adrenalin – Page 5 – The Activity People Blog

Can You Stop the Zombie Invasion?

Halloween is almost upon us and an undead invasion is sweeping the country, airsoft and paintball sites across the country have been overrun by hoards of flesh eating zombies and it’s time to fight back! So if you’re too old for trick or treating or just want to kick some zombie butt, there’s no better way to celebrate the spookiest day of the year.

Survival is key, and it’s not as simple as you might imagine. Not only will you have to fight off the infected, you’ll also have to franticly search the game zones for ammunition, tools and medicine. You’ll also have have to storm and secure buildings eliminating any zombies that try and get in your way. Nowhere is safe and you can quickly find yourself outnumbered so it’s essential you work well as a team if you’re going to survive the night.

Zombies aren’t just roaming the countryside, they’re making their way into towns and cities too – they’ve even taken control of an abandoned shopping centre! Almost nowhere is free from the infected and indoor airsoft sites are just as badly affected as outdoor arenas. You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to take down your undead enemy as well as some tips on how to survive the attack, but after that you’re on your own.

It’s only a matter of time before the zombies are banished to their graves for another year so make the most of these awesome events and put your survival skills to the ultimate test before it’s too late. We guarantee you’re in for Halloween you’ll never forget!

Indoor vs Outdoor Activities: Which to choose

Choosing between an indoor and outdoor activity can be tricky, especially when there are so many exhilarating activities to choose from. So to help you choose the perfect activity here’s a look at some of the best bits about both.

When you’re choosing an activity the Great British weather is definitely something which you need to consider. Only the most extreme weather conditions will lead to an activity being cancelled, and some activities are even more fun after a bit of rain. After all, racing around an off-road karting track or quad circuit wouldn’t be the same without a nice bit of mud, and as long as you’re dressed for the weather there’s no reason why it should spoil your fun!

If that doesn’t sound like your thing, indoor activities are the only way to guarantee you’re safe from the worst of the weather, and they’re still just as much fun. Indoor activities such as paintball and karting combine all the fun of an outdoor sessions with the added bonus of being sheltered from the elements, so if you don’t want to gamble on the weather they make the perfect choice.

There might not be as much choice when it comes to indoor activities, but they still give you the chance to experience some awesome adrenalin rushes that you wouldn’t normally find here in the UK. For example you can take to the slopes to try your hand at skiing or snowboarding all without having to leave the country (and you’re even guaranteed snow all year round!). If you’re trying an activity for the first time or just want to hone your skills an indoor session is the perfect way to prepare for a more challenging outdoor experience. Even professional climbers spend hours fine tuning their technique on indoor climbing walls before they take on the real thing.

The great thing about outdoor activities is that there is such a huge range to choose from, whether you want to take to the water or head for the skies there is something to suit thrill seekers of all levels. From paintball to parachute jumping and everything in between there’s no better feeling than heading out into the great outdoors to take part in an exhilarating activity. So as long as you’re not put off by the chance of a bit of rain there’s no reason why you won’t love taking to the great outdoors for an adrenalin-fuelled activity.

If you’re still struggling to choose whether to opt for an indoor or outdoor activity you’ve got the perfect excuse to give them both a go and have a load of fun finding out!

Red Rush Vouchers – The Ultimate Gift!

For some people it’s probably a little too soon to be mentioning the “C word”, but that time of year is fast approaching where the more organised among us are starting to think about what would make the perfect present. So if you’re already searching the web for ideas, you may have just stumbled across the perfect solution!

We all know that one person who’s already received every gift going, and is almost impossible to please when it comes to gift giving. So instead of heading out on a last minute trolley dash, why not treat them to an unforgettable gift experience?

Gift experiences are a great way to take part in some truly once-in-a-lifetime activities, and more importantly they save you the stress of searching the shops! There’s a huge range of exhilarating activities to choose from and our activities range from paintball to parachute jumping, so there’s something to suit thrill seekers of all levels. So whether you’re looking to treat the petrol head in your life, or know an adrenalin junkie that would prefer to leave the safety of solid ground a Red Rush voucher could make the perfect present.

To make receiving a Red Rush voucher even more exciting we’ve launched a stylish new range of gift boxes. As well as their voucher the lucky recipient will also get their hands on a free copy of the Adrenalin Guide. A 100-page glossy book crammed with full colour photos and information on the most exhilarating activities on the planet!

