Your Coasteering Questions Answered
June 18th, 2021
We’ve compiled a helpful list of frequently asked coasteering questions to answer any queries you may have. If you require any additional information, please get in touch with our team and we’d be more than happy to help.
Coasteering a popular outdoor adventure activity that combines clambering over rocky outcrops, exploring sea caves and jumping into the water below. It is one of the most popular watersports sessions we offer at Cumulus Outdoors and is a great option for families, schools and groups looking for a fun-filled experience on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
What is coasteering?
Coasteering is a fun watersports activity that takes place on coastlines around the UK. During coasteering sessions participants clamber over rocks, explore sea caves and jump from cliffs into the sea below. Coasteering is carefully planned activity lead by experienced guides. It should not be confused with tombstoning, which is unsupervised and often dangerous.
How to do coasteering?
If you want to try coasteering, we highly recommend booking a trip with an outdoor adventure activity provider. Qualified and experienced instructors will help you manoeuvre safely along the coastline and offer guidance for entering and exiting the water safely.
How safe is coasteering?
A lot of planning has gone into our coasteering sessions to ensure the safety of our participants. We carefully check the depth of jumping spots and survey the water for hazards at the start of every season. We’re continually assessing the sea state, wind and tide and have plenty of routes planned so we can adapt to the conditions. Where we go and what we do is dependent on the ability of the group.
Is coasteering dangerous?
All of our coasteering sessions take place in a secure environment with experienced and qualified guides. We carry out regular risk assessments and plan for all eventualities. You should always go coasteering with a licensed outdoor activity provider. Never go on your own.
What to wear coasteering?
We supply all of our coasteering participants with a high-quality wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid. We advise wearing sturdy shoes, such as trainers. It’s usually best to wear old shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
Where to go coasteering?
Dorset is one of the best places to go coasteering in England. Our coasteering sessions take place at Dancing Ledge, one of the most scenic spots on the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Who invented coasteering?
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of coasteering, because people have enjoyed exploring cliffs and rocky outcomes for some time. The term combines ‘coast’ and ‘mountaineering’ and is thought to have been practiced by expedition parties, who need to access remote areas. It first became a commercial activity in the mid 80s in Wales.
What are the best shoes for coasteering?
We recommended wearing sturdy shoes such as trainers. Wear shoes that are comfy and that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty.
What is the best equipment for coasteering?
Coasteering should only be practiced in the presence of an experienced instructor. When participating in a coasteering session the outdoor activity provider will provide you with all the necessary equipment, including a wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid.
Is coasteering similar to surfing?
No. Coasteering is a unique watersports activity that combines cliff exploration and jumping into the sea in a safe and managed environment. No surf boards or body boards are used in this activity.
Is coasteering scary?
At Cumulus Outdoors we operate a strict ‘Challenge By Choice’ ethos. This means participants decide exactly what they are comfortable doing. No one will be forced to jump from a height they are not comfortable with and the session will be designed around the needs and ability of the group. That being said, we do encourage participants to push the boundaries of their comfort zone. Many participants leave our activity sessions with a feeling of accomplishment after conquering their fears and trying thing they hadn’t previously imagined possible. We worked hard to foster a safe and supportive environment at all times.
What is the difference between coasteering and canyoning?
There are similarities between coasteering and canyoning but they are still very different activities. Canyoning involves navigating down a mountain stream using a combination of skills such as abseiling, sliding and repelling. This will usually take place in a gorge, which has been carved out by natural erosion over time. Coasteering also includes jumping and climbing but it takes places in a coastal location, next to the sea.
Where to go coasteering in Dorset?
Dorset is one of the best places to go coasteering in the UK. The Jurassic Coast is renowned for watersports. At Cumulus Outdoors all of our coasteering sessions take place at Dancing Ledge. This scenic location offers participants the chance to explore the coastline and take in magnificent views, while participating in a fun outdoor adventure activity.
Is coasteering at Dancing Ledge in Dorset fun?
Coasteering is a fun activity, well suited to children and adults. Our instructors work hard to ensure the session is enjoyable for all, without compromising on safety. During the activity there will be plenty of laughter and encouragement. We’ve received some fantastic feedback from customers over the years.
What qualifications do you need to become a coasteering instructor in the UK?
All of our guides are qualified beach life guards with outdoor first aid certifications. They all receive in house training by an external technical advisor.
How much does coasteering cost?
The cost of coasteering differs between outdoor activity providers. At Cumulus Outdoors in Dorset our coasteering sessions cost £49 per person for a half-day session (prices correct as of June 2021).
Do you offer coasteering sessions for schools?
Yes! School and youth groups are welcome to come and enjoy our coasteering sessions as part of a day excursion or multi-day residential trip.
Where’s the best place to coasteering on the Jurassic Coast?
In our opinion Dancing Ledge is one of the best places to go coasteering on the Jurassic Coast – this is where all of our sessions take place. Make sure you book with an experienced outdoor activity provider. You should never go coasteering on your own.