Sunday 20 November 2011
Polar Expedition Training
I've always been a great believer in making training tough, realistic and comprehensive.
This achieves several things.
Firstly, participants get to know about all the skills they need and have the opportunity to get to grips with them.
Secondly, they get to know which skills they are lacking and are able to concentrate on addressing these needs (with my help of course).
For this to be effective I nurture an atmosphere of what I call "brutal" honesty, where people feel comfortable in accepting and talking about their shortfalls (which we all have, me especially!)
Thirdly, these new found skills are practised to the point of becoming semi-automatic. I believe this is essential in keeping safe within these environments which are inherently unsafe. An excellent example of this is practising for the POLAR BEAR ENCOUNTER. It is my view that unless the team practises getting up at 04:00 hrs when everyone is shattered, bleary-eyed and really doesn't want to move out of the cocoon of their sleeping bag having struggled most of the night to get comfortable, then they are not in position to be effective and efficient at doing so when it really counts.
Fourthly, they get to make their mistakes in a controlled environment, where we can all learn from them if you analyse and talk about the exercise properly, afterwards.
Finally, teams gel together in a deeper, more considerate and sensitive way than when in normal society. Mother Nature is a natural leveller, stripping away the facades of normal living and getting down to the real self. There's no room for bluff, spin, ego, agenda or delusion. All these vanish and people are left to confront themselves; unplugged, as it were. Experiencing this is both cathartic and ultimately empowering as it develops a much better person during the process.
Additionally it can be great fun!
The latest Ice Warrior Polar Training is now available for booking.
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Core Skills: Would you be able to navigate if they switched off the GPS?
Like so many of today's gadgets we all tend to rely very heavily on the GPS for navigation. It's easy, convenient, accurate and adds huge value with the various additional functions that it performs. But would you recognise it if it were not telling the truth and could you navigate with nothing but your watch and a keen pair of eyes?
If you fancy finding out, why not enrole on our Core Skills Training, based in Bellever, Devon? http://www.ice-warrior.com/Polar_Training.htm
I would be delighted to see you there!
- Jim
If you fancy finding out, why not enrole on our Core Skills Training, based in Bellever, Devon? http://www.ice-warrior.com/Polar_Training.htm
I would be delighted to see you there!
- Jim
Location:Glasgow, Scotland
Thursday 15 September 2011
Competent or Foolhardy?
What would you do if your GPS stopped working on the way to the North or South poles? Does your safety plan include a protocol for losing communications? What should you do if one of your team suffers hypothermia? How would you set up a rope pulley system to help haul your gear up a steep incline?
These are a tiny sample of the types of skills you really need to be an extreme traveller. AND not just know but be able to do something about. It's fine learning these things in theory but there is absolutely no substitute for practice and that should be as near "live" as possible. This not only proves you are able to apply your knowledge but the more you practice the more automated the process becomes when you have to apply it in the worst of conditions.
Whether I'm training an individual, a whole expedition team or a BBC film crew the importance of scenario based training cannot be overstressed.
Neither can the idea of measuring competence; right from the start of training through to the end. ..and it is only the end when you're happy in yourself that you're competent.
If you're contemplating a polar expedition then I'd be very happy to assess your current competence and suggest where your weaknesses lie and therefore your training needs.
These are a tiny sample of the types of skills you really need to be an extreme traveller. AND not just know but be able to do something about. It's fine learning these things in theory but there is absolutely no substitute for practice and that should be as near "live" as possible. This not only proves you are able to apply your knowledge but the more you practice the more automated the process becomes when you have to apply it in the worst of conditions.
Whether I'm training an individual, a whole expedition team or a BBC film crew the importance of scenario based training cannot be overstressed.
Neither can the idea of measuring competence; right from the start of training through to the end. ..and it is only the end when you're happy in yourself that you're competent.
If you're contemplating a polar expedition then I'd be very happy to assess your current competence and suggest where your weaknesses lie and therefore your training needs.
