Are you ready for more outdoor adventure this summer? In our previous blog posts here, here and here, we’ve explored some exciting and off-the-beaten-path activities to try out, from wild swimming to slackpacking, bouldering to sea kayaking. And now, we’re back with even more thrilling ideas to inspire your next outdoor escapade.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer looking to try something new or a curious beginner eager to push your limits, we’ve got you covered. Our list of activities includes some lesser-known options that will take you off the beaten track and give you a unique perspective on the great outdoors.
From a gentle game of disc golf to an adrenalin packed ride along the beach with horse-surfing, these activities are sure to brighten your summer and leave you with unforgettable memories. So pack your gear, gather your friends or family, and get ready for another dose of outdoor fun and adventure!
Disc golf:
Disc golf is a fast-growing sport that is gaining popularity all over the world. It is a game that is very similar to traditional golf, but instead of using clubs and balls, players use frisbees or discs. The goal of disc golf is to throw the frisbee into a series of baskets or targets, which are typically metal cages with chains hanging from them, in as few throws as possible.
The game can be played in various settings, including open fields, wooded areas, and even urban environments. The baskets or targets are placed in strategic locations, and the player must navigate the course to complete each hole. The holes range in length and difficulty, with some requiring a long throw and others requiring a precise shot.
Disc golf can be played individually or in groups, and it is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. It is also a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Disc golf courses can be found in parks, community centers, and other public spaces, and many players enjoy traveling to different courses to challenge themselves and experience new environments.
In recent years, disc golf has gained recognition as a serious sport, with professional players competing in tournaments and championships around the world. The game has its own unique culture, with players developing their own styles and strategies and building communities around the sport.
Overall, disc golf is a fun and exciting sport that offers a unique twist on the classic game of golf. Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting out, disc golf is a great way to get outside, stay active, and have fun.
Horse surfing:
Horse surfing is an exhilarating water sport that involves a surfer being towed on a surfboard by a horse through breaking waves. The rider holds onto a rope attached to the horse, and as the horse runs along the shore, the rider uses the force of the waves to ride the surfboard.
This unique and thrilling sport requires skill, strength, and balance from the rider, who must maintain control of the surfboard while being pulled by the powerful animal. The horse must also be trained to remain calm in the water and follow the surfer’s lead.
Horse surfing can be performed in various bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and oceans. It is a popular attraction at many beach resorts and water sports centers, and has gained a following around the world. Many competitions and events are held each year, where riders and horses compete for prizes and recognition.
Horse surfing is not only an exciting sport, but also an excellent way to bond with these magnificent animals. It is an activity that requires trust and cooperation between the rider and the horse, and can deepen the relationship between them. Additionally, horse surfing provides an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure in a unique and unforgettable way.
In conclusion, horse surfing is a thrilling and unique water sport that combines the grace and power of a horse with the thrill of surfing. It requires skill, strength, and balance from the rider, as well as training and comfort from the horse. Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, horse surfing is a great way to experience the beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure while enjoying the company of a magnificent animal.
Wondering if it’s too bizarre to be true? Watch the video below!
Find out more: surfertoday.com
Fly fishing:
Fly fishing is a popular outdoor activity that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It is a relaxing and peaceful pastime that involves catching fish using a special fly lure that is cast into the water with a fishing rod and reel. Unlike traditional fishing, which uses bait to lure fish to the hook, fly fishing involves imitating the movements and appearance of insects or other prey that fish feed on.
The sport of fly fishing can be performed in various bodies of water, including rivers, streams, lakes, and even the ocean. It requires a great deal of skill and technique, as the angler must carefully cast the fly into the water, then use subtle movements to mimic the movements of insects or other prey. This requires a great deal of patience, as well as a deep understanding of the behavior and feeding patterns of different fish species.
Fly fishing is also a popular sport for conservationists and environmentalists, as it often involves catch-and-release practices that help to preserve fish populations and habitats. Many fly fishing enthusiasts take pride in their ability to catch fish without harming them, and they often work to protect the watersheds and ecosystems where they fish.
