Members of the marketing department pose under the Air Trail for a photo. Above them large green text reads 'Marketing Masters Air Trail'; under this heading smaller green text reads '(Kind Of)'.

Terrifying but terrific is a fair assessment of the Tees Barrage Air Trail. On the 5th of August, Marketing took on the tallest air trail in the UK. The Tees Barrage attraction is set over four levels and offers thirty-eight unique challenges as well as two zip wires (easily the best parts of the attraction). Obviously, we went straight to the top and, obviously, that was a mistake. White in the face and shaking like leaves, we quickly turned tail and headed to the lower levels where we learnt the value of mutual encouragement, support, and robust harnesses. It turns out that fear of injury (or, in the case of the more dramatic, death) is an excellent catalyst for bringing people together. However, helping each other to overcome this fear, when we weren’t too busy laughing, by passing on tips and tricks for tackling each challenge and shouting encouragement, is a sure-fire way of guaranteeing team bonding as well as personal growth. In fact, three of our party, Rachael, Calum, and Stacey, made it back up to the highest level, mastering the toughest challenges. The Air Trail provided important lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and hubris; we would heartily recommend it as a team bonding experience (and for all those who complain that it’s not that high – just wait till you get up there).

Photo taken beneath the air trail. Various people in harness are dotted about the large climbing structure.

“I absolutely loved it, it was so much fun, especially on the top level! It just needed to be higher!”

Rachael Ellis, Graphic Designer
Stacey stands against a pillar clinging to his harness, while a smiling Rachael crosses a bridge consisting of two parallel ropes with evenly spaced cylindrical wooden markers.

“Great fun and a good laugh… certainly feels higher when you’re at the top! Vanish got the stains right out. Don’t let the fear of falling stop you from climbing up.”

Calum Findlay, Online Marketing Manager
A photo taken from beneath the Air Trail. Rachael crosses a bridge consisting of two parallel ropes with evenly spaced cylindrical wooden markers. Stacey watches on from the pillar and platform behind her. On the level immediately below, Jess, Katie and Matt look up at Rachael.

“I won’t lie, I was scared, but once we banded together on the lower levels I had fun, especially on the zip line. I would certainly recommend it.”

Katie Ludgate, Marketing Manager
Katie gleefully flies through the air on a zip wire her right arm is outstretched.

“It was a lot of fun. I also like the idea of having a safety rope, it made me a lot braver.”

Stacey Conroy, Web Developer
Stacey crosses a bridge consisting of two parallel ropes with evenly spaced cylindrical wooden markers. He holds onto his harness and a loose, looping rope handrail.

“It was terrifying but a lot of fun! Overall, heights bad, pillars good.”

Matt Harris, Software Developer
Matt flies through the air on the zip wire. He clings to his harness.

“Not my cup of tea but I enjoyed the meal.”

Stuart Dawson, Product Data Entry Administrator
Katie, Jess, Matt are standing around a pillar on an elevated platform. Jess is talking to Katie and Katie is smiling. They are all holding onto their harnesses.

“I went from hating it to loving it and would definitely recommend. When you go, start from the bottom and work your way up rather than the other way round.”

Jess Wright, Content Editor
Jess crosses a balance beam holding onto rope supports on either side. She has one foot on the beam and one foot on the platform.