Monday 22 August 2011
Last chance to take part in the Last World First in Polar Expeditioning
Save for the first person on their mono-cycle, whistling “Land of Hope and Glory” or some such similar caper, true WORLD FIRSTs are incredibly rare. That’s why I was staggered when I came to realise that no-one had actually reached the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility.
Now, those who know me will testify that I’m a person who does their nth degree of homework AND I do not spin, bluff or BS. So this is all genuine and that’s why (I think) the media have grasped it well.
Incidentally - Some “eejit” has put on the internet that Wally Herbert (a man whom I admire hugely (and I don’t do that very easily at all)) got to the original position in 1968 when he overwintered on the sea-ice, but by his own account he didn’t. Various other rumours exist about Russian scientists travelling through there whilst traversing from one science station to another but I’ve contacted those in the party and they have said they couldn’t remember such an occasion and were sure they would have. So, the closest other rumour is the Russian icebreaker in the late fifties but as yet I haven’t been able to track down the vessel or its’ log.
Despite all the above, in 2005 whilst working with NASA sponsored scientists Ted Scambos and Walt Meier, I asked them if they could re-establish the position using modern technology (GPS and satellite) given that the current published position was established in 1927, by Sir Hubert Wilkins; obviously using 1927 technology!
Lo and behold they confirmed that the actual position is some 200 kilometres away from the original. This has subsequently been ratified by the Scott Polar Research Institute (many thanks to Prof. Julian Dowdeswell and Dr Gareth Rees) and will be the subject of a “press announcement “, in due course.
So; I have a newly established position that I absolutely know that no-one has ever reached.
Now I need four teams of people (up to 7 team members) to train to take part in a 20 day section of this 800 mile journey; incidentally passing through the current position of the Magnetic North Pole.
You may be a total novice or you may have some experience.
You do need the right attitude and characteristics and the very best way of finding out whether you are suitable and you can put up with me and my team is to enrol for the Induction Weekend of 9-11 September. This is the last chance to be involved so, if you’re interested be brave and commit now; I promise you, you will not regret it.
Now, those who know me will testify that I’m a person who does their nth degree of homework AND I do not spin, bluff or BS. So this is all genuine and that’s why (I think) the media have grasped it well.
Incidentally - Some “eejit” has put on the internet that Wally Herbert (a man whom I admire hugely (and I don’t do that very easily at all)) got to the original position in 1968 when he overwintered on the sea-ice, but by his own account he didn’t. Various other rumours exist about Russian scientists travelling through there whilst traversing from one science station to another but I’ve contacted those in the party and they have said they couldn’t remember such an occasion and were sure they would have. So, the closest other rumour is the Russian icebreaker in the late fifties but as yet I haven’t been able to track down the vessel or its’ log.
Despite all the above, in 2005 whilst working with NASA sponsored scientists Ted Scambos and Walt Meier, I asked them if they could re-establish the position using modern technology (GPS and satellite) given that the current published position was established in 1927, by Sir Hubert Wilkins; obviously using 1927 technology!
Lo and behold they confirmed that the actual position is some 200 kilometres away from the original. This has subsequently been ratified by the Scott Polar Research Institute (many thanks to Prof. Julian Dowdeswell and Dr Gareth Rees) and will be the subject of a “press announcement “, in due course.
So; I have a newly established position that I absolutely know that no-one has ever reached.
Now I need four teams of people (up to 7 team members) to train to take part in a 20 day section of this 800 mile journey; incidentally passing through the current position of the Magnetic North Pole.
You may be a total novice or you may have some experience.
You do need the right attitude and characteristics and the very best way of finding out whether you are suitable and you can put up with me and my team is to enrol for the Induction Weekend of 9-11 September. This is the last chance to be involved so, if you’re interested be brave and commit now; I promise you, you will not regret it.
Monday 25 July 2011
Expedition Training
If I had a £5 for every person I've seen arriving at Resolute Bay, Canada, (last stopping off point for many an Arctic expedition and where I have a base) inexperienced, ill prepared and often carrying the wrong equipment or equipment they are not sure how to use, I would be rich!!
