9 Sports in Nature to Try This Year

Sports in nature make doing an activity all the more worthwhile. Rather than kicking a ball around an empty field, there are some that can get you out in the wild with mental health and physical benefits. There are some that don’t require much in terms of physical health, while some are challenging. From running to extreme snowboarding, here are a few suggestions.

Paddleboarding on the Water

Water sports are a great way to see things you normally would not. Paddle boarding is among the most interesting because it can be both competitive and relaxing. Paddleboarding as a couple over gentle waters is a great way to spend time with the one you love, and you may even see some sea animals. Whether standing up or sitting, paddleboarding shoes will help prevent you from slipping whether you compete or just love to relax and take it all in on the open water.

Sports in Nature Includes Running

Perhaps the oldest known sport, running, is still enjoyed by many people today. It is estimated that there are over 620 million people who enjoy running on a regular basis all over the world. There are many benefits of running, both physically and mentally. Most men claim running helps them keep a clear mind and can shut out the world for a little while. Of course, running is one of the healthiest activities for keeping your heart in good health, and the weight will just fall off.

Hitting the Ski Slopes

Skiing is often considered an elitist sport, but it is more accessible than ever these days. And you don’t have to be a world-class skier to hit the slopes. There are slopes for different skill levels across mountain ranges all over the world. Skiing has excellent physical health benefits. But one of the most attractive things about skiing is that you get to see nature at its finest. There is nothing quite like a sunrise over the Alps as you gently swathe in and out of a trail. 

A Good Old Hiking Trail

Further to trails, hiking is among the most enjoyable and relaxing experiences you can try. Okay, so maybe it isn’t a sport, but it does require some degree of physical exertion, especially if there are various inclines. There are many stunning footpaths all over the world for people of different skill levels. And they all run through stunning scenery with things you may never usually experience, such as sunrises and sunsets, amazing plant life, and, of course, animals.

Mountain Biking in the Wild

If you enjoy something a little more physical but still want to see what nature trails offer, mountain biking might be for you. You can enjoy mountain biking as a couple, with friends, or as a sporting competition. But it can be dangerous, so take these safety tips into consideration:

• Always make sure you are wearing a top-quality helmet to protect your head.

• Learn to control your bike at all times among various slopes and angles.

• Wear appropriate riding gear for safety and something that fits the weather.

• Stick to riding trails within your specific skill level or you will face danger.

• Take it slow and get to know a trail when riding for the first time.

• Slow down when approaching tricky corners to avoid an incident.

• Learn to fall correctly because you will come off your bike at some point.

Just visiting high mountain trails can be dangerous. But given the speed of mountain bikes, safety must be taken more seriously. It also helps to stop every now and then to appreciate your surroundings. Take a break and take in the sights that most people don’t usually get to see.

Various Types of Diving

Far from going up into the mountains, how about going down into the water? Diving is an excellent activity, rather than a sport, where you can get up close and personal with all kinds of natural wonders. From freshwater cave diving to ocean scuba, the sights to behold are amazing. Coral reefs, submerged systems, and all manner of sea creatures are waiting to be explored. Diving also makes a wonderful family activity that the kids won’t soon forget.

How About Some Ice Climbing?

Not for the faint of heart, ice climbing is maybe the most dangerous on this list. Therefore, it also isn’t one for beginners. But if you have some climbing experience, then ice climbing is a refreshing change of scenery. With ice climbing challenges, there are frozen waterfalls, ice formations on mountains, and deep caverns you can explore. It is a disciplined sport and requires acclimatization to extreme cold and the correct use of ice-climbing equipment.

Extreme Snowboard Sports in Nature

If ice climbing is too extreme but you still want to enjoy the colder locations of the world, maybe snowboarding is for you. Once something that was shunned, snowboarding is now a very popular sport and accounts for 30% of winter sports. Like skiing, snowboarding can be enjoyed as a competitive sport, as something to test yourself and as a family. Also, like skiing, you get to enjoy this sport among some of the most stunning vistas and mountains the world has to offer.

Free Climbing or Bouldering

Also known as rock climbing, bouldering is one of the most demanding sports, like ice climbing. You will need determination and strength to climb rocks. However, the great thing about rock climbing is you can do it in complete safety. You can venture out to real rocks, which is the best way to see stunning sights. However, you can learn to rock climb by visiting an activity center. This is great as a group of friends, solo, or something to do with the kids and your partner.

Summary

Paddleboarding out on the open water with your partner is among some of the most relaxing sports in nature to try. Mountain biking offers something of a challenge while out and about. You can also try real rock climbing or learn to climb using rock walls in sporty activity centers.