The Beam Bosun s Chairs Fidget Ladder

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1 Low Elements Note: The following information is intended for descriptive purposes only. It is not intended to be instructional or to substitute for proper training. For more information, refer to: The Guide for Challenge Course Operations by Bob Ryan.

2 The Beam The Beam is a log horizontally supported between poles or trees. A popular element for all ages and abilities, the difficulty level can be altered by adjusting the height of the log from six to eight feet above the ground. The group involved must try to get over The Beam in the most efficient, safety-conscious way. In their attempts, individuals and groups are challenged to improve balance, trust, coordination and teamwork. Bosun s Chairs Bosun's Chairs are a series of small wood platform swings suspended about two feet above the ground via ropes and a horizontal cable or overhead beam. They provide a traversing and swinging challenge to a variety of age groups. Variations involve individual or group challenges. Fidget Ladder A diamond-shaped rope and wood dowel ladder is suspended between two points. Using hands and feet only for balance and the group for spotting, an individual attempts to traverse the free-spinning ladder, starting at the low end, about 2 ½ feet above the ground, to the high end, usually about eight feet above the ground. The shape of the ladder and its two attachment points provide for a very wobbly experience!

3 Full House Five 4x4 wood beams secured slightly above ground in the shape of a house constitute this element. The team begins by spreading out along the rails - no feet touching the ground! Team members are asked to then change positions using one of a number of possible scenarios. This shuffling of bodies requires some acrobatics and a lot of trust and communication! Hickory Jump This is a classic trust dive into a waiting group of spotters. A target ball is suspended about eight feet above the ground. Participants dive toward the ball from a series of graduated steps in line with the target. Initiative Wall (Freestanding) Another classic activity in the field of Adventure Programming, this updated design includes a slightly sloping 12-foot square wall face made of weatherresistant MDO plywood. There is a spotting platform on the back of the wall from which participants can help other group members. There is also a userfriendly descent ladder. The slight angle on the face makes for an effective climbing and spotting experience. The group is challenged to get up and over the wall within specific safety and spotting parameters.

4 Initiative Wall (Traditional) One of the original challenge course events, the Initiative Wall is a 12-foot high façade between two upright trees or poles. The face of the wall is smooth and the back of the wall has a platform and staples for descending. The objective of this element is to move your team from one side of the wall to the other by going over the top. After a person has gone over the top and descended, that person is not allowed to physically assist any person who has not yet ascended. Islands The islands are three wooden platforms in a variety of sizes that are large enough to fit a group of approximately participants. The wooden platforms are placed about six to eight feet apart. Each group is challenged to use two planks that are both shorter than the distance between the platforms to traverse from the first to the last platform without the participants or the boards touching the ground. Low Climbing Traverse A highly engaging introduction to the thrill of balancing, moving and spotting on artificial climbing walls, the Low Climbing Traverse is close enough to the ground that it does not involve the complication of ropes and harnesses.

5 Moby Deck Moby Deck is an adaptation of the popular Whale Watch element. A 12-foot octagonal-shaped planked deck is balanced on a center fulcrum. The platform can tip in every direction, requiring participants to work together to balance the deck without making contact with the ground. Mohawk Walk One of the great low elements, the Mohawk Walk consists of a series of five knee-high cables tautly strung between a series of poles. The group must traverse from one end to the other without touching the ground. Cooperation and communication between group members are keys to successful completion. Accomplished indoors using P.A.'s Wild Side Kit. See equipment catalog for details. Mohawk Walk (Universal) By adding overhead cables and a supply of pulleys and assist lanyards, the traditional Mohawk Walk can be converted into an element to suit a wider range of ability levels.

