But what role models do today’s teenagers have? Pop stars, footballers, and er, well, I can’t think of anyone else? You don’t get to see any of them doing outdoor activities in the wilderness.

So, perhaps you should be getting your inspiration and encouragement from a source a bit closer to home – your dad. Does your dad encourage you to spend time outdoors? Do you enjoy spending time with your dad outdoors? What makes a great outdoor dad?

I have been pondering this question lately as I watch other dads ignoring their children in the park while they lounge around looking fed up at being dragged out with the family, or shouting at them to stop mucking about when they create their own disruptive fun. There does seem to be a big disconnect between dads and their kids. Is this because they spend all of their time at work and not enough time playing with their children? Do they actually know the best way to interact?

I love the great outdoors, and as a dad I try my best to introduce my children to as wide a variety of outdoor experiences as I can . This doesn’t mean taking them on 10 mile hikes over mountains because it will do them good. I encourage them to try new activities and experiences, but it has to be fun. I provide guidance and knowledge from my years of experience as an outdoor adventurer, but also give them the freedom to learn and discover things for themselves.

This led me to thinking, “What makes a great outdoor dad?” With a lot of input from my children, here is my list of 20 things on how to be a great outdoor dad.

1. Fun – Make every outdoor experience fun.
2. Get a dog – The family will love the furry creature to bits, but it is you that has to go out in all weathers to walk the beast. Not forgetting those times when everyone else is tucked up in bed while you are out there in the driving rain and cold waiting for the little darling to do a poo. Or to come back when called, not.
3. Camping genius – Be able to put up the family tent on your own in the pouring rain while everyone else watches from the safety of the car.
4. Be adventurous
5. Be safe – Test out trees and rope swings before they do. You do have to then let them have a go though.
6. Cook an amazing meal over an open fire or on the smallest of gas stoves.
7. Stand on the touch line of the football or netball match and shout encouragement without getting yourself banned.
8. Be able to demonstrate every outdoor sport and activity to your kids and try to be better at it than them. This won’t last as they will soon learn how to be better and faster than you. No fear those kids, especially teenagers or those low to the ground. As a dad you feel the weight of responsibility for making sure you don’t break anything as you have to look after them and get and drive them all home after the holiday.
9. Come up with amazing facts. Did you know that …?
10. Do stuff with them. Don’t send them off on their own while you stay in and watch tv.
11. Be able to run or walk great distances back to the car so that you can go and pick everyone else up on the so called circular route where they are too tired to walk the rest of the way.
12. Bicycle repair man. Have a tool for every occasion and be able to fix everything, usually where over enthusiasm has led to a favourite toy breaking. Fixing bent derailleurs and twisted handlebars from unexpected dismounts. Still, at least it was the toy and not them.
13. Lifeguard on the river rapids. Keeping up with the kids at water parks.
14. Find your way anywhere. Even in the dark. Usually for finding holiday places late in the night whey of arrive down a narrow country lane. Also useful for finding your way to and from the pub when staying in new places.
15. Give their inexperienced friends important advice when descending steep mountain bike trails, such as “keep it slow and use your brakes,” only to be ignored as they know better. Good job young bodies bounce better than older ones.
16. Don’t be afraid of the dark (or anything, especially wild animals).
17. Help to develop self confidence by showing them that they can do things – assault courses and mtb single track
18. Develop independence
19. Guide yet give freedom to learn and discover
20. Enjoy spending time together. You never know how much you will have.

Have I missed anything? What is your dad like? Is your dad great outdoors? Let me know what you think makes a great outdoor dad on the Active Outdoors facebook page.

The post The Joys of Being an Outdoor Dad on Fathers Day appeared first on Active Outdoors.

What is stand up paddle boarding?

Stand up paddle boarding involves standing up on a board that floats on water and using a paddle to move around. The paddle board looks similar to a surf board and is made from glass-reinforced plastic around a polyurethane or expanded polystyrene foam core.

Guy Fisher, Director of SUP Rentals Ltd in the UK explains, “Stand-up paddling has become one of the fastest growing sports all over the world. The water based activity can be enjoyed on any pool of water, be it a river, lake or sea at any time. In addition to the fun that can be had, it is a great sport that provides full body and low impact exercise which improves body balance and overall strength.

How was stand up paddle boarding invented?

Stand up paddle boarding was said to have originated on the African coast where people stood up in their dugout canoes to get a better view of what was around them, especially looking out for danger. This is the reason that lifeguards also use stand up paddle boards to look out for anyone who might need help and to be able to quickly get to them.

