Stithians Lake in Cornwall is considered one of the windiest inland waters in England. It's not surprising therefore that it's a favourite with windsurfers and sailors alike. Watch the video by clicking on the play button in the images.
Raft Building
Raft Building
What is it?
The practice of raft building is probably one of the most well known team building activities, as the basis of the activity is put together a working raft and get it floating with everybody on board in the shortest time.
What does it involve?
Raft building usually involves teams being given lengths of wood, various ropes and plastic sealed barrels and then given only vague instructions before aiming to combine all the apparatus to make a working raft. There is often also the additional goal of getting the raft successfully floating on water with everyone aboard, and sometimes there is a physical goal to reach somewhere on the water itself.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
The most obvious benefit of raft building is the intense teamwork required to complete the activity, but it also improves practical thinking and the ability to combine the skills of the group together to achieve the best possible outcome.
What equipment do we need?
Raft building will generally be carried out under the organisation of an activity provider, so it's unlikely you will need to supply any equipment other than ensuring the students bring wet weather clothing/swimwear!
Who is it suitable for?
You should always exercise caution with younger children around water, especially if they are to go on it on a raft of their own creation! However, it's likely that the instructor will be experienced in judging if a craft is safe to be ridden, so in general, raft building could be suitable for all ages.
Costs?
Raft building should be a reasonably cheap activity to book for your students, but it often comes as part of a more expansive watersport package which will have higher costs!
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
You should make sure young children are well supervised around water, especially in a potentially high paced situation such as raft building.
How do we include?
Those with severe physical disabilities may not be able to participate fully - for example, if someone needs to use a wheelchair, they will not be able to climb upon a raft! However, you can include those with disadvantages in ways such as making them leaders of a group - they can direct the activity of everyone else!
Doing it abroad?
You'll be able to find raft building acitivities (or something similar) wherever there are open bodies of water! You should always check before the trip to make sure.
Main website:
http://www.ultimate-activitycompany.co.uk/raft-building/ has some great information, but always check out individual websites for specific venue and activity details.
Venues with this Activity
Wiston Lodge is a place where guests are able to develop personal, social and work skills. We can design and supply programmes tailored to suit your group's needs, or provide the venue for your own programmes. We welcome residential and day visits, during the week and at weekends.
Give your kids a zest for the outdoors, and a hobby for life. Sailing, kayaking and powerboating are a fun way to get out in the fresh air, and we offer watersports coaching and courses for children aged eight upwards. We supply all the equipment from wetsuits and buoyancy aids to boats.
We can help plan and deliver a range of outdoor learning packages for primary schools across all key stages.
Nestled within the mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park you will find a whole host of fun filled adventure. Whether you are looking for an exciting new experience, or developing personal skills, Sbri Cymru can tailor make an activity day to suit you.
A family friendly place offering river Rafting and Tubing for kids aged 14 and above, plus , kayaking (including tandem), for kids aged 6 and older, along the river Derwent. Tours led by qualified staff.
Whether you are seeking something interesting to do with your friends and family, organising a group event, or aiming to develop your personal performance and qualification level in the adventure world, we are the people to talk to.
“Woodmill has been described as Southampton’s best-kept secret, and understandably so. To those who drive past it probably just looks like any other brick building, but step inside this converted former mill and it’s like walking through the wardrobe into Narnia: an unexpected tranquil haven full of wonder and surprise (and no lions or witches, thankfully).
Way2go Adventures is licensed by AALA for water sports and is also an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) for Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards (DofE) expeditions in canoe/kayak. We are also able to offer weekly sessions for those who wish to do canoe/kayak for their physical section for DofE.
The home of the very best sailing, watersports and multi activity trips for schools. As a family run business, we approach all aspects of what we do in a very individual and responsive way to the benefit of you and your group.
Wirral Sailing Centre is based at the 52 acre West Kirby Marine Lake and offers water sports activities and courses to anyone aged 8 and over. It is a registered RYA Training Centre.
Rutland Watersports Centre is on the north shore of Rutland Water Park at Whitwell. This is a day sailing, canoeing and windsurfing centre owned and operated by Anglian Water providing a great place to hold or enrol in events, courses, activity days, corporate days or a bit of retail therapy.
ShoreSports watersports school uses the safe and shallow waters of Christchurch Harbour, operating from Mudeford Quay. Learn to windsurf, kayak or stand-up-paddleboard (SUP) with our qualified instructors, join one of our popular tours up river, have lessons or simply hire equipment
We offer safe, exciting and educational holidays for young people. A place where children can meet new friends, build confidence, develop social skills and gain wonderful memories.
An Outdoor Activity Centre, based in Beeley, in the heart of the Peak District National Park and the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, providing group accommodation and outdoor adventure activities for young people of all abilities.
Established in 2008, Exmoor Adventures are the areas outdoor specialists for a range of adventurous activities and courses within the Exmoor National Park, the Quantocks and the South West.
Started in 1996, Aardvark Endeavours are an outdoor pursuits and training provider based near Cheddar, Somerset. As well as our regular staff with specialist skills we use a lot of freelance instructors who are experts in their fields. This means we can bring to you the right person for the job with both the experience and knowledge so you get the best possible day.
TQ manages and runs Humphrey Head, an outdoor education centre in the South Lakes, for the delivery of outdoor education residential courses to schools, the Prince’s Trust, National Citizen Service and other organisations.
Outdoor UK Limited is an outdoor activities and development company founded in 2004 and benefiting from years of experience in the outdoors and in professional development from its founders, staff and freelance trainers.
Waddow is a 17th-century manor house set in 178 acres of beautiful Lancashire countryside overlooking the River Ribble.
Split over two levels, the indoor attraction allows people with and without disabilities to try their hand at caving in a safe environment. The cave has been designed to replicate a natural cave and includes features like stalactites, stalagmites, and hidden fossils.
The Activities Group (North) Ltd (TAG) understands the importance of delivering you, your family, school, group, club, youth project or business a wide range of all year round safe, value for money, outdoor adventure activities, events, and bespoke development training programs giving participants a real life memorable learning or fun experience.
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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