Difference between revisions of "Build an Obstacle Course"
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#*Legal requirements will vary greatly depending on location and event. Talk with a lawyer to learn more. | #*Legal requirements will vary greatly depending on location and event. Talk with a lawyer to learn more. | ||
===Creating Obstacles=== | ===Creating Obstacles=== | ||
| − | #Think about instructions. Part of an obstacle course is having rules. If participants don't understand how to proceed when tackling an obstacle they may do so in an unfair or unsafe way. Think about some of the basic types of obstacles and how you might instruct participants when they encounter them.<ref>http://imaginationsoup.net/2011/04/a-backyard-obstacle-course-for-your-kids/</ref> | + | #Think about instructions. Part of an obstacle course is having rules. If participants don't understand how to proceed when tackling an obstacle they may do so in an unfair or unsafe way. Think about some of the basic types of obstacles and how you might instruct participants when they encounter them.<ref name="rf1">http://imaginationsoup.net/2011/04/a-backyard-obstacle-course-for-your-kids/</ref> |
#*Having instructions can help prevent injury and make a fair obstacle course. | #*Having instructions can help prevent injury and make a fair obstacle course. | ||
#*Include specific instructions on how an obstacle is to be completed. | #*Include specific instructions on how an obstacle is to be completed. | ||
#*For example, participants must go through a tunnel and not over it. | #*For example, participants must go through a tunnel and not over it. | ||
| − | #Include obstacles that test agility. A common element of an obstacle course is to feature obstacles that test a persons agility. These obstacles will require a person to move quickly and accurately to successfully move past it. Create a well rounded course by including obstacles that test agility. <ref>http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20411950,00.html</ref><ref>http://www.happylittlemesses.com/rainbow-warrior-dash-setting-up-obstacles/</ref> | + | #Include obstacles that test agility. A common element of an obstacle course is to feature obstacles that test a persons agility. These obstacles will require a person to move quickly and accurately to successfully move past it. Create a well rounded course by including obstacles that test agility. <ref name="rf2">http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20411950,00.html</ref><ref name="rf3">http://www.happylittlemesses.com/rainbow-warrior-dash-setting-up-obstacles/</ref> |
#*Running around a series of cones, like a skier slaloming, can be a good test of agility. | #*Running around a series of cones, like a skier slaloming, can be a good test of agility. | ||
| − | #*Try tying small threads with bells attached to them just off the ground. Participants have to step around them without ringing the bells.<ref>https://www.care.com/a/7-obstacle-course-ideas-for-kids-of-all-ages-20150706035417</ref> | + | #*Try tying small threads with bells attached to them just off the ground. Participants have to step around them without ringing the bells.<ref name="rf4">https://www.care.com/a/7-obstacle-course-ideas-for-kids-of-all-ages-20150706035417</ref> |
#*Hanging hula-hoops from a branch can create an obstacle that needs to be hopped or stepped through. | #*Hanging hula-hoops from a branch can create an obstacle that needs to be hopped or stepped through. | ||
| − | #Create jumping obstacles. Many obstacle courses contain obstacles that require the participants to leap over or around. Including jumping obstacles can be a great way to make your obstacle course a fun challenge. Review some of the following ideas to get you started when thinking about your jumping obstacles:<ref | + | #Create jumping obstacles. Many obstacle courses contain obstacles that require the participants to leap over or around. Including jumping obstacles can be a great way to make your obstacle course a fun challenge. Review some of the following ideas to get you started when thinking about your jumping obstacles:<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Try setting some targets, such as a hula hoop, on the ground to have people jump towards. | #*Try setting some targets, such as a hula hoop, on the ground to have people jump towards. | ||
#*Consider a section of the course that has to be done on a pogo stick or bounce ball. | #*Consider a section of the course that has to be done on a pogo stick or bounce ball. | ||
#*Create a high jump obstacle by placing something soft in the path like a hay bale. | #*Create a high jump obstacle by placing something soft in the path like a hay bale. | ||
#*Doing a series of frog jumps can be a good test of jumping abilities. | #*Doing a series of frog jumps can be a good test of jumping abilities. | ||
| − | #Build a balancing obstacle for your course. Balancing obstacles will test the fine movements of participants as they attempt the obstacle. These obstacles are generally slower paced, requiring graceful and thoughtful motions from those undertaking the obstacle course.<ref>http://ahealthieryou.meijer.com/10-easy-ideas-for-a-backyard-obstacle-course/</ref> | + | #Build a balancing obstacle for your course. Balancing obstacles will test the fine movements of participants as they attempt the obstacle. These obstacles are generally slower paced, requiring graceful and thoughtful motions from those undertaking the obstacle course.<ref name="rf5">http://ahealthieryou.meijer.com/10-easy-ideas-for-a-backyard-obstacle-course/</ref> |
#*A simple straight board can make a good balance beam. | #*A simple straight board can make a good balance beam. | ||
#*You can require people to stand on one leg for a certain amount of time. | #*You can require people to stand on one leg for a certain amount of time. | ||
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#*The three legged race is a good obstacle that requires team work. | #*The three legged race is a good obstacle that requires team work. | ||
#*Having a “human wheelbarrow” section of the course can be a good way to include teamwork. | #*Having a “human wheelbarrow” section of the course can be a good way to include teamwork. | ||
| − | #Create obstacles that test strength. Beyond challenging participants agility, speed, and balance your obstacles should also test strength. Many strength based obstacles will require that some amount of weight be moved or lifted either over a distance or a certain number of times.<ref | + | #Create obstacles that test strength. Beyond challenging participants agility, speed, and balance your obstacles should also test strength. Many strength based obstacles will require that some amount of weight be moved or lifted either over a distance or a certain number of times.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*You might have a section where people have to do a certain amount of push-ups before continuing. | #*You might have a section where people have to do a certain amount of push-ups before continuing. | ||
#*Placing a simple pull up bar or arm hang bar can test upper body strength. | #*Placing a simple pull up bar or arm hang bar can test upper body strength. | ||
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#*Once you've built and tested your course it's time to open it up to others. | #*Once you've built and tested your course it's time to open it up to others. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*Having a good plan in mind will help you find the best obstacles for your available space. | *Having a good plan in mind will help you find the best obstacles for your available space. | ||
