Steve, Author at Steve Banks Outdoors

Winter wandering

A sudden return to winter weather with lots of snow and very cold days led to us venturing out on a walk up Langstrath in Borrowdale, rather than enduring the strong and bitterly cold winds on the summits. Langstrath is an unusual, long Lakeland valley in that is only accessible on foot, this imbues it with a similar feel to that which can be experienced in many valleys of the Scottish Highlands. At this time of year and in this weather it is possible to also have the place to yourself – a rare pleasure in the Lakes! On warm Summer days it can be very busy, as visitors flock to Blackmoss Pot (image) to enjoy the deep pool.

Steve offers guided walks all year round in the Lakes and further afield. If you would like support for your adventures in the mountains and remote valleys please get in touch for a chat. He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|March 15th, 2023|Environment, Keswick Guided Walks, Mountain, Winter Mountain Walking|Comments Off

Cave Leader training, Yorkshire Dales

Steve has Cave Leader (Level 1) training coming up on March 27th & 28th. If you’re seeking to boost your personal caving awareness and knowledge, or to work towards this British Caving Association award, then this is an excellent two-day course for you. Steve is one of the UK’s most experienced and active BCA course providers and is able to augment this provision with his in-depth geographical knowledge – he is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

The course is entirely practical and based outdoors so as to match knowledge, practice and discussion immediately to reality. If you’re interested in enrolling or would like to know more, please get in touch with Steve on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

Forthcoming course dates can be found on our caving pages here: Caving

By Steve|March 15th, 2023|Cave|Comments Off

Cumbrian Sea Kayak Leader training

Steve ran a Sea Kayak Leader training course based at Roa Island and at St Bees (image) over two days. Cumbria has some very diverse environments which makes it a great location to undertake Sea Leader training. We covered equipment, personal paddling, group management, navigation on the water, different coastlines and their specific issues, a range of incidents to manage and more besides.

If you’re interested in becoming a better informed and safe paddler and/or wish to work towards the Sea Kayak Leader award, then this is the course for you. Many people take the training course purely for their own benefit with no interest in the qualification; this is absolutely fine and Steve encourages all paddlers to attend this training for, at least, their own development, safety and awareness.

Steve runs these courses throughout the year, check the website for forthcoming dates. If you are interested in attending or just wish to find out more, please call or email Steve for a discussion. He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and 07796 213817

By Steve|March 13th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course

Steve ran a Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course for five sea kayakers wanting to increase their independence and safety and, for some of the group, to progress their Sea Kayak Leader awards. We covered weather and its interaction with the coast, with implications for sea kayakers; tides and tidal planning, buoyage and pilotage and then some practical planning exercises. An enjoyable and informative day was had by all.

If you would like to understand more above the marine environment so you can venture out on the sea in small craft more safely, then this is the course for you. It’s suitable for sea kayakers, sit on top paddlers and stand up paddleboarders who go out on the sea – we’ve even had wild swimmers on the course!

Steve runs this course regularly over the year and can also put on bespoke events. Check the web page for forthcoming dates or get in touch at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and on 07796 213817.

By Steve|March 13th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Skill Acquisition course

Steve ran his two day Skill Acquisition course this week and was able to bring the participants up to date on critical issues in learning as advised by the academic evidence.

It is, unfortunately, still the case that information provided on various coach and teacher education courses still lags significantly behind this evidence base; sometimes it is completely contradicted by the evidence. Steve works hard on his Skill Acquisition course to explain and demonstrate how an evidence based approach is more rewarding for both learners and those supporting them. It is appropriate for all teachers, coaches and learners from all backgrounds and disciplines.

If you’re interested to develop your knowledge so as to better enable your own learning, or to more effectively support the learning of others, this is the course for you. Get in touch with Steve if you’re interested on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|March 3rd, 2023|Skill Acquisition|Comments Off

Level 2 (Vertical) Cave Leader training, Yorkshire Dales

Steve ran a further Vertical Cave Leader training course in the Dales with three competent candidates. We covered personal equipment and SRT, rigging for personal progression, rigging for group progression and the management of issues and incidents. An excellent two days was had by all.

If you are interested in furthering your personal caving or your caving qualifications Steve will be pleased to help you. He runs regular training courses for both Cave Leader and Vertical Leader. The next courses are the final week of March but it’s always possible to see the current dates by visiting the website.

