Paintball is a sport that combines strategy, teamwork and skill into an exciting action packed day. It is usually played outside in woodland areas or fields.

Players are supplied with a special marking paintball gun that fires biodegradable paintballs. The paintballs are propelled by compressed air making them very accurate up to a range of 60 metres. And yes, you get to shoot them at the other team!

You do not have to be super fit to play paintball; all you need is the ability to have fun and a sense of humour. Paintball is an exciting outdoor leisure activity, suitable for both sexes from the age of 12 upwards. It is ideal for birthday parties and groups from youth clubs or a bunch of school or college friends.

Paintballing Tips

On arrival at a paintball site you will be given full instructions and tuition, including a full safety briefing. At all times you will be totally supervised by experienced marshals who will accompany you throughout the day explaining everything you need to know about the paintball games and keeping you safe.

You will need to be quick thinking and resourceful as you attempt, with the rest of your team, to outwit the opposing team. During the day you will be set an exciting variety of objectives and missions, all designed to test your abilities in a friendly atmosphere.

Playing in a range of purpose built game zones, with names like The Alamo or Chemical Alley, combining man made structures with natural cover. You might be tasked with attacking then defending a fort or bridge, protecting a convoy of vehicles, ambushing your opponents or capturing and recovering a flag.

If you manage to hit a member of the opposition with a paintball they are eliminated from that round of the game, and the same goes for you. So you need to have your wits about you and work out the best time to make a move, or dive for cover and keep your head down!

After each game you hand in your paintball guns for checking and cleaning and return to your base for the day in the ‘Safe Zone’ where you can wipe of the paint (unless you’ve cunningly avoided being hit), re-load, grab some refreshment or stay for lunch and discuss your team tactics for the afternoon missions – having learnt from your mistakes in the morning!

Paintball is one of the fastest growing sports in Europe with over a million players last year. It can be an addictive adrenalin rush, so you might find yourself becoming a regular player and joining in competitive tournaments around the country.

Does Paintball Hurt?

Yes it does. A lot! It usually hurts as much as if someone flicks you hard on bare skin with their fingers. The rules are that you should not shoot close up, but in the heat of the battle you will usually get some vicious opponent who will get you. One game I went to, quite a few people left with large blood blisters and welts where the paintballs had damaged the skin.

However, if you find play strategically and work well with your team, you can usually come out with just a few slight bruises or none at all.

If you want to get some some protection from bruises, then there is a great selection of padded compression tops and trousers available in black or camo.

You can buy 500 rounds of paintball rounds for under $20 on Amazon.

What to Wear for Paintballing?

Wear old clothes. You should be given full overalls to wear when going paintballing, with a neck protector, head cover and full face mask. If you don’t like the idea of getting hit by a high velocity ball of paint, you might want to wear some thick clothing underneath for padding, but be aware that once you move about, you get quite hot. You are usually not allowed to run about (trip hazards), but the adrenalin usually makes you feel hotter.

Places to go Paintballing

There are paintball venues all over the country. Whichever one you choose, check whether they provide all the safety gear, such as full face masks, neck protectors, and overalls. Paintball is a real adrenalin sport that gets the blood and paint pumping.

Paintball Gear

One of the easiest places to buy paintball gear is from Amazon.com. Here are the recommended paintball essentials on Amazon.

The post Winning Paintball Tips appeared first on Active Outdoors.

You can give the gift of amazing days out doing unforgettable activities ranging from spa pamper sessions to thrill seekers’ delights such as driving experiences or flying an aeroplane. My wife is happy, because she can buy me a wonderful present, and I am ecstatic because I get to try out all sorts of brilliant experiences. And it’s not all about me; there are plenty of gifts for her that I can buy as well.

With so much on offer to choose from, I have collated a list of the entire selection of activity gifts available, all sorted into categories for you. I have written about what the experience days are like, and what you need to know before booking.

What are Experience Days?

Experience days are exactly what they say. Rather than buy someone a physical gift they unwrap, you can choose from a huge range of activities and experiences that you can buy. You go to an experience days website such as Red Letter Days and browse through the experience days on offer. When you buy one, your loved one will receive a pack in the post all nicely gift wrapped that gives details of what the experience day is and how to book the day and location that suits them.

Where to get Experience Days

There are a number of experience days companies online. The way they work is that they do all the hard work of making deals with activity providers and then collate them all together so that you can pick and choose which one you want. You then buy an experience day gift voucher. When someone receives an experience day voucher, all they have to do is to go to the company’s website, enter the voucher code, and choose what day and location they want. Experience days vouchers are usually valid for an entire year after purchase, so if you want to give the gift of hot air ballooning for Christmas, your loved one can activate the voucher in the summer when they want to go. Easy.

Each gift experience company has a slightly different selection of experience days on offer. What I do is to choose the experience day that I want, check that the company does it in the location I want and at the best price, and then buy.

My preferred experience day provider is Red Letter Days. Browse the massive selection of activity gifts and you will definitely find an experience day gift voucher that is perfect for the one you love.

The post Valentine’s Day Gift Experiences for the Outdoorsy Boyfriend appeared first on Active Outdoors.

The most popular dream adventure experiences as voted by the UK

1. Travel the world
2. Ride on the Orient Express
3. Swim with Dolphins
4. Go on Safari
5. Experience freefall or zero gravity
6. Drive a racing car
7. Pilot a jet
8. Walk the Great Wall of China
9. Dive the Great Barrier Reef
10. See the Northern Lights
11. Fly in a hot air balloon
12. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
13. See the Grand Canyon
14. See the Taj Mahal at sunset
15. Watch the Serengeti migration in East Africa
16. Visit Antarctica
17. Visit the Galapagos Islands
18. Visit Ankor Wat in Cambodia
19. Drive along Route 66
20. Go on a gondola ride down the Grand Canal in Venice



21. Explore the Forbidden City in China
22. See the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
23. Watch sunrise at Uluru, Australia
24. A Helicopter flight over Niagara Falls
25. Visit Yellowstone Park
26. Marvel at the Moal statues on Easter Island
27. See the terracotta army in China
28. Go jungle trekking and river kayaking in the Amazon Basin
29. Watch the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
30. Go island hopping in Greece by boat
31. Go camping in Yosemite
32. Travel on the Trans-Siberian railway in Russia
33. Watch the great wildebeest migration on the Masai Mara in Kenya
34. Celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh
35. See the art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican in Rome
36. Explore the Rocky Mountain in Canada
37. Visit Lake Garda in Italy
38. Visit Rome
39. Go shopping in New York City
40. Go surfing in Hawaii

The post Top 40 Best Dream Adventure Travel Experiences appeared first on Active Outdoors.

