Spring is just around the corner, along with warmer temperatures, melting snow and a ton of new sports worth checking out beyond the basic baseball and soccer. If you’re looking for something different, but not too extreme, check out these seven ideas:
1. Canoeing/Kayaking
With all the ice melting off rivers and lakes, spring is the perfect time to start kayaking or canoeing. You can take a leisurely paddle around your favorite waterway or find somewhere completely new and go exploring. Do a little research first. Most people don’t realize that there’s a right and wrong way to hold the paddle. Then don’t forget to bring a chance of clothes, even if you’re not planning on getting wet. Dress for the water, not the weather.
Whichever you prefer, paddling lets you choose your own pace, distance and intensity, making it a fantastic sport to try for the first time.
2. Rock Climbing
Sound too extreme for you? It’s not. In fact, specific rock climbs are ranked, from glorified hiking trails to sheer rock faces, and everything in between.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie at heart, get out on some of the more extreme climbs. Otherwise, start out lower and work your way up from there. Wherever you start, rock climbing gives you a great full-body workout, and the views are amazing. There are plenty of places that you can start indoors in a controlled environment before you get out to the real rocks.
3. Frisbee Golf
Frisbee golf is also called disk golf, and there are courses all across the world. The premise is simple: You start at one point, and your goal is to throw a frisbee to another location in as few tries as possible — very similar to traditional golf. You can have fun with just a single frisbee, but there are also full sets that come with distance drivers, fairway drivers, and putters. And just like in regular golf, if there’s someone faster behind you, let them play through.
All in all, it’s a great leisure activity and one you can do with any group. It’s also as competitive as you want to make it.
4. Badminton
The beauty of badminton is that it can be played both indoors and outdoors. While summer is the prime time for backyard badminton, playing indoors has its benefits, too. There’s no breeze messing with the birdie, and you don’t need to worry about twisting your ankle on uneven ground.
That being said, once the ground gets soft enough again to put up a net, investing in a backyard badminton net is worth it. It’s the go-to sport for barbeques and get-togethers as the sun sets later and later.
5. White Water Rafting
Rafting is intense, no matter how you look at it — but you don’t need to be an expert to have a blast with it. Get a group of friends together and pick a location.
Rafting companies offer great deals during the spring and summer, and flying through the rapids is always worth the price. You’ll get a good workout, and you can customize your trip ahead of time with suitable accommodations, distance and the level of rapids you’ll be tackling.
6. Cycling
Taking a longer bike trip is something you should experience at least once in your lifetime. Spring is an ideal time to hit the road since the snow has melted, but the summer heat hasn’t come on fully yet.
State and national parks can be perfect locations to get your ride on. Otherwise, all you need to do is find a country road near home and log a few miles the next time you get the chance. Of course, there are also indoor courses in most major cities.
7. Horseback Riding
Everyone loves horses, and going for a ride in the country is a dream that too many never live. Finding a stable is easy, and they are everywhere.
Many hiking or biking trails also double as equestrian trails, and you can check with the local stable for rates on horses and instructors.
Anyone else ready for spring?
