Coasteering – Mastering the Impact Zone

If mundane activities like swimming or rock climbing bore you or if you need to feel the rush of navigating the white waters of the coastal impact zone, then the adventure sport of coasteering may be just your thing.

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First some definitions: The impact zone is the area where waves and rocks meet. It’s where caves, grottos, gullies and tidal pools are found. The impact zone is related to the intertidal zone — that space between high tide and low tide. This is the primary terrain of the coasteerer.

Coasteering is the sport of navigating these zones. Adventures incorporate swimming (often adventure swimming), climbing, canyoning, scrambling and jumping and diving. A successful coasteering mission is a combination of all these elements and a primary rule is the adventurer must get wet.

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Most adventurers suit up in helmet, shoes and wetsuit, which provide protection and buoyancy. It is dangerous and unpredictable terrain, after all. Ropes and climbing aides however are not permitted. Neither are boats. The adventurer must negotiate the terrain with his or her own body, skill and strength.

Coasteering is popular in Wales and the U.K., and there are many companies that offer guided tours. Other popular locations are Mallorca, Portugal, and New Zealand. Though once you’ve mastered the basics, you can coaster pretty much anywhere there is an intertidal zone.