Peat Rigg Outdoor Training Centre is a converted nineteenth century farmhouse set in 90 acres of beautiful rural scenery. It is located within Cropton Forest on the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park
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
Located on the outskirts of Doncaster, Hatfield Outdoor Activity Centre is a fantastic facility for outdoor enthusiastics & novices alike. Set against an idyllic woodland backdrop, the activity centre offers a range of water-based and land-based activities for all ages and abilities.
Our qualified and experienced staff offer opportunities to take part in both water and land based activities. This is your chance to try kayaking, canoeing, sailing, raft building, gorge walking, bell boating, climbing, abseiling, walking, archery, mountain biking, grass sledging, canal trips, orienteering, residentials and camping
We have a whole range of adventurous things to do including Canoeing, Gorge Walking, Bushcraft, Mountain Walking, Kayaking and much more. Have no fear! Our instructors appreciate that not everyone craves adrenaline and have the experience to work with the Newbie novice to the dedicated thrill seeker!
Based at the foot of the Black Mountains on the banks of the beautiful river Wye, we are on the doorstep of the Brecon Beacons National Park and close to the famous town of Hay-on-Wye providing visitors with a wide range of activities from jumping off waterfalls to browsing the bookshops.
Established in 1990, Black Rock Outdoors Ltd specialises in outdoor activities in Somerset. These include a High Ropes Course, Archery, Kayaking and Caving. Our sessions are a great way to experience something new or to progress and develop skills.
Marrick Priory is a historic 12th century medieval building that was developed in the 1970s into an Outdoor Education and Residential Centre. It is situated in Swaledale in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park and welcomes groups of visitors from all over the world.
Experience Adventure (Northern) Ltd, for instruction in outdoor activities including Canoes, Kayaks, Archery and Rock Climbing. Set in an inspiring North Yorkshire location, ideal river setting with private landing steps leading to the river Ure make for perfect facilities.
Situated on the Dartington Estate in Totnes, Dynamic Adventures can offer a wide variety of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. All activities are supervised by our qualified instructors for you to enjoy a fun, safe and enjoyable session.
Based in South Tyneside, North East England, we specialise in designing outdoor activities to suit your personal needs. We guarantee that your experience will be fun, enjoyable, challenging, exciting but ever important - memorable!
As well as a comprehensive annual activity programme, majoring upon all aspects of the development of canoe sport, the aim is to provide a varied range of sporting activities both on and off site. This will include the provision of curricular and extra curricular adventurous activities for schools and colleges focussing upon: Safety, Fun and Learning.
Providing adventurous outdoor activity experiences designed to stimulate, educate and motivate young people and others at affordable prices in a challenging and safe environment.
Grangewaters is a year-round outdoor education centre set in a semi-rural location within Thurrock. The site of over 70 acres includes areas of managed and natural woodland, 2 lakes and open grassland as well as activity areas, accommodation and administrative facilities.
Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre is an ideal place for people to take part in a range of outdoor and adventurous activities. Our lake has 40 acres of water with two islands situated in Fairlop Waters Country Park delivering beautiful natural surroundings. An open aspect across Fairlop Plain ensures a clean breeze for sailors.
Based at the north end of Barton Broad (about 10 miles north of Wroxham), Barton Turf Adventure Centre is a family run sailing school, adventure activity and environmental studies centre.
Whether you are looking for a high energy, calorie burning work out, a relaxing session to soothe the mind as well as body or a fun and social group routine, there is something to suit you.
The Berkshire Sail Training Centre is a registered charity, a recognised Royal Yachting Association Training Centre, Licensed by AALA and is a British Stand Up Paddleboarding approved school.
We are a medium sized club affiliated to the British Canoe Union / Canoe England and run by volunteer coaches and helpers, offering a warm welcome to new members and operate an equal opportunities policy offering paddlesport for all.
Finesse Leisure is passionate about watersports and has combined a variety of thrilling watersport activities with excellent amenities for your entertainment. Come and join us to enjoy a day on the water and choose the activity of your choice.
Pugneys Country Park is a 250 acre site which was previously an open cast mine as well as a sand and gravel quarry and was turned into a country park in 1985.
Every spring, summer, autumn and winter we introduce hundreds of people to the challenge and excitement of outdoor adventures.
The Watersports and Activity Centre is situated at the heart of Rother Valley Country Park. It is recognised as a teaching establishment by both the Royal Yachting Association and the British Canoe Union, from this centre you can hire accessibilty scooters and cycles. Archery can also be booked through the Watersports and Activity Centre.
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