Adventure Sports Tourism is at its peak. People these days travel specially in pursuit of these sports in various locations that cater them. People, with the globe getting smaller and smaller by the day, ( all thanks to advanced technology and easy transport ) are discovering new places, new adventures everyday and are out trying out all these various type of sports activities.
There are primarily two kinds of adventure sports - water based and land based. Both can however have a few sky/air based included in as well.
Some of these are extreme ( life threatening too at times, hence the term 'extreme adventure sports' ) and may need experience and expertise to carry them out. But one thing is clear - All are fun and full of adventure! Guaranteed to give the thrills and an adrenaline rush.
IMPORTANT Word Of Caution : Do study the risks carefully before trying any of them out and please note that we donot endorse any.
Following is the full list of all the adventure sports that are currently available and are very popular. ( If we missed out any kindly let us know, thanks )
A. WATER BASED ADVENTURE SPORTS :
1. Surfing : Surfing is a surface water sport in which the wave rider, referred to as a "surfer," rides on the forward face of a wave, which is most often carrying the surfer towards shore. Waves suitable for surfing are found primarily in the ocean, but can be found in some lakes, in rivers in the form of a standing wave or tidal bore. Surfing can also be done in manmade sources such as wave pools and boat wakes.
2. Windsurfing : Windsurfing is a surface water sport that combines elements of surfing and sailing. It consists of a board powered by wind on a sail. The sail area generally ranges from 2.5 m2 to 12 m2 depending on the conditions, the skill of the sailor and the type of windsurfing being undertaken.
3. Kitesurfing : Kitesurfing or kiteboarding is a surface water sport combining aspects of wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, and gymnastics into one extreme sport. A kitesurfer or kiteboarder harnesses the power of the wind with a large controllable power kite to be propelled across the water on a kiteboard similar to a wakeboard or a small surfboard, with or without foot-straps or bindings.
4. Jet Ski : Jet Ski is the brand name of a personal watercraft manufactured by Kawasaki. The term is sometimes used to refer to any type of personal watercraft.
5. Water -Ski : Water skiing is a sport in which an individual is typically pulled behind a boat or a cable ski installation over a body of water, skimming the surface. The sport requires exceptional upper and lower body strength, as well as good balance and muscular endurance. Whether a beginner or advance you’ll love the pull behind the speed boat. If you love a thrilling experience on water then you'll simply love this sport.
6. Parasailing : Parasailing, also known as parascending, or "parakiting" is a recreational activity where a person is towed behind a vehicle ( usually a boat ) while attached to a specially designed canopy wing that reminds one of a parachute, known as a parasail wing. The boat then drives off, carrying the parascender or wing and person into the air. The feel of the rush and exhilaration while the person soars to a new height is unforgetable. Once kitted out with life jacket, it takes up to 150 meters to enjoy the feeling of weightlessness.
7. Ringo Ride : The Ringo rides are for individuals riding in inflated rings which are left adrift in the waters. The twists, twirls and bottoms up are sure to thrill adventure enthusiasts leaving them asking for more. This is absolutely brilliant fun and is all about seeing how long you can sit in a rubber ring towed behind the speed boat. Suitable for all ages.
8. Speed Boats : A motorboat, speedboat, or powerboat is a boat which is powered by an engine. Some motorboats are fitted with inboard engines, others have an outboard motor installed on the rear, containing the internal combustion engine, the gearbox and the propeller in one portable unit. This provides sheer excitement where one is equipped with safe and sturdy equipment and all of the training needed to zip around the azure blue sea! Be sure to hop on board one for the excitement of a lifetime! Whether a beginner or pro, this is a perfect activity for loads of tropical fun.
9. Wake Boarding : Wakeboarding is a surface water sport which involves riding a wakeboard over the surface of a body of water. It was developed from a combination of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing techniques. The rider is usually towed behind a motorboat. The short board is designed for incredible Jumps, rotations and speed.
