On a gloriously warm and sunny Saturday, May 3 Rye Watersports on Camber Road, launched East Sussex’s only aquapark, a circuit of inflatable structures on the lake, for all the family.
The aquapark was opened by Rye mayor, Andy Stuart, who cut the ribbon before a group of adults and children in wetsuits and buoyancy vests swam out to take part in an hour’s fun on the inflatables.
With the lovely backdrop of Rye, the Aquaglide inflatables include a 10-foot anvil jump platform, slides, balance beams, monkey dome and other features to climb or jump from.
Archie was there with his friends for his birthday party and all had a fantastic time. “It was really fun and jumping off the anvil was amazing. It was hard work getting out of the water onto the inflatables. All my friends enjoyed it and we will come again.”
Archie’s mum Jane, from Robertsbridge, is keen to support a local family business. “This is excellent for locals and for people coming for holidays. There is a high ratio of lifesavers and as a parent this is reassuring as you want to know it is safe. The facilities are brilliant – there is a café with great coffee and cakes. We will definitely spread the word to others about how good it is here.”
Rye Watersports, established in 1986 by Maggie Meadowcroft, has long attracted families and others for sailing, windsurfing, wing foiling, kitesurfing and paddleboarding lessons and courses. They work with local schools both primary and secondary, offering courses and activity days giving many children the opportunity to try out different watersports.
Rosie Clark who runs the family business with her sister Beth Say said that there had been a lot involved in the planning including safety training, risk assessments, and insurance. They also wanted to continue the ethos of their mother, Maggie, by ensuring that the designs of the facilities were in tune with the natural environment and preserved the view of the town. There are newly built changing rooms, a lifeguard station and seating for people to watch those taking part.
Opening times, costs and more information about all the activities can be found here.
Image Credits: Rye Watersports , Juliet Duff , Natasha Robinson .