This is a real bumper fun book with over 120 different activities described and although there are some who will say many of the games and activities have been around for a few years, it is really nice to see all the ideas on the one volume. Especially at the price of under a tenner!

The icons on page 7 give a clear induction of what each activity will improve and as you progress through the book these become familiar and easily remembered. There are brief notes on the safety issues including spotting, wearing helmets indoors, supervising novice belayers before moving on to look at the fundamental skills such as balance, body awareness, handholds and footholds etc.

Many of the earlier activities described are those that we traditionalist would simple have called a ‘warm up’ however we are warned not to call it that now as certain groups may associated the term with schools days…..ah well, I will try but some habits are difficult to change after all these years!

The book progresses from these ‘loosening up’ activities to take a specific look at Traversing, Balance and Footwork before the last two chapters look at un roped climbing activities more suited to the bouldering wall before finishing of with activities which will help the budding leader adapt to clipping quickdraws as they contemplate the transition from seconding or top roping to leading.

The book relies on colour photographs with just a short paragraph to outline each activity and this is to me this is perfectly adequate, perhaps this has something to do with the clear layout that we have come to expect from Pesda Press.

All in all it is difficult to find anything to criticize about this little book, especially considering the cost and should be a must for everyone involved in working with novices, particularly in the indoor environment where it can often be difficult to keep younger kids enthused over longer period of time.

Roger Pride, Director of Marketing at Visit Wales, said: “We are looking for great Welsh stories, posts and articles out there in the blogosphere and the rest of Web. We want to encourage more people to write about Wales and share their experiences with us and in return we’ll reward those that do.”

Blog themes and topics could cover; memorable visits; events (eg. literary, music or food festivals); places to stay; activities and things to do in Wales. The stories will also be published on the Visit Wales blog (presumably from all entrants, not just the winners). The list of nominees will be reduced to a shortlist and then an eventual winner will be selected. The closing date for nominations is 12pm 15th August 2009. More information here.

What’s the book? You’ll be excited to hear that it’s a guidebook to the stomping grounds of Douglas Wilcox, who’s exemplary photography you will no-doubt be familiar with. From Ardnamurchan point to the Solway Firth, Douglas’ book will cover in detail what was touched upon in Scottish Sea Kayaking, Fifty Great Sea Kayak Journeys. That book contained treasures from all around the Scottish coastline, but now we are able to divulge the bountiful sea kayaking waters of the entire Scottish coastline beginning with three forthcoming volumes, Northwest Highlands, Outer Hebrides and Douglas’ book.

Can you encapsulate Douglas’ book with a fitting title?

Flying Fish Trailer

The event was an unparalleled  opportunity to test out sea kayaks of every size, shape and brand, close to home and almost as far from the sea as you could be. It was also a first chance to test out the newly reopened Holme Pierrepont whitewater course with hundreds of demo kayaks on offer. Saturday evening brought the chance to wind down, with a Pimm’s reception book launch for Sea Kayak Handling at the on-site Peak Shop. Thanks to Pete Astles for supporting Doug and his book launch. Suitably lubricated, carousing continued late into the night at the National Student Rodeo party.

Doug has gone to town with P&H kayaks and Sunart Media to produce a series of video clips to accompany Sea Kayak Handling. Visit the video demonstrations page to check out some really neat clips which marry perfectly with Doug’s clear descriptions and photo sequences from the book.

Doug will be available to chat and sign copies at the following venues and times:

Sat 28th March
1200-1300 Book Signing, Pesda Stand

1500-1600 Book Signing, Pesda Stand

1800-2000 Book Launch, Peak Shop

Sunday 29th March
1200-1400 Book Signing Pesda Stand

Doug will also be running practical workshops at the following times on the Saturday and Sunday:

1000-1145.

Franco and Peter from Pesda Press will be around all weekend and will be delighted to meet readers and potential authors.