There are so many different categories of extreme sports that we are spoilt for choice. We have already covered white water rafting in the Scottish mountains and the thrills and spills associated with that sport. We moved from water sport, sort of speak to aerial or sky sport in the piece on parachute jumping and the adrenaline rush associated with that. Now we go to terra firma and explore the thrills and adrenaline levels by having a go at buggy racing.

So we have air, water and mucky terrain as the first three on our to do list for team building and in those three we are examining three elements that get the juices of excitement going and at the same time contribute to our team building exercise.

There is no doubt that Buggy racing will tick all the boxes. We have yet to meet someone that doesn’t want to get behind the wheel of any vehicle and give it welly.

It’s amazing to think the motor manufacturing conglomerates are concentrating so much money and technology on building driverless cars! Especially when all the world and it’s mother just wants to get behind the wheel of a vehicle and test their driving skills. Mind you, the roads are so congested with traffic these days that any type of driving can be either boring, painful or both for that matter. So let’s get off road and experience the absolute thrill of bombing a rough terrain buggy around some serious undulating country side. This is team building as it should be. Team leaders can select the drivers that will give them the best advantage over the rival team.

The first of the three adrenaline “hits” comes early.

First is the kit out and buggy allocation. It will bring back memories of the bumpers at the local funfair when the now adults and team leaders were children on holidays from school. The buggies are powered by 650 cc engines, have robust suspensions and sequential gear shifts built for mayhem. They are fitted with a safety harness and anti roll cage bars to ensure safety. As you await instructions from the course marshal and encouragement from the team leader, the excitement builds. This is what time out from the office should be all about. First a leisurely lap of the track to get familiarised with the course and then back to the starting pit, line up and off.

Number two : the actual drive.

It doesn’t take long for the competitive streak to kick in with the teams. Speeding on the flat surfaces where the opportunity exists to overtake and get your team in the lead is followed by some tricky maneuvers over rocky terrain. Drivers will master driving sideways, oversteer and understeer techniques. The teams will learn how to tackle extreme terrains, bumps, twists, jumps and turns. And, learn how to overtake your team opponent particularly on the flat fast section. For team building, this has it all. Team work, team leadership and team enjoyment;

Number three on the adrenaline scale is the race to the finish. That means challenging the opposing team at every opportunity even more so when it would normally be deemed as risky. That is when the thrill hits the top note. It is great fun, highly entertaining and extreme. Don’t underestimate the power of these awesome buggies; a breathtaking experience.

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Sea kayaking as a team building exercise for hotel staff has a lot of benefits. One of the most important industries that we have in Ireland is the tourist and hospitality business. This has lead to more hotels. Why? The increase in demand for accommodation for both local and foreign visitors. 

It’s great to be in demand! But, gone are the days when any old standard was good enough as you could cover a multitude with the coat of Irish charm. Gone are the days of pigs in the parlour and chickens on the table. Visitors want proper standards in hotels. Those standards are maintained by the hotel staff. The team behind the team at the front desk; hotel staff more than staffs in any other business have to be so diverse and operate as different teams at different points of the establishment; those different teams also have to work in harmony.

That is why team building and team leadership is critical to the success of the business. The hotel teams are all working under enormous time pressures so team breaks to rejuvenate is very important. It will be appreciated and will contribute to better work relationships in the business.

Bigpotatoes suggests that the hotel workers team should get up close and personal with nature; get outdoors and do some river or sea Kayaking!

The First Reason :

The first reason for taking the team kayaking is to get everyone outdoors and into the fresh air. Kayaking is not the first activity that would spring to mind for most team organisers but it is brilliant. The Irish times said of their trip that it was one of the most magical experiences that you could have anywhere in the world. So at bigpotatoes we would as usual advise the team leaders to involve all the team in the putting together of the trip. The south coast of Ireland is our main focus and we will highlight some of the options and the thrills.

The Second Reason :

The second reason is the absolutely beauty of the scenery as the team takes to the kayaks and head off. There are starting points at lots of different locations, but we will concentrate and recommend a few for hotel teams.

