Wet and Wild Rides

Where to enjoy the last days of summer

Lee Valley Water Centre (Hertfordshire) — Lee Valley is a white water slalom centre that was used during the 2012 Olympic Games and has played host to the 2015 Canoe Slalom World Championships.

The white water rafting session includes basic paddling skills, safety and how to conquer the same rapids used by Olympic canoeists. To say the least, I am far from a confident swimmer, but did manage to pass the activity assessment. This was just the beginning of the workout. Unlike traditional white river rafting where you pass one rapid after another, they have the ability to send you back through the grade 4 rapids you just completed (often times more than once).

Given the risk of tumbling in and the need to move quickly and work as a team, I came to appreciate that rafters needed to be at least 14 years of age to raft on the Olympic course. Other water sports include canoeing, a floating obstacle course, hydrospeeding, kayaking, paddle boarding and tubing.
www.gowhitewater.co.uk ✆ +44 3000 030616
Station Road, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire EN9 1AB

Liquid Leisure (Berkshire) — Liquid Leisure boasts Europe’s largest aqua parks and one of the most comprehensive cable parks in the world.

Our first time out, we made the mistake of going when the cable was running at regular speed. Being new to wakeboarding, I ended up spending the entire session just trying to make it around the first corner. On a return visit with the cable set at slow speed, we were much more successful - making it around the park multiple times.

Unlike snowboarding or skiing where you have to get off and go back up the lift, once you master getting off the dock and negotiating corners you can continue to go around the park on your own as long as you can stay on and within your allotted time.

Other activities include banana boat rides, paddle boarding, water skiing and zorbing.  If you get a bit cold or need a break, you can head to the hot tub or the heated glass room to warm up. They also offer on-site camping with lake views, shower facilities and even BBQ complete with a bar.
www.liquidleisure.com ✆ +44 1753 542500
Horton Road, Berkshire SL3 9HY

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