It’s not all about the nature watching. The experience of paddling across the waves under your own power is quite soothing to the soul. One of the great things about a sea kayak is that they are wider than normal kayaks, and designed to be much more stable in the waves. Within ten minutes, a complete beginner can work out how to move about in a sea kayak, so it is good for newcomers and experts alike.

Sea kayaking for beginners

Sea kayaking is readily accessible for beginners, however depending on your fitness and coordination it will be easier for some. Talking to a sea kayak instructor I was told that more and more people struggle with sea kayaks because adults and children are so unfit these days. Paddling can be a bit tiring on the arms if you are not used to doing any form of physical activity.

What to Expect When Sea Kayaking

I have been longing to go sea kayaking for a while. Walking the cliff top coastal paths around the UK, I often sea small groups of people in sea kayaks exploring the cliffs and caves. Whilst on holiday in North Devon, I took the opportunity to try it out.

We went sea kayaking with H2Outdoors in Ilfracombe, Devon. We met at the harbour, where we were given wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets and a paddle. The wetsuits were nice clean and dry, which is a rarity for doing watersports. Most times I have been on water adventures, the instructor has only a limited supply of wetsuits which will have been used for the previous session and so you have to put on a damp smelly one. Not at H2Outdoors. The instructors make a point of having enough wetsuits for everyone that are in good condition and looked after. A good start to the kayaking experience.

Safety is a priority, and you are given top class sit on sea kayaks and safety equipment. All of the Instructors are British Canoe Union qualified and first aid trained. Each instructor is equipped with all the necessary safety gear including tow lines, flares, first aid kits, VHF radio, mobile phones and other such equipment required for the conditions and the group.

We were given a safety brief, and shown how to use a paddle efficiently. Then we carried our kayaks from the boathouse down to the harbour’s edge. Some families had opted for tandem kayaks for younger children. Due to the group mainly being families with younger children, the 2 hour session remained within the protection of the inner and outer harbour at Ilfracombe. For stag and hen party groups, able teenagers and adults, sea kayaking sessions go out exploring the coast around North Devon.

Getting into a Sea Kayak

It was quite easy to get into the sea kayaks, mainly because they were sit on top style. From the shore, you just put the front end of the sea kayak in the water so that the front floats and the back still rests on the shore. You then sit on it, and either shuffle the sea kayak forwards into the water, or get a helpful push.

Fun on the Water in a Sea Kayak

We paddled around the harbour and played a few games such as throwing sponges at each other and British Bulldog/Seadog. This helped us practice our paddling and steering skills and improved confidence. The bit I enjoyed most was kayaking in the channels between the rocks and the cliff. The waves were coming around the rocks which made things a bit more challenging but a lot more fun.

We will certainly go sea kayaking again, but aim to go on a half day trip so that we get to go out along the coast.

Sea Kayaking with H2Outdoors

Regardless of your paddling experience, H2Outdoors offers fun filled tailored sessions. H2Outdoors Sea Kayaking sessions are perfect for small or large groups with varied paddling experience as we use sit-on kayaks which are incredibly stable and easy to paddle and all sessions include an introduction to kayaking before taking to the water for some fun. No experience is necessary and all equipment is provided.

If you have some experience and would like to journey a little further along the coast, they have kayaking options for you to choose from ranging from short journeys using sit-on kayaks to half and full day packages using enclosed cockpit sea kayaks. Multi day sea kayaking in North Devon trips are available on request.

H2Outdoor can arrange one-to-one kayaking sessions for you to have our qualified instructor focus solely on you and provide the opportunity to practice rescues and rolls or develop other skills within the kayaking sport.
They also provide other outdoor adventurous activities such as coasteering, high ropes and mountain biking.

Sea kayaking tips

The book Sea Kayak Handling: A Practical Manual, Essential Knowledge for Beginner and Intermediate Paddlers by Doug Cooper is a great compilation of tips on getting started in sea kayaking.
These are a few things I have learned from experience or observation.

1. It is less tiring if you are more efficient with your paddling. If you can paddle in a straight line, you use up less energy than trying to correct a zigzag course. Aim to put the paddle into the water as close to the side of the sea kayak as possible.
2. If approaching a wave, face your kayak into the wave rather than being side on as it is less likely to tip your sea kayak over.
3. Sea kayaks are not intended for use with surf. If you want to try that sort of thing you need to go wave surfing.
4. Wear a buoyancy aid. If you fall out of your sea kayak, it is one less thing to think about if you don’t have to put in the effort to keep your head above water.
5. Plan ahead and know what the sea and weather conditions are going to be like.
6. Tell someone where you are going
7. Carry a waterproof dry bag with a mobile phone or radio in it so you can call for help if needed.
8. Depending in the weather and time of year, a full body wetsuit will keep you warmer than a short wetsuit.
9. Use a paddle leash so that if you let go of your paddle it doesn’t float away.

Sea kayaking equipment

To go sea kayaking you will need:

• Sea Kayak
• Paddle
• Paddle Leash
• Wetsuit
• Buoyancy aid
• Neoprene Wetsuit boots
• Waterproof dry bag
• Helmet

Places to go Sea Kayaking

The best time to go sea kayaking in Europe is between May and October. In the US, October to May is better for sea kayaking as it is not too hot. August to September is hurricane season and must be avoided.

Sea kayaking in the UK

The UK coastline supports an abundance of wildlife that makes sea kayaking a great experience. The best places to go sea kayaking in the UK are around the Isle of Wight, off the North coast of Cornwall, Devon, and in Scotland.