In addition to its environmental benefits, fly fishing also offers a number of mental and physical health benefits. Many anglers find that the sport helps to relieve stress and anxiety, while also providing a sense of connection to nature. It also requires a great deal of physical activity, as the angler must hike, wade, and cast repeatedly throughout the day.
Overall, fly fishing is a relaxing and rewarding activity that offers a unique combination of skill, technique, and appreciation for the natural world. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just starting out, fly fishing is a great way to connect with nature and experience the thrill of catching fish in a peaceful and serene environment.
Find out more: hikingandfishing.com
Parkour:
Image by Rory Wilde
Parkour is an athletic discipline that has gained popularity around the world in recent years. It involves moving through urban environments by running, jumping, and climbing over obstacles in a fluid and efficient manner. Parkour practitioners, known as traceurs, use their bodies to navigate the built environment in a way that is both functional and artistic.
Parkour originated in France in the 1980s and 1990s, and was inspired by military obstacle course training. It has since evolved into a complex and dynamic discipline, with practitioners pushing the limits of what the human body is capable of. In addition to its physical challenges, parkour also requires mental focus and discipline, as traceurs must assess their environment and plan their movements carefully to avoid injury.
The practice of parkour has a number of benefits for both the body and mind. Physically, it is a full-body workout that builds strength, agility, and endurance. It also improves balance and coordination, and can help to prevent injuries by strengthening the joints and improving flexibility.
Mentally, parkour requires focus, discipline, and the ability to overcome fear. It can help to build confidence and resilience, and can improve cognitive function by challenging the mind to assess and navigate complex environments.
In addition to its physical and mental benefits, parkour also has a strong social and cultural component. Practitioners often train together and form tight-knit communities, sharing techniques and supporting each other’s growth and development. Many also see parkour as a form of creative expression, using their movements to express themselves and interact with their environment in new and unique ways.
However, it is important to note that parkour can be a dangerous sport if not practiced safely and responsibly. Proper training and supervision are essential, and practitioners should always prioritize safety above all else. With the right mindset and training, however, parkour can be a challenging and rewarding discipline that offers a unique and dynamic way to interact with the urban environment.
Find out more: parkour.uk
Land sailing:
Image by Walter Frehner
Land sailing (also known as Land Yachting or Sand Sailing) is an exhilarating wind-powered activity that involves racing across land in a small, wheeled vehicle with a sail attached. It is a unique and exciting way to experience the thrill of speed and the power of the wind, while also exploring new landscapes and environments.
The vehicles used in land sailing, known as land yachts or sail cars, are typically lightweight and streamlined, with three wheels and a sail mounted on a mast. They are designed to harness the power of the wind and convert it into forward motion, reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour or more.
Land sailing can be performed in a variety of environments, including beaches, deserts, and open fields. The sport requires skill and precision, as the sailor must constantly adjust the sail and steering to maintain control of the vehicle and avoid obstacles.
Land sailing has a number of benefits for both the body and mind. Physically, it is a great cardiovascular workout that builds strength, endurance, and coordination. It also provides a unique way to explore the outdoors and connect with nature, and can help to relieve stress and improve mental well-being.
In addition to its physical and mental benefits, land sailing also has a strong community aspect. Many land sailors participate in races and events, where they can compete against others and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. The sport also has a rich history and culture, with a long tradition of innovation and technological advancement.
However, it is important to note that land sailing can be a dangerous activity if not practiced safely and responsibly. Proper training and safety equipment are essential, and sailors should always be aware of their surroundings and the conditions of the environment.
In conclusion, land sailing is an exciting and unique activity that offers a thrilling way to explore the outdoors and experience the power of the wind. It requires skill, precision, and a sense of adventure, and provides a great workout for both the body and mind. With the right training and equipment, land sailing can be a safe and rewarding sport that offers a lifetime of enjoyment and excitement.
Find out more: flypgs.com
Sandboarding:
Image by MGH-Design
Sandboarding is an exciting sport that involves riding down sand dunes on a board similar to a snowboard. Unlike snowboarding, which requires a mountain and snow, sandboarding can be done in any desert-like environment with sand dunes.
