Imagine a summer where you actually try all those cool things you read about in magazines. Not just sports, but other activities that occur outdoors that look amazing, adventurous, and adrenaline-pumping. Now keep that image in your head, but imagine yourself as the guy jumping off the wing of a plane. In this article we will explore five fun and extreme summer activities, all of which can be done for a small investment of time and money. This summer you are going to lose your spectator status, and do the things you have only dreamed about doing!
1) Bungee Jumping
What is it?
To bungee is to be attached to a huge rubber band-like cord, jump off a tall structure, scream, then get snapped back upwards inches before hitting the earth. This sport has been around for awhile, and only gets more extreme with each passing year. Some of the more recent bungee innovations include; reverse bungee (snapping you into the air first, then you fall down) and hot air bungee (when you bungee from the gondola of a hot air balloon).
Where can I do it?
The traditional way to bungee is from a bridge, but this is not an option that is available everywhere. Many US states ban bungee jumping altogether, so you might have to travel to a bungee-friendly state or country before you can scratch your bungee itch. Crane bungee is also popular, since it can be set-up nearly anywhere. However, purists might find jumping from a crane boring, less scenic, and even more dangerous than going off of a large bridge that spans a gorge or canyon. Most summer carnivals offer some sort of bungee-like ride, including the terrifying two-seater reverse bungee catapult. If you lack access to bridge bungee, you might want to try your summer carnival out before you drive to a neighboring state.
Pros
You do not need to be in good shape to bungee.
No need to have specialized skills or own any equipment.
Is easy to learn and is over quickly.
Inexpensive.
Very exciting.
Cons
Potentially lethal "“ this is why it is banned in many states.
The thrill ends too quickly, meaning you will have to shell out more money to jump again.
May not be readily accessible.
2) Kite Surfing
What is it?
Kite surfing was created by those who love to kite ski. It is a combination of surfing and kite flying, which adds up to some serious hang time and speed. Imagine being able to surf anywhere and anytime, with the addition of massive air and kite flying, and you have kite surfing.
Where can I do it?
Kite surfing is not limited to salt water, which makes it ideal for those of us locked in the heart of a continent. Most Kite surfers head to places that have strong winds, like Hawaii. But anywhere you can combine wind and wave, you will probably find kite surfing.
Pros
It's a new sport, so beginners are expected and welcome.
The fusion of surfing, wakeboarding, kite flying, and windsurfing allows for some amazing maneuvers.
Can be done on lakes or oceans, and some even do it on snow.
Cons
There is a learning curve, but you land on water when you fall.
You need to be in pretty good shape, but the more you kite, the more muscular you will become.
Equipment can be expensive.
3) Amusement Rides
What is it?
Now before you laugh, keep in mind that midway and carnival rides have come a long way since you were a kid. Many are designed to mimic the barrel-roll motion and g-force of an F16 fighter jet, or the high speed maneuverability of a performance sports car. And the most recent move is for rides to use less of a "˜cage', in the attempt to increase terror and mimic airplane cockpits. Here are the names of a few terror rides you should check out:
Ninja "“ roller coaster "“ hits speeds of 55 MPH
Batman the Ride "“ looping coaster - hits speeds of 50 MPH
Superman Ultimate Flight "“ inverted loop coaster "“ 60 MPH
Top Gun "“ inverted looping coaster "“ 90 KMH
Where can I do it?
Any Six Flags amusement park will hook you up with the latest and greatest in rides, plus a whole lot more. Most major cities bring in a midway or exhibition during the summer, but the truly terrifying rides can only be found at permanent amusement parks.
Pros
The odds are good you won't die while trying out a ride.
Lots of variety, including many movie-themed rides.
Over quickly, just in case you are getting a little too terrified.
Cons
Tickets can be pricey, and there are often huge line-ups.
The best rides are in permanent parks, which may not be close to where you live.
They might be too safe for the true thrill seeker.
4) Freshwater Scuba Diving
What is it?
Essentially, this is scuba without the salt or the sharks. People can get pretty creative when it comes to freshwater diving, and there is lots to see. Depending on where you dive, the water can be incredibly clear, due to its depth and other factors.
Where can I do it?
People will dive into flooded mine shafts, old rock quarries, caves, lakes, rivers and streams.
Pros
For those who don't live near the ocean, freshwater is an excellent option.
Shark free diving
More options for dive locations
Cons
Purists might find diving into freshwater boring, but it is no less exciting than diving in the ocean.
Equipment can be expensive, but rental shops are abundant
Sometimes less to look at when under water.
5) Skydiving & Base Jumping
What is it?
The only smart way to exit a plane at altitude. Skydiving has been around for years, and it is morphing into an extreme sport with the advent of sky surfing "“ using a board when you dive. Base jumping is a variation of the original, only you jump from just about anything other than a plane "“ bridges, cliffs, etc.
Where can I do it?
Check your yellow pages to find a nearby skydiving club. There are usually one or two in most major cities. Base jumping is an extremely dangerous sport, and odds are good that the clubs won't advertise locally. Check out the web to hook up with people near you.
Pros
Total, exciting rush.
Environmentally friendly.
You can start quickly by doing tandem jumps with a more experienced trainer.
Cons
Potentially fatal.
Can be pricey.
Weather can be a factor.
Final thoughts"¦
No matter what your fancy, try something new this summer. It is so easy to put things off for another year that winter will be back before you know it. So take the initiative and start off small. Pick a weekend and go for a jump, dive or ride. This could be the start of your new career as extreme athlete!
