Page 96 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
Ex Canpaddle is one of JSMTC’s many concentrations that are delivered throughout the year and all over the world. It is a great opportunity to further enhance and gain quali cations
in open boat canoeing in a spectacular environment. The trip is based at Trails End Camp, which is located in Western Canada, a short drive from Cochrane, Alberta. Canpaddle is split into two 4-5 day expedition phases, which this year took place on the Kootenay and Red Deer rivers. Being able to paddle from 0900 – 1700 on one river, continuously for 4 days made for an amazing expedition and trip. Camps were pitched along the riverbanks, with care taken to avoid attracting the unwanted attention of the local brown bears. The expeditions really offered everyone the opportunity of a real wild camping experience with some sites having no access by vehicle, and meaning we were self-suf cient throughout. The experience and knowledge gained from continuous paddling over 10 days is something, which can only be achieved within this amazing setting.
SSgt Harden White-water Safety and Rescue Training (not his last swim!
EX CANPADDLE
SSgt (SSI) R Harden RAPTC
Ex Alppaddle was run by JSMTC over the period 31 May – 12 Jun 15 and returned to Slovenia’s river Soca. The trip started with a steady shake out to blow off the cobwebs
and check equipment before getting our teeth into the meatier stuff. The Soca River offers everything you could wish for, from gentle grade 1/2, steady grade 2/3, exciting grade 3/4 to full-on grade 4/6. With the sun beaming, temperatures high and the river crystal clear (though a little low), conditions couldn’t have been much better. The exercise was extremely successful and as a result managed to award a number of high end JSAT Kayak Scheme awards including; Inland Kayak 4 Star Leader Training, Inland Kayak 4 Star Leader and Inland Kayak 5 Star Instructor. Additionally all students either refreshed or completed the white water safety and rescue course with a handful completing the advanced course. All in all, it was a very successful and enjoyable exercise with plenty of challenges and achievements throughout.
Sgt (SI) Danny Meehan looking at his colouring book at Sirra de Toix
River Soca - Slovenia
EX SPANROCK
Sgt (SI) G Charlton RAPTC
Ex Spanrock took place over the period 16 - 27 Nov 15 and is based in the Costa Blanca region of Spain. Accommodation and messing is provided via the Albir Garden Resort in
Alicante which is ideally located to access the wide range of training venues available. Spain is a great alternative and location to run an overseas climbing expedition, considering the climbing conditions back in the UK are generally grim during winter months. Climbing varies from easy accessible roadside crags (that’s easy access, not climbing!), numerous multi-pitch routes, extensive sea cliffs and some inspirational mountain crags, which were all utilized during the concentration to say the least.
STUBAI SKI SERIALS
Sgt (SI) R Brown RAPTC
As part of JSMTC’s winter deployment, an alpine ski leader course is provided during November on the Stubai Glacier in Austria. This course provides students the opportunity to attend an intensive ten day ski instructor package but also
EX ALPPADDLE
Sgt (SI) D Mudge RAPTC