Extreme Sports and Where to Try Them

Picture this: you lord over the canyon, taking in the sweeping views that greet you as you hang from a twist of rope and metal. Your hands are white with chalk and red with blood. The rush is incomparable. You’ve snorkeled with sharks, ziplined over lush forests, hiked through weeks of trails, but nothing has ever felt like this. Your friends yell their congratulations from below and you take one last look at the red rocks before plunging back into the canyon and toward solid ground.

If you’ve ever had a rush like that, you know that the yen for a fix doesn’t just go away — you hunger for more. So for all you adrenaline junkies out there, this post is for you. Check out some of the best extreme sports around the world — and where to try them.

Whitewater Rafting in Nepal

You might not have known that Nepal is one of the world’s premier rafting destinations. Nepal’s rivers are perfect for beginners, but with swells that can throw even the most experienced rafter overboard. With rivers like the Trishuli, Bhote Koshi, and Sun Koshi offering rapids ranging from beginner-friendly to intense, Nepal offers something for every level of rafter. You’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas, lush jungles, and traditional villages as you paddle.

Sandboarding in Dubai

Sure, you could snowboard in Colorado…or, you could sandboard in Dubai. Already a super trendy destination, Dubai never fails to entertain. Roam out into the desert aboard a 4×4 and try your hand at boarding down the beautiful sand dunes. Plus, you don’t have to wear any heavy winter clothes. You’ll be skating down the dunes in your cargo shorts. Cowabunga!

After an exhilarating day on the dunes, you can unwind with a traditional desert camp experience, complete with camel rides and stargazing. The contrast of the modern city skyline against the desert landscape makes this an adventure you won’t forget. Whether you’re a seasoned boarder or a first-timer, Dubai’s sandboarding scene offers a one-of-a-kind, thrilling experience.

Swimming With Sharks in Hawaii

Yep, that’s right. You can get up close and personal with sharks — without the glass tank. And guess what? This activity is not just for people who like to flirt with death. One Ocean Diving, a company that runs popular dives off of Oahu‘s North Shore, has a mission to break down the negative stereotypes about sharks. They strive to combat the misjudged marine animal’s dwindling populations. Get up close and personal with Galapagos, sandbar, and tiger sharks in the wide open ocean!

The dives are guided by marine biologists who will teach you all about shark behavior and conservation. You’ll not only get that much-needed adrenaline rush but you’ll also receive a deeper understanding and appreciation of these incredible creatures. This unforgettable adventure will combine exhilarating thrills with a noble cause.

Paragliding in Mozambique

Four hundred and sixty miles off the shores of the mainland lies the Bazaruto Archipelago. This island in Mozambique is made of white sandy beaches surrounded by clear waters. Towering sand dunes provide the perfect starting point for a paragliding adventure. Sail over the island’s picturesque beaches and shallow waters and enjoy the best views — and thrills! — that an extreme sport can give you.

As you soar above the island’s picturesque beaches and shallow waters, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and maybe even spot dolphins or whales below. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that promises both excitement and awe-inspiring moments.

Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua

Have you ever wanted to bolt down the side of a volcano at 60 miles per hour on a narrow wooden board? Well, now you do! And you can — in Nicaragua. Created in 2004, volcano boarding is a sport developed by Nicaraguans. Adrenaline seekers from across the world flock to Nicaragua to try their hand at sliding down a mountain on boards that looks like those old-school sleds,

But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy volcano boarding. Guides provide safety instructions and gear, including goggles and jumpsuits for a safe descent. Plus, the views from the top of Cerro Negro, Nicaragua’s famous volcano, are absolutely breathtaking, offering a once-in-a-lifetime backdrop for your adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Heli-Skiing in Switzerland

Imagine the thrill of being airlifted to remote peaks, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, and then carving your way through pristine snow with no crowds in sight. Heli-skiing offers an unparalleled experience for powder hounds seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush. You can take a helicopter ride to the top of Switzerland’s mountains and ski or board down the fresh white powder. The best part is, you’ll be the very first one to ski down these untouched slopes! Yup, heli-skiing is totally bad-ass — and a huge rush. You can also heli-ski in other European countries like Italy and Austria.

And with expert guides leading the way, you’ll feel confident tackling challenging terrain while soaking in the breathtaking views of the European Alps. It’s a bucket-list adventure that combines luxury, adventure, and unforgettable memories

Freediving in Indonesia

Freediving, the ancient practice of diving to scuba-level depths on a single breath, is gaining popularity among adventure seekers, drawn especially to Indonesia’s crystalline island waters. With its abundant marine life and clear visibility, Indonesia offers some of the world’s premier freediving sites. Mastering the art requires practice, but once you harness the ability to remain calm underwater, your heart rate slows, enabling you to descend deeper with each breath.

Thru-Hiking in the West and East Coasts, U.S.

Thru-hiking is an activity that takes dedication — about 5 months of it. It takes backpacking to a new extreme. These dedicated hikers spend months hiking from border to border. The prime example of a great thru-hiking trail is the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) on the West Coast and the Appalachian Trail (AT) on the East Coast. Thru-hiking has become popular through books like A Walk in the Woods and Wild about the AT and PCT, respectively.

Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife, meet fellow hikers from all walks of life, and challenge yourself both physically and mentally. And with each step closer to your goal, you’ll experience a sense of accomplishment and freedom that can only be found on the open trail.

FAQs:

Q: What should I pack for whitewater rafting in Nepal?
A: Pack quick-dry clothes, a waterproof bag, sturdy water shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Don’t forget a change of clothes and a towel for after the trip.

Q: During which time of year should I sandboard in Dubai?
A: A great time to sandboard in Dubai is during the cooler months, from October to March, to avoid the extreme heat of the summer.

Q: Do I need previous experience to try paragliding in Mozambique?
A: No previous experience is required for tandem paragliding, as you’ll be flying with a certified instructor who controls the flight.

Q: What equipment is needed for volcano boarding in Nicaragua?
A: You’ll need a board specifically designed for volcano boarding, which can be rented on-site, along with protective gear like a helmet, gloves, and a jumpsuit.

Q: Are there any physical requirements for heli-skiing in Switzerland?
A: Yes, participants should be in good physical condition and have intermediate to advanced skiing or snowboarding skills due to the challenging terrain and deep powder.

Q: How can I prepare for a thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail?
A: Training should include long-distance hiking with a loaded backpack, building endurance and strength. Researching and planning resupply points and ensuring you have appropriate gear is also essential.

Which of these extreme sports do you want to try the most? Let us know in the comments section!