“A big part of coasteering is about encouraging people to step outside their comfort zones, getting that adrenaline rush. It’s all the things you were never allowed to do in the swimming pool. But safety’s the top priority, always.”
As we speak, Steven Edwards is scanning the waters off Roseness in Orkney’s East Mainland. There’s around a dozen of us gathered in a small cove behind him, from young children to middle-aged adults.
Steven and his business partner James Henry are taking their time, assessing the conditions, timing the gaps between waves – a more telltale sign of their power than height alone. But we’re happy to wait. ‘Eyeballing’ the conditions and matching those to a thorough knowledge of the route and its potential hazards is a process that can’t be rushed.
Steven and James are launching Orkney's newest outdoor activity business this summer. Over the Edge will offer coasteering adventures across the Orkney mainland, giving those taking part the chance to explore seldom-seen sections of some stunning stretches of coastline.
“We always walk the coast to identify potential coasteering routes,” explains Steven. “Then we make numerous trips back to take notes in different weather and tide conditions. Once we’re happy from above we then swim the route, checking the depth of the water and looking for any potential hazards that might cause problems, while emergency access and escape routes are physically tested. We then gather a group of family and friends to try the route and ask for feedback.”
After a few minutes of wave-watching, he gives us the thumbs up. Everyone’s kit is checked over for a final time before the trip begins. On top of our full-length wetsuits and neoprene socks under trainers, are buoyancy aids, helmets and gloves. This had all been donned earlier on, in the comfort of a nearby changing room, where a full safety briefing was given.
The location we’re heading for has been well-chosen. A reef emerging from the retreating tide protects it from the worst of the swell. There is a short, exposed section to be swum before we reach this point though. The older lads make short work of it and are soon scrambling over the rocky outcrop to reach the first ‘geo’, or inlet.
The younger members of the group need a bit more help. James and Steven work well together; one leading, one to the rear, they’re constantly scanning the group, offering a hand here, a word of encouragement there. The pair are both National Coasteering Charter (NCC) qualified coasteering guides and are keen to share their passion for the margins between Orkney’s land and sea.
“We wanted to bring a new outdoor activity to Orkney that would inspire people to get in the ocean,” says Steven. “For the past twenty years or more I’ve been on countless coasteering, canyoning, white water rafting, river tubing and cliff jumping trips with a view to starting an outdoor adventure company.
"With James and I setting up the Orkney Football Academy ten years ago, it was always the intention to create an activity in an environment that would build resilience by taking people out of their comfort zone and making unforgettable memories while doing so. That’s really what ‘Over the Edge’ is all about.”
It’s a point which James had also touched on during the walk from the carpark. “I’ve been employed in social work for years and I’ve seen the impact these types of activities can have on young folk’s lives,” he says. “It can be genuinely transformative, and we just want to give as many people as possible the chance to have that experience. It’s something very much for visitors and locals alike.”
After a short swim to the head of the geo and into a small cave, we head around the next rocky outcrop. James takes a stance on a semi-submerged ledge of rock as the teenagers scramble up a rocky face opposite. They’ve all been here before and are keen to jump from a bit of height. I hold my breath as they step out into thin air before plunging into the clear waters below.
Steven is reassuring. “That’s where really understanding water depth is vital. You have to be certain that there’s no rocky outcrops or boulders under the surface. Solid rock formation on the cliff face is a really important starting point too.”
The younger children tackle slightly more modest jumps – feet first, in a chorus of shrieks and hollers. One of them decides they fancy a slightly bigger challenge, so Steven identifies an appropriate spot to leap from. There’s a momentary delay as the lad realises what he’s let himself in for. But after a few gentle words of encouragement, he launches himself off the cliff and into the sea. When he emerges, the grin tells you everything.
There’s just time to take a circuit of an impressive sea cave before we make our way back to our start point.
As we head home past the sea stack to where we began, not one of the group is showing any sign of the cold, despite being in and out of the water for almost two hours. As we emerge onto the clifftop there’s hot drinks and chocolate bars all round.
“Coasteering offers a unique feeling of escapism and adventure while seeing the world from a whole different perspective. If you want to just be in the moment without any distractions, coasteering will 100% give you that,” says Steven.
“There’s a real sense of achievement from stepping out of your comfort zone, and it’ll keep you smiling for the next month or so!”
Find out more about coasteering in Orkney with Over the Edge and book online via the official website.