Wet Wet Wet

ARE YOU A pioneering type who loves a challenge? There are actually courses out there for thrill-seekers with a taste for mountain and rock climbing, snorkelling, canoeing and the occasional jump into freezing cold water.

Start gritting those teeth and read on.

St Kevin's College in Crumlin, Dublin, runs a two-year Post Leaving Certificate course in outdoor pursuits, which has been running since 1986.

"The course is not for the faint-hearted and is no adventure holiday," says Noel Maguire, course director. "Our students come from all parts of the country, and during their time with us develop a good sociable group dynamic as they work through wilderness challenges in often unpredictable weather conditions.

Noel Maguire is unashamedly enthusiastic about this course, which prepares students for employment in a wide range of outdoor education organisations.

Each year, 24 students are taken" on. The course is open to male and female applicants who have completed their secondary education and who are 17 years of age and over. Applicants must be able to swim, Maguire points out. They must also be "well motivated and interested", he adds.

The students who complete the two-year course leave with a good overall view of the leisure and recreation industry. "The quality of training provided is such that almost every outdoor pursuits or adventure centre in the country employs a past pupil of the course," Maguire says.

Many graduates have gone on to become managers and instructors in centres around the country. Others have gone on to join the Garda, the Navy, the Cadet Corps and other careers with high physical demands.

Maguire says two former students were intent on working in rain forests. They felt that the course would offer them the challenges required for such a career choice. Both now work in Yosemite National Park in the United States.

Some students do the course as a year or two of personal development before taking up deferred CAO/CAS offers. During the two years students travel to places such as the Macgillycuddy Reek mountains and the Mournes to learn about mountaineering. They go to Connemara for snorkelling, to the river Barrow for canoeing expeditions and to Scotland for snow and ice climbing.

The course is assessed and certified by the National Council for Vocational Awards and a number of State governing bodies, in particular sporting bodies. It is approved and certified by the City of Dublin VEC in conjunction with the Curriculum Development Unit.

Although many course places have been reserved at this stage, Noel Maguire says that it is not too late to apply for a place on the course. "We've had the interviews, but we will be continuing to interview until the beginning of June."