Alaska sea kayaking

The Kenai Fjords in Alaska offer views of glaciers sliding into the sea. You paddle amongst ice, and can get to see glaciers calving and crashing into the sea. You will definitely need a guide for this trip. The fishing port of Seward is the national park headquarters, and where most sea kayakers go from. You will get to see wildlife such as Sea Eagles, Orca Whales and sea otters. Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking offer trips in Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords.

Greenland sea kayaking

Sea kayaking in the Arctic fjords of Greenland in the summer months gives access to perpetual daylight and passageways through channels in and around the fjords. See glaciers and icebergs in the lands of the Inuit, who invented kayaks. In case you are wondering, kayaks are the watercraft that you usually sit inside and are covered. Canoes are open boats more commonly used in warmer waters.

Sea kayaking in Iceland

Sea kayaking in Iceland is ice free all year round because of the warm currents of the Gulf Stream. You can take this tour as part of a trip to see the volcanoes, geysers and ice of this amazing place.

Sea kayaking in the Ionian Sea, Greece.

The Ionian Sea is the calmest sea around Greece and perfect for sea kayaking. The deep blue Mediterranean waters off the southern tip of Italy and Greece provide wonderful coastlines to explore like those around Crete or Corfu. Whilst exploring the coast and sea caves you might get to see turtles, seals or dolphins.

Sea Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez

Just south of San Diego off the coast of Baja California lies the Sea of Cortez. There are hundreds of unexplored coves, uninhabited islands and estuary mouths to discover. You can see wildlife including sea lions, turtles and plenty of birdlife. One popular route offered by Baja Outdoor Activities is to kayak all the way around the Isla Espiritu Santo near La Paz. You can go on a trip where you and your sea kayak are taken to the island by motorboat. Tours provide camping spots on the island so you can paddle your way around the island camping overnight at stops along the way. After a hard day paddling, turning up to a delicious cooked meal that awaits you is wonderful. Sea kayaking all the way around Isla Espiritu Santo takes between five and seven days.

Sea Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand

If you are lucky enough to travel to Thailand, make an effort to try sea kayaking in Phang Nga Bay. Explore hidden sea caves that only a sea kayak can get into. The bay has been used for films such as The Beach, and James Bond movies. Using inflatable sea kayaks, you get to paddle through caves and narrow passageways into the hidden interior of the islands. The water inside the middle is called a hong (room). You are surrounded on all sides by lush forest vegetation hanging from the limestone cliffs. Access to the caves is tidal, so you should use an experienced guide who knows the area.

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Skills – Strength: 4, Balance: 7, Flexibility: 1, Agility: 5, Coordination: 6
Time needed: travelling time + 1 hour, Cost to try: £30 for two flights

Ever wanted to go skydiving but didn’t like the idea of jumping out of a plane. Indoor skydiving may be the answer. You don’t need a parachute in this ultimate freefall experience. You can go indoor skydiving and feel the exhilaration of unlimited freefall without even boarding a plane or leaving the building.

Indoor skydiving from Red Letter Days

The Indoor Skydiving Experience

Indoor Skydiving involves being in a vertical windtunnel, and floating on a powerful updraft of air. The walls of the indoor skydiving chamber are transparent, so that others can watch you while you have a most uplifting experience!

All flyers visiting iFly receive induction training in a pre-flight room from highly qualified instructors. Flyers are taken on a step by step programme, explaining how the wind tunnel works and how to get the most out of their flight. All flyers are provided with the latest equipment including flying suits, goggles and helmets.

After your initial instruction, you then get to watch the previous group in the wind tunnel. You will get an idea of what is involved. Then it’s your turn. You go into a side chamber that is next to the wind tunnel. The instructor then goes into the indoor skydiving wind tunnel and invites you in. You step into the tunnel and feel the blast of air from the fan beneath you under a rigid mesh floor. The instructor helps you into the flying position and you float on a cushion of high velocity air. You can try moving forward and backward, up and down. The instructor is right by your side the whole time. Once you have flown for a bit, at the end of your session the instructor will take you on an amazing flight right up to the top of the tunnel and back down again. What a rush!

iFly Indoor Skydiving

The iFly wind tunnel is at the Xscape Leisure and Entertainment Centre in Milton Keynes. The vertical wind tunnel enables people of all ages to feel the adrenalin of freefall in a controlled, safe environment. In the purpose built tunnel you’ll be able to perform a series of freefall manoeuvres in an airstream of up to 150mph.

The Tunnel

The impressive structure has been designed and built specifically for indoor skydiving and bodyflying. The tunnel employs state of the art technology which accurately controls the environment inside the tunnel. The four high performance 250HP fans generate controlled airflow and a windspeed of up to 150mph, replicating the conditions that skydivers thrive on. The indoor flight chamber has a diameter of 12 feet and is 35 feet high providing enough room for up to four experienced people to fly together.

The Indoor Skydiving Flyers

Not just for adrenalin junkies, the major appeal of iFly is that anyone can have a go. From first time thrill seekers to more experienced skydivers wanting to perfect their technique or those wanting to try something different, the iFly wind tunnel is for everyone. In fact children from the age of 5 enjoy and excel in the wind tunnel.

The advantage of the wind tunnel is that it combines the heart pumping elements of an extreme sport but in a controlled and safe environment. Unlike other extreme sports iFly doesn’t require any previous experience or sporting ability and people can be flying within minutes of arriving.

To prove to friends that you have actually flown, the iFly tunnel has cameras enabling DVD recordings and pictures to be taken while in-flight.

The Expertise

The finest instructors in the country make up the ‘Aircrew’. Prior to coaching in the tunnel, all instructors receive rigorous training lasting four weeks and are qualified by experts at the International Bodyflight Association in USA. The training is carried out at SkyVenture, the manufacturers of the iFly facility and operators of SkyVenture in Orlando, Florida. The Aircrew maximise the enjoyment of flights, give flyers confidence and help them to develop new skills whilst in the flight chamber.

Prices

The iFly experience starts at just £34.99 for the Kix-start package (off-peak) which lasts an hour and includes two flights. (The equivalent of three skydives all at once!). You can Book indoor skydiving with Red Letter Days

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Skills – Strength: 1, Balance: 5, Flexibility: 1, Agility: 1, Coordination: 10
Time needed: travelling time + 1 hour, Cost to try: £30

Falconry – Hawk landing on a gloved hand

Origins of Falconry

Falconry dates back to earlier than 2000BC. That’s over 4000 years ago! Falcons were used in Mongolia and Ancient Egypt by both the aristocracy and common people alike. Falconry is the use of birds of prey to hunt wild quarry in its natural habitat.

