In keeping with the festive spirit, for our top 5 this week we were challenged to bring you a post with a Christmassy connection. Now, if you read last weeks blog you will have seen a feature about the Liverpool Santa Dash (where over 8000 people dressed up as santa), this got us wondering, and we decided what we would do is bring you images and videos of the top 5 extreme and adrenalin sport santas. These are all individuals and groups of men and women who have gone beyond the call of duty to celebrate Christmas whilst undertaking their favourite sport or activity and we salute them.
5. Santa goes Paintballing
The most common santa meets adrenalin activity we could find was paintballing. We found lots of images and some videos, of both men and women dressed as jolly St Nick whilst pelting those around them with paint, but our favourite santa comes from the Hampden Paintball Park in Maine, who created a fun scenario for their players which involved protecting santa from some rebelling elves. You can find out more with the video below
Video uploaded by SocialPaintballer
The video itself is 20 minutes long, but read the description or watch the opening for the gist of the game. Full marks for creativity!
4. Santa Snowboarding
Another of the common sports to take part in wearing a santa costume. It makes a lot of sense after all snow, winter and christmas are all interlinked. Still we were impressed by the short video below. This santa has some skill!
Thanks to MattDesmond for uploading this
3. Santa on a Zip Wire
This fantastic video to promote the Catalina Island Zip Wire shows santa travelling at speeds so fast, it literally causes his beard hair to fall out! Catalina Island, which is just off the West Coast off the U.S.A near L.A, offers a 1,100 feet long zip, and this short holiday film makes our top 3 not just because of the santa costume but also the breathtaking scenery.
Video uploaded by Santacatalinaisland
2. Santa Go-Karting
Not his usual choice of transport, but this video shows that santa does in fact know how to control a kart, albeit at quite low speeds. Filmed at Redline Indoor Karting in Caernarfon in Wales.
Video uploaded by TheHumph1977
1. Santa Skydiving
Following on from our last top 5 which you can find here, this video shows a number of santas skydiving, and still managing to keep their costumes which is quite impressive. In fairness this was close to making the skydiving list, but here it is our number 1. You can enjoy the video below
Thanks to MrtheNRJ for the upload
If you think we missed any, please feel free to leave us a comment with a link to pictures and video below.
That is all from us until 2012. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Super Fun Days Out.
Remember if you want to write for us, you can submit your own blog post at www.superfundaysout.com/submit-a-blog-post . We would love to hear from you, particularly if you attend any of the events we posted last year!
Friday, 16 December 2011
Friday, 9 December 2011
Where to go: Christmas Themed Days Out
Christmas is once again just around the corner and whether you have been counting down the days by eating poor quality chocolate, or by gradually reducing the size of the list of presents still to be bought, the simple fact is, Christmas is now just a few weeks away.
And for those of you still in denial, see below.
Each year, we like to embrace the festive spirit by providing you with a seasonally themed blog. This year we thought we would investigate the different Christmas themed sporting events that are happening around the country. Unfortunately, despite being Christmas themed it seems that most of them occurred either last weekend or late in November, but we thought we would provide you with a guide to them anyway.
Remember this blog for 2012, when all these events will roll round again!
Here are our top 3 favourite Christmas themed events.
The Annual Wookey Hole Big Eat challenges competitors to eat as many mince pies as possible. Each competitor is provided with a jig of water and a pile of delicious mince pies ( as you can see in the image ) The challenge is then to eat as many as possible in 10 minutes, with the individual who can eat the most walking away with a cash prize of £1000.
The event which started back in 2006, attracts competitors from all over the globe, and in fact the first competition was one by an American woman by the name of Sonya Thomas who managed an incredible 46 mince pies, a very impressive 5 a minute!
The mince pies themselves are cooked by a local bakery, and are also suitable for vegetarians. Spectators are also welcome to the event, which is presided over by a compere to provide extra entertainment. Spectators also get free entry to the caves along with free tickets to the big eat, so it can great for a fantastic fun day out. This years event was won jointly by two men, Michael Doggrell and Lee Palmer, both of whom managed 19 pies apiece. who both netted £500 each for their trouble.
If you think this is something you would like to have a go at, and scoff at the thought of a mere 19 mince pies, then keep an eye on the wookey hole website, for information on how you can get involved with the Big Eat in 2012.