Another reason that stand up paddle boarding came into favour as a sport was in Hawaii where it was adopted as a different way to go surfing when there weren’t many big waves. SUP enables you to practice your surfing technique and balance in the sea when there isn’t much swell.

Due to the stability of stand up paddle boards, they have become increasingly popular as a recreational activity, allowing you to get unique views of nature from the water.

What do you wear for stand up paddle boarding?

You can wear whatever you want for stand up paddle boarding, however you might want to think about the temperature and getting wet if you fall in.

In warmer weather, T shirt and shorts will be just fine, but if the water is a bit cold for you, a wetsuit may be required. You can buy wetsuits or rent them from the place you rent your board from.

Where Can I Try Stand up Paddle Boarding in the UK?

Being an island, the UK is a great place to try stand up paddle boarding. There are an enormous range of places where you can go to hire one. But if you fancy trying stand up paddle boarding on a patch of water near you and there isn’t a board hire shop nearby, you can now get a paddle board delivered to your door!

SUP Rentals Ltd in the UK – Stand up Paddle Boards for Hire and Delivered to Your Door

SUP Rentals Ltd is an Oxfordshire based stand up paddle board hire business offering inflatable paddle boards to rent in the UK.

SUP boards are larger boards and the desire to travel with them has led to the development of an inflatable system where the board and pump can be carried in a back pack.

SUP Rentals Ltd offers the rent of stand up paddleboards from one day, up to two weeks with prices starting at £15 per day per paddle board.

Each stand up paddleboard – the Zray Tourer Elite 330 cm / 10’6” – is perfect for adults or families and comes with its own pump, ensuring quick and easy inflation.

The inflatable stand up paddle boards are lightweight and pack down in to a rucksack and the company will deliver to the customer via courier to their doorstep – or customers can collect from their base in Oxfordshire.

The inflatable stand up paddle boards can be rolled up and packed in a lightweight pack for easy transportation. The boards are safe and durable, with a more rigid construction technology than other inflatable boards currently on the market. SUP Rentals have a long history in renting equipment for water based activities and the quality of their equipment and safety of their customers is second to none. It is awesome to be able to rent a stand up paddle board that is delivered right to your door. In addition, when hiring the SUP boards, life jackets and dry bags can be reserved through the online booking process.

If you want to buy your own inflatable stand up paddle board in the UK, it will set you back around £500. You can buy them from stores such as Decathlon, Surf Boutique or Amazon.

The Great Social Stand Up Paddle Boarding Trip

Stand up paddle boarding is pretty straightforward and easy to learn. The boards are very stable and make for a great way to spend your recreational time at the weekends with friends. You can go online and rent a couple of inflatable boards, get them delivered to your door and then have some fun at the weekend.

If you are still wondering if it is easy to learn how to stand up paddle board, this Youtube video explains everything for you.

The post Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards to Get You On the Water More appeared first on Active Outdoors.

Make Them Comfortable

Bundle up the kids and make sure they are kept warm. Gloves, warm socks, coats and winter footwear should be worn to keep you and your kids comfortably warm. It is always good to have another pair of gloves dry and ready on the radiator to swap out with the wet snowy ones.  You can also use pocket hand warmers.  With that done, you are all ready to have some fun in the outdoors!

Outdoor activities for kids and families in winter is not only going to be fun, it is good exercise too. Here are some outdoor activities the kids and the entire family can enjoy and learn from in winter.

Wintery Fun with Sledding

Head to a major retailer and get the kids their sleds. Going down the hill in a sled is so much fun. Climbing to a hill to have a fun ride down can be tiring. It is good exercise though for the kids and yourself.  Find out which are the best sleds this year.

Let’s Play the Game of Tag

Kids always love to play the classic game of tag. This time it is going to be the flashlight tag. Instead of using hands to tag each other, players will use the beams of light. Bring the kids out in the garden at night and have them chase each other while flashing their flashlights. Be sure to be with your kids when they play this game. They might get carried away and wonder out in the streets trying to catch each other.

Or you could get them their own laser tag gear.

Build a Snowman

An old-time favourite! Even your grandparents use to roll snow into balls to build three parts of a snowman. Making a snowman is not only fun, it is a good form of exercise, too. Moving and rolling all that snow takes a lot of work and will flex all of the kids’ muscles and yours too.