Falconry or hawking is a sport which involves the use of trained birds of prey to hunt or pursue game for humans.
Falconry is the ancient pastime of hunting using a bird of prey. the type of bird you flew indicated your status, from kestrel to eagle.

Falconry is still practised today in countries all over the world. The most favoured birds for a falconer is the goshawk and peregrine falcon. Falconry is still an important part of Arab culture, with huge amounts of investment in the protection and conservation of wild falcons.

Depending on the prey, different birds are used. Golden Eagles are used to catch larger prey such as foxes.

Falconry Demonstrations

If you would rather just watch from a distance, falconry displays and demonstrations take place all over the country. The easiest way to find one is to search online for bird of prey centres.

It takes a while to become trained to handle birds of prey properly, however you can get the chance to experience what is involved from a falconry experience. There are plenty of birds of prey centres such as the falconry centre in the Cotswolds or the falconry centre in Yorkshire.

Bird of Prey centres look after a wide range of birds. Owls, falcons, eagles and buzzards can all be viewed resting on perches, and at set times throughout the day there will be flying displays. Falconers will exercise the birds of prey by encouraging them to chase a lure which has food attached to it. They will use either a swinging lure, or a drag lure. Falconers at birds of prey displays will usually get some child from the audience to run around the arena dragging a lure on the end of a piece of rope. The falcon will always manage to catch the child, er I mean the lure. Not surprising when falcons can fly at up to 390 km/h (242 mph).

Owl Experience Days for Kids

For younger children,   you can book a three hour session that will include:

•      handling and flying various owls.
•      learning how to identify owls.
•      dissecting an owl pellet to see what owls eat.

Falconry Experience Days for Teens and Adults

For adults, falconry experience days encompass the handling and flying of owls, falcons and larger birds such as golden eagles.  They will introduce you to the art of falconry and let you handle the birds under supervision, and fly them to catch some prey.  The half day session includes:

• looking after the birds
• weighing and feeding birds
• training young birds
• handling and flying a variety of bird species
• trying your hand at swinging a lure
• learning how to track a radio transmitter
• present your own flying display.

Where to find out more about Falconry Experience Days

For about £60 for a half day falconry experience, you can learn different methods of holding, walking with and flying a variety of birds of prey.

For about £100 you can have a full day of falconry. This will often going out into the countryside to fly a bird of prey. This is a truly amazing experience.

Falconry experiences from Red Letter Days

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Gliding experience gifts from Red Letter Days

Skills – Strength: 1, Balance: 5, Flexibility: 1, Agility: 1, Coordination: 6
Time needed: travelling time + 1 hour, Cost to try: £60

Gliding is, quite simply, the most fun you will ever have in the air!

A glider is like a small aeroplane, with one important difference – it has no engine. Glider pilots use the sky’s own energy to stay airborne and, by reading the sky and following the weather, pilots are able to achieve feats that non-glider pilots find hard to believe. The world distance record for a glider flight is over 3000km (that’s further than London to Moscow!) and even in this country, where the weather isn’t quite so good, flights of over 1100km have been recorded. Modern gliders fly at speeds of up to 250kmph and can reach heights well in excess of 30,000ft.

(c) www.whiteplanes.com

You are allowed to fly solo at 16 and most clubs will allow you to start training when you are around 14 or 15. Many young pilots do this and go solo on their 16th birthday each year. Once you have gone solo, you can start to really go places – flying cross country, taking part in racing competitions, getting into glider aerobatics, or just pushing yourself to go further, higher or faster than ever before.

The UK has a great record in international competitions and three out of the last four world junior champions have been British. There is a great junior scene (because you can’t go solo until you are 16, you are classed as a junior in gliding terms until you are 25!) with dedicated competitions, events, parties etc.

Glider pilots come from all walks of life and it is one sport where males and females can (and do!) compete on an equal basis. Many people think it has to be an expensive sport – wrong! Club members can take a half hour flight typically for as little as £15-£20 and most clubs offer young members flying at further reduced rates.

There are about 100 gliding clubs spread throughout the UK, including a good number of university clubs. You can find a complete listing along with further details about the sport at www.gliding.co.uk. For now though, here’s a bit more information:

Gliders

Gliders come in many shapes and sizes. They can also be cheap or expensive! Fortunately, you don”t need to buy your own glider – all clubs have two-seaters for instructional purposes, and most also have single-seaters which you move onto once you go solo. You never have to buy your own glider, but if you do, you can keep the cost down by joining a syndicate. Like cars, a glider can cost from a couple of thousand pounds through to a lot!

Launching

In order to launch, you need a little assistance. There are a couple of main ways of launching. The aerotow launch is very docile, and involves being pulled up by a light aircraft with a strong rope in between. When the glider gets to the required height, the glider releases the cable, and the glider is free! Winch launching is probably the most common. This involves being attached to a winch with a long reel of wire. When the wire gets pulled in, the glider gets the speed to fly into the air like a kite. When you are almost overhead the winch, again you can release the cable.

Staying Up

Once you are airborne, how do you stay up? Well, this depends on finding air that is rising. There are three forms of this “lift” that help us stay up – thermals, ridge (or hill) lift and wave. If you want to know more about these, have a look at the Soaring section on the BGA web site – www.gliding.co.uk

Going Places

Now you know you can stay up (given the right conditions!), you can use this to go places or go “cross-country”. Normally, this involves using one, or even all three forms of lift to get height, and then using this height to go forward to the next point on our task (or to the next area of lift). A typical task may be a 300 kilometre triangle, with the aim to get back to where you started. It is in this way that you can race – very simply, a task is set and the fastest person round it is the winner!

Aerobatics

We’ve all seen powered aircraft do aerobatics, but how does a glider do them? Well, very simply, in very much the same way. Gliders are just as strong and just as manoeuvrable as most powered aircraft, but with one difference – no engine! This means that an aerobatic flight normally involves taking a high aerotow and then using the height energy to perform the moves. To get the speed to perform these aerial feats, rather than using power, you turn your height into speed. Gliders may be slightly limited in what they can perform without an engine, but the gap is small, and they are silent and graceful in the execution.