When: 2011: 4th December 2012 : TBA
Usually taking place on the first or second weekend in December the Santa Dash is a 5k fun run with a difference, which hopefully you have already guessed. Dressed in Red and Blue (I'll explain that later) Santa outfits competitors race through the streets of Liverpool City Centre, with finishers getting a santa themed medal as a reward.
The run which commences at Pier Head on Canada Boulevard, was narrowly beaten by Las Vegas for the first time this year in the race for the title of the largest santa run in the world, but still managed to attract over 7,500 competitors. Many competitors use the run as a means to raise money for charity, and this year for the first time, the organisers linked up with JustGiving, to allow users a quick and easy way to raise money for their chosen charity.
This year the race also presented a rather odd scene, (odder than usual) as many Santa's were dressed in blue, rather than red. The reason for this it was revealed was down to footballing allegiances, with Everton football club themselves, actually providing blue coloured suits for their fans who took part. You can see a fantastic video that shows this below:
Video posted by JMU Journalism:
I have to admit my favourite bit is the santas standing around portaloos, it just makes a strange scene even more surreal!
If the Liverpool Santa Dash sounds of interest to you, get yourself over to the Official Website run by RunLiverpool for all the information you will need. Entries for 2012 have not opened yet, but your keep on their site for the latest information. All competitors are issued with a santa suit, whether you are a Liverpool or Everton fan!
Combining the traditional christmas dessert and an Its A Knockout style assault course , this fun filled day involves competitors racing through an obstacle course, whilst balancing their Christmas pud safely on a cardboard plate. The duration of the event is around 3 hours in all, including qualifying heats to determine the top racers.
The race which has been taking place since 1980, was thought up by the Cancer Research Aid Committee, and has been a huge success ever since, raising around £15,000 a year for the charity.
Entry is not cheap with each team expected to raise a minimum of £600 per team (with 6 on each team) and a fee of £25 per competitor, but it does go to a good cause and you can guaranteed a great laugh on the day. Spectators are also welcome, and due to the location, many take a break from their christmas shopping to watch the event unfold.
Fancy dress is encouraged with all the usual Christmas themed costumes, including Santa's, Reindeer and even one year a patomine horse! Competitors are also penalised for any damage to their puds during the race and the winner is the fastest team to complete the course, whilst keeping their pudding intact.
Another race has also now been started in Brighton which uses a similar format. To find out more about either race and to look into entering next year, visit their official website.
If you more information about events for the holidays, why not see our blog last year about what you can do on Boxing Day. (although the Malden Mud Race has now been moved to April 29th 2012.)
And for those of you still in denial, see below.
Each year, we like to embrace the festive spirit by providing you with a seasonally themed blog. This year we thought we would investigate the different Christmas themed sporting events that are happening around the country. Unfortunately, despite being Christmas themed it seems that most of them occurred either last weekend or late in November, but we thought we would provide you with a guide to them anyway.
Remember this blog for 2012, when all these events will roll round again!
Here are our top 3 favourite Christmas themed events.
Mince Pie Eating Contest (Big Eat) - Wookey Hole: Somerset
When: 2011 : 22 November. 2012: TBAThe Annual Wookey Hole Big Eat challenges competitors to eat as many mince pies as possible. Each competitor is provided with a jig of water and a pile of delicious mince pies ( as you can see in the image ) The challenge is then to eat as many as possible in 10 minutes, with the individual who can eat the most walking away with a cash prize of £1000.
The event which started back in 2006, attracts competitors from all over the globe, and in fact the first competition was one by an American woman by the name of Sonya Thomas who managed an incredible 46 mince pies, a very impressive 5 a minute!
The mince pies themselves are cooked by a local bakery, and are also suitable for vegetarians. Spectators are also welcome to the event, which is presided over by a compere to provide extra entertainment. Spectators also get free entry to the caves along with free tickets to the big eat, so it can great for a fantastic fun day out. This years event was won jointly by two men, Michael Doggrell and Lee Palmer, both of whom managed 19 pies apiece. who both netted £500 each for their trouble.
If you think this is something you would like to have a go at, and scoff at the thought of a mere 19 mince pies, then keep an eye on the wookey hole website, for information on how you can get involved with the Big Eat in 2012.
