New Forest Water Park, Hampshire

Forget the HIIT class that has you sweating it out with 50 other misty eyed gym goers on a Saturday morning; this course is a real challenge this weekend!

The New Forest Water Park might just take you by surprise. After all it's not like you expect to see a Total Wipeout level of inflatable playground just 10 mins from Ringwood. The New Forest is better known for its picturesque villages, stunning scenery and more than a few horses, but now it's making its mark on the adventure circuit too.

After arriving, signing disclaimers and picking up a wetsuit (it is only May after all) we were penned into a briefing room then made our way to the pontoon, with the likes of the 'iceberg', 'human catapult’ and something called 'the doughnut' ahead of us, and a few obstacles in between.

Quickly forgetting how cold the water is, you're challenged to jump and swing around the course and heave-ho yourself and others back onto dry (wet) land (inflatable) for another go after you inevitability and very ungracefully fall in.

Naturally it's bloody hilarious, and watching your friends battle through the course in a friction and gravity skewed world will have you working your abs as much and your arms. Prepare to ache!

Check out our video below!



Also available at the New Forest Water Park are, cable powered wake boarding, a small bar, picnic tables and a much earned hot-dog hut.

Weigh the Anchor Recommends

• Bringing wet shoes for a little extra grip 
• Chest strap for your GoPro 
• £5 for the extra wetsuit hire

Still smiling!

Wakey Wakey, Paddle and Breakie in Studland

13th June

This may have been the weekend of Jurassic World the movie, but this weekend I explored the Jurassic Coast of Dorset with a little help from the National Trust.

I'd discovered the kayak and breakfast morning whilst researching local events for work, and knew this would tick all the boxes for the perfect birthday gift for my husband. Outdoors; check! Scenic; check! Workout; check!

It was an early start to be at Knoll Beach for 8.15am, and the pressure is always on when you realise you're meant to be there at 8am! So, unprepared and over dressed we arrived and slid ourselves into wetsuits and joined the rest of the pack. We'd not thought to bring swimwear so prayed we didn't fall in.

The beach was sodden with seaweed which made for a crunchy then spongy walk to the shoreline with the kayak, and up there with some of my worst nightmares, especially with no scuba shoes! Finally though I was in my kayak and remembering how to get myself moving. Then I heard a splash and realised Mark wasn't getting on so well, and was off kayak, in the sea and starting what would become a bit of  a habit!

With the wind behind us, we coasted along the bay quite pleasantly, taking in the sights of the old and sea worn beach huts, and a World War 2 pillbox, a quite uncommon sight given the Dorset coast's involvement in WW2 training.

Slowly the beach broke into cliffs from the Cretaceous period which led all the way to Old Harry Rocks, one of the most famous sights in Dorset. The water was shallow and clear and despite the overcast weather the cliffs were illuminated.

At the base of the cliffs next to Old Harry, we were able to explore the "beach" make from smoothed rocks from natural erosion. Here we were able to swim and explore the rocks, or, if like me you're scared of seaweed, be dragged gently to a safe spot. It was wonderful to finally be up close to the rocks which have dominated my view as a resident of Bournemouth and Poole across the bay for a lifetime.

After resting our arms, we clambered back into the kayaks (Mark fell in again) and we circled Old Harry and continued towards Swanage before cutting back through a cave and back into Poole Bay (3rd and final swim for Mark). The wind had picked up on the other side, and we were now battling against it, the taste of bacon on our lips. Courteously, I kept watch at the back of the pack of 20 or so other adventurers, bringing up the rear in my usual way.

As we neared the beach the wind calmed and we slid towards the sand with the sun on our backs and the birds singing. What a wonderful way to start the weekend!

Find out more about the National Trust events at Studland and book yourself a Dorset adventure now!

Explore a real Jurassic world at jurassiccoast.org

The high seas with Watersports Academy

With summer supposedly on it's way to England, Mark and I have a few water based adventures planned in our corner of the world. Over the coming months we will be kayaking, surfing and trying out SUP, but today we're starting with an afternoon sail in world famous Poole Harbour. Here's what happened...

Mark and I taking the helm

There aren't many catamarans in Poole Quay, so Mark easily picked out the one he thought we'd be spending the afternoon on as we stand excitedly on the quayside.

We've booked a sailing afternoon in Poole with the Watersports Academy aboard a Lagoon 440 Catamaran and whilst the weather is more than a little disappointing, we're enthusiastically told it isn't going to rain as we meet our skipper.

After being shown aboard and confused about how to use the loo, we set sail! There's a breeze so we will be able to do some actual sailing, but it later turns out that anything to do with the sails is mostly mechanically operated - and rightly so after a glass of bubbly or two which we sip as we meander through the waters.

The view on board

Despite the chilling wind, we brave the outside seating areas, enjoying the views and waving to the other boats in the harbour. It's funny how an blank expanse of water so viewed from the shore quickly becomes a maze to navigate through once you are in it. Buoys, boats and jetskis dart about around us as we turn off the motor and let the wind carry us.

Once we are past the mouth of the harbour (and everyone is clear exactly which house is Harry Redknaps) the British Channel opens up in front of us, and we are treated to wonderful views of Old Harry Rocks and the start of the Jurassic Coast. 

Nautical navigational charts

We retreat to the warmth of the cabin for the return journey, and arrive back at port chilly, but having thoroughly enjoyed our time aboard! Find out more about Yachting with the Watersports Academy now.

In my next post, I'll be tell you all about my trip to Marrakesh!