Just Gliding!

(c) www.whiteplanes.com

Places to go Gliding

The post Gliding Lessons appeared first on Active Outdoors.

Skills – Strength: 1, Balance: 1, Flexibility: 1, Agility: 1, Coordination: 4
Time needed: 1 hour, Cost to try: £30

Parasailing – The Safest Introduction to Parachuting

Parasailing is not a sport usually associated with the United Kingdom, but now people in England can take part in this exhilarating activity, on the River Humber in Hull. No advance training is required to take part and it is an ideal starting point for anyone thinking about taking up parachuting.

A purpose built winch boat with a specially designed long platform is used, ensuring that you take off and land safely on the boat. This makes the sport ideally suited to people of all ages, including people with limited mobility.

How it Works

After a 15-minute safety brief, you are fitted with a lifejacket, harness and safety helmet prior to boarding the boat.
You travel at breath taking speed across the water until you reach the designated flying area.

The parachute is connected to the winch, and then inflated. This is a tricky job, which can only be carried out by a trained operator, but you can be reassured that you will not be connected to the parachute until it is fully open and has been inspected.
You will be called forward to fly, then connected to the parachute by the two strong stainless steel clips on your harness.

Once safely attached to the parachute, the operator will make sure you are comfortable and ready to fly. The harness is strong enough to sit in, and this makes your experience all the more enjoyable.
As soon as you’re sitting comfortably, the operator slowly lets out the winch rope, and you slowly rise to 200 feet in the air for an experience you’ll never forget! The views are nothing short of spectacular once you’re airborne, and we highly recommend you take a camera up with you!
The operator and boat handler work closely together to land you safely back down on the boat’s platform. Landing down is similar to stepping off the bottom step of an escalator – it’s that simple!

Additional Information

The minimum age of anyone wishing to fly is 11.
The minimum weight of anyone wishing to fly is 7 stones, and the maximum weight is 16 stones.
The maximum number of passengers per trip is 8.
The duration of each trip depends on how many passengers there are on the boat, but generally lasts around one hour. The time in the air varies depending on tide and weather conditions.
All safety equipment is provided.
Accident insurance is included for those who don’t already have it.

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What is Go Ape?

Go Ape is the award winning tree top forest adventure where you can swing in the treetops and speed down thrilling zip wires.  Established in 2002, Go Ape is still growing UK-wide and you can also Go Ape in the US.

Go Ape has over 30 locations in the UK where they have tree-top high wires, tricky crossings (using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire) and wind-in-your-face zip wires.  Apart from Go Ape London, all of the locations are in natural settings of lush, green forest with a healthy dollop of breathtaking scenery.

The Go Ape experience gets the adrenaline pumping, gets people out of their comfort zones and above all it’s just great fun.

In this guide you can find out what Go Ape is like, use the Go Ape course comparison to see which are the best Go Ape locations, how to book, buy Go Ape gift vouchers and subscribe for Go Ape offers and deals.

How Long Does Go Ape Last?

Go Ape lasts for up to three hours of tree top adventure, depending on how quick you are at completing the crossings.

Go Ape Opening Times

Go Ape is open daily from April to October (and weekends in February and November!).  Every year Go Ape opens for the February half term week, then on every weekend until April. From April, Go Ape is open every day until the end of October.

Go Ape opens at 930am, and the last session is at 430pm.

You can get early bird sessions from 8am, with the last Go Ape session at 4pm. During the summer, there are more sessions available due to the longer daylight hours.

It is best to book Go Ape online before you go. You can just turn up and book on the day if there are spaces available.  It’s best to check the Go Ape website for details (or call the booking line on 0845 643 9215, please note there will be a £1.50 booking fee.)

How much does Go Ape cost?

Go Ape prices
Gorillas (18yrs+) – From £30.00 *
Baboons (10-17yrs) – From £20.00 *

Restrictions

Minimum age 10 years, minimum height 1.4m (4ft 7in) and maximum weight of 20.5 stone. Under 18yr olds must be supervised by a participating adult. One participating adult can supervise EITHER two under 18 year olds (where one or both children are 10-15 years old) OR up to five 16-17 year olds.

Go Ape Vouchers

If you are ever having problems finding a gift for someone, get them a Go Ape gift voucher and you will definitely give them a gift they will remember. It is easy to do. Select how much the voucher is for, pay online, then email or print out your gift voucher.

Buy Go Ape gift vouchers directly from Go Ape.

Current Go Ape Discounts and Offers

You can currently save 15%on a Go Ape Tree Top Adventure/Forest Segway adventure by showing your course completion certificate when booking again.

How will I know what to do at Go Ape?

When you turn up at Go Ape, you are provided with a climbing harness, and helped with fitting it. When everyone is ready for your session, your instructor shows you exactly how the safety system works. You get to try it for yourself at ground level. The instructor then takes you to the practice area, where a low level crossing and zip wire is demonstrated. Everyone gets to have a go and the instructor makes sure that you know how to attach yourself to the safety system and stay attached. After that, you head off on your own. Instructors walk around the entire course at ground level, so if you ever get stuck, all you have to do is shout for help and someone will be there within a minute.

Each of the Go Ape locations is split into 5 or 6 separate zones. Up in the canopy, there is an assortment of spectacular rope bridges and Tarzan swings. An exhilarating zip wire brings you back down to the forest floor at the end of every section, usually ending up with the bark chips from the landing zone going down your pants!

Go Ape is for anyone who likes to live life adventurously – you don’t have to be a seasoned explorer to have a Go Ape experience! There’s no greater thrill than the great outdoors, so whether your tribe is looking for stag do ideas, birthday party, corporate team building event or simply a day out with the kids, Go Ape make their courses as fun and as accessible as possible. Every Go Ape location has a cafe or restaurant so that you can get food and drink before or after your treetop experience. It is also useful for those who are just going to watch.

Which is the Best Go Ape Location?

To make things easy for you, here is my Go Ape course comparison that lists all of the Go Ape locations on one page so you can see which is the best. You can see stats like height, distance and number of zip wires.