Steve also provides caving training and guiding for people of all levels of experience, so if you fancy trying the dark side get in touch – no cold, wet, crawling in tight spaces needed!

Steve can be contacted on steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and 07796 213817

By Steve|February 20th, 2023|Cave|Comments Off

Sea Kayak Leader assessment, North West England

Steve ran a Sea Kayak Leader assessment day on the Cumbrian coast for two candidates in cold and windy conditions. This was our third attempt to run the day as we had not had the required moderate water conditions on the earlier two days. The candidates dealt with these delays, kept themselves sharp and current and produced good performances – well done to both!

If you are interested in trying or improving your sea kayaking or in developing your sea kayaking qualifications, Steve will be pleased to support you. He runs personal coaching days at all levels, British Canoeing sea kayak qualifications and courses as well as sea kayaking trips – two weeks in Shetland this Summer!

Sea Kayak Leader assessments are run on demand and by arrangement at mutually convenient times for one or two candidates over a single day.

Steve can be contacted on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|February 14th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Vertical Cave Leader training, Yorkshire Dales

Steve ran a Vertical Cave Leader training course at the end of last week based in Helwith Bridge and in Bull Pot Kingsdale. We covered personal caving equipment, personal SRT, rigging for personal progression, rigging for group progression and the management of issues and incidents. We had an excellent two days.

If you’re interested in trying caving or developing for current caving either for personal benefit or to enhance your qualifications, Steve will be pleased to hear from you and happy to support you. Get in touch on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

You can check the caving pages on Steve’s website for current and forthcoming dates for all courses and activities. The next dates for Vertical Cave Leader training are 16th-17th February 2023 and 30th-31st March 2023. The next Cave Leader training course is 27th-28th March 2023.

By Steve|February 14th, 2023|Cave|Comments Off

Skill Acquisition course

Steve is running his signature two day Skill Acquisition course on February 28th & March 1st. Skill Acquisition is Steve’s academic specialism and this course is suitable for anyone trying to develop their own skills or who is trying to assist others to develop theirs. It is an engaging classroom based course which will test and challenge current methods whilst providing an up to date academic evidence based approach to skill development and learning. Many methods currently used across all education settings are not based in evidence, in fact, the evidence can contradict current practice and beliefs. Steve’s course will seek to sort those approaches which are well supported by research from those which are based on intuition, culture, political ideology and historical practice. You’ll be able to participate fully throughout and invited to interrogate everything until you are satisfied you have the wheat separated from the educational chaff.

Have a look at Steve’s Skill Acquisition page and some of the feedback from participants and/or call for a chat to see if this course is for you: 07796 213817 & steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|January 30th, 2023|Skill Acquisition|Comments Off

Busy busy! Cave Leader training in the Yorkshire Dales

Steve was very busy last week running two back to back Cave Leader training courses in the Yorkshire Dales with five excellent candidates on each. We covered karst geography & geology, hydrology, access & conservation, relevant environmental issues, cave formation & formations, personal caving, appropriate equipment, group management and leadership (with a strong emphasis on making sure everyone has an enjoyable and positive experience), navigation underground and the Local Cave leader scheme and progressions. Steve covered all of this outdoors and in caves in a completely practical and hands on manner – a great time was had by all!

If you are interested in trying caving or developing your current level either for personal recreation or to gain professional leadership qualifications, Steve will be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and 07796 213817. He runs regular Cave Leader and Vertical Cave Leader courses – the next courses are Vertical Cave Leader courses on 9th-10th Feb and 16th-17th Feb 2023 in the Yorkshire Dales, though check the website for a full and current list of offerings.

By Steve|January 30th, 2023|Cave|Comments Off

STEVE BANKS OUTDOORS

About Steve

Winter wandering

Cave Leader training, Yorkshire Dales

Cumbrian Sea Kayak Leader training

Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course

Skill Acquisition course

Level 2 (Vertical) Cave Leader training, Yorkshire Dales

Sea Kayak Leader assessment, North West England

Vertical Cave Leader training, Yorkshire Dales

Skill Acquisition course

Busy busy! Cave Leader training in the Yorkshire Dales