Pendine Education Centre offers a range of outdoor activities for school children to enjoy, all of which are listed below. All activities are managed by fully qualified and trained staff. All equipment is provided for and are regularly checked.
For further information please contact the centre on 01994 453659.
Abseiling and Climbing (all year)
The abseil and climbing tower in the Centre grounds is an ideal introduction for children between the ages of 7-13. The climbing provides a chance for pupils to be challenged at an individual level whilst involving them in the rope control, encourages trust and responsibility amongst each other. All participants wear harnesses and helmets, which are UIAA tested and checked regularly &
Surf-Skiing (April – Oct)
Activity is basically canoes not enclosed with the aim being to sit on the ski and try to catch a wave into the shore. The sea in Pendine is very shallow due to the long flat beach & pupils do not need to go out of their depth to enjoy this activity. All participants wear wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets & instructors carry a whistle, tow-line and first aid kit whilst vhf radio/mobile phone and flares are located in the vehicle on the beach.
Caving (April – Oct)
The local ‘Green Bridge Cave’ provides a good introduction to caving. It offers narrow tunnels and chambers, which provide excitement for all ages, without being too challenging. All participants wear caving suits & helmet with torch attached & the instructor carries a first aid kit.
Archery (all year)
Nature of archery requires skills, which are unrelated to other sports and so it is often an unsuspected member of a group who will shine with a bow and arrow!
Orienteering (all year)
An ideal introduction to map and compass work in a safe environment, this activity takes place in enclosed forestry on Marros Mountain just two miles from Pendine. Two courses exist – a simple course for younger children based around one end of the forest and a larger course for teenagers and adults using the whole forest. Each group carries a whistle whilst the instructor carries a first aid kit and has a good knowledge of the area used and checks regularly on groups. Younger groups are accompanied by a teacher/adult around the course.
Kayaking
Taking place on grade one-water on falling tide the Taf Estuary, introduces basic canoe strokes and skills in attractive surroundings. Using Bell Boats, which are Canadian canoes joined together ‘Catamaran’ style and taking up to 10 children and 2 adults in each. They are excellent for an introduction to paddle sports and suit all abilities.
Sea canoeing from Pendine if conditions are suitable, a trip from Pendine beach westwards, provides a good introduction to sea paddling, particularly at high tide when the cliffs and caves can be explored.
Hill Walking (All Year – but weather permitting) Preseli Hills
At a low-key level the Preseli Hills provide a days walk across the Preseli ridge, which gives the feeling of a mountainous landscape whilst being safe in terms of terrain and escape routes. For groups wishing to pursue more advanced mountain skills can be taught to plan and undertake a walk across the Preseli Hills involving navigation and overnight bivi. Includes map work, compass and camp craft, route planning, potential dangers of hill walking, importance of preparation and diet etc.
Coastal Walking
Situated on the edge of Pembrokeshire and its 180mile long distance path around the Coastal National Park. There is a variety of coastal walks on offer with all taking in breathtaking scenery, flora and fauna. In the summer a trip to Skomer Island is hard to beat.
Low Ropes Course
Located in the Centre grounds is a simple low level ropes course, which is a good resource for introducing teamwork. Participants are given various challenges encouraging them to work together, think tasks through & help each other and analyse problems.