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

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.