As the son of a PE teacher and an Outdoor Instructor I was destined to develop a love for being outside and active.
On leaving school the ‘summer job’ I took as a climbing instructor never really stopped, it turned into an apprenticeship then a traineeship and it just continued to snowball and get more exciting. I’ve basically had my ‘summer job’ for over 15years it’s taken me all over the world, given me some truly incredible adventures, injuries and friends.
Kayaking the White Nile in Uganda was truly unforgettable. Before the hydroelectric station was built the full force of the Nile used to flow out of lake Victoria and after a series of rapids it was squeezed through a small channel creating some intense rapids with unbelievable power.
The rapid consists of 5 gigantic waves which completely dwarfed me in my small orange play boat.
Punching through the final wave and seeing my best mates grin mirroring mine will stay with me forever.
A small gas stove and a cafetiere. Whilst a lot of the places I’ve visited in the world are famous for producing coffee, it’s surprisingly hard to get a cup of the good stuff first thing in the morning so I don’t leave anything to chance.
Search our knowledgebase. Helping you be prepared for your DofE expedition or Challenge Event.
For many DofE participants, the thought of not showering and spending a significant chunk of time feeling a little damp is almost a deal-breaker. There are, however, things you can do to mentally and physically prepare yourself for the expedition ahead and getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. Alex, our DofE Manager, talks to us about tips to help cope with limited luxury on expedition.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is often celebrated for building resilience, teamwork and independence. But look a little closer, and something deeper emerges. Its structure aligns remarkably well with the 5 Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Take Notice, Learn, Move and Give. In short, what if we stopped seeing DofE as just an award and started recognising it as a powerful framework for preventative mental health? We caught up with Grace Knill to hear why adventure and mental health go hand in hand.