Some are rich and have spent fortunes on the very latest technical equipment such as trackers, when they have no idea how they work or more importantly what to do when they don't! Same goes for clothing. A "gucci" name and price tag does not necessarily make a functional piece of hard-wearing kit.
These "explorers" usually fail in the first week of leaving having "broken a ski", had a "mal-functioning stove" or slipped and strained some muscles somewhere. Worst case is when they come back with frostbite! Some learn from their mistakes and come back much more prepared and probably less immediately ambitious. Some unfortunately do not learn and proudly proffer their injuries as some sort of trophy "having survived".
If you are going to pit your wits against the humbling power of Mother Nature and get away with it (which is all any of us hopes to do) then in my opinion it is only sensible to be as prepared as you possibly can be. And that means getting the skills, gaining the knowledge and building up your experience.
Part of that is listening to people who have been there and done it and questioning them fully. I always impress upon people I'm training that there's no such thing as a stupid question! That's not quite true - there is! But we have a friendly laugh about those times where mouth beats brain (we all do it!). But the point I'm trying to get across is that the culture I try and encourage is one of openness and honesty; so if it doesn't make sense ask!
A word of warning here though. Make sure you're listening to the right people! Just because they've had a ton of publicity or they've published a book it doesn't mean they know what they're talking about. Be cautious and be selective and never trust someone who has a definitive answer for you in terms of what to wear.
It is only when you are fully conversant with your gear, your clothing and really know your own boundaries in terms of competence that you can push yourself beyond those limits in a controlled way. And that's incredibly rewarding and satisfying.
I'm due to train more people in the art of expeditioning in October - so if anyone is interested do get in touch. Be great to hear from you anyway.
Some are rich and have spent fortunes on the very latest technical equipment such as trackers, when they have no idea how they work or more importantly what to do when they don't! Same goes for clothing. A "gucci" name and price tag does not necessarily make a functional piece of hard-wearing kit.
These "explorers" usually fail in the first week of leaving having "broken a ski", had a "mal-functioning stove" or slipped and strained some muscles somewhere. Worst case is when they come back with frostbite! Some learn from their mistakes and come back much more prepared and probably less immediately ambitious. Some unfortunately do not learn and proudly proffer their injuries as some sort of trophy "having survived".
If you are going to pit your wits against the humbling power of Mother Nature and get away with it (which is all any of us hopes to do) then in my opinion it is only sensible to be as prepared as you possibly can be. And that means getting the skills, gaining the knowledge and building up your experience.
Part of that is listening to people who have been there and done it and questioning them fully. I always impress upon people I'm training that there's no such thing as a stupid question! That's not quite true - there is! But we have a friendly laugh about those times where mouth beats brain (we all do it!). But the point I'm trying to get across is that the culture I try and encourage is one of openness and honesty; so if it doesn't make sense ask!
A word of warning here though. Make sure you're listening to the right people! Just because they've had a ton of publicity or they've published a book it doesn't mean they know what they're talking about. Be cautious and be selective and never trust someone who has a definitive answer for you in terms of what to wear.
It is only when you are fully conversant with your gear, your clothing and really know your own boundaries in terms of competence that you can push yourself beyond those limits in a controlled way. And that's incredibly rewarding and satisfying.
I'm due to train more people in the art of expeditioning in October - so if anyone is interested do get in touch. Be great to hear from you anyway.
Friday 22 April 2011
Hauser Bears Evening at the RGS
It is not very often that I attend an evening of talks which goes so well and is utterly enthralling.