Do some Walking and Hiking

Bundle up and dress in layers. Wear gloves, a well-fitting hat and comfortable winter shoes. Pack in some drinks and snacks. Since you will be hiking with kids, you should be travelling through well-marked trails. You also need to be familiar with the trail. You do not want to get lost in the cold and with kids in tow.

Get on a Fat Bike

Fat biking is similar to mountain biking except that they have wider tires for good snow traction. Fine a nice simple trail for the kids to try out. You can move on to some other trails as soon as the kids get the real feel of fat biking. The nice thing about fat biking is it does not hurt a bit when you fall in the snow.

Help Dad and Mom do Some Snow Shovelling

Snow removal is hard work. It is also a great exercise. The kids can each pick up a snow shovel appropriate for their size and have so much fun clearing the pathway of snow. They will also have a sense of fulfillment that they were able to help in an adult chore.

Hunt for Some Treasure

Treasure hunting will keep the kids on their toes. It will make them do a lot of thinking too. Hide in your garden or nearby park some Ziploc plastic bags with clues that will take the kids to next stop. Fill the “treasure box” with goodies such as glow in the dark sticks and stickers and a few candy bars. You may also include a photo of your next winter adventure to get them all excited!

Create Ice Art

Freeze ice in jello containers, ice cube trays and other containers. On a chilly day bring those ice blocks in the porch and have the kids make some ice sculptures. Dribbling water will make the blocks of ice stick together to form fun shapes.

When There’s a Mountain, There’s Skiing and Snowboarding

If there is a mountain nearby, bring the kids out there for some skiing and snowboarding. You can rent out some gear and have the kids try a few skiing and snowboarding lesson. You might need one yourself, too. The kids will surely enjoy this activity and may just be requesting to be back soon.

Play Powder-Puff Football

Invite some of your kids’ friends over and form two teams at least three in each team. Fill spray a bottle with a mixture of water and food coloring to make a large rectangle mark with a centerline on the ground.

The teams start off at the opposite ends of the field. A player kicks off the ball and once a teammate catches it, he will try to bring the ball across to their goal by passing it to his other teammates. The players from the opposite team will try to tag the player with the ball to give them ball possession. The game ends when the players start getting cold.

You could also try bubble football.

Go Ice Skating in a Lake

Ice skating is always fun for little and big kids. Indoor ice skating can be a lot of fun but ice skating in the lake, river, canal or pond can be even more fun! Rent or buy some skates for the kids and yourself. Look for a frozen body of water and glide around in fun.  Or try one of these city ice skating rinks.

Play with Bubbles

Find some of bubble mix in the kids’ playroom. Bring the kids outdoors and have them blow bubbles in the winter air. If it is cold enough they might just be blowing ice crystals. The bubbles will freeze before popping and will form into ice crystal. The kids will surely find these extremely amazing.

Get into a Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt will be a lot of fun for the kids. Hide some objects in the snow. Ask the kids to go out and fins frozen puddles, icicles, animal tracks and the objects you hid in the snow. Prepare some goodies for the lucky scavengers.

Roast those S’mores

Prepare a fire ring if you do not have access to one, check put camp sites or parks near your home. Chocolates, graham crackers, roasted marshmallow and the sound of a roaring fire will get all the kids excited. S’mores are perfect for cold winters days.

Create a Gargoyle

Bring along a small amount of clay in plastic bags as you and the kids head out for the woods or well anything similar to the woods. During the walk have the kids pick up leaves, twigs, cones and other natural features. Let them study the tress searching for natural features that could be part of a gargoyle’ face. With the use of the clay, let them stick on the trunk of the tree the items they collected along the way. They can also use the clay for the other features such as eyebrows, mouth, eyes etc…. Take a photo of the kids with their gargoyle!

There are a lot of things to do in the outdoors in winter. It can be such a waste of fun time to stay indoors.
Which activity on the list did you find to be the most exciting for you, the kids and the entire family? When my kids were little, most of our winter days were full doing most of those activities.

Whichever of the activities listed above you choose to do, it would be nice if you could do it as a family. If you want more ideas for fun outdoor activities for kids and families in winter, look at my winter activities section.  Or you could always try these winter activities for teens.

The post Outdoor Activities for Kids and Families In Winter appeared first on Active Outdoors.

