"Croisiere Cotieres" Sailing around Corsica

From the 17th to the 30th of August 2009

17th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 1 hours

18th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

19th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hours

20th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hours

21th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

22th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 5 hours

23th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

24th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

25th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hours

26th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hours

27th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

28th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

29th of August 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

(41hrs)

This year's summer camp takes place in a enormous 25 meters catamaran. With the companionship of 20 other teenagers, we sailed all around Corsica in a period of two weeks. The main occupation was sailing this beautiful ship with all the different shores that had to be done to do so around the coasts of Corsica lost in the Mediterranean Sea. It is not simple to sail a boat of this size over such distances. A lot of workforce is required to perform all the different tasks. Fortunately that was not a problem since all of us were very motivated and willing to help. On top of that we were under the instruction of two very competent skippers, who continuously showed us what we had to do. I learned how to pull up the sails, use the different equipments on board to keep the right bearing like the electronic compass, the GPS, the radar and the wind angle. I also learned how to make different knots and fold long ropes neatly, as well as, casting or weighing anchor. We would sail almost everyday and on average 3-4 hours a day, usually in the afternoon. Everymorning before the breakfast, I would go swimming for an hour, since it is such a great pleasure to swim in turquoise blue water and observe the many fishes that inhabit this paradis. On top of that, I would go windsurfing around the Catamaran when the wind allowed me to. These two weeks sailing allowed me to discover the pleasure of sailing while decovering a mindblowing landscape from a different angle; the sea...

Hiking in Reunion Island

16th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 5 hours

We woke up early to arrive at the Piton de Maido in the morning. At the top we had a spectacular view above the Circus of Mafate. To appreciate the full beauty of the panorama we strolled for sometime along the cornice of the cliff. After a simple and quick lunch protected by trees, we finally started the real hike to the Ilet Acide few kilometers above us. The climb was steep and rocky, but that was not the biggest problem we faced this day. On the way back we got lost in the jungle that was getting denser for every step we took. Fortunately when all hope was almost lost we were indicated the right way back by a passing local peasant.

21th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hours

Today's excursion brought us in one of the three circus of the island, the Circus of Salazie. In this new environment, we were able to appreciate a completely new biodiversity; one of the last few conserved primitive forest on earth with its many waterfalls poring down the green organic blanket covering the cliffs.





25th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

In the afternoon we spontaneously decided to go for a small hike to the Bassins des Cormorants not far away from where we stayed. Althoughh it was not long, the path was narrow and slippery and even mudy at times. When we arrived at the waterfall, I was the first one to jump in. The water was freezing and not everyone went for a swim. On the way back we had to take our shoes off because we walked in water canals that run a long the rocks and sometimes in tunnels in the cliff. This last part of the hike was extremely fun and refreshing.




27h of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 9 hours

Today was going to be the biggest hike of the trip in the circus that is only accessible by foot or helicopter, the Circus of Mafate. To enter the circus and gain time we drove up the Riviere des Galets with four wheelers at 6 am. At some points we had to continue by foot and here started the long a perilous hike. For the most part we had to climb up steep and narrow slopes along cliffs, but the panorama that gradually unfolded itself as we passed every turn was worth the endless efforts we had supplied. At lunch we ate at one of the few locals that dare to live in such an hostile and isolated environment. We were like lost in time with these people that lived as if civilization had never existed. Unforgettable experience!!

31th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Today we wanted to walk up the Langvin river to see its two beautiful waterfalls; one called Trou Noir and the other one a bit higher, but I cannot get myself to remember its name. Just walking along the river was by itself magnificent, with the intense bright rays igniting every drop of the crystal clear water splashing against the grey rocks. The waterfalls were also extraordinary, unfortunately the water was still as cold if not more. However once you are in it, it is fine.

