6 things to consider when planning a paddle adventure

Whether you’ve been out paddling before or you’re brand new, it’s always good to have a refresher on planning for an adventure! So to help, we’ve put together our top 6 things to consider when planning a paddle adventure! Take a look, absorb and get planning your paddle!

Canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard?

Let’s start at the very beginning… what will you be paddling? It’s easy to get carried away in the nitty-gritty, but this is a really important point because what you’re paddling will have a knock-on effect on the rest of the adventure. Going canoeing? That might mean a slightly different route with fewer portages and different clothes to what you would wear kayaking or SUP’ing. So have a think about what you’re paddling first.

Where do you want to have your adventure? 

Slow-flow rivers, canals, and lakes make excellent locations for a day paddle. If you’re looking for something a little longer, or maybe over a few days, look at places where there are a cluster of places to paddles, like the Lake District or Norfolk Broads, for example. Paddle Trails are a great way to get started and give you all the information you need for planning a paddle adventure!

Think about the past, present, and future weather… 

You don’t just need to think about the weather you will encounter on your paddle (but you do need to consider that too). Think about the weather in terms of practicalities. If it’s sunny, take extra water and a sun hat and sunglasses. Frosty? Wear extra layers, take some gloves and a woolly hat. Long paddle? Take extra food too! Is the weather likely to change on your journey? You also need to think about what the weather has been like too though. If there’s been a lot of rain or snow recently, river levels might be high. Equally, if it’s been really dry and hot, some rivers might be running low. The river level checker is a must-check before you head out!

Pack and plan! 

As mentioned above, pack for the journey and plan ahead. The more effort you put into your planning, the better your adventure will be! Alongside clothing and food considerations, you might also want to think about maps or navigational equipment depending on the adventure you’ve planned, dry bag with supplies, and a waterproof phone pouch for emergencies!

Paddling with buddies is always more fun. 

Not only is it more fun to paddle with pals, safety-wise, but you’re also a lot better off if you have someone to paddle with. Why not link up with local social clubs through things like Facebook? If you can’t persuade a friend, there are always plenty of people in groups like Women’s Paddling Community or Slightly White Water who are up for a social paddle.

Don’t forget to make memories (and capture them if you can!)

Most importantly, paddling should be fun. So enjoy your adventure, whether it’s a little 2-mile paddle down the canal, or one of the epic challenge routes we have, smile, and enjoy the journey.

Content from Go Paddling

Best team building in Leicester

The (Unexpected) Best Team Building Activity in Leicester, UK: River Kayaking

Your company probably consists of a group of people who may, outside of work, have very little in common. So, how can you foster a connection between your people? How can you keep your employees happy so that they’re inspired to work hard, move the company forward, and maintain long-term loyalty? How can you build a community?

Team building is one tried and true method for strengthening relationships, improving communication skills in the workplace, and creating a sense of camaraderie among employees. We’re here to argue that fun, physical, and immersive team building activities can massively help your employees go from co-workers to friends with surprisingly little effort. In particular, one of the very best team-building activities in Leicestershire, UK is river kayaking with Let's Get Lost. This activity will get your employees off their phones, working together, and practicing their communication skills on the water!

So, how can river kayaking (of all things) improve your company culture? 

First, river kayaking gives your team members a short-term common goal. When employees have a memorable, fun common goal they become inspired to work together and are (gently) forced to practice their communication skills in a low-pressure setting. Even if the common goal (kayaking from point A to B without flipping the boat over) isn’t even remotely related to your line of work, that common goal will still connect the team emotionally and help foster a deeper respect for one another. With more respect comes a greater desire to support each other in times of struggle. By practicing working together in a fun environment, your team will have this skill engraved in their memory and they can take it back with them back to the office to use during times of work-related duress. 

Second, endless scientific studies show that physical movement is good for you, and especially when it's in nature. Both exercise and time in nature are shown to improve focus, productivity, and mental well-being. If your team is stuck in a rut, river kayaking through the midlands will help them get out of it. Let the endorphins break the dam and pull you from your rut!

Third, an immersive team building activity will get your people off of their phones, into the moment, and focused on the task at hand. River kayaking isn't just an activity you do with your hands or your brain - it's an experience that will touch every sense in the body: from feeling the sun on your skin to the sound of chirping birds and the vision of trees whizzing past. Kayaking with your team will help remind them what it really means to focus... and that's exactly what you’d like from your workers, isn’t it? 