Bikes, Cycling and Pedal Power

Bikes are one of the most popular gifts for Christmas. Whether you have got a new bike for Christmas, know someone who has, or fancy some fresh air, cycling is a great way to spend time together.
If you get a new bike, make sure you set it up correctly before stomring downhill somewhere. I bought a bargain mountain bike for my daughter from eBay which was for sale because the owner had tried riding it a couple of times and didn’t get on with it. I wasn’t surprised when I saw the immaculate bike that was still setup straight from the box. The brakes squealed because they were set up wrong. The gear change was very stiff and only went into 2 of the 18 gers because the gear stop screws hadn’t been set. After a couple of minutes tweaking, the bike worked perfectly. I did have to buy a new saddle though as the factory one on the bike wasn’t comfortable enough. Good job you can buy gel saddles.
For beginners, flat ground is great; especially for parents who have to keep up whilst holding their child upright. For kiddies bikes, try tying a broom handle to the seatpost tube so that you don’t have to bend over to hold the bike upright. Saves back ache I can tell you.
For teens, you may have to seek out a BMX park or some mountain bike trails.

Drones and Flying Things

The one thing I love about drones is that they fly. I used to watch people in the past flying their brand new remote control aeroplanes in the park on Christmas Day. Well, by flying I mean they launch it, it flies for a few seconds before crashing into the ground and breaking into lots of pieces. Same thing goes for helicopters. The small indoor ones usually last a few minutes before damaging some piece of the house, Grandad, or the toy itself.
With drones, most of them these days have some form of autopilot feture that means that when you let go of th econtrols, they hover in one place. Unless it is windy. Then you have a few issues. Oh, and watch out for trees, and people, and pets, and buildings, and overhead cables, and the law. To ensure that your drone survives Christmas Day, you will definitely want to know about the 9 things they don’t tell you before you fly your own drone.

Snowsports

If you are on a family ski trip at Christmas, I’m jealous. Christmas and snow seems to make things feel quite magical, so long as you aren’t trying to get anywhere and that you have heating.
If you have snow where you are this Christmas, here are lots of ideas for fun in the snow.

Running, Jogging and Orienteering

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Get on your new runing gear and get some fresh air. Don’t over do it though, because you are most likely full of food and alcohol. If you dont like tarmac, try trail running.

Geocaching

Wherever you are in the world, someone will have hidden a box and marked its location on a geocaching website. You can have the fun of the high tech treasure hunt by trying to find said box using the coordinates. use either a GPS or your mobile phone and an app. Brilliant for keeping the kids entertained (as long as you find it).

Photography and Videos

Cameras are another very popular gift for Christmas. Outdoor photography Keeps those memories fresb forever and be creatively expressive.

Whatever you do, have a wonderful Christmas.

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What is Snow Tubing or Doughnutting?

Most dry ski slopes and ski resorts now have snow tubing lanes so you can race your friends downhill.  You can also buy snow tubes Amazon to use at home when it snows.

Snow Tubing on snow is a wintertime activity that is similar to sledding. Snow Tubing involves sitting in a large inflated inner tube and launching yourself down a snowy hill. This is almost always performed on a hill or slope, using gravity to get you to the bottom. The low friction between most snow tubes and snow allows you to reach considerable speeds while riding, especially on steep slopes.

When you have snow tubed to the bottom of the hill, you either have to walk back up with the snow tube, or get pulled by a drag lift if you go snow tubing at a ski slope or snow tubing activity centre.

You can buy a snow tube, or use something similar. Tractor or truck inner tubes provide the same thrilling experience, but you may want to cover the hole in the middle with a sheet of polythene to keep yourself dry.

An inflatable dinghy will also give you a great downhill ride. The added bonus is that the bed of the boat will be inflated and cushion you from the bumps.

If you want to have control over where you go, perhaps you want to have a go at airboarding.

Lastly, wherever you go sledging or tubing, check where you will end up, and look out for obstacles. You are going to have some serious fun and go home with a massive grin.

Snow Tubing Parties

If you want to have a go or hold a snow tubing party (especially for stag and hen nights!), have a look at what is on offer at the snow tubing venues below.  The locations at ski resorts have specially carved lanes to keep you going in the right direction while you are snow tubing.

One of the best things about doughnutting is racing your friends. You get to bump them and have a real laugh. Guaranteed to end up at the bottom with a big grin.

You can have a snow tubing parties at ski slopes in the UK and US. Places include:

• London (Hemel Hempstead)
• Aldershot
• Chatham
• Trowse, Norwich
• Craigavon
• Chillfactore at Trafford nr Manchester
• Swadlincote Derbyshire
• Plymouth
• Glasgow
• Colorado

Where to buy your own Doughnutting and Snow Tubes

You can buy a great range of snow tubes from Amazonco.uk or Amazon.com
If you are looking for something faster, you have to get an airboard.

