Coasteering Pioneers
Coasteering is a thrilling combination of swimming, cliff jumping and rock climbing. This unique sport allows you to explore the Algarve coastline from a new perspective. Sophie Sadler interviews dare-devil business partners Jim Newington and Nick Ainley to find out more.
What brought you to the Algarve?
Jim: I moved to Portugal at the start of 2017. I came out to the Algarve on a surf holiday and I loved it so much I decided to move here and find a job. I got work as a surf instructor and Stand-up paddle guide and then stayed for the winter and loved the place even more.
Nick: I came out to visit Jim the same year and I loved the area so much I kept returning until I eventually decided to move out too and started working as a SUP guide.
Did you work in outdoor pursuits before you came to the Algarve?
Jim: We had previously worked together in Cornwall in outdoor education doing a variety of things including surf teaching, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing as well as coasteering which we both loved. We did a lot of coasteering guiding back in England with a wide range of clients when it was first taking off. Nick even worked training with the Royal Marines.
Nick: I was a paddlesport coach, SUP guide and coasteering guide in the UK. Over the years I have trained a wide range of groups in the ocean, including the British armed forces.
How did you come up with the idea of coasteering as an activity in the Algarve?
Jim: We saw the potential for coasteering between Lagos and Sagres and decided to start the company after a few missions around the coast. Sagres is perfect for the cliffs, islands, coves, hidden caves, jumps and easy access.
Was it difficult to get the necessary licenses?
Jim: It took us more or less a year to get everything in place in terms of licenses, insurance etc and now here we are, ready for the season and we can't wait for the summer.
Who is the sport aimed at?
Jim: Our ethos for Poseidon Adventure is to make this amazing sport accessible for all. Essentially it's an extreme sport but we don't want it to be exclusive, we want to share our passion for it with everyone and in doing so create a totally safe, bespoke and family friendly environment for our clients. Participants do have to be over eight years old.
Nick: Our sessions are perfect for groups, families with children and individuals. We will provide you with top of the range coasteering safety equipment for your 3-hour adventure during which you will swim in the crystal clear water of the Algarve coast, jump from extraordinary heights and explore hidden caves.
Is it safe?
Our safety procedures are robust - every activity site has been extensively risk-assessed and explored, we provide all the necessary safety equipment (helmet, wetsuit, buoyancy aids, gloves) and we only operate in conditions that we determine safe. We know just how important safety is from working in the outdoor sector in the UK and we pride ourselves on our ability to operate under the highest standards.
What has been your best moment while coasteering?
Jim: I think the best thing that's happened whilst coasteering is seeing dolphins not too far away when we were in Beliche and also swimming in caves that nobody else has access to without coasteering.
How much does it cost to go coasteering?
Our sessions are priced from 50 euros per person. This includes pick up/drop off (between Sagres & Lagos), all safety equipment, photographs of your coasteering adventure and fully qualified and experienced guides.
How long does coasteering last?
Jim: Our sessions are 3 hours long, including full safety brief and introduction.
How do you book?
Nick: Call us (+351) 919 667 849 or complete the contact form on our website, please note that we may not be able to answer your call during the day as we may be out exploring in the ocean. However, we will always be free for a chat in the evenings until 2200h.
Poseidonadv.com
Instagram (@poseidoncoasteering)
https://issuu.com/tomorrowalgarve/docs/tomorrow_-_july_2019_edition_web/50