10. Banana-Ride : A banana boat, also known as a water sled and often referred to simply as a banana, is an inflatable recreational boat meant for towing. Different models usually accommodate three to ten riders sitting on a larger, main tube and resting their feet on two laterally flanking tubes which stabilize the boat. The main tube is often yellow and banana-shaped. Some models have two main tubes. During the ride, the driver of the powered boat attempts to flip the banana boat upside-down by doing sharp turns. Riders should always wear life jackets for safety reasons. Bouncing along on the banana for as long as you can hold on, is its main thrill. This experience is one of the all-time favorite beach activities for adults, kids and families.
11. Bodyboarding : Bodyboarding is a kind of wave surfing. But instead of surfboard there is a rectangular piece of hydrodynamic foam. Shape of board depends on riding style, and the rider himself. It is the fastest growing extreme water sports all over the world.
12. Kayaking : Kayaking is the use of a Kayak for moving across water. Kayaking and canoeing are also known as paddling. Kayaking is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. A kayak is a boat where the paddler faces forward, legs in front, using a double-bladed paddle.
13. Canoeing : Extreme canoeing ( a.k.a whitewater canoeing or whitewater racing ) - They are extreme races in specialised canoes and kayaks down dangerous whitewater rivers. Extreme Canoe racing includes much more complicated rapids, it is best left to the real professionals who are capable to enthrall anyone with the electrifying experience of paddling a canoe at very high speed, using double bladed paddles.
14. Whitewater Rafting : Rafting or white water rafting is the challenging recreational outdoor activity of using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is usually done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. Usually several people are in the raft, and each uses a paddle to help navigate. The categorization of rapids into six classes according to order of difficulty, guides which whitewater experience is appropriate to attempt. Level I rapids, which are small, easy waves with no obstacles, do not require a guide. Level VI rapids are unrunnable waves that can be deadly, including waterfalls.
15. Sea Planes : A seaplane is a powered fixed-wing aircraft capable of taking off and landing (alighting) on water. Seaplanes that can also take off and land on airfields are a subclass called amphibian aircraft. Seaplanes and amphibians are usually divided into two categories based on their technological characteristics: floatplanes and flying boats; the latter are generally far larger and can carry far more.
B. MARINE BASED ADVENTURE SPORTS :
Marine life enlivens one's heart and soul. Long spread coastal lines and sky-high waves mesmerizes tourists and brings them in droves. One shouldnot miss the experience of watching the rarest marine species underwater if you are near the coast. And there are several ways to experience them.
1. Fishing Expedition : Fishing is the activity of trying to catch fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Fishing can be relaxing or stimulating and exciting. You can probably catch a variety of fishes such Snappers, Goldfish, Catfish, Barramundi, Sea Salmons, etc depending on what kinda water you are fishing at.
2. Trolling Fishing : Trolling is a method of fishing where one or more fishing lines, baited with lures or bait fish, are drawn through the water. This may be behind a moving boat, or by slowly winding the line in when fishing from a static position, or even sweeping the line from side-to-side, e.g. when fishing from a jetty. Trolling along the reefs offers excellent fishing. This sport requires a lot of patience besides skills, if you are an angler, with use of tackle and bait.
3. Deep Sea Fishing : Deep sea fishing, sometimes called sport or big game fishing, is a form of fishing in which people angle for large open-ocean fish species. Deep Sea fishing is for serious anglers, which includes trolling several miles offshore into the Seas in search of Shark, Swordfish, Tuna, Barracuda, Kingfish, etc. The goal with deep sea fishing is to travel far enough away from land so that fishermen reach deeper parts of the ocean, giving them access to fish species which only live in the open ocean.
4. Snorkeling : Snorkeling is the practice of swimming on or through a body of water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and usually swimfins. In cooler waters, a wetsuit may also be worn. Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity, particularly at tropical resort and scuba diving locations. The primary appeal is the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting without the complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving.
5. Scuba diving : Scuba diving is a form of underwater diving in which a diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater. Unlike earlier diving, which relied either on breath-hold or on air pumped from the surface, scuba divers carry their own source of breathing gas, ( usually compressed air ), allowing them greater freedom of movement than with an air line. Scuba diving is something you should not miss, as you explore the coral riff and spectacular view beneath the sea.