We’re here to tell you that you can find a top-tier team building activity in Leicestershire sitting in a kayak and gliding along the River Soar. Whether the goal of the experience is to paddle to the pub and down a pint without flipping the boat, or explore the waterways in a more civilized (and sober) manner, getting your team out on the water will inevitably help them find peace in a natural setting and build their workplace community. Join Let’s Get Lost staff on the river and help your employees connect to one another while keeping their boats afloat. And hey- if the boat flips, at least there will be a great story for the company Christmas party!

If you'd like to learn more about kayaking with your team around Leicester's waterways, contact Let's Get Lost for more details.

A stag do or hen party to remember

Mix up your Pre-Wedding Party: Get outside like the Stags and Hens do!

Are you hoping to function like a normal person on your wedding day, and not like a hungover corpse-bride? Your wedding photographer will be able to edit out your dark circles, but she won't be able to Photoshop your nausea away when you're cutting into your 350-pound wedding cake. If you're second-guessing the classic smoky-bar and excessive drinking bachelor(ette) party we highly recommend following that instinct and picking a daytime, outdoor adventure activity for you and your friends instead. Drink a green juice, head outside, and feel great on your Big Day!

In this post we'll give you three ideas for alternative, outdoorsy stag and hen parties you can enjoy in Leicestershire, UK that will keep you feeling good while you're getting hitched.

1. Go on a glamping retreat

Enjoy the outdoors and sip in the fresh air! Take a hike outside or rent bikes and ride through the forest. In the evening you can light up a bonfire, tell spooky stories, and play games in the dark. Glamping retreats allow you to camp while staying in a luxury (but still tent-like) accommodation so you can get close to nature while being comfortable at night.

Leicestershire is surprisingly full of gorgeous little glamp-sites for you and your friends to rent for a weekend away. This will certainly be more memorable than another bar night in the city!

2. Enjoy watersports in the sun

Kayaking is truly the ultimate stag or hen party vehicle. Let's Get Lost UK has a special stag & hen party experience that includes 4 hours on the water, pub stops, games, and access to waterproof cameras so you can document (and Instagram) the whole experience. Have a drink or two during the day and buzz along the river without getting plastered throughout the night. Enjoy the next day headache-free and sexy, now that you've worked out your lats and lower back on the river!

3. Head off for a festival weekend

Leicestershire has a festival practically every weekend, so you won't need to travel far or wait too long for an epic party.  Help your friends to become more cultured by bringing them to an international music festival, or embrace the animals you are by attending a car-b-que (BBQ and car show) festival (which is, by the way, a real thing). Whatever your interests, or the crowd you're trying to please, you'll likely be able to find a festival that everyone will enjoy in Leicestershire.

Heading to a festival is also an excellent party idea for the busy party organizers who don't have much time to plan. Festivals are generally a one-stop-shop for food, drinks (if you want them), and entertainment. Tell your friends where and when, then all they have to do is show up.

We love these options for rejuvenating bachelor and bachelorette parties in Leicester that would be great for both stags and hens alike. We suggest going on a glamping retreat, a kayaking expedition, or heading to a festival to listen to new music and eat some greasy festival food. Then, once the weekend is over, you can relish in the fact that you are not even a little bit hungover. Well done, you!

A day out with the family in Leicester

Fun in Leicestershire for the kids (and the parents!)  

Want to have a fun day out with the kids? It doesn't matter if it's on a rainy or sunny day, there are plenty of things to do in Leicester that will keep the kids entertained and make for an enjoyable family outing. This blog post is for parents who want to find ways to enjoy themselves while their children have fun too. We'll talk about indoor activities that allow the kids to stay active while mom enjoys coffee (or wine) and kid-friendly outdoor adventures like kayaking!

First, let's talk rainy days out in Leicestershire. Here are some ideas for what you can do: 

1. Visit Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

At the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, formerly known as the New Walk Museum, kids can learn about their massive, scaly, prehistoric cousins in the dinosaur exhibit, then blow their little minds learning about cosmic wonders in the Wild Space exhibit. Let the kiddos romp around and fiddle with the interactive exhibits while expanding their minds. All free of charge! 

2. Play Laser Tag at Laserforce

Are you ready to win Parent of the Year? Your kids are going to flip over this one.

Laserforce is a futuristic game that allows players to embody a space hero (or villain) in the flesh. Don your glittering battle suits and grab your (super safe, infrared-shooting) laser gun and prepare for WAR! Be quick to determine who are friends, foes, or aliens within the immersive, fast-paced arena.

Laserforce practically guarantees a great time for all participants, irrespective of age or experience. Even Moms are enthusiastically encouraged to join the battle!

