birthday – The Activity People Blog

Venue of the month for July is Archery Uttoxeter

We’re delighted to announce July’s site of the month is Archery Uttoxeter.

Over the past month we’ve received nothing but positive feedback about this spectacular archery venue, and it’s easy to see why!

Surrounded by breathtaking scenery there’s nowhere better to master this ancient art, and thanks to the team of expert instructors you’ll get to grips with the basics of archery in no time.

With top-of-the-range equipment to take aim with too, you’re bound to feel like a modern day Robin Hood – and what better way to test your newly found skills than with a series of fun competitions and games?

That’s what we think makes Uttoxeter Archery stand out, but don’t just take our word for it here’s what our customers thought..

Alan Hill – Uttoxeter, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire Archery

“Great time had. Tom our instructor was very helpful and took time to show my 8yr old how to shoot the arrows correctly.”

Chris Hammond – Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, Archery

“Tom who took us to the archery range was very helpful and instructive, and my grandson (also a Tom) and I enjoyed it very much. We both liked the competitions at the end. Being a hot day we were pleased to be offered a bottle of water each. As one of us was left handed (myself) it was good to have the option of left-handed bows.”

To take on the targets at Uttoxeter Archery visit our website here.

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!

New to Clay Pigeon Shooting? Our 5 useful hints

1.Determine your dominant eye

Prepare for your shoot by finding out which is your dominant eye before you go to the clay shooting venue. It is important to bear in mind that dominant eye does not always follow dominant hand, however by using this simple test you can decide which eye to use to look down the barrel of the gun to focus on the target

Focus on an object in a room and point at it. Close your left eye and if you can still see that object at the end of your finger this means that you are right eye dominant. If it has moved away from your finger open your left eye and close your right eye, be careful not to move your hand. If you are left hand dominant that same object will be back at the end of your finger. Simple as that!

2.Mounting the gun correctly

Holding the gun correctly is crucial to firing the shot comfortably and accurately. With the help of your instructor you need to aim for the butt of the shotgun to sit in the groove in your shoulder joint. Hold the shotgun tight to ensure that the kick of the gun doesn’t impact on you when fired.

Your front hand should be placed as far down the barrel as possible whilst still allowing you to hold the gun tightly.

3.Comfortable and strong standing position

Your standing position is important to maintain accuracy when firing the gun. Both feet facing forward, with the foot opposite your trigger finger being the furthest forward. Use this foot for the majority of your weight to lean on as it is this that keeps you steady and helps maintain your balance.

4.Bring your head to the shotgun

If you are a first time shooter it will be very tempting to bring the gun upwards instead of bringing your head to the shotgun. If you can bring your head down to the shotgun you should be able to see right down the barrel and see your target much clearer. Don’t worry if you don’t get this right at the start, the instructor will always be on hand to guide you with this.

5.Stay steady and calm while firing

Hitting your clays generally comes down to two factors – your positioning and not delaying your shot. You will get lots of hints and tips but here’s some more that will impress even the most experienced instructor.

Follow the clay as it comes out of the trap, keep your eye down the barrel and be sure to keep the bead at the end of your gun inline. Resist the temptation to follow the clay with just your eye, you need the barrel to follow your line of sight too. Squeeze the trigger just as the clay disappears out of your line of sight.

One last tip, shoot the clay as its rising, once it starts to fall it may be best to wait for the next clay!

This time of year is simply perfect for clay shooting so why not give it a go?