Mastering a basic kayaking technique is relatively simple and intuitive. To move straight, you push one blade of your double-sided paddle through the water and then do the same with the other blade, paddling with each blade at an even pace. If you need to move right, simply push your left-hand blade with greater force through the water. To move left, you use this same technique, but with the right-hand blade. To brake, push either blade backwards through the water.

When participating in adventure travel activities, you might find yourself in contexts where you’ll need to master more complicated techniques than you at first imagined. In most cases, kayaking especially, you can set your own pace and explore nature’s beauty without being distracted by complicated maneuvers.  Or, you can choose to learn them to feel like you have mastered the sport more thoroughly.

As you settle into a regular paddling rhythm, you might not be aware of  how much physical exercise you’re getting. Like all forms of water exercise, kayaking offers gentle, but effective resistance training, as well as a solid cardiovascular workout. There’s no need for the gym.

Kayaking is one of the better adventure travel activities when it comes to people’s ages. Children pick up kayaking techniques quickly, building their confidence by competently exploring rivers and lakes. Kayaking is also a great way for the elderly to experience the great outdoors, with its minimal stress on the body.

Whether you are helping along your partner in a double-kayak, or giving instructions on the best way to navigate through a bend in the river, kayaking offers plenty of opportunities to build teamwork in a beautiful environment. Kayaking brings out the adventurer in all of us, and encourages team building through exploration. It’s no wonder that summer camps often offer kayaking as part of their core curriculum.

Kayaking also encourages mental clarity and balance. Your thoughts become more grounded as you settle into a regular paddling rhythm, surrounded by nature. The sound of the paddles lapping against the water is as soothing as any meditation music.

All adventure travel activities offer the chance to explore, to discover.  Imagine paddling up to islands in lakes that rarely see visitors or observing animals in their natural habitats.

A camping trip is one of the best opportunities to utilize the practical advantages of kayaking. If properly fitted, a kayak can provide adequate storage space for camping gear.

In the world of boats, kayaks are one of the simplest vessels. This simple elegance is an integral part of the kayaking experience, there are no  buzzing motors to remind you of the modern world. This is one of the most endearing qualities of the kayak—it gives you the ability to discover Mother Nature without any distraction.

Mountain biking not only gives people the opportunity to get in touch with nature and discover the hidden gems that have been waiting in their backyard, but it is also a great way to get a little exercise in the process. Riding a bike is a fantastic cardio workout and a good way to workout one’s legs and even upper body, as most people do not realize the full body workout that this activity requires. For most, the physical toll that mountain biking takes does not take away from the mental escape that it offers.

As is true of many adventure travel activities, biking gives people the chance to step away from the routine and do something new or discover something they never knew existed. It gives people the chance to see something or witness an occurrence they have never seen before. Biking with the family or with friends can be good for bonding as well. As a family or a group of friends bikes through nature, they will likely talk and comment on the raw beauty of their surroundings. This helps to build teamwork and can be a good way to get people working together or cooperating with one another. This is an especially good experience for kids or teens.

Mountain biking is a popular sport, as it is relatively cheap and can be done by just about anybody. As long as the proper safety precautions are taken, such as wearing a helmet and making sure that everybody is comfortable riding the bike, this can be an easy adventure travel outing. Mountain biking implies riding a specially equipped bike off-road through a nature trail or on rough terrain or other unconventional surfaces. Some people ride through the desert, along the coast, over a mountain or across a hilly terrain. Whatever one’s preference, this can be a fun and fulfilling adventure for people of all ages and backgrounds.

It is important to stay hydrated while biking, as is true of most other adventure travel activities. As alluded to earlier, wearing proper safety equipment is important. While biking, be sure to wear the proper shoes and clothing for the weather and environment. Some bikers opt to wear gloves to protect their hands from blisters.

Carrying on our series we have Mountain Biking, have a read –> Adventure Travel

When out on the open seas with wind in the sails sailing is often considered as one of the more romantic adventure travel activities. This is often the case, for many sailors choose to cruise around the warmer tropical regions of the world, where is water is crystal clear blue and swimming off the back of the yacht is a daily ritual.