3. Explore The National Space Center 

The National Space Centre is always an exciting place for kids with lots of hands-on activities and exhibits. Kids will love exploring Space Town and playing games in Earth Plaza. At the end of the tour-de-space, treat your little ones to some astronaut ice cream!

Now, for sunny days in the Midlands:

4. Feel the wind on your face kayaking with Let's Get Lost

The UK is home to beautiful rivers and lakes, so why not take the plunge!

Explore nature with your kids from your kayaks, paddling along the mellow River Soar. Or, if you’re keen for a break, relinquish your parenting duties to LGL staff (just for a little while, of course), hop on a kayak, and paddle to the pub while the kids are taken care of!

Let's Get Lost loves to help families bond on the water. Family time, time in nature and a good workout- a day on the water will surely tick all your boxes.

5. Enjoy a walk in the park or along the water

The Midlands are full of excellent options for you and your family to enjoy obstacle-free outdoor spaces that are safe for kids. Stroll through Fosse Meadows Country Park or maybe have a picnic at Thornton Reservoir. Bring the dog to Abbey Park and toss the frisbee around (and maybe let the kids join in too)!

6. Watch an outdoor movie screening under the stars on Jubilee Square!

Jubilee Square hosts tons of free film showings, many of which are excellent choices for kids and parents alike. Bring a picnic blanket, some popcorn, and snuggle up!

Whether you want an activity that will get your kids’ energy out or you just want to relax together as a family, there are lots of options in Leicestershire for whatever your goal maybe! If you need some help planning the perfect day with your loved ones, be sure to visit Let's Get Lost and let us plan your trip for you. We can't wait to help you make memories with your family!

7 Outdoor Benefit For Kids

Let’s Get Lost was created to help people get outdoors, explore, connect deeper with their close ones, and for children’s growth and developmental stages in life we consider it to be an essential part of their upbringing, so have shared 7 top benefits to being outdoors for you to check out.

1. Mental Health

Lifting your mood and lowering anxiety are two ways being outdoors may be good for mental health. When in nature, people may experience a more positive mood and better cognitive function. Memory improves, as does the ability to focus. Some people also experience a boost in creativity.

2. Active

Being active has both physical and mental benefits. It improves your fitness, makes you stronger, and helps you manage health conditions and stay out of the hospital. Physical activity helps you take back control, be more independent, and can help you live well for longer

3. Social

Social interaction helps young children to start to develop their sense of self, and also start to learn what others expect from them. ... Putting them in preschool or child care helps your child naturally come out of that phase. Sharing, setting boundaries, and problem-solving all come from socializing and interacting.

4. Exploring

It helps children grow in important ways. First is the growth of intelligence. A toddler's interest in learning about the world encourages him to use his senses–tasting, touching, seeing, and smelling. His senses help him understand how things are different from each other and how they work.

5. Discovering The Local Area

Using the local environment enables children to develop a sense of belonging to the local community. Children learn best through first-hand experiences and going out into the local environment, or even further afield, enables children to explore and experience the different features found locally to them

6. Fresh Air

Getting outdoors on a regular basis can also improve your child's health and wellbeing as the fresh air cleans their lungs, ridding them of impurities such as car fumes and dust.

7. Family Time

Family time is an essential factor that helps to create strong bonds, love, connections, and relationship among the family members. Spending quality time with family does help in coping with challenges, instill a feeling of security, inculcate family values, fill kids with confidence, and much more.

Kayaking and Canoeing In Leicester

Canoeing and Kayaking In Leicester

Check out this useful information before going on your canoe or kayak adventure.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Do I need a license for Canoeing and Kayaking?

Simple answer, yes if going on your own, if you paddle with Let’s Get Lost you paddle under our waterways license.

Before you decide to go paddling by yourself, or even as part of a club, you’ll need the necessary license for kayaking and canoeing on inland waterways. Thankfully, membership of British Canoeing will give you the necessary permissions for most inland waterways in England and Wales If you want to take a friend in another boat, they’ll have to have a separate license.

Where can I go canoeing or kayaking near me?

Search through Let’s Get Lost experiences to find a kayaking experience near you. If you’re looking to go paddling in your own boat, make sure you check whether you need a license to paddle there. Canals and inland rivers can be great places to kayak and canoe as waters can be easier to navigate and manage than tidal waters. However, for many inland rivers in the UK, you’ll need to work out whether you are able to canoe or kayak there due to both private restrictions and licensing restrictions.

