19th December 2018
As we put our paddles away for the year and look towards winter, we’ve been reminiscing on what a great 2018 we’ve had. It’s been our busiest year yet at Inspire2Adventure with a summer full of sunshine, our new activity stand-up paddleboarding proving more popular than we could ever have hoped for, and lots of outdoor adventures with groups and families across the Wye Valley, South Wales and Forest of Dean.
Here’s our recap of the best bits from our adrenaline-filled year:
Introducing Stand-Up Paddleboarding in the Wye Valley
We introduced stand-up paddleboarding to our range of outdoor adventure activities for the first time in May 2018. We could never have predicted just how popular it was going to be! We started with six individual boards and a Mega SUP which can take up to eight, and we will be increasing our board numbers for next year so that we can take even bigger groups out.
We had a lot of people intrigued and wanting to try it for the first time, we also had a lot of large groups wanting a fun cooperative activity and this suited them perfectly. SUP is very adaptable and flexible so ideal for all ages and skill levels, and when there is a large group or family there is often a range of both. We’ve had so much brilliant feedback and so many happy customers and it’s been great to see the activity go down so well with such a variety of people. Find out more here!
We Were Awards Finalists
We were thrilled to get through to the finals of the Monmouthshire Business Awards this year in the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism category. We were up against some stiff competition and although we didn’t win, it was great to get through to the finals and get the recognition for all our hard work. We also loved meeting the other finalists and celebrating the brilliant county where our business is based and its huge diversity. Maybe next year will be our year!
Brilliant Summer Season
After a tonne of snow hit in the spring, we were very grateful to have the sun shine down on us for the following months, and what a season it was. The long hot summer saw us spending a lot of time out on the water. Our canoeing, kayaking and new activity stand-up paddleboarding were very popular with much more water splashing and jumping in than usual! Being next to (or in) the water was perfect as the sun beat down, although it feels like a long distant memory now we’re into winter. Gorge scrambling – where you have no option but to get wet – was impossible by the end of the summer as the gorge we use practically ran dry! By the autumn that was no longer a problem though… you’ve got to love the British weather!
Here at Inspire2Adventure we thrive on seeing our customers exhilarated at the end of an outdoor adventure session with us. We are all about making the experience as smooth and worry free as possible and it's always a thrill to see those happy faces at the end.
Winter Outdoor Adventures
Although the weather does affect what activities we can do, the winter doesn’t stop us keeping active and getting outside. We’ve been out playing on the rapids which are at their best (if you like that sort of thing) at this time of year. Check out our latest videos of us stand-up paddleboarding on the rapids at Symonds Yat on our Facebook page We’ve also been taking groups out mountain biking in the woods – no matter the weather, cycling is loads of fun in the Forest of Dean and getting a bit muddy is part of the pleasure!
We also work with a local college to deliver land-based adventure activities. We’ve been practising navigation with them up in the Brecon Beacons recently which is ideal at this time of year with the various changing weather conditions. It’s additionally challenging and really tests their knowledge. They did great though.
Plans for 2019
We’ve had lots of exciting things going on this year, and made some brilliant memories. It's been great fun, but we’re now making plans for 2019. In fact we have already taken quite a few bookings for next year including hen and stag parties, scout groups, family groups, and schools!
In 2019 we’ll be adding more individual stand-up paddleboards due to demand and we’re hoping to work in partnership with local accommodation providers to make booking an adventure holiday in the Wye Valley or Brecon Beacons even easier. We’re also aiming to introduce an online booking system so that our customers can book automatically which will make the process quick and easy for all.
What we’re really looking forward to is taking lots more families, friends and groups out next year. We love being part of their adventures and seeing their sense of achievement at the end of a challenging new experience. Inspiring a sense of adventure is what we’re all about after all!