6. Deep Sea Diving : Special equipment and certifications are required before you can deep sea dive. Because of the pressure deep water can place on the human body, prospective divers must take classes offered by a certified scuba diving organization. They attend classroom sessions and practice in confined and then open water; they learn to use diving equipment and dive safely and effectively at various depths. Most beginners are limited to diving more than 130 feet. Basic equipment includes a mask, air tank, dry suit, gloves and flippers.
7. Sunset Watching from Boat : These are trips that can be enjoyed by the whole family and are aboard a boat or yatch. The trip culminates with a spectacular view of the sun gloriously setting into the sea.
8. Dolphin Viewing : In many places this is a very popular activity, to set off in the morning into the Seas and watch the dolphins in their absolute splendor. The leisurely boat trip is a delight as you watch the uninhibited dolphins at play. And sometimes, if their mood catches on the dolphins can even give a race to your boat.
9. Beach getaways : These are activities that include exploring The Untouched and Secluded beaches with nobody to disturb you. You swim, sunbathe or just plain laze around. These untouched beaches sometimes has their own natural water springs as well as a lot of coconut trees for shade.
10. Bird Watching : Birdwatching or birding is the observation of birds as a recreational activity. It can be done with the naked eye, through a visual enhancement device like binoculars and telescopes, or by listening for bird sounds. Observing birds is an excellent recreational activity. You can spot a wide variety such as Kingfishers, brahminy, Kite, Osprey, White-bellied Sea-eagle, bec-eaters etc. Worldwide, there are several destinations to enjoy Bird watching and feel the real essence of natural life. Bird watching experience brings you closer to the lap of Mother Nature and gives complete relaxation to your mind and body.
C. LAND & AIR BASED ADVENTURE SPORTS :
1. Cliff Jumping : For cliff jumping, the platform used is usually a simple clearing in the bushes and other vegetation along the cliff above a river, ocean, lake, or quarry. Abandoned quarries, and deep ponds will often have platforms, whether by design, or by improvisation of the people in the community. When this is done without equipment, it may be also known as tomb-stoning. It forms part of the sport of coastal exploration — coasteering. When performed with a parachute, it is known as BASE jumping.
2. Rock Climbing : Rock climbing is an activity in which participants climb up, down or across natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. The goal is to reach the summit of a formation or the endpoint of a pre-defined route without falling. Rock climbing competitions have objectives of completing the route in the quickest possible time or the farthest along an increasingly difficult route. Rock climbing is similar to scrambling ( another activity involving the scaling of hills and similar formations ), but climbing is generally differentiated by its sustained use of hands to support the climber's weight as well as to provide balance.If you aren't afraid of heights, rock climbing could be the adventure sport for you. The many types of rock climbing include free, trad, aid, solo, ice and mountain. Before you set out to climb, you'll need certain equipment. Carabiners connect your rope and your harness; the harness is needed to hold you up while you are climbing. Also critical are belay devices, used by climbers to feed the rope to one another. Climbing shoes made of vulcanized rubber, gloves and a helmet are also necessary equipment for climbing adventures.
3. Bungee Jumping : Bungee jumping is the sport of jumping from tall structures such as bridges, buildings and towers with an elastic cord tied around your ankle. The tall structure is usually a fixed object, such as a building, bridge or crane; but it is also possible to jump from a movable object, such as a hot-air-balloon or helicopter, that has the ability to hover above the ground. The thrill comes from the free-falling and the rebound. With the cord secured to the structure, bungee jumping gives you a sense of free falling until the cord reaches its end and snaps you back toward the top of the structure.
4. Base Jumping : Base Jumping is very extreme activity that includes a parachute ( can be both parachute and wingsuit ) to jump from fixed objects, with unopened parachute like skydiving. The acronym “B.A.S.E.” stands for: Building, Antenna, Span ( bridges ), and Earth ( cliffs ) – four categories of objects from which B.A.S.E. jumper can jump.
