FAQ

Why did you start a survival school?
Having googled and searched the internet I found very few sites running 'proper' survival courses most just seemed to be bushcraft schools (and I use the term loosely!) who bolted on the term survival and as such were either not sure what it was or just used it as a word to drag in extra custom - this I decided was not acceptable as the correct skills required in a Genuine Survival scenario are usually lacking in or very different from bushcraft as is the mind set of the Survivor. This was the first thing to prompt me to set up SurvivALL which is a pure survival school with courses that are designed for ALL outdoors folk not just the bushcrafter. More than this SurvivALL is also designed for mums and dads, brothers and sisters, anyone who enjoys travelling - tourist or explorer - and who wants the reassurance of the knowledge that should the unexpected happen they can deal with it and in so doing preserve the lives of loved ones and themselves.

What is the logo all about?
The name SurvivALL came about as I believe our courses are for us ALL. And our logo hopefully reflects this too

IMPROVIDUS - APTO - SUPERO

means several things, improvise adapt and overcome is the rough translation, however more correctly it reads Unforeseeing (without knowing - the unexpected) - to prepare (we build up our knowledge by practicing our skills) - to Survive (we use our built up knowledge and skills to rise above the unexpected and we survive).

The Rising Sun symbol on the logo is also there to remind us we train to survive - firstly because, as in many cases, survival at its most basic is doing the right things to help us live to see sun rise the next day. Many survivors are quoted as saying this, saying how they planned each day at a time with the soul aim of seeing the next day's sun rise! But our sun rise goes deeper - the four rays of sun light which reach out above the sun are there to remind us of two of Survivals most important Acronyms S.T.O.P or its more military cousin P.L.A.N.

Is survival training better than bushcraft training?
As I teach both I feel I can safely say they are both equal strings on the same bow. However if I had to learn only one set of skills I would opt for Survival. This is due to the fact that survival skills are more important - will knowing how to carve a spoon save your life? Survival skills can and have! I consider survival skills to be the foundation stones of all other outdoor skills and if not that then certainly a fall back which everyone should have in case things go wrong.

What do you give us on courses?
Unless otherwise stated we give you all you need to survive although bear in mind we are training survivors not pampered pooches! The survival kits we supply, food and water (where applicable) are yours to keep and take home - this will he highlighted where applicable before or during all courses. Other items are loaned - but all items given are done so with a mind to keeping a level of realism to the course also.

Why are the class sizes so small?
Our class sizes are deliberately kept to around 8 people thus ensuring a good instructor student relationship. This also means a helping hand and considerate eye is never far away. It also allows us plenty of time for closer personal instruction if and where it is required.

How do I know that I will gain the skills required?
During all phases of your training our staff will thoroughly explain and demonstrate each new skill before allowing you the time to go away and fully acquire it for yourself while still having their attentive support available should you need it.

Can I get a discount?
Members of HM forces, charities and youth groups can claim 10% discount on all our courses (at our discretion) if booking with proof of a serving military address or group/charity identity.

Small group bookings are also offered a discount if 6 or more people book together. The beauty of the skills taught means we could also come to you and run a course at your location - please contact us directly if this appeals.

For those who wish to test their skills further we can also offer a discount on both the summer and winter WEISS courses. Please contact us directly for details.

Do I have to do all phases of your SOS program in order?
No, the programme is designed as an obvious flow with each phase building upon the previous but, with the exception of phase one, you can do them in any order although I would advise consulting us first before going from phase 1 to something much more advanced. Also if you have acquired skills elsewhere and would like to start at a more advanced level please ask first as we can and will not lower our high standards to meet the potential lower standards of others schools

There is no kit list what should I bring?
There is not kit as we supply all you need (unless otherwise stated) - we recommend you dress sensibly as for the worst conditions you expect to encounter and we also recommend you bring a extra/spare warm top in case it turns chilly. But ultimately think what you'll be doing when you feel mostly likely to need to use survival skills - dress for that?

Can I bring my own knife, saw and axe?
Yes and no - our training programme has been devised as a civilian version of that taught to/by our staff over the last 24 years especially during their time in the army as such you will be given all the tools you need in your survival kit - this is an important part of the learning curve as it gives you invaluable knowledge as to which items you place in your own survival kits for further/more advanced training packages. However, like the survival kits aircrew receive, we appreciate a good cutting tool can be advantageous and as such we will allow knives (all of which can only be used on the course if checked and ok'd by us) unless otherwise stated – and owners must accept they use these are their own risk.

Is survival training for me?
SurvivALL training is for everyone. SurvivALL skills are applicable to the soldier and the civilian alike - they are essential skills for anyone who ever ventures off the beaten track and are indispensable in real emergency situations.

We do not run an army style boot camp even though our skills are based on those tried and tested by the military - instead we aim to make learning of these important skills as practical, realistic and yet as much fun as possible.

Remember that ultimately you are investing one weekend to learn skills which will last a life time and could save the lives of yourself or your loved ones. It is to late to be learning survival skills during an emergency situation just as it's to late to try learning to swim when your ship is sinking out from under you!!

Can I do the WEISS or Winter WEISS?
The WEISS and Winter WEISS courses are designed to be advanced courses and as such are testing. Having completed the minimum of our basic course you can qualify to attend WEISS and earn your right to wear the WEISS badge - however only those with winter skills or those who have completed the WEISS temperate can attend the Winter WEISS course - as with all things if in doubt please ask.