So why not treat the adrenalin junkie in your life to an experience they’ll never forget, and for all you early birds we’re offering 10% off any Red Rush activity voucher purchased before Friday 31st October. To receive the exclusive discount simply use the code TAPB10 when booking and you’ll receive 10% off your order, terms apply, offer ends 31/10/14.

White Water Rafting – Strange Beginnings

White water rafting is one of the most popular adrenalin activities in the world, and millions of people put their paddling prowess to the test by taking on some of the wildest, white water stretches they can find. The main reason people choose to take on the challenge of white water rafting is to experience the rush of racing down fast flowing water, negotiating rocks and rapids as they go. However in its formative years rafting served a much more practical purpose, a million miles away from the adrenalin fuelled white water sport many people recognise it as today.

In the 1840’s United States Army officer Lt. John Fremont and inventor Horace H. Day created the first rubber river raft. Their primitive but revolutionary raft was made from four rubber cloth tubes and a wraparound floor. They made their first successful voyage in 1842 when they used their raft to survey parts of the Rocky mountains which were only accessible by boat.

As rafting slowly gained in popularity it became more viable as a business opportunity and in an attempt to capitalise on its growth John D. Rockefeller Jr. constructed a hotel in the Gran Tenton national park Wyoming. In the late 1950’s the lodge started offering trips down the river in surplus war rafts which were 8ft wide and over 20ft long. The trips were so popular that rival rafting companies started to spring up across the United States, offering rides down some of the fastest and most thrilling stretches of water in the country.

White water rafting grew in popularity throughout the 60’s and 70’s and in 1972 it was included to the Olympic Games held in Munich. In 1997 the international federation of rafting was established and the first international white water rafting championships were held in 1999. The introduction of an international governing body meant rafting became much more strongly regulated and as a result safety improved. The information available to rafters also improved and rivers were graded 1-6 using the International Scale of River Difficulty designed to reflect the technical difficulty and skill level required to navigate a section of river. Rafters use this system to find out what kind of conditions they can expect to face on stretches of river they’ve never been down before.

Modern day white water rafting has changed dramatically and almost anybody can take to the water for the challenge of negotiating boulder strewn rapids and fast flowing water. There are rafting sites across the globe and its popularity continues to grow, especially in the UK. Scotland is home to some of the best and most difficult white water rafting routes in the world which may explain why it’s so popular. There are even artificial rafting sites with man made rapids that are tailor made to put a rafters paddling skills to the test. So whether you’re trying rafting for the first time or just want to hone your skills the perfect location could be closer than you think. It may have started out as a way of crossing treacherous stretches of water but the fun that can be had in a modern day rafting experience is second to none!

Are you ready to take on the assault course?

Are you ready to take on an adrenaline fuelled assault course?

If you’re ultra competitive or just like getting muddy, taking on an assault course is a great experience for friends or workmates. So here is a quick look at what you can expect from your day tackling some of the trickiest obstacle courses Britain has to offer. A typical course will contain all the old favourites as well as a few newer obstacles. Wherever you chose to take part you can certainly expect to face rope swings, tunnels and the much feared monkey bars.

Some obstacles will require you to work on your own such as the tyre run, where you will work your way over a series of tyres placed along the course. Other obstacles will require you to depend on the help of your team mates. The most difficult of all being the dreaded high wall, for which you will have to muster all of your strength to pull yourself over an impossibly steep wall.

It is worth pointing out that the course can be made as fun or as challenging as desired. For groups who are just out for a bit of fun, this is an ideal day out too. Most courses offer a free run system where you’re given a set amount of time, usually an hour, to tackle the obstacles at your own pace. This means you’re free to get as wet and muddy as you like by repeating any of the obstacles or dodging some of the more daunting ones.

Once the adrenaline is pumping you then have the chance to take on some of the obstacles against the clock in a time trail. You can also compete against other teams taking on the assault course, teams will normally have a minimum of five members and a maximum of ten. Once in your teams it’s a race to the finish, to post the fastest time, with prizes for the winners as well as a booby prize for those with the slowest time.

