Jen Riley Recreation Advisor Sport Bay of Plenty

Play in the Bay is a calendar full of exciting ‘give it a go' style activities and events to help you get active, have fun and try something new.

Each month is themed and activities are held all over the Bay of Plenty for all ages, fitness levels and abilities.

Sport Bay of Plenty recreation adviser Jen Riley gets adventurous for April.

April is Adventure Month – and there are all sorts of different and adventurous activities from a tree climbing event for children to having a go at rocking climbing, parkour and airsoft.

Often, people are put off by the word ‘adventure' as it brings up images of jumping out of a plane or rafting off waterfalls. Adventure is defined as an unusual, exciting or daring experience, or participation in exciting undertakings or enterprises. So with this definition in mind, adventure can just about mean anything.

I encourage you to check out the latest Play in the Bay calendar and have a go at something different. There are some great activities – or you can get your family and friends to put together your own adventure. This might mean exploring a totally different area you haven't explored before. We are so lucky here in Tauranga that we're no more than 20-30 minutes away from some great walking tracks in the bush. Otanewainuku has some great family friendly tracks you can explore and plenty of trails in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park can be accessed via a variety of roads between Tauranga and Katikati.

Getting adventurous can add lots of variety to your weekly routine and can also keep you motivated with regards to keeping active. As they say – variety is the spice of life. Getting adventurous will also help you discover new places and I guarantee it will give you a greater appreciation of all the great activity and outdoor opportunities we have right on our doorstep.

To see what Adventure activities are on offer during April, pick up a calendar from your local library, community centre, Sport Bay of Plenty office or download a copy from www.sportbop.co.nz/playinthebay

For more information about Play in the Bay contact Jen Riley at Sport Bay of Plenty on 07 578 0016 extn: 829 or email jenr@sportbop.co.nz