5. Wingsuit Sky Diving : Wingsuit flying is the sport of flying the human body through the air using a special jumpsuit, called a wingsuit, which adds surface area to the human body to enable a significant increase in lift. Wingsuits are sometimes referred to as a birdman suit, flying squirrel suit, or bat suit. A wingsuit flight normally ends with a parachute opening. So a wingsuit can safely be flown from any point that provides sufficient altitude for flight and parachute deployment ( normally a skydiving drop aircraft or BASE jump exit point ).
6. Paragliding : Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying paragliders - lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a hollow fabric wing whose shape is formed by its suspension lines, the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing and the aerodynamic forces of the air flowing over the outside. Despite not using an engine, paraglider flights can last many hours and cover many hundreds of kilometres, though flights of 1–2 hours and covering some tens of kilometres are more the norm. By skilful exploitation of sources of lift the pilot may gain height, often climbing to altitudes of a few thousand metres.
7. Hangliding : Hang gliding is an air sport in which a pilot flies a light and non-motorized foot-launch aircraft called a hang glider that is of a delta wing design. Most modern hang gliders are made of an aluminium alloy or composite-framed fabric ( sailing material derived from parachute fabric ) wing. The pilot is ensconced in a harness suspended from the airframe, and exercises control by shifting body weight in opposition to a control frame, but other devices, including modern aircraft flight control systems, may be used. In the sport's early days, pilots were restricted to gliding down small hills on low-performance hang gliders. However, modern technology gives pilots the ability to soar for hours, gain thousands of metres of altitude in thermal updrafts, perform aerobatics, and glide cross-country for hundreds of kilometres.
8. Ice Climbing : Ice climbing, as the term indicates, is the activity of ascending inclined ice formations. Usually, ice climbing refers to roped and protected climbing of features such as icefalls, frozen waterfalls, and cliffs and rock slabs covered with ice refrozen from flows of water. For the purposes of climbing, ice can be broadly divided into two spheres, alpine ice and water ice.
9. Skiing : Skiing is a recreational activity and competitive sport in which the participant attaches long runners or skis to boots or shoes on the feet and uses them to travel on top of snow.
10. Snowboarding : Snowboarding is a winter sport that involves descending a slope that is covered with snow while standing on a board attached to a rider's feet, using a special boot set onto a mounted binding.
11. Snowkiting : Snowkiting or Kite boarding is an outdoor winter sport where people use kite power to glide on snow or ice. The sport is similar to kitesurfing, but with the footwear used in snowboarding or skiing. In the early days of snowkiting, foil kites were the most common type; nowadays some kitesurfers use their water gear such as inflatable kites.
12. Sand Boarding : Sandboarding is a board sport similar to snowboarding. It is a recreational activity that takes place on sand dunes rather than snow-covered mountains. This boardsport has adherents throughout the world, most prevalently in desert areas or coastal areas with beach dunes. It involves riding across or down a dune while standing with both feet strapped to a board, though some sandboarders use a board without bindings.
13. Sand Kiting : Sand Kiting is similar to kitesurfing only here it is sand instead of water.
14. Skateboarding : Skateboarding is an action sport which involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard. Skateboarding can also be considered a recreational activity, an art form, a job, or a method of transportation. Skateboarding has been shaped and influenced by many skateboarders throughout the years. It is very popular.
15. Free Running ( Parkour ) : Parkour, also called as the "art of displacement", is a training discipline that developed out of military obstacle course training. Practitioners aim to move from one place to another, negotiating the obstacles in between. The discipline uses no equipment and is non-competitive. A male practitioner is generally called a "traceur", a female a "traceuse". It is now getting popular as an adventure sport.
16. Scootering : Freestyle scootering ( also known as scooter, scooting, scooter riding, or simply riding ) is an action sport which involves using scooters ( also known as kick scooters ) to perform freestyle tricks, in a manner similar to skateboarding and BMX freestyle.
17. Hot Air Ballooning : is the activity of flying hot air balloons. Attractive aspects of ballooning include the exceptional quiet ( except when the propane burners are firing ), the lack of a feeling of movement, and the bird's-eye view. Since the balloon moves with the direction of the winds, the passengers feel absolutely no wind, except for brief periods during the flight when the balloon climbs or descends into air currents of different direction or speed.