Sandboarding is a relatively new sport that is gaining popularity around the world. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get a good workout while experiencing the thrill of sliding down steep dunes at high speeds. The sport has similarities to snowboarding, with riders using a board to carve turns and perform tricks, but also requires a different technique due to the nature of the sand.
One of the great things about sandboarding is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Beginners can start on smaller dunes and gradually work their way up to bigger and steeper ones as they gain confidence and experience. More experienced riders can challenge themselves by attempting bigger jumps, tricks, and more difficult terrain.
In the UK, there are a few locations where sandboarding is possible, including Merthyr Mawr in Wales, West Sands Beach in St. Andrews, and Woolacombe Sand Dunes in North Devon. These areas have large sand dunes that are suitable for sandboarding, and visitors can rent equipment and take lessons from experienced instructors.
It is important to note that sandboarding can be a dangerous activity if not practiced safely and responsibly. Proper safety equipment, including a helmet and protective clothing, should always be worn, and riders should be aware of their surroundings and the conditions of the terrain. With proper training and safety measures, sandboarding can be a fun and exciting sport that provides a lifetime of adventure and memories.
Find out more: sand-boarding.com
Zorbing:
Zorbing is an adventure sport that involves rolling down a hill in a giant, inflatable ball, which can be done either on land or in water. It is a fun and exciting way to experience the thrill of speed and the sensation of weightlessness, while also enjoying the great outdoors.
The zorb ball used in the sport is made of durable, transparent plastic and is inflated with air. It typically has two layers, with the inner layer providing cushioning and shock absorption, while the outer layer protects the rider from bumps and impacts. The rider enters the ball through a small opening, and then rolls down the hill, bouncing and tumbling along the way.
Zorbing can be done on a variety of terrains, including grassy hills, ski slopes, and even water. Water zorbing, also known as aqua zorbing, involves rolling down a hill while the ball is floating on water, adding an extra element of excitement and unpredictability to the experience.
Zorbing has a number of benefits for both the body and mind. Physically, it provides a great cardiovascular workout, while also building strength and improving coordination and balance. It is also a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family, and can help to relieve stress and improve mental well-being.
In addition to its physical and mental benefits, zorbing also has a strong cultural and social component. Many zorbing enthusiasts participate in races and events, where they can compete against others and connect with like-minded individuals. The sport also has a growing community of followers around the world, who share tips, techniques, and experiences with one another online and in person.
However, it is important to note that zorbing can be a dangerous activity if not practiced safely and responsibly. Proper training and safety equipment are essential, and riders should always be aware of their surroundings and the conditions of the terrain.
In conclusion, zorbing is a thrilling and unique activity that provides a great workout for both the body and mind. It offers a fun and social way to explore the outdoors and connect with nature, while also experiencing the sensation of weightlessness and the rush of speed. With the right equipment and training, zorbing can be a safe and rewarding sport that provides a lifetime of excitement and adventure.
Find out more: Wikipedia
Surf kayaking:
Surf kayaking is a thrilling water sport that involves riding ocean waves while sitting in a kayak and using a paddle to steer and maintain balance. It is a unique and challenging way to experience the ocean and offers a completely different perspective from traditional surfing.
Unlike traditional surfing, surf kayaking involves sitting in a small, lightweight kayak and using a paddle to catch and ride waves. The kayak provides a stable platform for the rider to balance on, and the paddle is used to navigate the wave and maintain speed and control. This requires a different skill set than traditional surfing, including a strong sense of balance and excellent paddling technique.
Surf kayaking can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. It is also a versatile sport, with riders able to surf a variety of wave types and sizes, from small beach breaks to large, powerful swells.
In the UK, surf kayaking can be enjoyed in a number of coastal locations, including Cornwall, Devon, and North Wales. These areas offer a variety of wave conditions and are home to a number of experienced surf kayaking instructors and schools.
As with any water sport, safety is of utmost importance when participating in surf kayaking. Proper safety equipment, including a helmet, life jacket, and wetsuit, should always be worn, and riders should be aware of their surroundings and the conditions of the ocean. With proper training and safety measures, surf kayaking can be a fun and rewarding sport that provides a unique and exhilarating experience.
Find out more: britishcanoeing.org.uk
Featured image by PanchoOn