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.

Kayaking and Canoeing In Leicester

Canoeing and Kayaking In Leicester

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

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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

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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

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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

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