How high is Go Ape?

The highest Go Ape course is at Glentrees and is 48 metres above ground at its highest point. Typically, Go Ape courses are about 12 metres high, but the highest Go Ape platform is 18m above ground at Go Ape in Grizedale Forest. This is my favourite place to Go Ape.

So, with over 29 Go Ape locations to choose from in the UK alone, which one is the best? It all depends on whether you want height, long zip wires, or challenging obstacles.

The best Go Ape location depends on what you are looking for:

• Best Go Ape location for scenery – Grizedale;
• Longest Go Ape zip line in the UK – Aberfoyle 420m;
• Highest Go Ape rope crossing – Glentrees 48m;
• Biggest Go Ape rope swing – Swinley Forest has a double rope swing;
• Longest Go Ape course – Cannock Forest 1465m.

The difficulty of all the Go Ape courses is similar, as they are designed for you to be able to get across, albeit with some difficulty. But each Go Ape location has its own unique character.

Below is a list of all of the Go Ape courses in the UK, with key details of features that will help you to decide which is the best Go Ape location.

1. David Marshall Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, nr Aberfoyle, Stirling

   Longest Zip Line. Go Ape Aberfoyle opened on the 26^thMay 2007 and is situated in southeast Perthshire on the upper reaches of the River Forth. It is a key centre in both The Trossachs and the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and as such has become a tourism centre. Go Ape in Aberfoyle has two of Britain’s longest zip wires, each stretching over 400m long, flying customers 150 feet above the ground and over a 90 foot waterfall!

   Number of sections – 5
   Longest Zip Wire – 426 metres
   Longest Crossing – 11.5 metres
   Total Length – 1,171 metres
   Number of Crossings – 35
   Highest Point – 14 metres

2. Alice Holt Woodland Park, Surrey

   Go Ape is set within the ancient forest of Alice Holt, famous for its oak trees which once supplied timber for navy ships. Recently Alice Holt oak has been used to build a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London. Whether you have come to walk, cycle, picnic, or see the wildlife, there is something at Alice Holt for everyone who loves the countryside.

   Number of sections – 5
   Longest Zip Wire – 126 metres
   Longest Crossing – 20 metres
   Total Length – 664 metres
   Number of Crossings – 41
   Highest Point – 14 metres

3. Go Ape London in Battersea Park

   If you want to try Go Ape London, there is a unique high wire tree top adventure in Battersea Park in the centre of London. This is the first Go Ape location in the centre of any UK city. There is another Go Ape course in London but further away from the city centre, located at Cockfosters.

   The highest obstacle crossings are double the height of most Go Ape courses, and many are twice as long as usual, making them extra wobbly and challenging.  It also has zip wire bark chipping landing zones up in the air on platforms instead of the bark chipping pile on the ground.

   Number of sections – 3
   Longest Zip Wire – 50 metres
   Longest Crossing – 11.5 metres
   Total Length – 730 metres
   Number of Crossings – 43
   Highest Point – 12 metres

4. Bedgebury Forest, Kent

   Bedgebury is located in Kent and is incredibly popular with people of all ages. Walkers, runners and cyclists all enjoy this tranquil forest and kids of all abilities can spend time having fun in the adventure play area. Bedgebury’s National Pinetum allows for scenic views throughout the whole year.

   Number of sections – 5
   Longest Zip Wire – 170 metres
   Longest Crossing – 20 metres
   Total Length – 812 metres
   Number of Crossings – 36
   Highest Point – 13 metres

5. Black Park

   Set in 530 acres of beautiful woodland with a centre-piece lake. Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Wexham, Buckinghamshire,
   SL3 6DS

   Number of sections – 5
   Longest Zip Wire – 140 metres
   Longest Crossing – 24 metres
   Total Length – 787 metres
   Number of Crossings – 37
   Highest Point – 10 metres

6. Swinley Forest, Bracknell, Berkshire

   Biggest Rope Swing. This Go Ape location has the first Double Tarzan Swing on any of the Go Ape courses. Set in Swinley Forest, Bracknell, a great place to let off steam in the great outdoors. Take in a variety of plants and animals and explore a fabulous science discovery centre and free adventure play area. Popular for mountain biking and a hit with corporate teams.

   Number of sections – 5
   Longest Zip Wire – 160 metres
   Longest Crossing – 12 metres
   Total Length – 704 metres
   Number of Crossings – 35
   Highest Point – 13 metres

7. Poole’s Cavern, Buxton, Derbyshire

   One of the highest Go Ape locations above sea level, close to a 2 million year old natural limestone cave. Buxton is a spa town at the heart of the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire. It has been a popular holiday resort for centuries and blessed with stunning scenery.

   Number of sections – 5
   Longest Zip Wire – 159 metres
   Longest Crossing – 19 metres
   Total Length – 733 metres
   Number of Crossings – 32
   Highest Point – 11.4 metres

8. Cannock Forest, Staffordshire

   Longest Go Ape Course. With the longest Go Ape location and only a short drive from Birmingham, Cannock Forest sits on Cannock Chase, the smallest area of outstanding natural beauty on mainland Britain.

   Number of sections – 5
   Longest Zip Wire – 260 metres
   Longest Crossing – 16 metres
   Total Length – 1,465 metres
   Number of Crossings – 38
   Highest Point – 14 metres

9. Coed-Y-Brenin

   This is a lovely tree top adventure based in the heart of Coed-y-Brenin Forest, North Wales. Coed-Y-Brenin, Dolgellau, Gwyrew, Wales, LL40 2HZ

   Number of sections – 5
   Longest Zip Wire – 140 metres
   Longest Crossing – 20 metres
   Total Length – 679 metres
   Number of Crossings – 31
   Highest Point – 13 metres

10. Crathes Castle

    Set in the grounds of the historic Crathes Castle, this Go Ape course has skateboard zip wires.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 125 metres
    Longest Crossing – 92 metres
    Total Length – 592 metres
    Number of Crossings – 28
    Highest Point – 8.6 metres

11. Crawley, Tilgate Park, Sussex

    This was NEW for 2013. The Go Ape adventure in Sussex can be enjoyed by all. Not only can the over 10’s enjoy the classic Tree Top Adventure, but anyone over 1 metre can get off the ground and up in the trees with Tree Top Junior.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 142m
    Longest Crossing – 14.3m
    Total Length – 737m
    Number of Crossings – 34
    Highest Point – Unknown

12. Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire

    The Go Ape at Dalby Forest has hilltop-to-hilltop zip wires and a plunging valley below. Dalby Forest is situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park. The southern part of the forest is divided by a number of valleys creating a “Rigg and Dale” landscape whilst to the north the forest sits on the upland plateau. Enjoy great walks around Staindale Lake and Haygate with views over the valley. A network of forest roads including the 9-mile Dalby Forest Drive provides access to this outstanding landscape.

