending or would like to be informed of workshop outcomes please contact carl.cater@swansea.ac.uk.

9-10 Feb 2023 British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor Award course (by Steve Rayner Outdoor Pursuits)
2023-02-09 00:00 - 2023-02-10 23:59 | Llewellin Scout HQ, Scout Lane, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7DX, United Kingdom
NB There will also be a Zoom session on Tue 7 Feb, 7-9pm which all participants must attend.

The British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor qualification is for people aged 14+ whose main focus of work is delivering paddlesport taster/starter sessions within clubs, centres or other organisations. The qualification is not discipline specific and is suitable for instructors who work with paddlers from any of the competitive and non-competitive paddlesport disciplines.

The process of completing the qualification aims to help prepare candidates for their first paddlesport instructing role; ‘primed and ready’.

Venue: Brecon

Cost £180 per person (non-residential).

Candidates need to:

be aged 14 or over;

be members of Canoe Wales / British Canoeing (etc.);

register for the Award with Canoe Wales / British Canoeing (etc.) – cost £45;

have attended a British Canoeing Awarding Body Paddlesport Safety & Rescue or Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT) course; and

have personal paddling (equivalent to the former 2*-level) and rescue competence in one type of craft (kayak, open canoe, sit on top, or stand up paddleboard).

9-10 Feb 2023 White Water Safety & Rescue Course (by Ant Morgan Coaching)
2023-02-09 00:00 - 2023-02-10 23:59
Running on local rivers in South Wales, for more information email me.

4-5 Feb 2023 Lowland Leader Training (by Outdoor Matters)
2023-02-04 00:00 - 2023-02-05 23:59
Join us on Gower for 2 days building the skills and knowledge required to lead groups in Lowland terrain in the UK. This Mountain Training approved course is run by an experienced trainer and includes post course support and learning material.

Parkmill, Gower. Cost £150

4-5 Feb 2023 BCA Cave Leader Training (by Richard Hill)
2023-02-04 00:00 - 2023-02-05 23:59
Two days partly indoors but mainly underground at suitable venues.

For more details contact Richard Hill or book through the link below

2-3 Feb 2023 16-hour first aid course (by Call of the Wild)
2023-02-02 00:00 - 2023-02-03 23:59 | Maes y Fron, Abercraf, Swansea, SA9 1XU
Previously advertised as 30-31 Jan

Timings: Each day will start at 9.00am and finish at 6.00pm

Venue: The venue will be at Maes y Fron, Abercraf, and will include practical elements outdoors. Please click here for directions.

Equipment required: Please ensure you have outdoor clothing suitable for unpredictable Welsh weather and hill environment.

The Qualification: The awarding body for the qualification is Nuco and meets the minimum requirements for NGB qualifications and employment with outdoor activity centres.

Payment: The cost of the course will be £120.00 plus vat.

Accommodation: If you require accommodation, you are welcome to stay in our bunkhouse. You will need to provide your own sleeping bag and pillow. Facilities such as shared kitchen and shared showering facilities will be available to use. You are also more than welcome to park a camper van or pitch a tent.

Mon 30 Jan 2023 CPD Workshop: Learn about...the Blaen y Glyn area
2023-01-30 09:30 - 15:00 | Lower Blaen y Glyn Car Park, https://what3words.com/distract.watching.static, nr Talybont-on-Usk, LD3 7YT
Come and join Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s Geopark Development Officer, Alan Bowring, for an exploration of the geology and history of Blaen y Glyn gorge and its surrounding mountain area. We’ll take a circular walking tour up the Caerfanell gorge and up on to Waun Rydd (and its Wellington bomber memorial) and the summit of Craig y Fan Ddu before returning down Nant Bwrefwr to the car park [subject to weather conditions, of course]. Participants will need suitable clothing and equipment for a mountain walk in the prevailing weather, including packed lunch / snacks. Book ‘tickets’ or RSVP using the buttons below, or e-mail coordinator@swoapg.com.

This is the first of a series of practical, outdoor workshops providing opportunities for instructors and providers to learn about some of the areas we work in, both for their own education and to enable them to help their clients to better appreciate these special places. Each will be led by a volunteer SWOAPG Provider* with expert staff from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.