Assault courses are traditionally used in military training to increase fitness and to practice techniques that can be used for crossing rough terrain. The military also understand the benefits assault courses have for improving team work and increasing self confidence. While you may not be ready to trek through the Amazon rainforest by the end of the course, you will hopefully have a new found respect for your friends or work colleagues.

Your day will normally last anything between 1-2 hours depending on how many of the different challenges you take on, with a break halfway through to get some much needed rest. Marshall’s will be situated around the course to ensure your safety and help out with any of the more difficult obstacles. Getting a bit wet and muddy comes with the territory so you will need a towel and a clean set of clothes.

So are you ready to swing, crawl and climb your way around some of Britain’s maddest and muddiest assault courses in the ultimate test of teamwork and determination?

How to ride a Segway: Six handy tips

If you’re preparing for a fun filled Segway experience these handy pointers will help you master the art of riding the Segway and keep you safe at the same time.

1. The Segway reacts to your movement and weight distribution. Making slow and deliberate body movements will help you stay in control of your Segway.

2. Keep your arms and legs loose, and bend your knees and elbows. This helps you absorb vibration and keeps the Segway stable and under control.

3. Always lean into the turn. Hold the Steering Grip loosely and be careful not to unintentionally turn it.

4. It may sound obvious but keep both hands on your Segway. Don’t try and show off!

5. Be alert and look ahead—your eyes are your best tool for safely avoiding obstacles and slippery
surfaces.

6. Make sure to bring your Segway to a complete stand still before you step off it.

Five ways to experience the fun of a Segway

When the Segway was first conceived, the hype surrounding the space age transporter was massive. The man behind the Segway Dean Kamen, even went as far as to predict the downfall of the car, he claimed: “It will be to the car what the car was to the horse and buggy”.

Unless you’re reading this whilst gliding past miserable commuters on your Segway, you have to admit ‘the future of transport’ has not made the impact it promised. Thankfully for us thrill seekers there is one thing the Segway delivers in abundance, and that is fun!

Sites across the country are now unleashing the Segway’s full potential by offering a selection of wacky Segway games and adventures designed to squeeze every last ounce of fun out of the electronic transporter.

So here’s a look at some of the best things you can get up to on board a Segway:

1. Off-road adventure

This is a great way to see some of the most picturesque parts of the country, but more importantly, it’s the best way to experience the fun of an off-road Segway. Once on board the specially adapted Segway you’ll head off the beaten track weaving through woodland and racing round bumpy cross country circuits.

2. Segway Olympics

This is the ultimate test of everything you’ve learnt on your Segway. The Segway Olympics are a tricky combination of a number of disciplines including a race, an obstacle course and games such as the Segg and spoon race.

3. Segway Racing

Let’s face it nothing beats the fun of a good old fashioned race. There are a range of different circuits across the country packed with tight bends and full throttle straights. The Segway has a top speed of 12.5 mph (nearly twice walking speed) so regardless of whether you come first or last you’re guaranteed to be grinning ear to ear when you cross the finish line.

4. Obstacle Course

Once you’ve mastered the basic controls of a Segway it’s time to see how good you really are by taking on a fiendish obstacle course. The courses are packed with tight turns and sharp changes in direction which will really test your manoeuvring skills. You’ll also be tested on your ability to handle different surfaces and negotiate obstructions. Anybody can master the basics, but have you got what it takes to conquer the assault course?

5. Segway Polo

Here’s a chance to really unleash your competitive side! Instead of playing on horseback, you and a team of four other players can grab a mallet and take to your Segways. The aim of the game is simple; glide across the pitch on your Segway and using your polo mallet do your best to whack the ball into your opponents net.

Book your Segway experience with The Activity People today!

Taking your first Bungee Jump

Plummeting towards the earth after leaping from a crane or bridge may not be everybody’s idea of fun but for the adrenaline seekers out there, there is no greater thrill than bungee jumping.

Bungee jumping dates back to the time of the Aztec people who would jump from tall wooden structures with vines tied to their legs, as a test of their manhood.

Thankfully bungee jumps have become much safer, rigorous health and safety checks are common place and each participant is weighed and fitted for a safety harness before they take the plunge.

The first recognised bungee jump was in Britain, in 1979 when members of Oxford Universities dangerous sports club jumped from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. There are now sites across Britain that offer standard bungee jumps as well as catapult bungee jumps.

