Page 147 - AGC_Journal 2018(FINAL)_Neat

AGC JOURNAL 2018

Exercise Velocity Rhino Exercise

Kernow Dragon
By Corporal Andrew Misell

The aim of the Exercise was to provide the Detachment with fi rstly team
cohesion since we work and operate as individuals for the majority of the By Private Robin Pun
working day, but secondly to demonstrate our own leadership abilities
through encouragement and bravery. Exercise Kernow Dragon was a fi ve day water based program in Cornwall
during July 2018.

Our Aim to plunge into the quarry below. We Velocity Awaits
were briefed by a member of staff
This was our chance to conquer the which I can only recall as a blur due As we arrived at the summit where Day One At Fistral
fastest zip line in the world and the to the realisation that we were about Velocity awaited us, we posed one Because of traffi c we had to head straight Beach
longest in Europe. to throw ourselves across a quarry last time for a group photograph
travelling at speeds of up to 100mph. before choosing a partner to descend towards the Aqua park in Winnard’s Perch for
North Wales All fully kitted up we headed up to the with. The wind at the top certainly our fi rst activity. After being issued a wetsuit and
‘baby’ zip line for a practice. added to the fear factor that was given an initial safety brief it was time to attempt
We departed Beacon Barracks and already set before us, however, we all an infl ated assault course. The assault course was
very similar to the ‘Total Wipeout’ style course -
headed to Zip World, Penrhyn Quarry, A Smaller Test put on our brave faces and headed
Bethesda in order to take a ride on the down two at a time until we had all an incredible way to start the week.
world-famous Velocity Zip Line. After a ten minute walk, we arrived reached the bottom successfully. All I
at the smaller version of Velocity. We could remember was the tremendous Day Two
Relaxing Before The Big stood there nervously making jokes speed that we travelled at over what After breakfast we drove down to Newquay
Event seeing who would break fi rst and was such a long distance, held up Water Sports Centre. Our fi rst activity of the day
then we all descended successfully to only by a harness on a zip wire. was Monster Stand-Up Paddle Boarding. This
On arrival, we observed people zip the other side of the quarry without was a totally unique activity for all of us. It was
lining down the quarry whilst we a scratch. However, it was what Endnote an amazingly fun experience that everyone
all enjoyed a coff ee. The weather awaited us at the other side of the enjoyed, including the non-swimmers amongst
was great on the day and most of quarry that was more concerning. A Overall a fantastic experience for us. Although it was ‘stand up’ paddleboard we
us looked relaxed before the main jingly type truck, appearing like it had us all and one which we would were struggling to keep balance with six people
event. We were called forward by a seen better days with peeling paint recommend to anyone. By the end of all trying to get up at the same time on the same Fun and the
member of the Zip World staff and work and dents all over it, worryingly the event we had all earned the right board. After few hours of wrestling amongst each water slide
were handed red and grey boiler picked us all up. This concerned me to say we had conquered the fastest other it was time for lunch. Our afternoon activity
suits along with a helmet to make as I had not put the jingly type truck zip line in the world and the longest was called the ‘Jet Wing Ride’, it was amazing.
sure we had the correct personal in my risk assessment but we were in Europe. We took turns in groups of three to jump onto
protective equipment to protect us, in committed now. We then ascended an infl atable and hold on for dear life as a jet-ski
the terrible event that one of us were the steep shaky track towards the drags you around the sea. It was one of the most
summit where Velocity awaited.
amazing experiences skimming the surface of the
ocean at high speeds with friends; big wake turns
and 360 degree spins. After crying with laughter,
it was the end of the fi rst day with the Water
Sports Centre.

Day Three
Another exciting day for us, surfi ng day. It was
physically challenging walking through waves
and fi ghting to stand up on your board, but it was
a pleasure being in the sun and bonding with my
colleagues in the Sea. The next activity was ‘Sea
Rafting Safaris’ in Newquay Bay, working our way
along the mighty cliff s. We were lucky with high
tide so we managed to get into some caves.

Day Four
Our fi nal day was Coasteering. It was a lot of
fun swimming along the coast and climbing
through rocks. The most exciting part was the
cliff jumping. However, it was not the best for me;
whilst jumping from a 20 foot cliff I landed on my
belly and instructors were not happy with me. It
took three hours to complete the trip swimming
and jumping along the coast.

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