Aerial adventurers got to grips with a new £250,000 urban high-ropes course in Sheffield for the first time.
Hallam FM’s afternoon show presenter Ed Nell was the first to be let loose on the new Aerial Extreme course at iceSheffield.
The new outside attraction has over 30 challenging obstacles such as rope bridges, scramble nets, zip wires, swinging logs and balance beams.
Ed said: “It’s just completely different from anything I’ve ever done before, I think the scariest part is when you first get on, although it’s quite low down when you do the first few obstacles, you’re not quite sure and your balance is very shaky, but as it gets higher you begin to build up your confidence.
“Then all of a sudden you shake again and your confidence goes back to zero! But it has been a great experience. I would definitely come again and I’d like to bring friends down.”
The attraction is one of only five Aerial Extreme sites in the country.
Lorenzo Clark, operations director of Sheffield International Venues (SIV) which manages iceSheffield and has helped make the project happen said: “This fantastic experience is the culmination of two years hard work with SIV and Aerial Extreme as well as Sheffield City Council and Sport England. We hope this exciting concept is as successful in Sheffield as its other four sites.”
More than 50 people attended a special launch event at the venue, with the GB Diving squad taking time out from their training at Ponds Forge and various city businesses trying it out.
Andy Fisher of Blundells Chesterfield Branch, who was one of the first members of the public to use the course said: “Aerial Extreme is really good fun. The course gets higher and higher and at some points and when you are walking over logs dangling with nothing to hold on to, it certainly gives you something to think about put it that way!”
“Over the whole course it really does put you to the test, physically and mentally and it would be great for businesses to come and have a go.”
Visitors are attached to a fail-safe clip and go safety system on a harness that is always securely clipped to a safety wire.
The company already operates four courses - at Bedale, North Yorkshire, Knowsley Safari Park, Merseyside, Willen Lake, Milton Keynes and Trentham Estate, Staffordshire.
To celebrate the opening, Aerial Extreme is offering 100 free tickets to members of the public.
For more information visit www.aerialextreme.co.uk
