Ninja Warrior courses have gained immense popularity, thanks to the hit television show "American Ninja Warrior." These obstacle courses are not only a source of entertainment but also a fantastic way to encourage physical fitness and outdoor play for kids and adults alike. Creating a backyard ninja warrior course allows families to enjoy this thrilling experience without leaving home. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to designing and building your very own ninja course, complete with essential obstacles and safety considerations.
1. Assessing Space and Budget
Before diving into the construction process, evaluate the available space in your backyard and set a budget. A typical ninja course can range from a compact 8×16-foot setup to a more extensive design, depending on your yard's dimensions. Consider your family's needs and the ages of the users to determine the appropriate size and complexity of the course.
2. Planning the Course Layout
Sketch out a rough layout of the course, incorporating obstacles like the Salmon Ladder, Rumbling Dice, Devil Steps, and Cargo Net. Ensure that the course is well-spaced and balanced, with obstacles of varying difficulty levels. Leave room for expansion as your family's skills progress.
3. Collecting Materials and Tools
Purchase the necessary lumber, hardware, and safety equipment from your local Home Depot or other suppliers. Some courses can be built with standard materials, while others may require specialized components. You can modify the plans to fit your budget, skill level, and available resources.
4. Building the Course
Follow the detailed blueprint and instructions to construct each obstacle. Start with the foundational elements, such as the Salmon Ladder and Rumbling Dice, which require more structural support. Assemble the frame using sturdy lumber, securing joints with screws and brackets. Remember to apply a weather-resistant coating to the wood to ensure durability.
5. Installing Safety Features
Safety should be a top priority. Use padding or mats beneath high obstacles like the Salmon Ladder and Devil Steps to minimize the risk of injury. Install proper anchoring systems for hanging obstacles, ensuring they can support the weight of users.
6. Customizing the Course
Customize your ninja course to cater to your family's preferences and abilities. For example, if you have younger children, include more balance-focused obstacles like the quintuple steps. As they grow, you can add more challenging elements like the rope junction or the globe grasps.
7. Continuous Improvement
As your family progresses through the course, consider adding new obstacles or modifying existing ones to keep the challenge fresh. This can also involve adjusting the height and difficulty of certain elements to accommodate the growing skills of your ninjas.
8. Maintenance and Upkeep
Regularly inspect the course for wear and tear, repairing or replacing any damaged components promptly. Keep the area clean and free from debris to prevent accidents.
9. Incorporating Commercial Products
If you prefer a more plug-and-play approach, there are pre-built ninja course elements available online. Companies like OUTfit Ninja offer customizable and durable systems designed for backyard use. These can be integrated into your DIY course or used as standalone obstacles.
10. Emphasizing Fun and Fitness
A backyard ninja warrior course is not just about replicating the TV show; it's a fun and engaging way to promote physical activity and healthy competition among family members. Encourage regular use and set goals to help everyone improve their strength, agility, and coordination., building a backyard ninja warrior course is an exciting and rewarding project that brings the thrill of American Ninja Warrior into your own backyard. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can create a course that fosters fun, fitness, and family bonding for years to come. Happy ninja training!
