gift experience – Page 4 – The Activity People Blog

Announcing our venue of the month – Shepton Mallet 4×4

We’re delighted to announce The Activity People site of the month for June is Shepton Mallet 4×4!

Located less than half an hour from Bristol this mad and muddy 4×4 centre is the perfect place to put your off-road driving skills to the ultimate test.

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It’s not only the off-road course that makes our Shepton Mallet venue stand out though, it’s team of friendly and experienced instructors who make taking on the course as fun and challenging as possible.

So if you think you can conquer rock crawls, mud runs, tunnels and hill climbs there’s nowhere better to experience 4×4 driving. But don’t just take our word for it here’s what our customers thought:

Chris Eley – Shepton Mallet, 4×4

“Totally awesome experience. Had the best time. 5 Stars. Many thanks to all the staff for making it a great experience.”

Steve Ekless – Shepton Mallet, 4×4

“Had a fantastic hour or two with two guys who enjoyed it as much as I did even though I was driving ! It’s a lot harder than you think when you look at the course and trust me, for the first time an hour is enough! Can’t wait for the next time, bring on the mud and water.”

So for a truly unforgettable stag, hen, birthday or team building event, why not find out if you’ve got what it take to conquer this mad and muddy 4×4 course? With Father’s day just around the corner too, a 4×4 driving experience at our venue of the month is guaranteed to score you some serious brownie points!

Introducing Archery, Axe Throwing, Air Rifles & Crossbows Budby – Worksop.

We’re excited to announce the latest addition to the The Activity People network is Archery, Axe Throwing, Air Rifles and Crossbows at Budby, Nr Worksop.

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Located a short distance from the spectacular Sherwood Forest this brilliant multi-activity venue is home to four exhilarating activities, and with tailor-made target ranges for archery, axe throwing, air rifles and crossbows, where better to put your accuracy to the test than the home of Robin Hood!

As well as using top-of-the-range equipment, you’ll also receive full tuition from a team of experienced instructors too, which means you’ll quickly get to grips with the basics of each target sport. Almost anybody can master these tricky target sports, and as long as participants are aged 12+ they’re great fun for families, friends and team building events.

So whether you want to experience the power and accuracy of a crossbow, the elegance of a bow or the precision of an air rifle, our Budby venue is the perfect place to take on a range of target sports.

White Water Rafting in the UK

White water rafting is undoubtedly one of our most exciting activities, so if you’re thinking of putting your paddle power to the test here are a few things you need to know about this wet and wild water sport.

It’s not just done on rivers..

The UK may be home to some of the wildest stretches of white water in the world, but white water rafting isn’t just confined to natural stretches of white water. Man-made centres like the Lee Valley White Water Centre, used for the London Olympics, are tailor-made for rafting too, and unlike natural stretches of white water conditions out on the water are much more consistent.

There are different classes of white water..

Stretches of white water are graded by how difficult they are to negotiate. The International Scale of River Difficulty is graded from 1-6 with class 1 white water being the easiest to pass, and class 6 white water being almost impassable. Unless you’re an experienced rafter you’ll mainly be taking on white water graded between 1-3, as this guarantees you plenty of fun without the risk of injury.

It’s not just rapids you’ll have to avoid..

If you’re taking on a natural stretch of white water it’s not just rapids you’ll need to negotiate. You’ll also have to dodge the danger of rocks, branches and river banks too. It’s not all bad news though, because with our instructors skippering the raft you’ll know exactly what’s coming your way and what you need to do to make it down the river in one piece.

You’re going to get wet..

Part of the fun of white water rafting is getting a good soaking, and even if you manage to stay in the raft you’re going to get wet at some point. All of our venues provide wetsuits, helmets and life jackets, so when you inevitably get a soaking there’s no need to worry about ruining your clothes. It’s probably for the best you bring a towel and some dry clothes to change into though!

To find out first hand just how much fun white water rafting is follow this link to find your nearest venue.

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.

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!

Don’t panic, there’s still time to get those last minute gifts!

A visit to your local supermarket will tell you that the last minute Christmas panic has definitely set in and if there’s somebody you’ve forgotten to buy for the thought of having to brave the high street two days before the big day is enough to push your festive spirit to the limit. Thankfully, we may just have the perfect solution!

Our instant eVouchers are sent straight to your email inbox, which means there’s no need to wait around for the postman and no need to fight your way down the high street. Once you’ve received the email with your voucher attached you’re free to get creative and put your own unique stamp on things. So no matter how late you leave things there’s always time to get the perfect last minute gift, and nobody will be any the wiser.

Order your eVouchers from The Activity People today!