As temperatures soar and summer hits Wales you may be thinking of activities to keep you cool and fill those summer days. Cardiff Bay's new and improved aqua park is definitely worth giving a go. I'll be honest, I'll give anything a go, but I even I flatly refused some of the towering jumps at the inflatable assault course.
Even though you're fully kitted out in wetsuits and a life jacket and a dip in the water on the hottest day so far was well needed, the monkey bars and vertigo-inducing jumps were not for me.
But, with trampolines, slides, and monkey bars there is something at the park for everyone. The aqua park will be opening on Thursday, June, 23, and we went down to check it out. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
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A huge assault course made up of blue and white inflatables spans out on the bay with the Ferris wheel and the Wales Millennium Centre visible in the background. It is up to you which way you tackle the assault course that features everything from slides, to climbing frames to balance bars.
Dotted often around the course were different areas you could climb up and onto which meant if you wanted to skip one section out you could just swim to the next. This was handy given that there were a few parts I wasn't keen on, as mentioned.
The inflatables are very wobbly when you are first standing on them, so much so I might have fallen over a couple of times, but after a while you do get used to the sensation. My favourite inflatable was easily the trampoline, the sturdy surface coupled with the rush of bouncing while on water was a great experience.
Of the two slides, my preference was the smaller one, especially if you are timider on the water. You still get the rush and thrill of the slide but go in feet first, making it a little less scary. The bigger slide is definitely for the thrill-seekers as it is taller, steeper, and faster. You can spin slightly when you near the bottom meaning you enter the water more on your side - I was terrified to shoot down and while holding on to the waterproof video camera for dear life!
Another feature for the adrenaline lovers is jumping off the top of the tall slides straight into the water. This is something I did not attempt, a decision I quickly made after reaching the slightly dizzying heights you jump from, but those who love the water and heights are very likely to enjoy it.
An hour is more than enough time at the waterpark, especially as I fell in enough times that my arms begin to tire at pulling myself up again, but it is a very enjoyable experience. The aqua park is also well organised with men's and women's changing rooms, a designated safety briefing area, and lifeguards on hand at all times.
I also felt a little bit proud of myself after completing the course, facing fears I didn't realise I had and ones I was well aware of. It is definitely a workout, but a very fun one, and well worth a go.
Cardiff Bay Aqua Park opens on Thursday, June, 23 and tickets cost £20 for a one-hour session with wetsuits available to hire for £5. You can book your tickets here.