18. Tree Climbing : is a recreational or functional activity consisting of ascending and moving around in the crown of trees. A rope, helmet, and harness can be used ensure the safety of the climber. Depending on the experience and skill of the tree climber, other equipment are used. There are special hammocks called "Treeboats" and Portaledges that can be carried into the tree canopies where one can enjoy a picnic or nap, or spend the night. Tree Climbers Association teaches the 'rope' and 'saddle' variety of tree climbing and is the first school that teaches this sport. treeclimbing.com. In India, Western Ghats is the perfect place for those into canopy.
19. Zorbing : ( globe-riding, sphereing, orbing ) is the recreation or sport of rolling downhill inside an orb, generally made of transparent plastic. Zorbing is generally performed on a gentle slope, but can also be done on a level surface in pubs and clubs, permitting more rider control. In the absence of hills some operators have constructed inflatable, wooden or metal ramps. There are two types of orbs, harnessed and non-harnessed. Non-harness orbs carry up to three riders, while the harness orbs are constructed for one to two riders.
20. Zip-lining : A zip-line ( or zip line, zip wire, aerial runway, aerial rope-slide, death slide, flying fox, or foefie slide ) consists of a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on an incline. It is designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to travel from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable by holding on to, or attaching to, the freely moving pulley. Zip-lines come in many forms, most often used as a means of entertainment.
21. Mountaineering : describes the sport of mountain climbing, including ski mountaineering. Hiking in the mountains can also be a simple form of mountaineering when it involves scrambling, or short stretches of the more basic grades of rock climbing, as well as crossing glaciers. Besides attempts to reach the highest point of unclimbed big mountains, mountaineering has now branched into specializations that address different aspects of the mountain and consists of three areas: rock-craft, snow-craft and skiing, depending on whether the route chosen is over rock, snow or ice. All require experience, athletic ability, and technical knowledge to maintain safety.
D. WILDLIFE ADVENTURE SPORTS :
Wildlife adventure sport can be both land as well as water based. There are many options to choose from. e.g wildlife safaris, angling & fishing, jungle walk & cycling. And recently kayaking & canoeing also has been added to it. One needs to have physical capacity, mental strength, courage, enthusiasm and most importantly the spirit of being a true explorer to fully enjoy wildlife adventures.
1. Wild safari : Wildlife safari is the best option if you want to experience pure wildlife in its fullest. There many types of safaris e.g horse safari, camel safari and jeep safari with inbuilt feature of open able roof to get a better view of wildlife in its natural form. Safari originating primarily in Africa has now become popular world wild amongst wild life enthusiasts primarily because of the adventure it really gives.
2. Angling & fishing : Angling is a leisure activity of catching fish by using an angle or hook, which has been transformed into a premiere wildlife adventure activity by adding some new characteristics. e.g Doing it in a lake or river situated in a thick forest or besides a burning bon-fire near a large group of wildlife fans. Angling & Fishing, are one of the most ancient arts and pastimes that humans have been indulging in for ages. It is also fun because people can play with water while viewing nature and its priceless gifts.
3. Jungle Walk : For those who wish to observe wildlife up close in order to know about varied types of wildlife species in detail, a Jungle Walk is the good option. Mostly wildlife buffs such as botanical scientist, wildlife activists, research scholars etc prefer these kinda walks that can also be enjoyed by all in many wildlife sanctuaries situated all across the globe.
4. Cycling : Cycling requires good physical stamina to carry on cycling for a long time and if one has the zeal of exploring all the aspects of wildlife adventures cycling is probably one of the best options.
E. MOTOR BASED ADVENTURE SPORTS :
1. Supercross | 2. Motocross | 3. Freestyle Motocross | 4. Mountain Biking | 5. Downhill, Freeride 6. Northshore | 7. Slope Style | 8. BMX Vert, Street, Dirt, Freestyle ( Flatland ) | 9. Mountain/Desert Car Rallies
( Ref : Wiki )
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