Aberdovey is synonymous with Outward Bound. Its co-founders, Kurt Hahn and Laurence Holt, and its first two wardens, Jim Hogan and Freddie Fuller, shaped the place and the movement on a 50-acre site overlooking the Dovey Estuary in mid-Wales.
Aberdovey was established in 1941 as a Sea School “to provide a rigorous, adventurous, pre-sea training course for young men who might go on to help with the Battle of the Atlantic.” After meeting its initial goals, the school continued to do a great deal more. From the beginning, community service has been an important part of the program, especially in the arenas of sea and mountain rescue. Outward Bound staff and students may be called upon to assist in rescues and it is an important part of the training at Outward Bound Wales.
Aberdovey has remained the sailing and water sport center of the UK Trust, through all the Trust’s change and transitions. The waterfront facility at Outward Bound Wales is fully equipped with a range of kayaks, canoes, dinghies and sailing cutters as well as all the personal equipment including wetsuits. The center has easy access to whitewater rivers, good surfing, and scenic coastal waters. In the evenings students can practice rolling in a heated pool and learn techniques needed for basic British Canoe Union and Royal Yachting Association qualifications.
For those less interested in technical skills and more interested in personal development, Aberdovey has an array of programs for personal development. In their Aiming Higher program they have worked with the Birmingham Education Authority to develop an innovative mentoring, adventure and information technology education course. In addition, they continue to offer a wide range of programs for youth including the classic Outward Bound course.