Sailing offers various challenges due to the location one wishes to sail in. Coastal sailing has many tidal influences and weather patterns that are created by the land shape of the coast itself. Off-shore sailing has the challenges of facing whatever weather is thrown at you because there is nowhere to hide. Sailing up rivers or estuaries is a challenge due to currents and moving sandbanks not yet charted.  Obviously the region you are sailing in as well influences many decisions that need making – the warmth of the weather, the availability of food, fuel and water in remote areas, seasonal weather hazards (hurricanes in the Caribbean).

One thing also that needs mentioning is the marine life. Dolphins, whales, seals, sea otters, all the different fish species, the bird life, even, when on coastal cruises, the wildlife on the shores.  The list of potential wildlife encounters is a long one indeed. Remember to take plenty of film (or memory cards and batteries) for the camera and even a good set of binoculars.

Sailing is one of those adventure travel activities that can be a bonding experience capable of bringing friends and family closer. When sailing, a person or group of people not only bonds with Mother Nature and the beauty of the body of water surrounding them, but they also bond with the people that are sharing the vessel with them. Passengers of the boat have to have a good firm confidence in their skipper, assured that he or she knows what they are doing. This sort of confidence and trust creates a great bond between friends and family alike.

Carrying on our series we have Mountain Biking, have a read –> Adventure Travel

Not only is mountain climbing a great learning experience, but also it has enormous physical and mental health benefits. The physical benefits are clear in that you will be moving nearly the entire time and challenging your body to do things it may have never done before. This can build muscle mass, increase your stamina, and keep your heart in shape. The mental benefits may not be so obvious, but once you get out there, you will know that this experience is great for your psyche. It is proven that vitamin D can increase your endorphin release, which can give you the feeling of happiness, so make sure you go on a day when the forecast is sunny. Oxygen is also plentiful, and usually much cleaner near mountain climbing areas because of the surrounding countryside, lack of vehicles and plentiful vegetation, so this can clear your head and help boost your energy as well. Although, if you are going on higher mountain routes the air will actually become thinner so be aware of altitude sickness. Another great part of climbing in the outdoors is reconnecting with nature, and with the people you care about, so make sure you go with a group. It’s always safer that way, and you can work on teamwork skills as well as you pull each other through any rough patches.

Mountain climbing can be as simple as hiking along well beaten trail up to a mountain vista point, or it can be as complicated as climbing the face of a nearly vertical cliff with just your toes and finger tips for gripping. There are many well marked, maintained and mapped trails on the mountains of the world so it can be very easy to plan a trip. Make sure you take lots of water, healthy snacks like fruits and nuts and suitable outdoor clothing and safety gear. Whichever way you choose to go, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful time full of learning and exercise outdoors, which will surely create lasting memories for you and whomever you choose to go with. Mountain climbing is a fabulous type of adventure travel that is a great way to expose your family to new places and learn more about the world, and how you can appreciate it in a healthy and rewarding way.

In the future, when planning your next series of adventure travel activities, whether it be mountain climbing, or something else, that you always tell someone you know exactly where you are going in case of an emergency. Remember to have fun, be safe, and keep learning about the outdoors! It’s an exciting place out there; isn’t it time you enjoyed all the world has to offer?

Carrying on our series we have Sailing, have a read –> Adventure Travel

Not all adventure travel activities are for athletes, there are many things you can do no matter your age, or even disability, even families can enjoy there time together whilst they all go sailing, horse riding or trekking, for example.

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One of the reasons we, S2Si, are different to many other organisers of adventure travel activities is that we pride ourselves on our excellent safety record.  On certain expeditions, due to their length of time and location, we provide our own medical team and equipment.  This will offer families, older travellers and travellers with disabilities much ‘piece of mind ‘.

We are sure that if you went around the world on a vacation, called into a local tour operator and booked some adventure travel activities that you would have a good time and most trips end with everyone satisfied, camera full of pictures and plenty of memories to share later.  However, the ones that don’t always end so good are the ones that we hear about – fatalities or survival situations, for example.

