Best Outdoor Adventures and Extreme Sports

Introduction

Spending time in the great outdoors is as refreshing for the mind as it is for the body. While some people choose to spend their ‘green time’ relaxing and unwinding, others seek something a bit more thrilling. Chilling by the pool and going sightseeing simply isn’t their thing, and they’d much rather engage in some high-energy activities that will get their adrenaline pumping.

If all this seems relatable, chances are, you’re an outdoor lover who likes to challenge themself, always finding new ways to step out of their comfort zone and striving to overcome their fears and limits. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of amazing outdoor adventures and extreme sports you can try your hand at. Here are some of the best ones to add to your bucket list.

Mountain Biking

If your idea of the perfect outdoor activity involves obstacles, serious thrills, and gorgeous scenery, then mountain biking could be just the right activity for you. Just the idea of hitting the trails and pushing past your limits can be very exciting to an adrenaline junkie. Add to that the reward that comes in the form of the amazing scenery you get to capture and you begin to understand just why mountain biking is such a thrilling bucket list idea.

Want to take things up a notch? Try downhill mountain biking on off-season ski slopes as well as steep courses. You’ll need a sturdier bike that can take a beating, but it’s sure worth it.

Rock Climbing

Another way to take things to the extreme and test your limits is to try rock climbing. Rock climbing about conquering nature while simultaneously conquering your fears by giving you a chance to showcase your physical fitness. And while it can be practiced at the gyms, nothing beats the real deal.

That said, rock climbing carries certain risks and can be quite dangerous if you’re not fully trained for it. Mitigating these risks can be as simple as Googling a full body checkup near me and conducting a fitness assessment. During the assessment, the professionals will assess your capacity to engage in such a sport. Even if you are a seasoned climber, you’re still at risk of suffering a shoulder, elbow, knee, or finger injury. Therefore, take care of the effects and prevention of injuries, especially if you engage in this vigorous activity more often.

Whitewater Rafting

If land activities aren’t your cup of tea, then water sports could be just what you’re looking for. Whitewater rafting is a group activity and a perfect opportunity for individuals to show off their teamwork skills. The way it works is the team joins their forces to overcome obstacles that come their way and do their best to navigate the challenging waves.

Taking a ride on nature’s rollercoaster is sure to give the adrenaline junkies the thrill they’re looking for while the excitement they experience while paddling down the river is certain to significantly lower their stress levels. Just remember to bring some clothes and food, especially if you’re planning an overnight trip.

Freshwater Cave Diving

If you’d rather be exploring under the water than spending time on it, try your hand at freshwater cave diving. Now, this extreme sport is definitely not for the faint of heart nor claustrophobic folks. Although the term is often mixed up with cavern diving, there are significant differences between the two. Cave diving involves going beyond the natural light zone whereas cavern divers have to remain within this zone.

Although thrilling, this activity does require special scuba equipment along with the necessary certifications. That said, exploring the underwater passages is a unique outdoor adventure and definitely something to add on your bucket list if you’re an adrenaline junkie.

Spelunking

If you like the idea of exploring caves but don’t necessarily want to do it underwater, you should try spelunking. Also referred to as caving, spelunking is a global sport that really lets you unleash your inner explorer. Relying on just a headlamp, you’ll be getting wet and muddy as you walk, crawl, squeeze, and climb your way through the natural cave and its tight passages.

It’s a really great way to explore the natural environment of the cave and find something interesting. Sometimes, it’ll be an underground waterfall or a stream. Other times, you’ll run into some gorgeous rock formations. The best thing about these crawl spaces is that you never know what you’ll encounter, which is why so many explorers have a blast on their trips underground.

Wrapping Up

Not all travelers are created equal, and while some may take great joy in simply relaxing and sightseeing, others like to take their vacations to the next level by pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. Draw inspiration from some of the suggestions listed above and you’ll ensure an unforgettable adventure travel experience.

About Theresa Duncan

Originally from Detroit, MI, Theresa has been offering health and fitness advice for the last 30 years while working as an engineer. She decided to turn her passion into a profession, and finds nothing more satisfying than helping others reach their health and fitness goals.