Starting with Kartick Satyanarayan - the "Bear man of India" - and he was too! Larger than life and very charismatic Kartick gave a speech about his Wildlife SOS organisation and its work throughout India. It was informative, enlightening and wholly inspiring. What I particularly took away was the fact he tackles not only the actual bear problem but the resultant social issues surrounding the problem; bear poacher to protector, for example. What fantastic work he does! And fully supported by Hauser Bears. www.wildlifesos.org
Next-up, the multi-award winning filmmaker and presenter, Fergus Beeley had us sitting on the edge of our seats as he built up the story of trying to find and film the elusive spectacled bears of northern Peru. I began to think he wasn't going to find them! But eventually he did of course and showed some fascinating rushes (unedited footage) of his encounters. He ended on a teasing note of his latest film about the rescue of a bear cub in Georgia - I can't wait to see it! www.fergusbeeley.com
And then my great mate BAFTA and Emmy award winning wildlife cameraman Ian McCarthy had the room captivated by his first-hand accounts of filming grizzlies in the wilds of North America. I did feel compel to heckle however (in the nicest possible way!) when in one sentence he told of how he was advised never to embarrass a bear it is very dangerous and in the next he beautifully described an incredibly close encounter with a mother and her cubs when he was stark naked! If that is not embarrassing a bear then I don't know what is! Fantastic and funny stories and footage - a true raconteur! www.ianmccarthy.co.uk
Finally - and briefly - it was was my turn to announce to the audience a series of fund raising and purposeful Hauser Bear Expeditions to visit all eight bear species in the wild; real expeditions way beyond tourism and carried out in what I hope will be a much more special, engaging and informative way. The idea is for prospective team members to register interest (name and email address) and then receive updates, telling the story of putting on such an expedition using a "members only blog" and describing every step - from research, to safety plans, to equipment lists, to food, to logistics, to capturing the event on camera, etc. All told in detail and as it happens. I can't wait!
If you're interested in taking part just drop Ian your name and email address and we'll add you to the blog. ian@ice-warrior.com
A huge thanks to a wonderfully nice and enthusiastic audience and to Kartick, to Fergus and to Ian for such a fantastic night - and of course to the wonderful Hauser girls, Anna and Karine, founders of such a worthy charity. www.hauserbears.com
When is the next one?
Starting with Kartick Satyanarayan - the "Bear man of India" - and he was too! Larger than life and very charismatic Kartick gave a speech about his Wildlife SOS organisation and its work throughout India. It was informative, enlightening and wholly inspiring. What I particularly took away was the fact he tackles not only the actual bear problem but the resultant social issues surrounding the problem; bear poacher to protector, for example. What fantastic work he does! And fully supported by Hauser Bears. www.wildlifesos.org
Next-up, the multi-award winning filmmaker and presenter, Fergus Beeley had us sitting on the edge of our seats as he built up the story of trying to find and film the elusive spectacled bears of northern Peru. I began to think he wasn't going to find them! But eventually he did of course and showed some fascinating rushes (unedited footage) of his encounters. He ended on a teasing note of his latest film about the rescue of a bear cub in Georgia - I can't wait to see it! www.fergusbeeley.com
And then my great mate BAFTA and Emmy award winning wildlife cameraman Ian McCarthy had the room captivated by his first-hand accounts of filming grizzlies in the wilds of North America. I did feel compel to heckle however (in the nicest possible way!) when in one sentence he told of how he was advised never to embarrass a bear it is very dangerous and in the next he beautifully described an incredibly close encounter with a mother and her cubs when he was stark naked! If that is not embarrassing a bear then I don't know what is! Fantastic and funny stories and footage - a true raconteur! www.ianmccarthy.co.uk
Finally - and briefly - it was was my turn to announce to the audience a series of fund raising and purposeful Hauser Bear Expeditions to visit all eight bear species in the wild; real expeditions way beyond tourism and carried out in what I hope will be a much more special, engaging and informative way. The idea is for prospective team members to register interest (name and email address) and then receive updates, telling the story of putting on such an expedition using a "members only blog" and describing every step - from research, to safety plans, to equipment lists, to food, to logistics, to capturing the event on camera, etc. All told in detail and as it happens. I can't wait!
If you're interested in taking part just drop Ian your name and email address and we'll add you to the blog. ian@ice-warrior.com
A huge thanks to a wonderfully nice and enthusiastic audience and to Kartick, to Fergus and to Ian for such a fantastic night - and of course to the wonderful Hauser girls, Anna and Karine, founders of such a worthy charity. www.hauserbears.com
When is the next one?
Saturday 16 April 2011
Polar Training - great feedback!