So you don’t become one of the unlucky few who are not happy with their trip or, even worse, suffer due a lack of safety equipment or experience whilst outdoors, here is a basic guide for things to watch out for in the early stages:

• Does the equipment used seem excessively worn or abused?  Check belts or straps for wear and tear, are ropes fraying, brakes on mountain bikes, leaks in kayaks, etc.
• Are you given the right safety equipment for the chosen activity?  Lifejackets for all water sports, a proper lifejacket (not a floatation vest) when sailing, helmets in nearly all sports, if diving and partnered with a stranger make sure they know the safety procedures.
• No matter which activity or where, is there a first aid kit available and someone trained to use it?  Ask to see the first aid kit, does it contain a suitable array of equipment for the activity you are about to engage in?  Is is well packed, clean and items in-date?
• Actually ask about safety concerns.  What is their plan is for emergencies, how have the dealt with issues in the past? If they say they have never had any issues at all then they are probably lying – all the staff at S2Si have had to deal with medical emergencies in the past and would be happy to discuss the procedures used.
• Finally – trust your instinct and don’t be affraid to say NO and leave the agency/office!  If something doesn’t feel right then there might be good cause for that feeling. You can’t thoroughly enjoy a day rock climbing if you have a nagging concern over the safety of the kit!

Our series is up and running, starting with Mountain Climbing, have a read –> Adventure Travel

Their response, “You’ve seen one river, you’ve seen them all. Why bother to travel around the world to do something you can do at home.” It’s at this point you realize you are fighting a losing battle in trying to explain your reasoning until the person you are speaking to actually tries it.

Maybe your response to their questioning should be, “You can eat food at home, but does that mean you never want to go out to eat?” It’s kind of the same thing with kayaking. Just because you can do it near where you live, that doesn’t mean it isn’t exciting to explore new regions, peoples, and bodies of water. If you live in an area without much geography or many rivers, it could be a dream come true to kayak mountainous or coastal regions. If you live in a geographically diverse region, it may be more interesting for you to visit a different country to get the feel for the various lifestyles and living habits of the indigenous people as you paddle their waterways. Still others who are used to calmer, more serene kayaking venues such as lakes and lazy rivers might find a whitewater river trip, which may not be available where they live, more desirable for its excitement factor.

No matter what the reason, seeing different lands, geography, peoples, and waterways, never seems to get old to the true ‘river rat’. Not only does a kayaking expedition in different parts of the country or world make for new and interesting adventures though, it is also a test of sorts. Like mountain climbers searching for new challenges through mountains or cliffs, kayakers like to test themselves as well. Being out on the water alone, or with one other person, can be incredibly relaxing, but it can also test one’s skills. Pushing your navigation techniques, physical endurance, and kayaking abilities can be an intoxicating experiment that can lead you all over the world in search of new courses on which to conduct your trials.

Nevertheless, it is often simply the thrill of the adventure and what is just around next corner that drives us to find new locations to paddle. Discovering the beauty of nature while having the opportunity to learn about new countries, peoples, and cultures, is an amazing benefit of a kayaking expedition. In addition, as with looking back on many other trips and vacations, half the fun in the experience is getting there. Therefore, when someone asks why it is that you would want to kayak abroad when you can do it at home, you’ll know the answer, even if he never does.

If you are thinking to join a kayaking expedition then we here at S2Si are the people to talk to.  We can help you join a kayaking expedition to Patagonia (Chile), Canada or New Zealand, we has the industry’s finest expedition leaders and operate to extremely high safety standards.

If you would like some information on a kayaking expedition the please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Quality Time

Short of lunchtime chitchat and breaks around the water cooler, most corporate employees do not have much of an opportunity to get to know their co-workers as people. By stripping away the regular office duties and placing your staff in a rustic wilderness environment that does not offer many modern distractions (i.e. – internet, ipod, etc.), your employees will have a rare occasion to take their time and talk with one another on a deeper level.