6 Multiswing A swing rope is one of the handiest items on a challenge course, because so many activities can be done with it. The Multiswing is a classic element with incredible versatility - the basis being that group members swing from one point to another. There are many variations of this element, such as Nitro Crossing, Disc Jockeys, Prouty's Landing and Do-I- Go. Porthole A large tire is hung between two trees or poles at a height of about 4 ½ to 5 ½ feet above the ground. Program options for the Porthole include having the group pass each participant through the tire with a variety of consequences for 'touches' depending on the challenge level desired. Ring Thing The Ring Thing is an adaptation of the traditional King's Finger/Vertical Pole and Tire. A motorcycle tire is guided over a 12-foot pole and maneuvered to the ground without touching the pole or a series of obstacles along the pole. Instead of the group forming a human pyramid to reach the top of the pole, the tire is guided by a number of ropes, making it a more universal activity.

7 Spider s Web The Spider's Web consists of bungee cord woven together in a web-like fashion to provide a classic group challenge. The challenge is to pass each group member through the web without touching the bungee. The Spider's Web activity may be framed in many different ways, from assigning consequences for "touches" to the web to "closing" holes after they have been traveled through. Spider s Web (Universal) By modifying the width and configuration of holes, the Accessible Spider's Web transforms a classic element. Holes vary in size with a series of lower holes large enough to accommodate a wheelchair or someone with limited flexibility. The group must try to get through the bungee web without touching any web material. As each web opening is used by an individual, it is "closed" to further passage until all are safely through. Swinging Log The name of this element is also its description. A utility pole is hung just above the ground by two support cables. The object is to stay balanced while traversing the element. The Swinging Log is surprisingly engaging and tricky.

8 Swinging Tires The object of Swinging Tires is to traverse from tire to tire without touching the ground. It can be done individually or as a group. The tires are suspended just above the ground from a series of drop cables and are spaced about six feet apart. Team Triangle Three cables are hung loosely in a triangular formation between three support poles. Set on the ground in the center of the triangle is a wooden platform. The objective is for each individual in the group to move from the platform, touch each pole and return to the platform by using the cables and other group members for support. This is an extremely engaging activity. TP Shuffle A telephone pole (hence the name) rests a few inches above the ground on notched feet. Participants step onto the log and are challenged to switch places according to a variety of criteria, such as order of birth month, without stepping off the log.

9 Triangular Tension Traverse Three taut legs of cable are installed in trees or poles in the form of a triangle. Two hand lines are attached high above the start point, allowing for two participants to cross by each other as they circumnavigate the triangle in opposite directions while being spotted by other group members. Accomplished indoors using P.A.'s Wild Side Kit. See equipment catalog for details. Trust Fall Platform A wooden platform is installed about four to five feet above the ground. From this height, a group member falls backwards into the arms of waiting group members. This is a classic element that is very important to the trust development of the group. Trust Steps Trust Steps is a variation of the standard Trust Fall Platform. Built to offer three different height options for the "faller," the element has a staircase look. The activity is the same - the participant falls backwards into the arms of the waiting spotters.

10 (UPS) Universal Person Sender The UPS platform is suspended from four ropes and rides on a high horizontal cable with a K-2 Zip Pulley. The platform easily slides back and forth, transporting one participant at a time. To make the 30-foot crossing, the participant may use the rope provided as an aid, or the group members may help. It is important that team members stay engaged throughout the activity to assist other teammates. Whale Watch The Whale Watch is one of the most truly universal events. It consists of a 6 by 14 foot planked deck set on top of a fulcrum so that the platform becomes a macro teeter-totter. The platform is large enough to accommodate a group of up to 20 or 25 members. Optionally, the platform can dip level to the ground, allowing wheel chair access. The Whale Watch can also be built with side rails to stop chairs from inadvertently rolling off the sides. The number of scenarios and guidelines that a facilitator can use with this element are endless. Wild Woosey Two cables, tautly supported approximately 18 inches above the ground, originate from a single support pole or tree and diverge toward eyebolt anchors about 30 feet away. The performance object of the Wild Woosey is for two people, while maintaining physical contact with one another, to move along the diverging cables as far as possible. The rest of the group spot and encourage the pair. Accomplished indoors using P.A.'s Wild Side Kit. See equipment catalog for details.