Thanks so much for your kind comments - Justin Miles and Adam Browne:
"I can’t thank you enough for last week. Every day was a pleasure and your teaching style was simply brilliant." Justin Miles.
SEE HIS VIDEO
Adam Browne said, "Thankyou for an amazing week. The accomodation was awesome and extremely friendly, Im glad to have had the opportunity to go to Svalbaard, which means that I now need to go back to see more of it.
I found the training very informative in a casual way and enjoyed undertaking the tasks.
Jim's wealth of knowledge and experience shines through his friendly and approachable teaching style, this and meeting like minded people has made this experience unforgetable"
"I can’t thank you enough for last week. Every day was a pleasure and your teaching style was simply brilliant." Justin Miles.
SEE HIS VIDEO
Adam Browne said, "Thankyou for an amazing week. The accomodation was awesome and extremely friendly, Im glad to have had the opportunity to go to Svalbaard, which means that I now need to go back to see more of it.
I found the training very informative in a casual way and enjoyed undertaking the tasks.
Jim's wealth of knowledge and experience shines through his friendly and approachable teaching style, this and meeting like minded people has made this experience unforgetable"
Saturday 9 April 2011
Tranquil Start
The first thing we saw when we opened our eyes was that snow had landed on the roof of the tent. Silence prevailed apart from the various snorts, wriggles and gaseous exchanges of people stealing themselves to tackle the day.
We had camped further up the valley right at the base of Longyearbreen and the snow was still gently falling as we were breakfasting on scrambled eggs with bacon or hot muesli and mango (sounds better than it is, dehydrated and out of a packet!).
having packed away pretty proficiently the guys embarked on their morning sledge haul route.
Afternoon was spent back in the hut going over daily routines, polar tips and tricks and through a full Safety Strategy form top to tail.
A quick sort of the gear and then down to town for a proper meal.
- Jim
We had camped further up the valley right at the base of Longyearbreen and the snow was still gently falling as we were breakfasting on scrambled eggs with bacon or hot muesli and mango (sounds better than it is, dehydrated and out of a packet!).
having packed away pretty proficiently the guys embarked on their morning sledge haul route.
Afternoon was spent back in the hut going over daily routines, polar tips and tricks and through a full Safety Strategy form top to tail.
A quick sort of the gear and then down to town for a proper meal.
- Jim
Location:Longyearbreen Glacier - 5th Morning
Thursday 7 April 2011
Day Three - Polar Training
And the third day they rose from their pit and ventured out.
Daily ski in the morning, Matt, Justin and Adam making it to the top of the Longyearbreen glacier.
Session on maps, navigation and GPS followed by walkies to discover what information you can gleam and how from your GPS.
Video and slides to illustrate protecting yourself from polar bear encounters (the only land mammal which will actively hunt man) and then their first pulk pull on skis – which proved shockingly difficult slightly uphill at minus 18.
Didn’t go very far but swirling wind made it slightly tricky putting up the big 8 man Marmot Lair tent but although it took 40 minutes it was secured very well.
Turned in after an good feed thanks to Adam and hot drinks from Matt (Justin in full support of both – me hovering and bothering as usual!) Beginning to really gel now as a team!
Day Two - Polar Training
A powerful ski first thing is always good for the soul – and for perfecting the little bits of technique we use for pulling our bodyweight and a half over rough sea-ice!
Then after a good breakfast we dug out all the equipment in the store – pulks, tents, ice axes, shovels, bear protection, ropes and stoves – and got to grips with the MSR XGK multi-fuel stove. Because it is your only means of melting snow and re-hydrating it’s essential that what ever goes wrong and in whatever conditions you can repair it.
After a light lunch we talked through tents, first erecting a Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 followed by an 8 man Marmot Lair.
A dip down into town for a good supper and back up the hill to end the day discussing how to mitigate and manage the risks involved in extreme expeditions. A good time had by all.
The only disappointment has been perfect conditions ): with temperatures hovering around minus 10 degrees, beautifully clear skies and no wind – far too nice for training!
