Like the Griswolds on tour we packed up the van and set off with our three kids on Sunday morning for Foyle Hovercrafting and Leisure situated beautifully close to the shores of Lough Foyle and at the foot of the Binevenagh Mountains – one of NI’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We were welcomed by Ian who signed us in and suited us up in our overalls, gloves and full face helmets with the overalls providing a welcome extra layer against the weather – even though it was an unusually sunny day for NI there was a definite nip in the air.
We were transported to the practice site for a full briefing on safety and how to drive the hovercraft and after a couple of trial runs around an area the size of a football pitch to assess our technique by David, we were briefed again on the full circuit – how to enter and leave corners and the ponds and the dreaded hairpin!!!
As I had volunteered to go first it was back into the craft for a very cautious first lap. I decided to be brave and negotiate the ponds on the first try which was a bit daunting but great fun and then the flying lap kicked in as well as the stop watch.
David – who had a great rapport with all the kids, took my two younger children – twins Joseph and Charlotte on piloted rides – four laps around the track with spins included for added excitement!
My eldest son Aymen was the winner on the day with a fastest lap (including through the ponds which is optional) of 1 minute 31 seconds beating his Dad who managed to get stuck in the water and will probably never live it down!
All in all a great family fun day out. We don’t often get the chance to get to take part in activities like this due to work commitments so this was a great way for us to spend some quality, fun time together in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. I can’t recommend it enough.
Foylehov is the first purpose build hovercraft track in Ireland and also offer Powerturn Buggying, Laserclays, Archery, Laser Combat and more recently Max Combat.
Jacqueline McGonigle -Manager, www.whatsonni.com