Bodyboarding in the Reuion Island

13th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Beach of Roches Noirs

17th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Beach of Roches Noirs

19th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Beach of Boucan Canot


22th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

Beach of Etang Sale

23th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Beach of Roches Noirs

24th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Beach of Boucan Canot

30th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 3 hours

Beach of Roches Noirs

31th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

Beach of Etang Sale

The Reunion Island is well known for its many surfing spots, however since I don't know how to surf I decided to bodyboard instead. It is simpler to learn and you can really enjoy it faster. At the beginning it was not easy; I even got myself injured because if you don't be careful there are some big waves that can throw you against rocks at the bottom of the sea. Nevertheless I learned quickly from my mistakes and I also observed a lot how the others manage to surf the wave. I did not give up and I actually was more motivated more than ever because I am not scared of waves and I love the sensation you feel and you manage to surf the wave for few seconds before the water closes down on you and rolls you down at the bottom of the sea. I often change beach as to try out all the different spots available around the place I stayed. Each spot is unique and has its own characteristics . This enabled be to quickly make improvement and to my surprised to discover the endless possibilities a simple board can offer on a wave with a bit of skills and determination.

Scuba Diving in Reunion Island

15th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 2 hours

This was not my first diving since I have been scuba diving since I was 11 years old, however since I moved to Paris I had not scuba dived, about two years. As a consequence, I was thrilled to finally scuba dive again and rediscover the pleasure brought by the underwater world. I dove just in phase with the beach of Boucan Canot where I would sometimes body board. The coral reef was not that abundant, I had seen better, however the wildlife was not for all that restrained. Apart from the many coral reef fishes, we spotted a lion fish and two turtoises; a good dive.

Skating

22nd of march
sainy michel, le louvre, grand palais
5th of april
effeil tour, trocadero, invalide
20th of april
bercy, parc de vincennes

1st of september
st germain, grand palais pont des arts

Kayaking and Rafting in Corsica

12th of April to the 18th of April 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 21 hours

I was very existed in the plane on my way to the vacation center. Firstly because I was going to spend a week in Corsica, which is a place I have only visited once and that I really like and would love to see more of it. Secondly I was going to go kayaking and rafting, which are activities that I truly love, but that I rarely have the occasion to do them.
Everything was well organized and the center, I was in, was very nice. It proposed all kinds of activities like basketball, football, tennis, pingpong and many others. On top of that it had access to its private beach. Although it was sometimes quite windy at times, we spent a lot of time sun baning on the sand, when we were not out kayaking or rafting.
During the first two days, we went kayaking in the sea. We played games and paddled along the coast. I liked it a lot, even though it was not easy to paddle straight, since they were a lot of waves rocking the kayak in all directions. On the second day, we even stopped at and climbed on enormous rocks that came out of the water, and jumped off them in the water. There were three jumps of different heights and I jumped all of them even the highest one that was 8 meters high.
The rest of the week we went rafting in the river. The water was much colder, but we had wet suits that kept us warm. The effort was more intense, we paddled more, so the current would not push us against the rocks. We also tried 'hot dogs' which are rafts that can only contain one or two person and that has the shape of a kayak. I especially liked the one that could only be occupied by one person. It was hard to keep your balance as you shot through the rapids. Consequently I capsized a lot, but it was also much easier to handle and zigzag between the rocks.
I discovered that I really like kayaking, especially in the river. It is a sport that does not damages the already present ecosystem, and that involves risk taking decisions and team work. It really challenged me physically and mentally and I wish I will be able to repeat this experience later in life.

Skiing in Tignes

15th of February to the 21st of February 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 35 hours

For my second winter camp of the year, I went for a week at the skiing station of Tignes next to the extremely famous skiing station of Val d'Isere. It was easy to get to the place as the train was almost direct from Paris and all the shuttle bus were free because the skiing World Championship was taking place at this time in Val d'Isere. The only problem was that it was crowded everywhere I went. I made acquaintance with the other teenager and quickly made friends. Everyone was very open and friendly. I believe holidays make people behave that way. Except from the second day, all the others were sunny. The snow was also plentiful and skiing was a real pleasure. In addition, we had access to the skiing slopes of both Tignes and Val d'Isere, which represented about 400km of skiing slopes!! In consequence, we left our place as soon as the slopes opened and stayed until they closed in the evening. I knew that a week would pass by extremely quickly and I wanted to enjoy it as much as possible. At night after a well deserved dinner, my friends and I would play all kind of games until late in the night. Keeping this rhythm for a week was a real challenge. When I got back home my all the muscles in my body were sore and ached from the many bruises. I was exhausted and had to sleep two straight days to recover, however I did not regret any bit of it and I cannot wait for next winter to do the same.