But I’ve ordered some wind for when we’re camping tomorrow night!
- Jim
Location:Nybyen, Svalbard, Norway
Location:Svalbard
Tuesday 5 April 2011
First Day of Polar Training
Having collected the three chaps Matt, Adam and Justin from the airport at one o'clock in the morning I thought we'd have a bit of a lie in and got stuck into the training after breakfast at a leisurely 10:15hrs.
Bit of getting to know each other and understand each others expectations and aspirations our first session was bringing a polar perspective on clothing and how to get to the stage where you are properly clothed and you can manage that clothing to best effect.
Then we got the skis out, talked through the skis themselves, the bindings and ski poles and got straight out into a calm snow clad valley at minus 8 degrees - perfect learning conditions.
After inputting the few but vital set of techniques which we use to ski efficiently, the session was all about trying to perfect these.
All three of them were downhill skiers so I knew there would be some heavy re-training necessary. Matt was a natural, Adam started slow and unsure but quickly got to grips and Justin was slower but not that far behind.
The session ended down the valley in Longyearbyen with a naughty bun and wonderful, richly deserved cup of hot chocolate.
Quick bit of shopping for a lunches and snacks and then second ski session up the hill to Huset for our supper. This time the wind had got up and was blowing a blizzard right into our faces.
Squeezed in a final bit on risk appreciation to finish the day off.
- Jim
Bit of getting to know each other and understand each others expectations and aspirations our first session was bringing a polar perspective on clothing and how to get to the stage where you are properly clothed and you can manage that clothing to best effect.
Then we got the skis out, talked through the skis themselves, the bindings and ski poles and got straight out into a calm snow clad valley at minus 8 degrees - perfect learning conditions.
After inputting the few but vital set of techniques which we use to ski efficiently, the session was all about trying to perfect these.
All three of them were downhill skiers so I knew there would be some heavy re-training necessary. Matt was a natural, Adam started slow and unsure but quickly got to grips and Justin was slower but not that far behind.
The session ended down the valley in Longyearbyen with a naughty bun and wonderful, richly deserved cup of hot chocolate.
Quick bit of shopping for a lunches and snacks and then second ski session up the hill to Huset for our supper. This time the wind had got up and was blowing a blizzard right into our faces.
Squeezed in a final bit on risk appreciation to finish the day off.
- Jim
Location:Nybyen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Friday 18 March 2011
Tuesday 8 March 2011
Ice Warrior April Polar Training Course
When - 4th to 11th April 2011
With elements of both our basic and advanced courses this week is designed to take people with some skills, enhance them and transfer them into the polar setting. Because of the small ratio of Jim to trainees the entry level of skills need not be high, as there will be time to bring participants up to the same level. It is envisaged that further training and controlled experience will be necessary in order to reach full competency but this will give you a very good grounding.
• Arctic Survival
• Sea Ice Travel
• Skiing/Hauling
• Technical Equipment
• Expeditioning
• Communications
• Clothing Systems
• Route Planning
• Camp Craft
• Emergencies
• Physical Training
• An appreciation of what it takes to lead an expedition properly
• The psychology behind leadership, team work and expeditioning
• Missing person/kit drill/searching an area
• Sea ice training - recognition of types and what they mean.
• How to cross a lead safely
• How the ocean works
• Traversing rough sea ice without damaging yourself or your kit
• Polar bear drills
• How to orchestrate a casualty evacuation
• Introduction of dynamic risk assessment, managing and controlling the risks
• How to navigate in remote areas using GPS
• Weather - Arctic storm systems and how to ride them out
• The floe edge - appreciation of the dangers, practical use of equipment
• Immersion in cold water, signs and symptoms of hypothermia and associated cold injuries
....and more
The course is part accommodated part camping.
Ground Cost: £2000 inclusive of major items of kit – exclusive of insurance and travel to and from Svalbard (around £500).
Access to discounted clothing and personal kit.
For more information please contact Ian Richardson
EMAIL : ian (at) ice-warrior.com
TEL : +44(0)7976 833337
or the Office on +44(0)1344883861
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