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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: 6, Flexibility: 5, Agility: 3, Coordination: 5
Time needed: travelling time + 1 hour, Cost to try: £free

Sometimes starting out in a sport can seem a little daunting; is it for you? What equipment do I need? What you really need is some sound advice. If you’re interested in getting into sailing then here are a few top tips about getting started from what kind of sailing you want to do and where to do it, to how much it costs and what courses are available.

What kind of sailing do you want to do?

Before you get started you’ll need to have a think about what kind of sailing you want to do; dinghy or yacht sailing.

Dinghies are open boats which are suitable for day sailing in a variety of areas both inland and on the open sea. They are fun and exciting whilst bringing you closer to nature.

They provide an exciting and cost effective way of getting afloat to experience the thrills of sailing. You could go cruising somewhere like the Lake District or hire a dinghy off the beach for your summer holiday; participate in high octane and fast performance sail racing or just sail on your own for fun.

The great thing about dinghy sailing is that it provides one of the cheapest ways to get afloat. It is also the quickest and easiest way to learn to sail as dinghies are easy to rig, anyone can handle them and they are very responsive, providing limitless entertainment for everyone. But remember with dinghy sailing you will get wet, especially when you are learning the ropes!

Yacht sailing is extremely diverse and there are opportunities for everyone to participate. The boats are bigger and come equipped with more of your home comforts such as toilets and kitchens and place for you to stay onboard and sleep. It’s a great way to get out on the water in warm climates with the family, explore far flung remote places with friends or you might even try your hand at racing.

Yacht sailing is about adventure, exploration, teamwork and fun. It’s relaxing and an enjoyable way to discover new places.

What Sailing Lessons and Courses are Available?

The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) offers a whole host of courses from complete beginner right through to professional qualifications. Run through the RYA’s network of some 2,500 recognised training centres both in the UK and abroad, you should be able to find a course to suit you.

To get you started many RYA Training Centres, sailing clubs and charter companies throughout the UK and abroad run taster sessions/days providing an ideal opportunity to get out on the water for the first time and help you decide if sailing is for you and if you wish to go ahead and sign up for a course.

If you decide that yachting is for you then the RYA’s Start Sailing and Competent Crew courses are the perfect way to learn the basic principles of sailing whilst meeting like-minded people and exploring new locations.

The Start Sailing course is designed especially for the complete beginner. During this two day course you’ll get a real hands-on experience and start learning how to steer a yacht, sail handling, rope work and be aware of safety on board.

The RYA Competent Crew course is a five day course, usually over three weekend or three days and one weekend, but if you have your Start Sailing certificate it reduces to three days or two weekends. You’ll experience living on board and really get to know the boat. Virtually all the course is hands on. You are the crew – without you the sails won’t go up and the boat won’t be steered.

By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day duties on board. You should also have visited some interesting places and had an enjoyable holiday.

If you decide on dinghy sailing is more your style then the RYA’s Youth Sailing Scheme, for under 16’s and National Sailing Scheme for adults offer the Stage one and Level one courses respectively, and are perfect for beginners.

The Youth Sailing Scheme is a series of courses to develop your skills with instructors signing off each skill as it’s complete it and, once completed, the certificates can be of use in other areas of study or activities such as PE at school, or the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Stage one is a day two course and provides a basic understanding of how a boat sails, with some experience of steering and handling the boat

The National Sailing scheme is a series of two-day courses for adults wanting to learn in dinghies, small keelboats and multihulls.

It has been designed to help you enjoy whichever aspect of the sport appeals to you. Level one starts by introducing you to sailing with all you need to know to get afloat under supervision. During the course you’ll learn how to sail in all directions and have an awareness of launching and recovery.

Where can I learn?

Whether you decide to take a course as part of your holiday or take a course at your local sailing club, there are plenty of locations to choose from.

Visit the RYA’s ‘Where’s my nearest’ to find a training centre near you – . Here you can also find details of RYA Training Centres overseas if you fancy doing your course in the sunshine!

Is sailing an expensive sport to take up? How much does it cost?

Sailing has always been seen as an expensive sport to get in to, but the reality is that it doesn’t have to be. You can buy a small dinghy to get on the water with for as little as £600 and a wetsuit will cost you from around £70 to buy.