Restrictions also exist for where land is privately owned (e.g. beaches), where there are environmental protection schemes such as Nature reserves, where there are military bases or activity happening, or where there are restrictions due to safety such as avoiding shipping lanes, waste disposal, or dangerous wrecks.
There are some places where licenses aren’t required, like paddling in the sea, estuaries, or most tidal water (which can often travel quite far up many rivers). However, these are the areas that require skill and experience to go paddling. Nevertheless, this type of kayaking can offer some of the most rewarding experiences with sightings of seals and a wealth of other animals.

Safety Advice for Canoeing and Kayaking

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

A license is just one small part of the puzzle when it comes to working out where and when to paddle. See our list below on things to consider before going canoeing or kayaking:

• Weather, flow, tides, and visibility: Attention should be paid to the flow of the river by checking the environment agency website and others. A significant flow on the river can be caused by excessive rain, often hundreds of miles away, that over a number of days, pour into the river can cause significant currents. Whilst it’s often hard to see ‘flow’ just by looking at the river the National River Flow Archive can provide specific information on the flow to enable you to decide if it’s worth the outing. Often, it’s much nicer to paddle in calmer waters, rather than battling a surging river and having greater risk around meanders, bridges, and other boat vessels, so this is something to consider. Likewise, wind, tide, weather, and visibility should be taken into consideration when planning your canoeing or kayaking trip. - Conditions within your level of capability Always err on the side of caution when going out in your canoe or kayak and make sure you’re comfortable with the conditions of the water

• Tell your friends: Let people know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Ideally, go with a group of people so if someone falls in, you’ll have others to help or raise the alarm - Get training: Book in a canoeing or kayaking instructor course or experience days

• Practice falling in drills: In calmer waters and with the instruction of an instructor, practice how to fall in and what to do when you do fall in, so you’re prepared on what to do

• Consider wearing safety equipment such as buoyancy aids, which can be life-savers in many scenarios even if you’re a strong swimmer, the water temperature, flow, or taking a knock to the head, can all present risks that will make your swimming skills useless and a buoyancy aid life-saving

• Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions of your paddle. Don’t risk getting soaking wet and cold in the rain if you’re going out for prolonged periods

• Be aware of waterway restrictions, from boating lanes, military operations, and more, to avoid any dangers - Make sure to get stacked up on nutrition and water to maintain energy levels if you’re going for over an hour's paddle.

• Take a communication device, mobile, or radio in case of emergency and call 999 if needed.

Canoeing and Kayaking for Families and Kids

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Canoeing and Kayaking are great family-friendly sports. Canoes are more of the stable and spacious choice that allows for gentle and calm paddling experiences. Kayaking also offers the option for two-seaters that are a great way to bond with a friend or family member. Recreational Kayaks are built for stability and so it's more difficult to fall in or get wet. When it comes to the types of water to look out for, calmer water makes for a more enjoyable experience with kids. Look out for local lakes or canals for safer and more tranquil paddling. The beauty of canoeing and kayaking is that they are 'sit down' sports. The level of fitness required for both is relatively low, so most people can get involved with the sport.

Content source: https://beyonk.com/uk/canoeing-kayaking/in-leicester

9 Incredible Sports You Have To Try This Year In Leicestershire

Leicestershire isn't well known for its outdoor sports but when you just do a little bit of research you can discover some amazing sport to try this year. Check out these 9 incredible outdoor sports we recommend trying this year in Leicestershire.

1: Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing - is a sport that consumes a lot of precision and accuracy. While doing this sport, you are mainly attached to a rope that can save you from falling down when making (predictable) mistakes. This sport is totally different no matter where you do it, as you can view wonderful sights of UK each step of the way. Call of the Wild’s, in Wales, climbing sessions are usually based in the Brecon Beacons, a beautiful area to cut your teeth in this fun world. There are different sites used when training beginners. Don’t worry too much as you’ll receive full instruction so plummeting to your demise isn’t a very likely outcome. It’s another way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.

Where To Try - The Tower Climbing Centre

What it costs - Starting from £5 per person, plus £5 equipment hire (if needed)

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2: Kayaking & Canoeing

Kayaking - Too often, we obsessively glorify new fitness fads, overlooking some of the tried and true activities that aren’t as flashy. While we like to check out the latest workouts and crazes, it’s always nice to get back to basics and the outdoors will always be our favorite fitness center. Kayaking is one of those classic activities that puts you right in the center of nature and provides an excellent workout. We love paddling and we think you should try it.

Where To Try - Let’s Get Lost

What it costs - Starting from £30 per person

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3: Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving - Have you ever dreamed of scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef? Just imagine sinking down into the warm waters, exploring coral gardens, and seeing this wondrous world through the eyes of a fish. Learning to scuba dive is easy and is your passport to a brave new world.

