Overview
The Expedition School is a 3-day event held in the French Pyrenees providing participants with the essential tools necessary to embark on their own expedition or adventure. Activities over the weekend include white-water rafting, mountain trekking, equipment selection clinic, discussion and planning sessions, sponsorship proposal writing, photography and videography class and very importantly a whole lot of fun! The school aims to encourage discussion, exchange of ideas and deliver practical exercises in a relaxed and inspiring environment. However, it is not a holiday camp! Participants are expected to get involved in discussions, share their own experiences, ask questions, help pack the van, sort kit and generally be part of the team. Sounds a bit like an expedition doesn’t it?
The event takes place in the adventure playground of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region in the south of France, close to the Spanish border. Nearby towns include Biarritz, San Sebastian, Pamplona, Bayonne, Bordeaux, Pau and Toulouse, making for easy access from the UK and all parts of Europe and the US. Big mountains, scenic rivers and sweet surf make this part of the world an ideal base to live adventure. Throw in the closing stages of the Tour de France route and it is difficult to ask for much more in a venue.
Accommodation ranges from twin and double rooms (limited availability) to camping. Each morning begins with a conditioning and stretching session in order to prepare for the packed day ahead. After a cooked breakfast with cereal and fresh fruit, we head out for the days planned activity. A boxed lunch of sandwiches, rolls, snacks and fruit gives us plenty of energy to keep going for the whole day. We return to base in the late afternoon in time for showers and a healthy dinner. This is followed by evening discussion, films and chill out time before retiring, ready to face the next day’s activities.
For a detailed itinerary please click here.
NEWS FLASH – Participants will now also have access to great deals on Suunto watches! Order in advance, pick-up at the start of the event and use all weekend to record your adventures!
Details
Date: Friday 20th August – Sunday 22nd August 2010 (NB. The school activities start proper at 6.30am on Friday 20th August. Please ensure your arrival by at least this time or ideally the day before)
Location: Pyrénées-Atlantiques France – map
Cost: £295 – camping option (includes: transfers, all meals, listed activities, promotional kit, prize give-aways)
£365 – twin/double accommodation (includes: transfers, all meals, listed activities, promotional kit, prize give-aways)
FAQ
Who is the Expedition School for exactly?
The school is for anyone planning their own expedition, adventure or journey. Whether you want to attempt a world first or a charity challenge, the weekend will give you all the skills necessary to help make your endeavour a success.
When is the Expedition School exactly?
Planned activities run on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd August 2010. However, we have an early start every morning so it is best that you arrive the day before the school starts (ie. Thursday 19th 2010) or if you are a masochist, you can arrive at the latest by 6.30am on the Friday. Depending on your flights or plans following the school you can push off on the Sunday afternoon or stick around an extra night. It is no bother for us and just means you get more bang for your buck. It’s not a bad thing to have extra time on the beach or in the hills. We will come up with something to keep you busy!
Are there any special skill requirements I must have?
Not at all. Whether you are a complete beginner, have some trips already under your belt or are a pro, the expedition school is for you. Some activities (white-water rafting, mountain trekking) need a basic level of fitness but so long as you are healthy you should have no problems. To get an idea of what we are up to, view a detailed itinerary here.
How do I get there?
The Expedition School is held in the French Pyrenees. Air, road and rail links are plenty. The closest airport by some way is Biarritz, followed by Bordeaux, Pau and Toulouse. Ryanair and Easyjet fly to all. Trains can take you from Paris to Bayonne (next to Biarritz) in just 3 hours. The drive to the venue is a beautiful one if you choose to do it. If arriving by air or rail (to the appropriate airport or station), we will pick you up.
What must I bring?
You will be given a full kit-list as soon as you sign up. Think – a weekend in the mountains (toiletries, sleeping bag, waterproofs, fleece, gloves etc). Nothing technical. We can provide kit if necessary.
The Expedition School looks awesome! How do I sign up?
Enrollment in the school is a simple 2-step process. First complete the registration form and then secure your place by making payment. Easy! You will receive confirmation of registration and payment via email.
Step 1. Register online by clicking here.
Step 2. Make secure online payment by clicking below (please choose your accommodation option)
For enquiries please email mark@markkalch.com OR phone +33 (0)6 40 38 04 90