    Number of sections – 6
    Longest Zip Wire – 250 metres
    Longest Crossing – 15 metres
    Total Length – 888 metres
    Number of Crossings – 37
    Highest Point – 35 metres (over Zip 4)

13. Delamere Forest, Cheshire

    The course in Delamere has the second longest zip wire of any Go Ape site, stretching 200m. The facility is located adjacent to the Linmere Bridge with views of Blakemere Lake.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 212 metres
    Longest Crossing – 14 metres
    Total Length – 760 metres
    Number of Crossings – 42
    Highest Point – 12 metres

14. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

    Set in one of the most distinctive forest settings in Britain with a seductive charm all of its own, this new Go Ape adventure course is one of the most exciting of the seven sites around the UK. The circuit boasts crisscrossing zip wires in a forest that covers some 35 square miles with picturesque views of the lakes.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 180 metres
    Longest Crossing – 18 metres
    Total Length – 806 metres
    Number of Crossings – 39
    Highest Point – 15 metres

15. Glentrees Forest, Peebles

    Longest and Highest Rope Crossing. Built on the hillside within the beautiful Glentress Forest, the Peebles adventure makes good use of the valley for some jaw dropping exposure, and features the highest Go Ape! zip wire over the reservoirs in the valley.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 325 metres
    Longest Crossing – 13.5m
    Total Length – 933m
    Number of Crossings – 36
    Highest Point – 48m

16. Grizedale Forest, Cumbria

    Highest Go Ape Platform. Grizedale has the highest Go Ape platform at 18 metres. Newest obstacles are the Parrot Ladder and the Victoria Falls Crossing. Grizedale is a stunning location particularly great for families – take in the wash of bluebells in June! You can even go on a 200m zip wire that goes across the road leading up to Go Ape, waving at the cars driving to Grizedale Forest.

    New in 2014, Go Ape has introduced Zip Trekking. If you love Go Ape zip wires then this is for you. A set of 7 tandem zip wires where you can race a friend through the fir trees for 3km!

    Number of sections – 6
    Longest Zip Wire – 275 metres
    Longest Crossing – 22.5 metres
    Total Length – 908 metres
    Number of Crossings – 39
    Highest Point – 19 metres

17. Haldon Forest Park, Devon

    Go Ape’s first foray in the South West! Just 15 minutes from Exeter, Go Ape at Haldon and experience two incredible 230m zip slides flying you from hilltop to hilltop!

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 230 metres
    Longest Crossing – 16 metres
    Total Length – 775 metres
    Number of Crossings – 39
    Highest Point – 14 metres

18. Leeds Castle, Kent

    Take to the trees and speed down zip slides high above the Kentish hilltops. Featuring zip slides 250 metres in length, adrenalin is guaranteed! Take in the stunning views of Leeds Castle and its grounds – representing over 900 years of history, beauty and change. For a great day out in Kent, make a day of it by Going Ape and exploring the castle.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 250 metres
    Longest Crossing – 25 metres
    Total Length – 775 metres
    Number of Crossings – 38
    Highest Point – 12 metres

19. Margam Country Park, South Wales

    In the springtime we’ll be opening our very first Welsh course, located in Margam Country Park (near Port Talbot), which boasts splendid landscapes and the largest deer herd in Wales.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 167 metres
    Longest Crossing – 18.5 metres
    Total Length – 744 metres
    Number of Crossings – 39
    Highest Point – 13 metres

20. Matfen Hall Hotel

    Matfen has 300 acres of historic parkland to enjoy a great day out near Newcastle.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 160 metres
    Longest Crossing – 16 metres
    Total Length – 755 metres
    Number of Crossings – 38
    Highest Point – 11 metres

21. Moors Valley Country Park, Dorset, Hampshire

    A challenging trail with some 35 hanging bridges, scramble nets and zip wires at heights of up to 30 feet off the forest floor. Enjoy the meadows, small woodlands and Crane Lake. An adventure play area is perfect for younger children and a special castle and sand area ideal for toddlers. Witness the picturesque Moors Lake or take a ride on the narrow-gauge steam railway – the perfect end to a Go Ape day out.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 166 metres
    Longest Crossing – 25 metres
    Total Length – 1,000 metres
    Number of Crossings – 39
    Highest Point – 11 metres

22. Rivington, Lancashire

    With its rugged hills, picturesque reservoirs and woodland Rivington is hailed as Chorley’s mini Lake District… the perfect location for enjoying a 200 metre long Zip Wire over the Edge of the Rivington Reservoir.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 198 metres
    Longest Crossing – 17.5 metres
    Total Length – 924 metres
    Number of Crossings – 35
    Highest Point – 10 metres

23. Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Nottinghamshire

    Set within Sherwood Pines Forest Park, changes for 2006 include an expanded course of seven sites. New additions include Stepping Stones, a new Balance Beam and a great new cabin. Sherwood is famed as the only Go Ape location in the UK with treetop-to-treetop zip wires! Set deep in the heart of the Nottinghamshire countryside, Sherwood Forest boasts beautiful woodland and is probably the most famous forest in the world. The forest is a great place to walk, cycle, or horse ride (Keep your eyes open for the merry men!)

