PICK up skills – then a world of adventure awaits. With so many fantastic outdoor activities on offer across Northern Ireland, why not get out there and try something new? With many activities suitable for beginners and requiring no previous experience here are some top picks for the year ahead.
:: Spend a session down at Belfast’s Titanic Quarter with the team from Cable and Wake where you can get one on one coaching for cable wake boarding from one of Ireland’s best wake boarders.
:: Lace up your walking boots and join an expert mountaineering instructor from Tollymore National Outdoor Centre for one of their hill-walking and navigation courses in the Mourne Mountains. Whether you are an absolute beginner or have some experience, this practical course will increase your knowledge, skills and confidence when navigating through the hills.
:: Make a splash this year as you head out on the water in a kayak/canoe with an expert instructor from Mobile Team Adventure or Clearsky Adventure Centre on spectacular Strangford Lough. This is a great opportunity to indulge in a relaxing paddle, discovering wildlife and stunning scenery. Once you have the skills head out and explore on one of the north’s nine canoe trails.
:: Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is perfect for those looking something unique and chilled out. Pull on a wetsuit and join Long Line year-round on the River Bann or Troggs Surf School in Portrush harbour for a lesson.
:: Discover the adrenaline pumping, purpose-built Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails during a training session with Life Adventure Centre. Kitted out with a mountain bike and helmet, you will soon be experiencing the freedom of the trails at your own pace.
:: The centre’s new electric mountain Bikes and kids trailers are particularly ideal for families who want try out the trails. Once you’ve learned the basics discover the other two purpose built trail centres in Rostrevor and Davagh.
:: Dive right into 2016 and see the wondrous world beneath the waves of the north coast during a PADI Open Water Diver course with Aquaholics Dive Centre, Portstewart. By the end of the course you will be qualified to dive up to 18m worldwide – and, as one of the world’s most popular scuba courses, it's sure to be an experience you'll never forget.
:: For more information on the above activities as well as a whole range of other exciting outdoor activities and events happening throughout the year visit www.OutdoorNI.com
