Windmill spinning is New Zealand's new extreme sport
Windmill spinning is New Zealand's new extreme sport
New Zealand has a new extreme sport - windmill spinning. A volunteer group from a town on New Zealand's North Island hopes to add to New Zealand's reputation as a thrill-seeker's paradise.
De Molen Foxton Windmill Trust in Foxton, on New Zealand's
North Island, aims to have
windmill spinning up and running in time for Christmas,
New Zealand's tourism agency reports.
The 32-metre high ride aims to put
Foxton on the tourism map for adrenaline junkies.
Windmill riders are strapped to the
windmill sails and spun round 360 degrees.
"A lot of people come to New Zealand to do things like
bungee jumping. It has become a thrill-adventure destination. This will provide the country with a new extreme sports attraction," said Dave Pilgrim from the trust.
"We do not want someone flying off. It has to be safe, fun and
scary enough for people to want to have a go," he added. Engineers are working out how fast the sails should rotate and ensuring the design adheres to all health and safety regulations.
When strapped to the windmill sails, riders will enjoy views over the
Manwatu plains, coastal scenery and mountain ranges. Riders will have the option of being
strapped on upside down. This will enable them to get a right-way-up-view from the top of the windmill.
Inspiration for the ride came from a similar attraction in
Amsterdam. Subsequently,
mannequins were strapped to windmill sails during a local festival in Foxton.
"It was not just young ones who were interested. We were really surprised at the number of 80-year olds keen to have a go," Pilgrim explained.
Windmill spinning will cost between NZ$75 and NZ$100 and riders will get a certificate, t-shirt and optional film of their experience.
This story was brought to you by holiday
lettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 holiday home website.
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