Here are a range of school-friendly experiences which let your pupils build confidence through fun and engaging water-based activities.
1. Andrew Simpson Centres
Discover the thrill of learning through action at Andrew Simpson Centres (pictured above), where education meets excitement on the water. Founded in 2014, it has since grown into a network of UK centres located in Haslar (yachting), Portsmouth, Reading, Portland and Birmingham. The team has also partnered with centres in Mossel Bay, South Africa, and Turks and Caicos which support the ASF in its mission to transform lives through sailing.
Its centres are dedicated to giving each young person the opportunity to thrive in a safe and fun environment, offering a diverse range of activities from sailing, windsurfing and paddlesports, to climbing and high ropes. Each visit is built around your group’s unique requirements, with bespoke activities presenting their own challenges and triumphs, so everyone will finish the experience having accomplished something new.
2. The Wave
Located in Bristol, The Wave offers a special place for an education-led active learning adventure. The inland surfing lake is suitable for children over the age of six and provides an opportunity to take part in a surf lesson to help build confidence and personal development. It aims to deliver more than 1,000 surfing waves every hour, with pre- and post-visit resources available for teachers. All wetsuits, surf boards and other equipment needed are provided in the booking price.
3. Lee Valley White Water Centre
You’ll find gallons of fun at Lee Valley White Water Centre, from white water rafting on the Olympic course to paddling on the lake. Schools can choose from a range of activities at the London 2012 venue, with the experience lasting for 90 minutes and including a safety brief and kit distribution with up to one hour on the water including an activity assessment. Once you’ve been fully kitted out with wetsuits and wet boots, you’ll be introduced to your raft guide who’ll help you navigate your way down the Legacy Loop.
First things first, they’ll talk you through the basic skills and safety elements of rafting whilst on the lake then move on to completing the Activity Assessment, where you’ll be ready to hit the rapids!
4. UKSA
If you’re looking to introduce a sea change into outdoor education, the UK’s leading maritime and water sports training centre on the Isle of Wight, UKSA, welcomes 9,000 young people each year. Kayaking, dinghy sailing, keel boating, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding are among the exhilarating activities on offer from UKSA, the charity that believes in harnessing the power of the sea to bring about change. Even if students have never been to the coast, or set foot in water, they will soon be making waves, learning new skills and overcoming challenges.
5. Sheffield Cable Waterski and Aqua Park
An action-packed day awaits students visiting the park in south Yorkshire, with special discounts on weekdays. Whether it’s an adrenaline fuelled trip to its Aqua Park, full of inflatable obstacles, or giving pupils the chance to learn how to kneeboard, water-ski or wakeboard at the cable park, there’s lots to choose from for all abilities. All children visiting must be at least seven and 1.2 metres tall.