One that would suit the team would be a full day trip of Baltimore and Carbery’s hundred isles. The team, in double kayaks will paddle off into some astoundingly beautiful and remote coves, caves and islands. They will glide gracefully and silently along observing the marine wildlife, the occasional dolphin, gulls and herons. There will be schools of mackerel and raw nature at sea level. Why is this beneficial? Well, this will relax the hotel team as they will feel in a different world. And, opportunities will be presented to the team to stop for lunch and refreshments. The team will return to the mainland later. All Kayak trips are supervised by trained operators who have a deep understanding of the waters and also the dangers.

The Third Reason :

There are several other kayak trips on the coast. Our third reason is the trip in Lough Hyne. Lough Hyne is Northern Europe’s only inland saltwater lake. This is a beautiful team building trip but is tide dependant. The trip begins in the Lough and makes its way to the open sea through a short channel called “the narrows”. Once in the open sea the team will have an opportunity to explore caves and islands before returning on the tide.

The Fourth Reason :

The fourth reason is doing a river trip under the bridges of the river Lee. Cork is sometimes referred to as the Venice of the north. View the city and learn the history from the views on the river.

So, sea kayaking as a team building exercise for hotel staff has many merits indeed! Show this list to your boss or your team and they will be reaching for their paddles. Enjoy this refreshing experience and breath new life into the bonds that exist within your team.

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St. Patricks day comes every year and it is a time that most of us enjoy. Whether we are new to the country and want to engage in the customs and traditions here, or have fond memories of watching the parade as a child – St. Patricks day can be a fantastic day out. Get in on the Paddy’s day cheer by organising a day of team bonding for your hardworking colleagues.

A trip the a Millinery is wonderful way to get some extravagant head gear ready for any St. Patricks day events! Perfect for the office gang who love getting crafty, this team building activity will have your team producing some seriously stylish creations. Use plenty of green tulle and beads to create the perfect Paddy’s day look.

St. Patricks day happens during Spring time in Ireland and this means that the weather is a combination of sunny spells with random pours of rain. If you are lucky enough to stumble upon some glorious weather this St. Patricks day, definitely head off on a Boat Tour. Relax and enjoy a drink with you co-workers whilst taking in the scenic Spring time views. Is there beginning to be a stretch in the evening!? We think so! (This would be the perfect event to sport your newly made St. Patricks day hat too!)

There you have it! The perfect recipe for an amazing St. Patricks weekend team bonding session. Maybe kick things off on the Friday of the bank holiday weekend. The extra day to relax and have fun will be wonderful news to your hardworking team.

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Warm Winter Team Building Ideas

Oh baby it’s cold outside! Heat up those offices with these Warm Winter Team Building Ideas! Check out our list of team building ideas that are designed warm up your team. Does your team have a sweet tooth? Check out our Christmas Cup Cake competition! Is Christmas complete in any office without a Christmas Jumper catwalk?! This time of year is for celebration and cheer. Liven up those cold days with some of this fantastic ideas.

Has your office Got Talent?

Well does it!? Lets see! Whether it is singing a beautiful song or some dodgy stand up! This team building idea is one that will uncover hidden talents amongst your team! Send an e-mail out a few weeks before so that folks can prepare. The jugglers can get practising! This is a great exercise that will break down barriers within your team. Co-workers will cheer each other on. Some will build confidence by getting up in front of people and performing. It is a great way to blow of steam and have a few laughs! You will be surprised at the poet or karate expert lurking in your office! Give them a chance to show off a talent that may be hidden!Even the group that is too shy will connect! But maybe start of with a few of these Ice Breakers to get people going!

Christmas Cup Cake Competition

The frosting, the flavours, the festive fun! There is a cup cake to tickle anyones fancy! Have a Christmas Cup Cake Competition and see who makes the most popular cup cake! Lemon buns and butterfly cakes are a classic! Encourage your team to make them Christmassy. Cinnamon and nut meg scents will fill the air. Little candy holly sweets for decoration. Couple will a steaming glass of mulled wine. Check out our Cup Cake making class for inspiration! As far as team building ideas go, this one is one of the tastiest! Cup cakes of any description are nothing if not a crowd pleaser! Team members can swap recipes and learn from one another. Maybe some will swap anecdotes about the most cupcakes they have eaten in one sitting!