This workshop is open to all South Wales outdoor instructors and SWOAPG supporters, for whom the following fees will apply:

SWOAPG Members and Supporters: £15 for first employee, £5 each for additional employees (employed staff only, not freelancers, up to 3 staff per Member in first instance, please e-mail the organiser if you wish to book more places).

Non-Members: £28 (this will include Associate Membership up to 31 March, enabling you to attend other workshops before then at the Members’ rate).

Once you have booked, the organiser or workshop Provider will be in contact with you to confirm final details.
* The Provider for this workshop will be Steve Rayner Outdoor Pursuits, with Steve representing his own business as a volunteer in conjunction with his role as SWOAPG Coordinator.

29 Jan 2023 Navigation for a successful assessment (by Outdoor Matters)
2023-01-29 00:00 - 23:59

20-22 Jan 2023 WRT – Pro (by Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer)
2023-01-20 00:00 - 2023-01-22 23:59 | Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer, Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UR, United Kingdom
This is the new updated version of the White Water Rescue Technician, really worth while course for any white water user and great fun too!

Drying room, class room, natural rivers and equipment hire if needed. From £200, accommodation options available if needed.

20 Jan 2023 Camping Leader Assessment (by Outdoor Matters)
2023-01-20 00:00 - 23:59
Join us in the Brecon Beacons for a one day assessment of the skills and knowledge required to manage groups on overnight camps. This Mountain Training approved course is run by an experienced trainer and includes pre course support and online learning materials.

Venue Abercraf, price £85

17-18 Jan 2023 BCA Vertical Cave/Mine Leader Training (by Richard Hill)
2023-01-17 00:00 - 2023-01-18 23:59
First day indoors at Llangorse Wall followed by a second day underground.

For more details contact Richard Hill or book through the link below

14 Jan 2023 8 hr First Aid (by Parkwood Outdoors)
2023-01-14 00:00 - 23:59 | Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer, Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UR, United Kingdom
Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer is running this First Aid Course for its staff, and we have a few spaces left. £65pp.

13 or 14 Jan 2023 Open Water Canoe Leader Assessment (by Ant Morgan Coaching)
2023-01-13 00:00 - 2023-01-14 23:59
Looking for Leadership assessments? I have these dates available (either date for a one-day assessment) but can also run any on demand. For more information, please email me.

12 Jan 2023 White Water Canoe Leader Assessment (by Ant Morgan Coaching)
2023-01-12 00:00 - 23:59
Looking for Leadership assessments? I have this date available but can also run any on demand. For more information, please email me.

11 Jan 2023 White Water Kayak Leader Assessment (by Ant Morgan Coaching)
2023-01-11 00:00 - 23:59

8 Jan 2023 White Water Canoe Leader Assessment (by Ant Morgan Coaching)
2023-01-08 00:00 - 23:59

7 Jan 2023 White Water Kayak Leader Assessment (by Ant Morgan Coaching)
2023-01-07 00:00 - 23:59

17-18 Dec 2022 British Canoeing White Water Award (by Steve Rayner Outdoor Pursuits)
2022-12-17 00:00 - 2022-12-18 23:59
The White Water Award is designed to develop your ability to apply appropriate decision making skills for a safe day out white water paddling in a kayak or OC1. It endorses your skill, judgment and decision making to ensure a successful day on rivers up to grade 2. You will be confident in planning and undertaking journeys on moving water with proficient skills to be in control throughout. This is a great preparation for the British Canoeing Sheltered Water Kayak Coach Award!

This 2-day course is intended to provide training tailored to the individual needs of participants and, for those who meet the require standard, an opportunity for assessment for this Award. You should already be an experienced and confident flat-water paddler before attending the course, ideally with some moving or white-water experience.

Venue to be confirmed (somewhere in the Brecon area).

Cost £120 per person (non-residential).

17-18 Dec 2022 16 hr Outdoor First Aid (by Parkwood Outdoors)
2022-12-17 00:00 - 2022-12-18 23:59 | Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer, Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UR, United Kingdom
Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer is running this First Aid Course for its staff, and we have a few spaces left. £120pp.

16-17 Dec 2022 BCA Cave Leader Training (by Tom Partridge)
2022-12-16 00:00 - 2022-12-17 23:59
South Wales

To book / more info follow link below.