Team Building

An expedition environment offers many challenges that an office environment does not. In rustic settings, meeting even the most basis necessities of life requires full cooperation by all involved. For example, before the sun goes down, shelters must be constructed, a fire must be made and food must be gathered or hunted, then cooked. If the entire team does not contribute to the effort, it will be a very cold and uncomfortable night for all. The understanding your company’s employees will gain about the importance of teamwork in the wilderness will translate into a more comprehensive understanding of the importance of teamwork in the office.

In addition to the learning about how each team member must do their part to ensure the well-being of the team as a whole, your employees will learn to trust one another at a completely new level. Many situations such as rock climbing, river rafting and survival training scenarios require that you quite literally put your life into the hands of your teammates. Once a co-worker has belayed you up the face of a steep mountain, you will never be able to look at them the same. A team that trusts each other is far more productive than a team that always has to watch their backs. Wilderness or expedition environments are one of the best places for corporations to build this kind of trust between employees.

Rest, Relaxation and Play

A company and its employees come together to do one thing, namely, work. While this is obvious and good, it can also lead to an office environment that lacks vigor and the spirit of playful camaraderie that is known to foster creativity and productivity. Taking your employees out of the 9 to 5 grind and letting them loose to play in outdoor environs is a great way to generate the high morale that makes for an enthusiastic work force.

In addition, workers can become overstressed when they are constantly needing to make deadlines and deal with a wide array of customer concerns and complaints. Giving your employees the chance to get out into the outdoors where they can breathe clean air and de-stress for a while, will rejuvenate your work force and enable them to give 100% when they get back to the office.

As you can see character building activities, on expedition or in wilderness environments, doesn’t always have to be the typical ‘made up chain of events’ that most coporate days out offer, by just being in remote and challenging environments can bring out the qualities you want to see in your team.

Corporate time out is not cheap.  The company suffers from missing its staff for the duration of the expedition or training event, the company has to fund the actual event itself and then it could all be a waste of time.

Why would it be a waste of time?  One very important aspect is the leadership of the event itself.  The expedition leader must be the right kind of person to help your guys benefit the most from their character building activities.  On expedition there will be tough times and the wrong kind of leader can make matters worse by dividing the group, by making individuals suffer more than necessary, by not addressing inter-group or personel conflict correctly, etc.

Always check thoroughly the background of not only the company offering you the event but the team they will have there running it.

Here is some more expedition news where we start to look at dietary requirements and health.

• Commando Course Half day (3hrs)
• Commando Course Full day (1 day)
• Commando Survival Course (24 hrs)

How would you survive life without the luxury’s we take for granted? These unique expedition training courses take you back to basics, from 3 – 24 hrs!

Experience our Back to Basics Survival and Expedition Training courses in woodland within Northamptonshire. Test your employee’s leadership skills in a unique environment, hone their ability to think clearly in difficult situations, unfamiliar environments and with team members they may not know, but will have to trust.

These unique expedition training courses can be run throughout the UK although we have a training base in Northampton. Subjects experienced and taught range from basic survival kit and knowledge, through to important navigation and survival techniques, including building natural shelters, fire lighting and water purification.

Whether you just want to experience the UK outdoors in a different way and have some fun with your colleagues or are an individual or company about to embark on an extreme expedition overseas, S2Si’s flexible approach to course content means you can pick and chose the subjects taught. This also means we have something for everyone.

You will receive ‘Back to Basics’ knowledge and training from a certified professional. Former Royal Marine John Sullivan has trained in the Jungle, Desert and Arctic and has also worked with the BBC on programmes such as ‘Last Man Standing’ and ‘Extreme Dreams’.

The courses and training packages are perfect for:

• Corporate Companies and the Business Community
• Media and Production companies
• Tour Operators
• Individuals

Discounts are available for groups.

W are confident, that between the members of permenant staff here at S2Si and our in-country friends around the world, we can train any size of group, for any period of time in any environment!  The training team can then also stay in-country for a short period after to assist in your acclimatization or for up to any period of time you wish.

