IMOGEN- Out On The Water

Tell us a little about yourself

I live and grew up in Paris but both of my parents are English so I wasn’t diving into the unknown coming to University here in Leeds. I like to be busy; I am a member of the OTC, a great way to meet people outside the University and from other Universities too. I am also president of the Conservation Society and a member of the Trampoline Society. In my free time I also volunteer with the Guide Dogs, sometimes in the charity shops they run and sometimes by managing the events they organise.

and a fun fact about you…?

I have recently learned to do a double front summersault on a trampoline, the first one was absolutely terrifying!

Did you take part in any activity before you signed up for the Get Out, Get Active programme?

I looked at all of the societies online before I came to University, and then signed up for far too many during Fresher’s week. Unfortunately, time wise I had to choose only a few I would get involved with, which ended up being the OTC, Trampolining and Conservation. If I could, I would do them all!

What attracted you to the Get Out, Get Active programme?

I think it was the ability to try new things, without any commitment, and also how flexible it is, you can attend as many activities as you like depending on how much time you have. It is also a really cheap way to try activities which could otherwise require an expensive membership. The diversity of the programme also allows you to meet people you might not otherwise meet at University.

What was the first activity you tried?

My first activity was an outdoor rowing trip to Roundhay Park, and now I want to do more rowing! I think University is for trying new things and I seemed to pick up the rowing pretty well, it was really good fun. We spent half of the first session in the trees because we couldn’t steer the four person boat but it was still really good fun, and was probably very amusing for the people in the café to watch!

What was the most daunting thing when signing up to your first activity?

Falling in! I don’t think I found it that daunting, I like to try new things and it was a really nice environment, I really like the fact that you do not need any experience to take part. I think the biggest challenge was managing my time to be able to attend.

How many activates have you tried now?

Rowing, cycling, running and walking, which have all been great!

What has been your best experience with Get Out, Get Active so far?

I think it might be the first rowing trip to Roundhay, it was a really fun and friendly and having an ice cream in the park topped it off perfectly. I have enjoyed all the activities I attended, everyone is so friendly and easy going, and we always have a great time.

How would you describe yourself in terms of your relation to sport and activity?

I have always been quite sporty, I did lots of extracurricular activates at school. I always do sports for fun, I particularly like to try new things and love the outdoors so this programme really suits me.

How are you finding volunteering with Get Out, Get Active?

Really good, I have volunteered with both the running and walking, and they were both great experiences. The activators are always there to help, especially with your first time volunteering. It really is a great way to get involved in the whole range of activities in the programme.

What do you think are the biggest barriers to taking part in the programme and what would you say to overcome them?

Many people might believe that you need a certain amount of experience to take part, but you really don’t, take it from me who had never sat in a rowing boat! Just give it a go, there are so many great green places in Leeds so get out and see them. Everyone is so friendly, helpful and easy going and you will find you soon fit in.