Where To Try - Stoney Cove

What it costs - Starting from £25 per person

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4: Snorkeling

Snorkeling - is a simple and fun activity that can easily be enjoyed by the whole family - children, parents and even grandparents ! All that’s required is that snorkelers must know how to swim and be moderately comfortable in the water. A few accessories, such as buoys, inflatable noodles and even a vest can provide the youngest children with some extra buoyancy, so that they won’t get tired as quickly and will be able to enjoy the water for a longer period of time.

Where To Try - Leicester Underwater Exploration Club

What it costs - Starting from £5 per person

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5: Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking - At Everards Meadows you can enjoy miles of peaceful traffic-free cycling along brand new waymarked cycle paths, or take the Great Central Way and explore the city of Leicester by bike.

When you arrive, they’ll give you a map and talk you through the waymarked route options, including shorter family-friendly routes, taking in kids' play areas, and cafes.

Where To Try - Rutland Cycling

What it costs - Starting from £10.99

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6: Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding - You don’t have to travel all the way to the River Nile in order to give it a go! Perhaps not as dangerous as other activities on this list, paddleboarding offers a number of different options to ride, such as rivers, lakes, and even the sea. Dependent on your need for an adrenaline rush, your location will offer that much-needed excitement. You can find paddleboarding schools across the UK.

Where To Try - Leicester Windsurfing & SUP Club

What it costs - Starting from £5 per person

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7: Bouldering

Bouldering - This sport is for those who find rock climbing too mainstream. Performed without ropes, harnesses, or any safety equipment, bouldering is usually done for less than 20 feet (six meters). Also, most climbers use climbing shoes for better grip and chalk to keep the hands dry.

Where To Try - Social Climbing

What it costs - Starting from £7 per person

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8: Parkour

Parkour - An intense activity, and one that requires you to be physically and mentally fit, parkour (or free running) enthusiasts must jump over, slide under, climb or otherwise navigate obstacles in their path from point A to point B, all without breaking stride. This may sound easy, but barriers like stairs, pillars and road blocks can test your physical stamina and endurance.

Where To Try - Jump

What it costs - Starting from £10 per person

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9: Skydiving

Skydiving - is a natural adrenaline sport. This adventure sport will literally make you scream from the bottom of your lungs, jumping out of a plane has that effect on people. When making that jump, it’ll go down as one of the most memorable events in your life time. Skydiving gives you a sense of freedom like no other, and the scenery from up above is second to none. This sport should totally be in your bucket list. Be sure to take lessons first and remember to check if the skydiving school is approved by the BPA (British Parachute Association). This skydiving experience is absolutely worth trying during your time in the UK!

Where To Try - Just on the outskirts of Leicestershire at Skydive Langer

What it costs - Starting from £230 per person

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5 Top Tips for taking your dog paddling

We loved this article from Go Paddling so much we had to share it…

Thinking about taking your dog paddling? No!? You should! Paddling with your dog is a great way to include them on your adventures. After all, dogs are part of the family, so it’s only natural that you want to take them with you. To help you get started, we’ve got some handy tips…

5 top tips for taking your dog paddling

1. Protect your pooch – It may seem obvious but it’s important to take your dog swimming before you take them out. It gives you and them confidence. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, a well fitted dog buoyancy aid with a lifting handle is a must. The fit and handle are super important if you need to lift your dog back into the boat. You also need to think about things like drinking water, a small first aid kit (including Vaseline), vet wrap and gauze.

2. Claw patrol – Ensure you have proper covers on your kit so your dog can’t damage it with their claws. It’s worth having airbag covers in your canoe, and drybags come in handy too, doubling up as a dog bed, especially on paddleboards!

3. Fur the love of nature – Sorry to lower the tone, but a good supply of poo bags is an essential part of any doggy adventure, plus a dedicated ‘storage’ box like an old tupperware clip box. Also be aware of the environment you are in and be careful of other wildlife. Dogs love to play duck chase, so use a lead if you think your dog might be feeling a bit cheeky!

4. Paws for thought – Shocking we know, but not everyone loves your dog as much as you. Ask people you are paddling with if they are comfortable having a dog there before you head out.

5. Fun unleashed – Above all, have fun but remember to be safe and respectful. Think ahead and pack a bag of treats including floating tennis balls, a frisbee and food. Scope out trips you can do where there are dog friendly pubs or picnic sites where your dog can run.

Now you’re ready to go paddling with your four-legged friend. Don’t forget to take lots of cute dog pics along the way!

Content curtesy of: Go Paddling