Traveling and sports are some of the most fulfilling things one can do. However, while many people are satisfied with a quick trek or a short canoe ride, some travelers truly prefer living on the edge. Life is much more invigorating when you have the chance to embrace the unexpected. If you’re one of those types of people and prefer extreme sports, then this is the perfect guide for you. Below are listed some of the most adventurous sports you can do and where to try them out. By the time you’ve finished reading this, you’ll have planned your next three vacations.
Know where to go
The first step in planning your extreme sports trip is knowing exactly where to go. For instance, there is a big difference between skydiving in Cape Town and New Zealand. While this could boil down to taste, you can plan your activity for the best possible experience by exploring the location.
One mistake that many adventurous travelers make is flying out too far from home. They spend most of their budget on plane tickets and end up exhausted when they get to their destination. Hence, you should always start by looking up whether that extreme sport happens near you first. For example, while many people think of Canada or Zimbabwe for water-based sports, you can easily enjoy white water rafting Tennessee or in Colorado. By spending less time on a plane or bus, you can spend more time engaging in the outdoor activities you enjoy. A little bit of planning can make your voyage much better!
Making your bucket list
If you talk to any adventurer, you’ll find different answers to what you should do on your next trip. While each person has their own bucket list, some common answers tend to top everyone’s list. Here are 4 of the most remarkable extreme sports that you can and should try out as soon as the opportunity arises.
Freshwater cave diving
You might have heard of deep-sea diving, but this is taking it to a new level — literally. This sport involves diving into flooded underwater caves. It was originally done as a form of scientific exploration but has become popular among the extreme sports community.
One of the best locations for this sport is in Florida, as the state has a maze of freshwater springs and limestone passages. The best part is that you only need an open-water diver certification for some caves. While a number of extreme sports require more preparation and documentation, this one can be done with just a bit of training and courage.
Cliff jumping
This one is rather popular, and there is a high chance you’ve already done it. Cliff jumping is such a good go-to sport that they even included a scene in Twilight. However, if you haven’t had the chance to jump off a cliff and plunge into the water below yet, this needs to go on the top of your list.
As long as you know what you’re doing, it’s a relatively safe exercise. With the proper preparation, the worst that can happen is a bad belly flop. Regardless, the thrill you’ll experience in those brief moments as you fall through the air is a high worth chasing. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you might find yourself plunging off cliffs every chance you get.
Shark diving
There is an argument to be made that we exaggerate the danger we face from sharks. Statistically speaking, sharks only kill about six people a year. That’s enough risk to get the blood pumping, but it wouldn’t put enough fear in you to stop you from partaking in the activity. This isn’t about going underwater while in the safety of a large metal cage. This is free diving with the sharks. It’s risky, a little crazy, but it’s a powerful feeling to experience and an amazing story to tell.
For this particular sport, you might have to go farther from home. One of the best shark diving locations is near Cape Town, South Africa, where it’s possible to dive with great whites.
Volcano boarding
Snowboarding is cool and all, but it isn’t half as epic as zooming down the face of an active volcano at 60mph. You definitely need a lot of protective gear to ensure you’re safe from the poisonous gas and volcanic ash, but if you feel confident in your skills, this is a sport that will get your heart pumping like no other.
If you want to try out this slightly insane, death-defying activity, then Cerro Negro Mountain in Nicaragua is the perfect place to attempt this dauntless sport.
Conclusion
It’s nice to go on those easy adventures like hiking or rafting that are fun for the whole family, but some truly brave individuals are meant to do the most daring activities on earth. These are not for the faint of heart, but if you fancy yourself as a real risk-taker, this guide would have definitely inspired some ideas. So what activity are you trying out next?