Christmas Jumper Catwalk

Wearing your favourite Christmas Jumper to work is always a fun way to celebrate! This is such a popular team building idea at this time of year! Go all out! The tackier the better! Co-workers could compete for the prize for Ugliest Christmas Jumper. They could also battle it out for the Most Tasteful Christmas Jumper..That might be a little bit more difficult! Or Best Homemade Christmas Jumper. A catwalk style fashion show is in order! A big, warm, wooly jumper is well and truly needed at Christmas. Festive AND functional. Don’t forget to get a group picture and frame it in the office! Outrageous christmas jumpers are made to be seen! Why not wear them on a company outing?! Follow up this Christmas Jumper Competition with a trip to a local hotel or bar to show them off in style! A fantastic Warm Winter Team Building Ideas!

Finally, if you’re planning a team building event. Make sure to get in touch on info@bigpotatoes.ie and we’ll help you plan it every single step of the way.

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Top Team Building Activities

There are endless benefits to Team Building for both you and your employees. At the end of the day, the people you work with can be a huge part of how enjoyable your job is. For many it is the deciding factor of whether they will stay with a company for longer than a year. Give people a chance to make friends with their co-workers! Make your space a positive and open atmosphere where people can excel and feel satisfied! This list of Top Team Building Activities includes places your team can visit to experience something new, exciting or relaxing. They will share this experience with one another and be united!

Dirt Buggy Track

A Dirt Buggy Track is one of the most exciting Team Building Activities! Hop behind the wheel for some fast and furious fun!

A Dirt Buggy (or Dune Buggy) is is a recreational vehicle with large wheels and wide tires which was designed to be used on sand dunes, beaches or in the desert. Spur on your team mates to win in a race against another team!

Dirt Buggy racing helps build motivation techniques within a team. Drivers engage with a sense of competition and energy which they will enjoy and eventually apply to the workplace! This team building activity breeds active and supportive team members who enjoy giving each other a boost!

Dolphin Watching

We are so excited to add this to our list! Dolphin Watching is one of the most memorable experiences your team will enjoy! Dolphins are a favourite among many. They are funny, charming and clever! Qualities that they no doubt share with the members of your team.

Your team will be inspired by the Dolphins playful energy and learn to make work fun. Visiting these intelligent creatures will be all your team talks about for months. A visit to the coast will air out stuffy office heads with a fresh, salty sea breeze. The group will love the chance to breathe it all in!

Set sail along the Irish Coast and see what you can spot! There is an abundance of marine life waiting to be discovered. Bring a flask of hot tea on the boat for a warming chat with the person who sits at the desk across from you.

Finish off the trip with a bit of grub and you are in for a winner. We love this team building activity that really empowers team bonding.

Millinery

Have an Event coming up? Visiting a Millinery at the start of Summer is a great way to prepare for an upcoming wedding season! Give your team an opportunity to learn a new skill! Learning a new skill promotes everything an effective team needs. Communication, creativity and patience.

A Millinery is not just a activity for people who would wear the hat or fascinator they make. Members of your team will have fun getting creative. Maybe they will make a hat for their partner, or even the cat! This team building activity is all about having fun and experimenting with new ideas.

Tip: Maybe have everyone make a hat for someone else working in the office. That will give people are opportunity to find out what style they might like – or what would make them laugh! This really promotes team bonding. Reveal who made a hat for who at the end of the outing and take a group picture. Frame the picture and hang it in the office to give your team a good laugh. This will make everyone feel like they are all part of a big mad family!

A Pottery Studio

Get your team into a creative mind space by signing them up for a trip to a Pottery Studio. Many members of your team may not have done this before. Experiencing something for the first time together will strengthen the connection between team members! Using a pottery wheel is also a very relaxing way to make something of your own.

Using your hands is an effective way to stimulate brain activity while also relieving stress. The pay offs for visiting this Team Building activity never end! And there may be some masterpieces made! Or you may end up with some funny looking jugs decorating your office. Either way it will be a memorable team building activity and team building idea!

Make your local Pottery Studio a Top Team Building Destination. It is enjoyable for all ages and abilities!

Finally, if you’re planning your next team building event. Make sure you drop us a line on info@bigpotatoes.ie for more details on these top team building activities!

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