Most jumps in the UK are from a crane which means the height can be made higher or lower depending on how brave you’re feeling. The majority of locations will offer two different heights, a standard jump at around 160ft and a more challenging jump from a staggering 300ft in the air. Crane jumps are by far the most popular type of jump in the UK and whatever height you choose to step off the platform from, your heart is sure to be racing.

A new variation on the traditional bungee jump is the catapult bungee jump or reverse bungee jump as they are also known. This type of bungee involves participants being flung into the air rather than jumping from a raised platform towards the ground. Launched in 2011 by David Hasselhoff on ITV game show ‘Red or Black’, catapult bungee jumps are great for people attempting their first jump or for more experienced jumpers who are looking for a new thrill.

Rather than making your way to the top of a crane, you remain slightly closer to the ground. Once your are safely in your harness, the bungee cord is attached to a crane which takes up the slack and suspends you in mid-air. Then on the count of 3, 2, 1, Bungee! The instructor will release the rip cord sending you soaring through the air.

While its probably not the best idea to wear a skirt or high heels you can pretty much bungee wearing whatever you’re comfortable in. T-shirts, shorts and track suits are all fine, choosing the right footwear is much more important. Make sure to wear enclosed or well fitted shoes to avoid losing them mid-jump, alternatively you can make the leap bare foot.

Most locations will also offer the opportunity to do a tandem bungee jump which gives you the chance to jump with one of the experienced members of staff, or a bewildered friend or colleague. The rush of a bungee jump is addictive and once you’ve made your first jump you’ll already be planning your next. So why not throw yourself head first into one of Britain’s most loved adrenaline activities?

Book your jump with The Activity People today!

The Zorbing Experience: What to Expect from a Zorb Ride

There are two types of land zorbing rides: dry and wet. In areas where there are no natural hills or contours for the zorb to manoeuvre, a special track is constructed, either out of metal or by shaping a natural barrier from the land itself.

On a dry ride, the rider is strapped into the zorb against one wall. The operator releases the zorb, and the rider rolls, head over heels, downhill. In hydro-zorbing, the passenger isn’t strapped to the zorb wall. The operator adds about five gallons of warm or cold water — depending on the weather — to the inside of the zorb, then sends the passenger on a wild ride. The passenger slips and sloshes around the inside of the ball as it rolls. Not surprising that the wet ride has been nick named – the washing machine ride!

Even though the zorb is clear plastic, the passenger is somewhat limited in what he or she can see while rolling downhill. Because the zorb has two layers of plastic and because of its speed, it becomes difficult to discern the sky from the ground when you’re on a roll.

The sphere doesn’t travel fast enough to become airborne over bumps, but it will bounce +as it turns down the hill. The actual speed depends on a variety of factors, including whether you’re rolling into a headwind, the weight of the passengers and if you’re strapped in or riding free. When strapped in, you’ll pick up more speed.

Contrary to what you might think, zorbing isn’t particularly nauseating — well, at least according to Andrew Akers, one of the sphere’s inventors. He says that in over 100,000 rides, no one has ever thrown up. While the zorb moves downhill at a good speed, because of its circumference, the person inside only makes one complete rotation about every 30 feet (9 m). While the length of each track varies, you can generally expect about 700 feet (213 m) of fun on your ride.

Zorbing is considered safe and has an excellent safety record. A harness keeps the rider in place on dry rides, and the 459 cubic feet (13 cubic meters) of air sandwiched between the two plastic balls provides ample cushioning.

Because the zorb is on a confined track, the rider has no control over steering or stopping the ball, so a trained operator releases the ball. At the bottom of the hill, the zorb gradually slows to a stop, where another operator is waiting to secure the zorb so you can climb out with ease. A zorb course on land has small cushioned bumps on the surface that keep the zorb in line and the specially designed tracks have barriers on each side to prevent the zorb from veering from it’s designated course.

While it’s not unheard of for a zorb to get a puncture, it won’t pop and shoot down the hill like a balloon releasing air. Any hole in the zorb will lead to a slow air leak. As the air leaks out, the zorb loses its round shape and rolls slower and slower until it settles to a stop. Of course, with the amount of air a zorb contains, it can lose a good bit before the passenger notices any change in performance at all.