Outdoor Hobbies Perfect for Adrenaline Junkies

Apart from the mind and body, being outdoors invigorates the spirit. However, adrenaline junkies take the meaning of outdoor hobbies in a whole new level. If you are one adrenaline junkie, then try out these outdoor hobbies that are perfect for you. But first things first, make safety a priority and go get yourself an insurance.

Skydiving

There are various places where you can go and sky dive. Nevertheless, one of the best places that you can go is in New Zealand, particularly over the Fox Glaciers because you will get the perfect view of the Tasman Sea, Mount Cook, and the Southern Alps, among others. If it’s your first time, perhaps you wouldn’t even be scared with that perfect view. Of course you need to undergo a quick briefing before being strapped to your guide and jumping off a plane. For a true blooded adrenaline junkie, sky diving will feel more like flying, instead of falling. However, you may have trouble hearing in an altitude of 16000ft.

Paragliding

Apart from sky diving in New Zealand, another activity you can try is paragliding. Be amazed with the view of the famous Lake Wakatipu while soaring like a bird in the sky. It may feel like you are merely riding a giant swing, but for those with a fear of heights, it may take an extra ounce of courage to try paragliding. If you want a more thrilling paragliding adventure, jump off a cliff in Nepal and be enthralled by the spectacular view of the Himalayas.

Cliff jumping

Go ahead and jump off a cliff, but do it in style so head on the Balkans before jumping. The steepest jump points in the Bulgarian Black Sea coast reach as high as ten meters. No expertise is required in cliff jumping, just enough courage. But be wary though on how you hit the waters because of the irregular shape of the cliff.

Bungee jumping

Even though you are one tough adrenaline junkie, no, it is not recommended to bungee jump without a rope and with only a parachute. Try bungee jumping in Nepal at a height of a couple hundred meters and make sure to look down before you jump. That will surely do the trick in making your heart pump. Make sure to be as accurate as possible as the staff takes your details, and vitals, before the jump, and it’s ok to scream as you plunge down.

Zipline

What about flying like superman in about a hundred feet above the ground? A superman ride in the Philippines’ Tree Top Adventure will indeed make you feel like you are flying. A 20kph speed while strapped in a zip line is pretty fast. You can also zipline across Bousra Falls in Cambodia. You need to be seated in an upright position though to be able to appreciate the view, and because they don’t offer the superman position for safety purposes.

Wall climbing

No, not the typical wall climbing you have in mind because where is the fun in that? Try climbing up China’s Sky Plank in Shaanxi province, near the city of Xi’an. To help you in climbing up, there are various wooden planks randomly put into place. The steep way up is the same steep way you need to take to go back down. To make everything more exciting, the path is two way so you need to give way to those going down as they also give way to you while you are ascending the steep slopes. Nevertheless, the summit view will be worth it.

Rock climbing

If you have never done rock climbing before, then it is best to try out rock climbing for the first time in Kampot in Cambodia, where they offer different rock climbing styles that are suitable even for beginners. Rock climbing is truly a challenging sport that includes top roping, caving, and rappelling activities among others.

Hiking

It seems like hiking barely makes it to the bucket list of many adrenaline junkies. Perhaps it is because of the difficulty in finding the appropriate gear to support the sport, especially if you are hiking to reach the summit of 5000 meters above sea level, in a freezing temperature. The hiking gear reviewed by the team at Outdoor Command led by Caleb Cole, can make a difference in your hiking experience, though, especially with the innovative heated socks to ensure that your feet are warm all throughout the hike. They also listed down a couple of recommended meals and trail snacks to keep you nourished while you are taking on the hiking challenge. Would you believe that you can even backpack with a baby? But perhaps not while you are hiking up Europe’s highest mountain peak.

Apart from Europe, you can also go hiking in Japan’s Mt Fuji, which is equally thrilling. However, hiking up Mt. Fuji is only open to tourists during Japan’s summer season. The steep hike up is made more challenging with the sandy and rocky terrain, coupled with a constantly lowered temperature as you rise up in altitude. Nevertheless, reaching the summit to watch the sunrise is a breathtaking reward that you can bask in. Apart from the mountains, you can also hike the Devil’s Bridge in Arizona. The name already speaks for itself and will surely get your blood pumped up. With an elevation of 5000 feet above sea level, the steep hike will definitely make you thirsty, so it is a good idea to bring with you an ample amount of water.

Trekking

Believed to be easier than hiking, trekking the Annapurna range in Nepal proves otherwise. With constant rains making the trail wet and slippery, in addition to the presence of several leeches, trekking in the Annapurna range is no easy feat. Nevertheless, you will have the chance to get a glimpse of the peaks of some of the highest mountains on earth.