Waterfall Ice Climbing

Friday 2nd of January 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hour

After almost a week of skiing in the Aples at Argentiere, I was quit tired and I wanted to try something else before I leave the pure mountains and become again an intoxicated city dweller. Therefore on the last day I went with friends waterfall ice climbing. The walk that brought us to the waterfalls was perilous and almost made me regret to have signed up for the activity. However when we finally reached our destination the curtain of ice laid in front of me made me forget all the effort to get here. The rest of the day was just great. We were first informed of all the security precautions and then each led through a ice wall, first small ones then gradually bigger. This sport requires a lot of strength in the arms and legs and more importantly extreme concentration. I loved it and I wonder why I have not tried it sooner.

Skiing in Argentiere

27th of December to the 1st of January 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 18 hour

I went to a week winter camp in the Aples in Argentiere. I snowboard and I went practically everyday skiing with other teenagers. We would leave in the morning with each our packed lunch in our bag. The skiing slopes were great as there were plenty of snow and almost all everyday had been sunny. It was quit cold but I had a good coat so that was not a problem. It was fun to ski with other teenagers. We helped each other and some showed off to us tricks we could try. When we were hungry, we would find a nice place off the slopes in the snow to eat our sandwishs. On the last two days, I was tired however I still enjoyed snowboarding and tried new tricks. I fell many times during the week, but fortunately I did not get hurt thanks to my helmet. Personally I think the week went by wait too fast, as most things do when you have fun.

Bodybuilding

Friday 28th of November 2008

CAS element: Action
Time: 1 hour

I have just received my card to access the gym at the Aquaboulevard club and I wanted to try it out. The complex is pretty vast and I was a bit lost at the beginning. I spent the hour working out with easy load and trying out all the machines to spot the ones that were best appropriate for parts of the body I wanted to exercise.

Tuesday 9th of December 2008

CAS element: Action
Time: 1 hour

Today I went with friends as I though it would be more fun to work out in a group. It turned out to be quite pleasant and helpful as we helped each other with guidance and support throughout the different sets.

Monday 22th of December 2008

CAS element: Action
Time: 1 hour

I am on holiday and I wanted to do some action, unfortunately I did not find anyone to go with as most of my friends already had left Paris. Nevertheless I was motivated and determined to work out at the gym. I focused completely on the upper body muscles and did not work out my cardiovascular. I also observed the others with more experience in the hope to get some tips.

Sunday 19th of April 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 1 hour

I had not gone to the gym for a long time from lack of free time. Therefore today I went easy so not to injure my muscles. I went around and tired out a multitude of machines and spotted the ones that interested me. I felt a bit unsure while working out, but I guess it is because i do not go that often.

Wednesday 22nd of April 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 1 hour

As I knew what machine interested me, I did not loose time and started directly to work out. Some muscles were still sore from the workout at the start of the week, but as I warmed up the pain disappeared. I concentrated on my shoulders and biceps, which are not very useful in swimming, but anyways the goal of the activity is to workout muscles I do not usually do.

29, 30th of June and 4, 5th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hours

Now that school is over, as well as swimming season as a matter of fact, I now have much more time available to do things I don't have time to do during the year. As a consequence, I have decided to go to the gym regularly for a serious two week training before I leave on holidays. Moreover I decided that I will go to the gym by bike, instead of taking the public transport. It is not an easy ride to get to the gym, since you have to overcome a series of upward and downward sloping roads.
My goal in the gym is to develop all my muscles in general as to keep a balanced and proportional body. Nevertheless, I still concentrate my efforts on my upper body muscles, since there are the ones that will most probably help me for swimming next year.
I realized as the days past that I had to give myself break, as to allow my muscles to recuperate and prevent injuries. I felt that some muscles were tired and even paining the next morning, so I decided to give myself a break and go more easy next time.

7, 8, 10 and 11th of July 2009

CAS element: Action
Time: 4 hours

This week I continued on with my fitness program. I was very organized and strict to myself as to keep up the motivation and not slack off as it is so easy to do so. It was tiring and some muscles suffered more than others, but at the end I felt that I got used to the workout. I really had the impression that I gained endurance and strengths. I was also motivated by the fact that I am leaving on holidays at the and of the week and knowing that these will be the last workouts for the next month.