Like any sport it costs a lot to compete at the very top but thousands take to the water each year for less than it costs to play golf or tennis and for a lot less than a gym membership in many parts of the country. As a family you can join a sailing club for as little as £150 a year and have free or very cheap access to their fleet of club boats.

The cost of training courses vary depending on where you live and what course you decide to do. An RYA level one course for sailing starts at about £200 per person. It is always best to go to an RYA recognised centre where a national curriculum is taught. This means that if you move you can still follow the different levels all the way through and the RYA certificate is internationally recognised. RYA recognition also means the centre will run the course to the RYA’s syllabus with safe, well maintained boats and equipment.

Sailing really is for everyone

The beauty of sailing is that is really is for everyone, young or old, able bodied or disabled.

Especially for youngsters is the RYA’s OnBoard programme which provides children with the opportunity to learn to sail as part of the school sports curriculum or through youth groups. Find out more at www.ruob.co.uk

There are also racing programmes for youth and junior sailors and windsurfers wanting to sail competitively both at home and abroad. Many of our current Olympic sailors have come up through these programmes.

Sailing is also one of most accessible sports for disabled people to participate in and is also one of the only sports where people with disabilities can participate on equal terms with able bodied people.

RYA Sailability is the charity of the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) which offers people who think they can’t even get on a boat, let alone sail it, the chance to have a go. There are over 200 sites for disabled sailing throughout the UK encouraging and supporting thousands of people with disabilities to take up sailing, with a proportion, over 40%, having learning disabilities. Find out more about RYA Sailability at www.rya.org.uk/programmes/ryasailability

Where can I find out more information about getting into sailing?

Visit the RYA website www.rya.org.uk. As national governing body for all forms of recreational and competitive boating, it represents dinghy and yacht sailing, as well as motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sports boats, powerboat racing, windsurfing, inland cruising and personal watercraft. The RYA can advise you on how best to get started with any of the above activities as well as answering any questions you have.

If you want to get yourself some gear to go sailing, sailing clothing and gear is available from Amazon.

The post Learning Sailing Skills appeared first on Active Outdoors.

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

The post Falconry Experience Days appeared first on Active Outdoors.

This page tells you all about the basics of camping. However, you may prefer to read some great hints and tips on going camping with your boyfriend or girlfriend.

Things that Make Camping Fun

Best Camping Stoves

Guide to Camping Hammocks

Family Camping Equipment Checklist

Camping is an outdoor recreational activity where people give up the luxury of a nice warm solid house for a flimsy canvas tent to enjoy nature while spending one or more nights at a campsite. They may use a tent, a primitive structure, a camping hammock or no shelter at all. Camping is often restricted by law to designated sites in order to prevent campers from damaging the environment.

Camping as a recreational activity became popular in the early 20th century. Campers frequent national parks, other publicly owned natural areas, and privately owned campgrounds.

Camping may be an end unto itself, but often it is done in conjunction with other activities, such as hiking, wild swimming, fishing and binge drinking. It may be combined with hiking either as backpacking or as a series of day hikes from a central location.

Different Types of Camping

Some people vacation in permanent camps with cabins and other facilities (such as hunting camps or children”s summer camps), but a stay at such a camp is usually not considered ”camping”. The term camping (or the slightly sarcastic camping out) may also be applied to those who live outdoors out of necessity (as in the case of the homeless) or for people waiting overnight in very long lines (queues). It does not, however, apply to cultures whose technology does not include sophisticated dwellings. Camping may be referred to colloquially as roughing it.

Campers span a broad range of ability and ruggedness, and campsites are designed accordingly. Many campgrounds have sites with special facilities such as fire rings, barbecue grills, bathrooms and utilities, but not all campsites have similar levels of development. Campsites can range from a patch of dirt with a sign marking it to a level, paved pad with sewer and electricity. These latter are often designated for the use of handicapped campers. For more on facilities, see the campsite article. Rugged campers believe that provisions for comfort detract from the experience of being out-of-doors, but comfortable camping avoids some hazards of outdoor activities.

Camping in an RV

The most comfortable form of camping uses recreational vehicles (RVs), essentially wheeled houses. Some call this style of camping “tinboxing”.[citation needed] Many RVs are quite luxurious, featuring air conditioning, bathrooms, kitchens, showers, satellite TV and even Internet connections. RV campers often choose these devices because they consider tent camping uncomfortable and inconvenient. In the United States, some campgrounds offer “full hookups” where motorhomes are supplied with electricity, water and sewer services. Some retirees and self-employed people sell their homes and live nomadically in their RVs, often moving with the seasons.

