An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir October 2019 www.dfmagazine.ie 14 | 95TH CADET CLASS A dventure training took place from the 15th - 17th of July 2019, after a long 6 month block of training (phase 2) marking the end to this phase and the beginning of sum- mer leave, before kicking back into platoon level tactics after summer. The aim of adventure training was for cadets to gather an appreciation of the adventure sports available in the Defence Forces and to possibly drive them as commissioned officers to advocate these sports in their respective units. It was an overall extremely enjoyable experience and allowed us to see many dif- ferent sports along with the beautiful city of Galway. CDT BRIAN MCGRATH – ROCK CLIMBING The first day of Rock-Climbing training begin with learning the basics to begin entering the sport of climbing. Initial training was conducted in Dún Ui Mhaoilíosa barracks under the careful supervision of experienced instructors. Firstly, we learned 'the ropes', this was of course learning to coil up climbing ropes and be proficient at it. Surprisingly this took up half of the first day as it is a meticulous skill. The next skill we learned was the safety devices, these included the harnesses, helmets, belay devices and of course how to belay. Belaying is basically how to control the rope for the descent of your buddy as they descend, which would become im- portant in the days to come. The second day initiated with a 1.5hr drive to the Mirror Wall on the edge of the Burren in Co. Clare. Be- ginning day two was an introduction to heights which also played as confidence training for the group of us 20 cadets, all eager to set foot off the cliff face, which was perched some 50 metres over the Atlantic Ocean. We began abseiling down the cliff while doing 'confidence' drills with the instructors. These drills we did halfway down the rope, letting go and putting both hands on your head, letting go of the rope to show you had control of the situation and were confident with heights. Very few of us were comfortable from the beginning but soon after a few attempts many became naturals at coping with heights. Following abseiling, the group began working on rock climbing skills on a lower 20 metre wall, where we took turns in buddy pairs. This was one cadet climb- ing the wall on a bottom rope while the other belayed them and offered hints to the nearest rock holds and pinches. This was a true test of our confidence and the trust we all placed in our buddies. Day 3 of adventure training saw us back at the original Mirror Wall to attempt climbing harder traditional routes. Routes from climbing grade VDiff to E3 were all attempted on a bottom rope with trust being placed in fellow classmates to belay and support their buddies. The training showed how climbing is a sport of technique and well executed movements while under the fear of height. Key points we learned from our 3 days of rock climbing as a group were that it is vital in the Defence Forces to support more uncommon sports such as adventure sports the same way as we would for GAA players and other traditional sports players, as each member can be an athlete to their respective sport. Secondly that the members of DFAM have an extremely well run and functioning club that should be better utilised by units and individuals throughout for both the high levels of expertise and training and the high standard of equipment that is maintained. Overall the 3 days were eye opening and shaped many newfound interests in the sport. CDT DYLAN OBYRNE - KAYAKING Kayaking was a popular choice during our Adventure week training. In total we had 44 cadets taking to the water every morning along with a number of external instructors to make the week possible. Monday morning was very much the basics of kayaking being taught, such as paddling forwards, backwards and turning, along with everybody learning how to capsize the boat and exit correctly. Games were also introduced to allow everyone to become comfort- able with the water. This was extremely helpful for the vast majority of cadets who had never experienced this before and aided greatly in the events to follow in the coming week. Tuesday morning, we loaded up onto the transport and headed for Castleconnell, Limerick. This was thoroughly enjoyable with numer- ous rapids and small drops encountered along the route. We had a stop midway down the river where there was a ledge which every- body got to jump off. This was extremely enjoyable and there were a select few cadets who managed to conquer their fear of heights here which was a success. As the day progressed there was numerous people who I could visibly see becoming more and more confident in

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