Coasteering

Coasteering involves journeying along a stretch of inter-tidal zone coastline, as part of an organised group activity.

Participants travel across rocks and through water, using a variety of techniques including climbing, scrambling, swimming and jumping into water. Appropriate safety equipment is used for this activity.

Coasteering may include all or some of the following:

• Swimming or Adventure Swimming: in calm water; rough or white water; and/ or tidal currents. Dressing for swimming in the sea (wetsuits, buoyancy aids etc) is an integral part of Coasteering; even on routes where it is possible to stay dry. A route, or activity, where the group start out with the intention of staying dry - whether through route choice or the use of ropes and harnesses - is not coasteering.
• Climbing, scrambling, sea level traversing: the very nature of the coastline that is needed for coasteering demands aspects of these activities. Ropes, as security on rock, are not used. Any climbing activity usually takes place above deep water, with safety spotters used where appropriate. There is a similarity to the sport of deep-water soloing, but this would normally be carried out by experienced individuals not wearing equipment suitable for coasteering. Coasteering is never a dry, climbing activity.
• Jumping and Diving: are often seen as an appealing and exciting part of Coasteering and are relatively safe when conducted under professional supervision.

There are several Coasteering providers in the UK, with popularity of the sport being highest in Wales and the South West.