Are you tired of the same old family routine and want something different to do with your family that will get you all active and enjoying quality time together? Why not get involved with an extreme sport to boost health and communication while creating solid family memories?

What activity is best though?  What equipment do you need and what safety processes do you need tobe aware of? Chill Factore, home to the UK’s longest indoor real-snow slope for family days out in Manchester, explores the nation’s best extreme sports for families…

Rock climbing

 Rock climbing is an adrenaline-pumping activity that is excellent for getting kids fully engaged in sport. Where and when did it start? It started to become a loved sport around the end of the 1800s, with the Lake District considered one of three, major ‘birthplaces of rock climbing’. Italy and Germany are the others.

A popularity for the sport grew in the 1940s and 1950s, so did the demand for safety equipment and climbing aids, which made the activity more accessible for younger people and families. Technology has helped to propel rock climbing into mainstream sport. It is now possible to climb all over the UK — both at indoor venues and on outdoor walls — and there is even a grading system that rates the difficulty of a climb and the climber’s skill to help make the sport even safer but exciting still.

What are the benefits of rock climbing for families?

• It builds upper and lower body strength.
• It enhances problem-solving skills (i.e. considering the best route for reaching the top).
• It encourages concentration.

Rock climbing as a family

There are plenty of places to rock climb with your family. Starting out? Make sure you choose an instructing company with a high customer rating — especially for safety and teaching. The Association of British Climbing Walls is a good place to start if you’re looking for a climbing wall in your area.

In rock climbing,you use your lower limbs more than your upper limbs — this may be tough for little ones at first. Although you  will improve in time, it may be worth opting for a few indoor sessions until you’re all confident with the height and physical strain. Once your family feels ready and has learned a few techniques, why not book an outdoor climbing session? There are lots of packages at popular landmarks across the UK and you can even make it into a weekend away.

Snowkiting

Snowkiting — or kite skiing — is growing in popularity. The snowkiting season usually runs from October until June, with the best time to go snowkiting being at Christmas — they use the power of a kite to board or ski over snow. After some practice, you can learn to pull off big jumps and land with ease, plus you have the opportunity to snowkite over frozen lakes which would be amazing.

It has only been a serious sport for a few years. Although the US and France are both touted as being the sport’s origin, snowkiting is now available across Europe and North America in resorts such as Tirol and Haugastøl.  

Benefits of snowkiting for families

• It improves balance and coordination.
• It allows you to breath in fresh, unpolluted air.
• It uses all major muscle groups.

Snowkiting as a family

As the most popular time for family holidays tends to be during the summer, booking a winter getaway is a great way to beat the seasonal blues. Remember, this is not a simple activity to master and there are risks involved — so only book a session that is designed for youngsters by a reputable company.

You can easily overheat, so wear layers — including a helmet and snow shoes — that you can easily remove and put back on. You’ll also need goggles and gloves to make sure your vision is not impaired, and your hands stay warm and easy to move. There are excellent kids’ snow gear available online but check with the snowkiting company first to see if you can simply hire what you need on the day. 

You can wear a board or skis, so ask your child which they feel more comfortable wearing to help them get to grips with the sport. It also might be a good idea to book your child a few extra snow lessons at a venue in the UK prior to your holiday to make sure they’re refreshed on how to hold themselves on the slopes!  

Rafting

Rafting is a top extreme sport for families. It encourages team work and a great way to explore British waterways and countryside. 

Brits have rafted for decades. Did you know you can book rafting excursions from a huge range of watersports companies and tours?  The British Canoeing organisation — the UK’s national governing body for paddlesports — has been around since 1936.

With fab destinations like the River Tummel in Scotland, Tryweryn River in Wales and River Derwent in England; you don’t need to pay for flights abroad with this extreme sport. The UK is full of waterways and sailing is obviously a huge part of British history. Did you know that the first rubber river raft was invented nearly 200 years ago by US soldiers?

Benefits of rafting for families

• It helps to boost communication, as you must speak clearly to each other to navigate the boat.
• It also allows for family bonding — no time for, or place to keep, phones and tablets on board.
• It enhances self-esteem and gives a feeling of accomplishment. 

Rafting as a family

What do you need to bear in mind when it comes to rafting with your family? Obviously, there are some risks involved with rafting, so we’d always recommend making group bookings that provide an on-board instructor. You’ll need to wear synthetic layers (e.g. long-sleeve shirts and trousers), life jacket, windproof jacket, and helmet. Renting a wetsuit might be a good idea, too, and you’ll need to make sure you have rescue throw bags, if the company doesn’t provide these.

Get involved with an extreme sport today and help get your family become healthier and closer!  

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