Gone are the days when few people knew the meaning of "diving" or "rafting", and few had the opportunity to dive or raft down a mountain river because special equipment is expensive and it is not easy to find an instructor. Nowadays, it is easy to devote a holiday to this type of activity, which attracts the most people, and the children are not behind the parents — they can conquer the wind, the rivers and the steep mountain paths. You don't need a scuba tank or a mountain bike; just the right time and place. Kidpassage has compiled a list of places best suited for different outdoor activities with children.
Rafting
Where: Slovenia, Socha River; Turkey, Kepruchai River
When: April to October
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Rafting on a mountain river has several difficulty levels, from first to fifth. Beginners raft where the river is relatively calm. On arrival, you will be given a detailed briefing, fitted with lifejackets and helmets; take an oar in your hand — and then a rubber raft or boat will move away from the bank, a current will be felt, and you will have to row, listen to the instructor's commands, coordinate your actions with those of others and endure cold splashes.
There are 6 to 8 people in each boat, most of them adults, and it is they who bear the brunt of the work, but don't think that the children are idly gazing at the surroundings (which are incredibly beautiful, but only to be admired when the boat stops).
Young rafters will feel the rushing water pulling at their hands, the boat manoeuvring between boulders — and the exhilaration at the end of the long journey. Games and competitions are organised along the quieter stretches of the river to keep the youngest rafters entertained.
Note: Children aged ten and over can take part in rafting. Make sure they know how to swim: a life jacket will keep them afloat, but not panic. Make sure you bring a change of clothes, shoes and sunscreen. It is highly recommended that you bring your neoprene suit to protect you from the cold water.
Windsurfing
Where: Rhodes and Kos, Greece; Alacati, Turkey; Egypt
When: May to September in Greece and Turkey; autumn and spring months in Egypt
Beginners' centres are usually located where there is little wind and no waves — on 'flat water'. If your child is no longer at the age where swimming in shallow water is the most fun, allow them to feel like a wave conqueror.
The theoretical training takes little time: an instructor will explain how to stand on a board and hoist a sail with a starter pole. The first lesson takes place on the shore: try to keep your balance on the board and feel the weight of the sail (small windsurfers start with a 1.5 square metre sail). And here's the first outing on the water. The instructor will go to sea with your child and help them with the sail.
It may not be smooth right away, but what a joy it will be when your child catches the wind and sails — even if it's straight ahead at first; tacking, turning and heading in the right direction will be the subject of the next lesson. In the meantime, the real achievement for your child will be to try what it's like to ride the waves with a board and sail. As a special treat, your child will receive a windsurfing certificate at the end of the course (even if it is only three days).
Note: Children under the age of 7 can take windsurfing lessons. Although a life jacket is provided, swimming ability is essential. Having an instructor who speaks your language is preferable, but basic skills can be learnt without knowledge of the language.
Cycling routes
Where: Carinthia, Salzkammergut and the Kitzbühel Alps, Austria; Germany
When: In warm weather
While everyone has heard of the benefits of cycling — it's good for the muscles and a great cardio workout — not many people think about cycling. And yet it is one of the best ways to travel long distances with your child. In Austria and Germany, there are specially designed cycle routes of varying lengths and levels of difficulty, suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists.
For example, the Wildkogel Bike Arena, a cycling centre in the Kitzbühel Alps, has around 800 kilometres of trails — some specially designed for families. And the lakes in Carinthia and the Salzkammergut are linked by child-friendly pistes. It is important to note that the pistes are accessible and have resting places, which is essential when travelling with a child.
There are more than 200 excellent cycle routes in Germany. Gentle trails around the Mecklenburg Lakes or in the Ruhr Valley combine cycling with sightseeing.
If your child is too young to pedal, hire a seat that attaches to the bike frame. Older children can ride their bike, a child carrier or a tandem. Teenagers can go on multi-day trips.
Note: Cyclists have no age limit as long as they know how to ride a bike. It is easy to rent a bike, but it is better to bring your helmet, as helmets in the correct size may not be available. Sunglasses and protective gloves are also a good idea. You should also hire a pump, repair kit and lock.
Diving
Where: Egypt, UAE
When: All year round
No matter how much you talk about the beauty of the underwater world, no film or even a visit to an oceanarium can convey how creatures live separated from us by the mirror of the water's surface. Divers explore the depths of different bodies of water, but for the first experience, the warm sea of Egypt or the UAE is the best. The experience is there: the first dive into the clear water is an encounter with colourful fish.
The introduction to scuba diving begins with a trial dive — instructed children, wearing a wetsuit and a scuba tank, will enter the sea and put their faces in the water to ensure they can breathe. After repeating the rules of underwater breathing and the signs used after the dive, the instructor will take the young diver to the underwater theatre, where the corals and caves, as if behind the scenes, come out the colourful fish.
The first dives are made at a maximum depth of 2 metres, but without them, it is impossible to dive to greater depths: from age 10, children are allowed to dive to a depth of 18 metres.
Note: Kids may only take up diving at 8. They must be able to be collected and disciplined to follow the instructor's instructions strictly.
Horse rides
Where: Slovenia, Bulgaria
When: May to October
Getting involved in this activity is easy: you don't need any special skills to ride a horse. The best resorts in Slovenia and Bulgaria, where green tourism is prevalent, have many horse-riding clubs where children can learn to ride and possibly become professional riders. One thing is essential — make sure your child isn't afraid of the horse. Younger riders will be offered a pony ride by an instructor.
The instructor will explain how to mount, dismount, command the animal, and provide other helpful information. The first rides will be in the arena, where young riders will gain confidence and go on horseback on scenic trails.
Note: Riding lessons can start from 6, but riding clubs usually work with children aged 10-12. Care should be taken with shoes (high, smooth soles) and trousers that protect the thighs and shins.