Liverpool Santa Dash - Liverpool
When: 2011: 4th December 2012 : TBA
Usually taking place on the first or second weekend in December the Santa Dash is a 5k fun run with a difference, which hopefully you have already guessed. Dressed in Red and Blue (I'll explain that later) Santa outfits competitors race through the streets of Liverpool City Centre, with finishers getting a santa themed medal as a reward.
The run which commences at Pier Head on Canada Boulevard, was narrowly beaten by Las Vegas for the first time this year in the race for the title of the largest santa run in the world, but still managed to attract over 7,500 competitors. Many competitors use the run as a means to raise money for charity, and this year for the first time, the organisers linked up with JustGiving, to allow users a quick and easy way to raise money for their chosen charity.
This year the race also presented a rather odd scene, (odder than usual) as many Santa's were dressed in blue, rather than red. The reason for this it was revealed was down to footballing allegiances, with Everton football club themselves, actually providing blue coloured suits for their fans who took part. You can see a fantastic video that shows this below:
Video posted by JMU Journalism:
I have to admit my favourite bit is the santas standing around portaloos, it just makes a strange scene even more surreal!
If the Liverpool Santa Dash sounds of interest to you, get yourself over to the Official Website run by RunLiverpool for all the information you will need. Entries for 2012 have not opened yet, but your keep on their site for the latest information. All competitors are issued with a santa suit, whether you are a Liverpool or Everton fan!
Christmas Pudding Race - Covent Garden - London
When: 2011: 3rd December . 2012: TBACombining the traditional christmas dessert and an Its A Knockout style assault course , this fun filled day involves competitors racing through an obstacle course, whilst balancing their Christmas pud safely on a cardboard plate. The duration of the event is around 3 hours in all, including qualifying heats to determine the top racers.
The race which has been taking place since 1980, was thought up by the Cancer Research Aid Committee, and has been a huge success ever since, raising around £15,000 a year for the charity.
Entry is not cheap with each team expected to raise a minimum of £600 per team (with 6 on each team) and a fee of £25 per competitor, but it does go to a good cause and you can guaranteed a great laugh on the day. Spectators are also welcome, and due to the location, many take a break from their christmas shopping to watch the event unfold.
Fancy dress is encouraged with all the usual Christmas themed costumes, including Santa's, Reindeer and even one year a patomine horse! Competitors are also penalised for any damage to their puds during the race and the winner is the fastest team to complete the course, whilst keeping their pudding intact.
Another race has also now been started in Brighton which uses a similar format. To find out more about either race and to look into entering next year, visit their official website.
If you more information about events for the holidays, why not see our blog last year about what you can do on Boxing Day. (although the Malden Mud Race has now been moved to April 29th 2012.)
Friday, 2 December 2011
Air combat USA: Where Simulation Meets Reality!
The line between video games and reality is certainly blurring, but if microsoft flight simulator and the Ace Combat Series, just don't quite seem real enough for you, then maybe you should get yourself over to the U.S.A for an experience that will trump anything Microsoft, Sony or Nintendo have to offer!
What is involved?
Based in sunny California, Air Combat USA has been running since 1988 and offers individuals and groups the chance to take part in simulated dogfights across the skies. The unusual thing about this simulation, is that you actually fly real planes, under the guidance of trained experienced pilots, with only the combat itself actually being simulated. Offered to individuals and groups (corporate / stags) alike, a variety of different combat experiences are available ranging from a length of around 2 hours to a full day's combat flying. We have to say this is one of the most expensive stag or corporate activity ideas we have ever come across, with prices starting at a cool $1,395 per wannabe fighter pilot!
Flying in Italian Marchetti planes, the aim is to land a hit on your opponent, who will also be a amateur like yourself. Whilst flying the plane and trying to avoid the attentions of your opponent, you have to get the targeted centred over their plane, at which point, fire! The planes use oboard cameras and a state of the art tracking system to really make you feel like you are involved in a real battle, the use of smoke machines attached to the tails of each plane, also adds to the feeling of immersion. With each pilot getting a minimum of 5-6 dogfights you have plenty of time to perfect your technique and ensure you come out on top.
If you want to get a better idea of what is involved, you can see a video of someone undertaking the experience below.
video from kelvinc34:
If you want to find out more about this amazing experience, please take a look at the Air Combat USA Website. Alternatively, if you want to try your hand at flying a plane, why not take a look at our map to see where you can try flying in the U.K.
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