Taking to the skies was the dream of mankind for decades before the Wright brothers made it possible for the select few - but now everyone across the UK can enjoy this dream. Hot air balloons, helicopters, microlights, paragliding, skydiving, hang gliding… whether you want an adrenaline rush or to feel like walking on the clouds, UK air sports has you covered. Here are our top 5 reasons why you should try out air sports.
1. See the country like never before
We’ve all been mesmerised staring out of the window whilst taking off in an aeroplane, but it’s not the same as looking down onto the world from the basket of a hot air balloon or manoeuvring a helicopter between mountainous peaks.
Air sports allow you to experience flying in many different ways, and you’re guaranteed to discover something new every time you take off. Or come down, if skydiving is more your thing.
2. Exceed your limits
Everyone toys with the idea of skydiving from 3,000ft, or paragliding off of a cliff, but not many people actually do it. Be the exception. Break the mould. There’s nothing more fulfilling than overcoming the anxiety and giving into the adrenaline – once you’ve finished the activity you’ll be craving more and more. Which is perfect as there are hundreds upon hundreds of experiences that the UK has to offer you. Go and try them all!
3. Create unforgettable memories with your nearest and dearest
When you think about it, these experiences are hard to come by, which is why they are the perfect opportunity to capture the moment forever. Imagine looking back at photos of you and your significant other drinking champagne in a balloon watching the sunset in front of you, or watching the smile grow on your child’s face as they take off in a helicopter for the first time. It doesn’t even have to be a sensitive moment, you could even attach go-pros to your helmets whilst skydiving with a group of friends – and re-watch the footage later over a couple of pints. Whatever the occasion, make it one to remember.
4. Improve yourself
Not only will you have the chance to experience flying, but you could also have the experience to learn how to fly. Air sports facilities all across the UK offer the chance for people to add to their skills and actually learn how to pilot helicopters, microlights, gliders and perform solo paragliding flights, usually within a couple of weeks. Meaning it’s the perfect chance to add new tools to your personal arsenal.
5. Tick off the bucket list
For many people, the hopes of taking to the skies are a long-lost dream, and often end up on their bucket list. Well, with us now you have everything in one place, neatly laid out from which you can take your pick. So, strap in, take off and come down, because it’s time to cross that line off of your bucket list!
When can I go?
Whilst flying offers an incredible experience like no other, this does come with a downside – it is heavily weather dependent. Although the main drawbacks are wind speeds and rain, disregarding these, air sports are actually suitable for any season (it just depends how well you can take the cold!) and have activities suited to most climates.
For example, in the winter you could stay warm inside a helicopter, saving that summer breeze for going up in a hot air balloon. You could see the autumn colour changes in full effect whilst skydiving from a plane – and if it starts raining in spring, why not try an indoor skydiving experience? As you can see, there’s really no reason not to give them a go!
© 2023 Scott Iman Jones, Yumping Adventure, SL