    Number of sections – 6
    Longest Zip Wire – 140 metres
    Longest Crossing – 64 metres
    Total Length – 909 metres
    Number of Crossings – 41
    Highest Point – 8 metres

24. Southampton, Itchen Valley

    Tucked away in 440 acres of beautiful woodland and meadows close to the River Itchen

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 193 metres
    Longest Crossing – 21 metres
    Total Length – 927 metres
    Number of Crossings – 40
    Highest Point – 14 metres

25. Thetford Forest, Suffolk

    Newest obstacles are the Tank Trap crossing and Turtle Crossing, the first of their kind to be developed on any Go Ape course. Two sites have been merged to form a new supersite now compromising of 16 obstacles. All zip wires have been extended by 50%.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 140 metres
    Longest Crossing – 26 metres
    Total Length – 739 metres
    Number of Crossings – 36
    Highest Point – 12 metres

26. Trent Park, Near Cockfosters in London

    With one of the higher Go Ape courses at 16 metres above the ground, at last, you can take to the trees in London. If you want to know where there is a Go Ape in London, go to Trent Park.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 120m
    Longest Crossing – 32m
    Total Length – 662.7m
    Number of Crossings – 40
    Highest Point – 16m

27. Wendover Woods, Buckinghamshire

    Set high up on the crest of the Chiltern Hills; enjoy the spectacular views and wild landscape across Aylesbury Vale from high up in the trees. Jon & Amy run a great café in the woods; pop in and indulge in one of their homemade cakes.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 140 metres
    Longest Crossing – 20 metres
    Total Length – 685 metres
    Number of Crossings – 40
    Highest Point – 11.5 metres

28. Whinlatter Forest Park, Cumbria

    Set in the North of the picturesque Lake District; the home of outdoor adventure. Whinlatter is the highest course above sea level, (rising to 790 metres), making it a real high altitude experience. Soak up the spectacular views across the Lake District and into Scotland.

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 89 metres
    Longest Crossing – 24 metres
    Total Length – 601 metres
    Number of Crossings – 39
    Highest Point – 14 metres

29. Woburn Safari Park, Bedfordshire

    In March 2009 we’re opening a brand new course at Woburn Safari Park… we can’t wait! So why not join us, and combine the excitement and thrill of Go Ape with the fun of Britain’s largest drive through and Foot Safari…

    Number of sections – 6
    Longest Zip Wire – 156 metres
    Longest Crossing – 15.5 metres
    Total Length – 804 metres
    Number of Crossings – 37
    Highest Point – 8 metres

30. Wyre Forest, Worcestershire

    Wyre Forest, home to some of the most ecologically significant woodlands in England. So why not Go Ape in one of Britain’s largest remaining ancient woodlands…

    Number of sections – 5
    Longest Zip Wire – 160 metres
    Longest Crossing – 17 metres
    Total Length – 567 metres
    Number of Crossings – 40
    Highest Point – 14 metres

Groups

Get in touch with our Go Ape Events Team to get your tribe in the trees – from Aberdeen to Wyre, 10 to 280 people, for adults and children – We can tailor a day that you and your gang will never forget.

Team Building Groups and Events at Go Ape!

Go Ape Tree Top Junior

Under 10s were complaining about not being able to Go Ape, so there is now a growing tribe of Junior Go Ape treetop experiences being built across the country. A fun filled hour of canopy exploring, trail blazing and obstacles for all to enjoy. You’ll take on 20 crossings over 3 trails and finish with one awesome zip wire. Go Ape Junior is for all abilities so explorers can uncover the forest canopy from 4 years (over 1m) to 104.

Forest Segway With Go Ape!

If you don’t fancy swinging through the trees, you can test your balancing skills by riding on the two wheeled Segways. The forest segway experience is at 10 Go Ape locations in the UK. Get off-road and explore the forest on all-terrain segways. It’s a totally unique way to tackle the trails in the forest.

Segway at Go Ape.

Go Ape Zip Trekking

If you love the zip wires but can’t be bothered with all the obstacles to get to them, then you really need to visit the Go Ape Zip Trekking experience in Grizedale Forest in the Lake District.

Find Out More About Go Ape

For the ideal gift, you can get Go Ape vouchers. Occasionally, Go Ape do have discounts and offers. If you have been to one of the best Go Ape locations in the UK, your certificate you get at the end gives a 15% voucher off your next Go Ape adventure.  This applies to any Go Ape location.

So whatever your confidence and ability, if you love the outdoors and fancy taking on zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders, high wire crossings and more, grab your tribe and head to the best Go Ape location near you for up to three hours of tree top fun and adventure. No two Go Ape experiences are the same.

Visit GoApe.co.uk to start your adventure.

The post The Best Go Ape Locations appeared first on Active Outdoors.

Skills – Strength: 5, Balance: 5, Flexibility: 6, Agility: 6, Coordination: 5
Time needed: 3 hours, Cost to try: £60

What is Canyoning?

Although hiking down a canyon that is non-technical (canyon hiking) is often referred to as canyoneering, the terms canyoning and canyoneering are usually associated with technical descents that require rappels (abseils) and ropework, technical climbing or down-climbing, technical jumps, and sometimes technical swims.

Canyoning tours are frequently done in remote and rugged settings and often requires navigational, route-finding and other skills and preparation needed for wilderness travel.

Canyons that are most suitable are often cut into the bedrock stone, forming narrow gorges with numerous drops, beautifully sculpted walls, and sometimes spectacular waterfalls. Most canyons are cut into limestone, granite or sandstone, though other rock types are found. Canyons can be very easy or extremely difficult, though emphasis in the sport is usually on aesthetics and fun rather than pure difficulty. A wide variety of routes are found throughout the world, and canyoning is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

Where to go Canyoning in France

Chamonix in the Savoie Mont Blanc region of the French Alps is a fantastic location to go on canyoning tours. In Passy, just below the Chamonix Valley, Latitude Canyon runs guided canyoning by night. Navigating the river in the dark, only the places where you abseil under the waterfalls, the basins and natural toboggans are illuminated by the guide, using multicoloured diving lights.

The Alps in France and Italy has a selection of places to go canyoning, the Dolomites being a favourite. Interlaken in Switzerland is another good place to go.  The US has one of the biggest range of canyoning locations.

Other activities on offer include whitewater rafting, and Via Ferrata. This involves traversing routes high in the mountains, using ropes and metal ladders attached to the cliff faces during World War 2 by soldiers. Guided tours leave regularly and give spectacular views.

The post Canyoning Tours in France appeared first on Active Outdoors.