RV Camping Around Europe

Tents

Those who seek a rugged experience in the outdoors prefer to camp with only tents, or no shelter at all (“under the stars”). Tent camping commonly employs an automobile to transport equipment to an established campground (this practice is called “car camping”). Other vehicles used for camping include touring bicycles, boats, and even bush planes, although backpacking and using pack animals are popular alternatives. Tent camping attracts young families because the children tend to enjoy it, and because gear is inexpensive and rugged. Tent camping sites often cost less than campsites with full amenities, and most allow direct access by car. Some “walk-in” sites lie a short walk away from the nearest road but do not require full backpacking equipment.

Backpacking is a mobile variety of tent camping. Backpackers use lightweight equipment that can be carried long distances on foot. They hike across the land, camping at remote spots, often selecting campsites at will if resource protection rules allow. Backpacking equipment typically costs more than that for car camping, but still far less than a trailer or motorhome, and backpacking campsites are generally free.

Canoe camping is similar to backpacking, but uses canoes for transportation; much more weight and bulk can be carried in a canoe or kayak than in a backpack. Canoe camping is common in eastern North America.

One form of bicycle touring combines camping with cycling. The bicycle is used to carry the gear and as the primary means of transportation, allowing greater distances to be covered than backpacking although less capacity for storage

Survivalist campers learn the skills needed to survive out-of-doors in any situation. This activity may require skills in obtaining food from the wild, emergency medical treatments, orienteering, and pioneering.

“Winter Camping” refers to the experience of camping outside when there is sufficient snow on the ground. Some campers enjoy the challenge this form of recreation brings. Campers and outdoors people have adapted their forms of camping and survival to suit extremely cold nights and limited mobility or evacuation. Methods of survival when winter camping include building snow shelters (quinzhees), dressing in “layers,” staying dry, using low-temperature sleeping bags, and fueling the body with appropriate food.

Workamping allows campers to trade their labor for a free campsite, and sometimes for utilities and additional pay.

Camping Equipment

Common tent camping equipment includes:

• A tent, lean-to or other shelter device
• A sleeping bag for warmth
• A sleeping pad or air mattress is often placed underneath the sleeping bag for cushioning from stones and twigs as well as for insulation from the ground
• A portable stove to prepare hot meals and/or drinks where campfires are forbidden or impractical
• A lantern or flashlight
• A hatchet, axe or saw for cutting firewood (where allowed; see campfire) or constructing camp gadgets
• Various types and sizes of ropes and tarps for stringing clotheslines, sheltering dining areas, and other purposes.
• A chuck box to hold the many varied camp kitchen items for food preparation, consumption and cleanup.

Some campers may prepare food by cooking on a campfire, sometimes using such equipment as a Dutch oven.

Much of the remaining needed camping equipment is commonly available in the home, like dishes, pots and pans. Lists of what to take are available in many camping books and websites. Many people opt not to use their home items but equipment better tailored to camping, such as heavy plastic tableware and salt and pepper shakers with tops that close to keep out rain. Backpackers use special lightweight and highly portable equipment.

Social camping

Many campers enjoy socialising with a small group of fellow campers. Such groups will arrange events throughout the year, to allow members with similar interests, or from similar geographical areas, to get together. This allows families to form small close knit societies, and children form lasting friendships. Some who participate in this sort of camping, feels that it brings a closer form of bonding, as members become more mutually dependant, than they would otherwise be in modern society. There are 2 large organisations in the UK who facilitate this sort of camping: the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. It is also possible to find online special interest groups, who cater for those with a love of a particular pastime or sport.

In more recent years, those who camp alone have been able to share their experiences more easily with a large group of fellow campers, through the use of blogs & online social networking.

Whatever you do, use the Camping Equipment Checklist before you go camping to make sure you have packed everything you need to make camping comfortable.

The post What Makes Camping Comfortable? appeared first on Active Outdoors.

If you are lucky enough to get snow, then take the opportunity to have fun outdoors. Some countries have significant amounts of snow throughout the year, and there isn’t the urgency to make a snowman before it all melts. It also depends upon your view on being outdoors in the snow. Some view it as too cold and wet. I view it as great fun!

There are many activities that can be done outdoors in winter. We’ll start with the easiest and most obvious and then move onto fun winter activities for teens that need a bit more organisation.