Here is just a small sample of some of the typical expedition training courses we can help you with:

• An expedition leader, ex-forces, PADI Divemaster, RYA Yachtmaster – ideal for coastal/island based projects.
• Ex-British Army mechanic, tens of thousands of miles traveling in Land Rovers – good for vehicle based expeditions.
• A specialist in the neo-tropics, Spanish speaking – for all Latin American destinations

If you have any questions regarding our unique expedition training courses then please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” (TIES, 1990). By that definition, what’s to prevent a disreputable adventure travel company from touting camping trips to the local park area as ecotourism? What’s implied but not included in that defining statement is this: ecotourism aims to raise awareness and respect for fragile ecosystems with diverse populations who are experiencing difficulty keeping their cultures, inhabitants, and resources unaffected by development. With that in mind, the ideal ecotour plans to not only deliver a positive experience for visitors and inhabitants, but also financially benefit the targeted area so that further conservation efforts can be facilitated.

When considering a unique expedition or adventure travel, ask yourself the following questions: What footprint does this trip leave behind in terms of waste and energy? What will I learn about indigenous culture that I don’t already know? How involved is the travel company/expedition provider with assistance to the area I want to visit? Who benefits from my visit? Are local jobs created and supported by this tour? What kind of biodiversity support is this trip claiming to provide? How active will my participation be? And finally: Are the inhabitants of this area aware of and receptive to this visit? A good adventure travel company will be prepared with detailed answers to these questions. An excellent adventure travel company will not only have answers, but staff with proven track records of ecotour experience for you to examine as well.

If you want a unique expedition or adventure  make sure your chosen tour company has the responsibility of not only providing a challenging and beneficial experience, but safeguarding your health as well. Medical examinations must be in order, risks and physical limitations must be assessed. This can be an intimidating and confusing process. A seasoned adventure travel company will assist with these preparations and provide well-planned itineraries that leave nothing in doubt. Medical back-up, communications, logistics, and safety training are all areas that may fall outside the definition of ecotourism but are certainly essential elements to a successful and very unique expedition.

An ecotour can be an exciting and life-changing event. You may travel to remote areas that are vastly different from your every day experience. Upon your return, your views of the world and your place in it will never be the same. That’s the reward to a proper ecotour provider: spreading wonder, excitement, and a sense of stewardship for the Earth. With enough care and attention, we can change the world.

The human race of today is more sedentary than it has ever been since the history of it’s evolution. The corporate lifestyle that so many of us have adopted, in which we sit for upwards to ten hours a day in front of a computer, has literally changed the physiology of us as a race of human beings. With the rising cost of living in some many parts of the world, some of us don’t even have the option to take a weekend off, as second jobs are becoming more and more normal as times go on. For these reasons, it is important that we engage in character building exercises that allow us to experience personal growth and productivity. One of the best ways to go about this is to participate in an expedition.

Many of us have dreamed of venturing to parts of the world that we have never seen before, yet don’t feel that we have the money or the time to do so. Fortunately, there are plenty of organizations and companies that specialize in putting together expeditions, which makes it easier than ever for the average person to finally experience what they have only imagined to be impossible. This is a wonderful resource, as these types of expeditions tend to be exactly what people need in order to refresh themselves and get a new lease on life.

Expeditions are good for character building for many reasons. For one, it throws the individual into a place he or she is likely unfamiliar with, causing them to become a bit disorientated. While this may not sound like a positive thing, it truly is, as it forces the individual to use their own logic to figure out how to adapt to their surroundings. When we live a humdrum lifestyle in which every day is the same this trait is all but lost for most of us. Naturally, it can be very refreshing to regain this sense of responsibility.

Responsibility is the other key factor here. On an expedition, many times the individual’s actions directly determine the outcomes that may or may not affect other members of the group. There are plenty of applications in the real world that are related to this, however these extreme situations force you to really think things through so that the perfect decision can be made.

The best thing about taking an expedition is possibly the end result. After everything is all said and done, you are able to walk away with the empowering knowledge that you were able to survive something that beforehand you thought was most likely impossible. This sense of empowerment can be carried with you far beyond the expedition, along with everything else you learned, and will truly change you as a person. Many people come back from environmental expeditions feeling like a new person and are able to go back to their jobs with optimistic viewpoints on life – there’s no better way to recharge!