Snowball fights

Snowball Launchers

If you want to increase your throwing range, get yourself a Wildsling water bomb launcher. This is a large length of elastic with a holder in the middle. two friends hold each end while you pull back the holder with a snowball in it and let rip. You can also get the Wildsling Solo from Amazon which you can use by yourself.

Buy Snowball launchers

Snow Angels

This involves finding a nice patch of snow outdoors that no one has walked in yet. Lie down on your back and wave your arms up and down in the snow. When you stand up, you leave an impression in the snow that looks like an angel. It is one of those pointless activities that is just fun to do because you can.

Build a Snowman

There is a technique for making a huge snowball that not everyone knows about. I used to think everyone did, but I have come across several people who just haven’t spent enough time outdoors in the snow making snowmen.

The trick is to make a big snowball with you hands, and then just start rolling it about in the snow. As you roll the snowball about, it picks up the snow and gets bigger. Make sure that you roll the snowball about in different directions, otherwise you will end up with a big disc shape like a wheel.

Building snowmen can release that creative streak in you. How cool can you make your snowman look? Dress it up. Make yours the biggest snowman ever and astound your friends.

Sledging and toboggans

Now we’re onto the exciting action outdoor winter activities. The thrill of speeding down a hill with the wind in your face is great. You need a slope of at least 30 degrees to be able to go sledding properly. I spent a significant amount of my youth whizzing down a 45 degree slope on a wooden sledge without a hope of stopping until the hill ran out. What a buzz! Alas, there hasn’t been much snow in the UK over the last decade, but I still hold out hope for a decent winter snow fall.

If you don’t have a sledge to enjoy the snow this winter, then a tin tray will do the trick. You can also use a sheet of plastic. Survival bags from any outdoor shop will also work, but they are more comfortable with a cushion in them. I have discovered that wooden skim boards used for surfing at the edge of the sea work really well on snow if you sit on them. Body boards are a bit crap though.

If you don’t have a slope near you, you can make one. Build your own Cresta Run and slide down it on a tin tray or one of those plastic bumbles (round plastic tray with a hoop handle).

The trick to going fast on a sledge is to find a decent slope, then on the first few runs take care to compact the snow. you will then find that you can gain some high speeds. Use your feet to steer.

You are going to have some serious fun and go home with a massive grin.

For much more about sledges, how to make them and where to buy them, read Sledges and Toboggans.

Doughnutting and Snow Tubing

Places to go Snow Tubing and Where to buy

An inflatable dinghy will also give you a great downhill ride. The added bonus is that the bed of the boat will be inflated and cushion you from the bumps.

IMPORTANT! Lastly, wherever you go sledging or tubing, check where you will end up, and look out for obstacles such as trees, fences and posts. Make sure you can stop well in advance by using your feet. If all else fails, bail out early by rolling off the back of the sledge or snow tube.

Ice skating

In the UK, you are unlikely to be able to go ice skating outdoors in the winter. We don’t get cold enough temperatures any more to freeze ponds over with ice thick enough to be safe. Now, if you live in Canada, then you are bound to know somewhere where you can skate outdoors. Around Christmas time, several places set up outdoor skating rinks. These are great. Otherwise you may seek out the variety of indoor ice skating rinks at all times of the year, not just in the winter.

The best outdoor ice skating rinks in the world

Dog Sledding

Did you know that you can go dog sledding in the UK? There are places all over the world where you can speed along in the great outdoors behind a team of dogs. Perhaps you could train your own dog to pull you on your toboggan. For further info, read Dog Sledding

Skiing

The winter months send a lot of people of on skiing holidays. You have a large choice of winter destinations all over the world. Skiing holidays in Colorado, France, Canada , Austria or Italy will give you an experience you won’t forget. There are ski chalets, family ski holidays, group ski holidays & luxury chalets.

Before you go skiing on snow, you can learn or practice outdoors on a dry ski slope. A dry ski slope is made of nylon brush matting. It is kept slightly wet to make it more slippery. Once you can do linked plough turns, you will be allowed onto the slope on your own without a skiing instructor.

For more info on skiing and skiing holidays read Skiing and Skiing Holidays guide

Snowboarding

Snowboarding has a much more stylish air about it. The snow based version of skateboarding, snowboarding is now a recognised Olympic sport. For all you need to know about snowboarding, read our Snowboarding Guide. Go try it. Be cool outdoors.

More Outdoor Winter Fun

If you want yet more ideas for outdoor fun this winter, browse the Winter activity ideas list.

The post Fun Outdoor Winter Activities appeared first on Active Outdoors.