Tree camping

For sure, you have experienced camping, whether in your backyard, in a national park, or even a mountain summit. But how about camping on a tree? It is about time to bring the word camping to a whole new level so fasten your sleeping bag in a hammock style up in the trees and camp with a twist. Oh, and there is another version of high altitude camping. Try cliff-face camping if setting up your gear above the trees is not thrilling enough. Go ahead and be swayed by the breeze atop a cliff.

Biking

Again, even kids ride their bikes, but for adrenaline junkies, biking can be taken into extremes. Try biking down the death road in Bolivia, South America. The narrow road connecting La Paz and Coroico zigzags on the mountain side without any barriers. Thereby, a wrong steer with your bike may end up in a sheer drop down the steep cliffs. This road takes quite a number of lives each year. Hence, saying that this is not for the faint of heart is an understatement.

Dog sledding

Summer is over is a bummer. But this doesn’t always have to be the case. If you love dogs and you love snow, then dog sledding is the perfect outdoor hobby for you. Head up north in the Arctic tundra and allow yourself to be pulled on a sled by four big huskies. Race through the snowy slopes and try to keep your balance in between bumpy ice and rocks on the way though or else you might fall off the sled. Well, with the dogs’ erratic behavior when they encounter birds, or rabbits, or other dogs on the trail, there is really a great chance that you might fall off. But never let go of your sledge because at the end of the journey, you will get the chance to warm up an open fire pit. Since you are already in the Arctic tundra, you might even get the chance to gaze upon the famous Northern Lights. A perfect complement to a below zero temperature, away from civilization.

Volcano boarding

You might have heard about snowboarding, or even sand boarding. In Central America, you can go volcano boarding on Cerro Negro, which is by the way, an active volcano. You need to carry your board though, as you hike up the top of the volcano. Once you reach the top, there will be a safety briefing before they allow you to literally fly down the volcano slope at 35kph. You can go faster if you lean back, but remember to keep your feet on the ground, next to your board.

Canyoneering

If you have a fear of heights, and water at the same time, then canyoneering might be a good way for you to get over your phobia. Canyoneering is the collective term for the way to get around different canyons. Others may refer to this as coasteering. But just the same, this may include rappelling down waterfalls, swimming in the river current, climbing and hiking on rocks, or even jumping off cliffs, to name a few. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in any of these means, you are bound to have fun canyoneering, as long as you have a guide with you during your tour.

Jetboating

While you are in New Zealand, you can also try Jetboating. Jetboating in Hanmer Springs is an exhilarating adventure that combines breathtaking scenery with adrenaline-pumping thrills. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's picturesque South Island, Hanmer Springs offers a unique jetboating experience like no other. Visitors can embark on a high-speed journey along the powerful Waiau River, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests. The expert jetboat pilots expertly navigate the river's twists and turns, executing thrilling spins and maneuvers that leave passengers both awe-inspired and exhilarated. Best of all, you can stay at one of the various luxurious Hanmer Springs accommodation options to relax after a wild day out. Whether you're seeking an adrenaline rush or simply want to soak in the natural beauty of Hanmer Springs, jetboating is an unforgettable activity that promises an adrenaline-fueled adventure in a stunning setting.

Diving

Diving in itself is not for everyone because not everybody can handle the pressure of deep waters. Nevertheless, those who want to get that adrenaline rush are challenged to dive with sharks. You can dive with the sharks in Cape Town, in South Africa, and the good news is, you will be in a cage. The not so good news is, baits will be thrown into the water to lure the sharks in and they might just attack the cage. Well, the cages are rigid of course, but those sharp pointy teeth aiming at you will definitely give you a bit of a fear factor.

Snorkeling

In the same manner as with skydiving, there are also quite a number of places where you can snorkel. But if you want a good rush of adrenaline, try snorkeling in freezing water, not to mention in between two continental plates! Snorkeling in Iceland’s Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park will really get you to swim for your life. Imagine dipping in waters at an average of 2degC! Nevertheless, you will be mesmerized with crystal clear waters that will give you a perfect view all the way down between the two solid continental rocks making up North America and Europe respectively.

Walking

Yes, walking is a good outdoor hobby for adrenaline junkies! But no, not your average walk in the park though. Try walking on a 7-kilometer narrow walkway on the edge of Spain’s Andalusian Mountains, a hundred feet above the ground. That will surely get your heart pumping and mind racing on what you have gotten yourself into. Nevertheless, the view of a majestic forest from up above will be as rewarding as the walk itself. Just keep in mind to be careful though, because El Caminito already witnessed a number of tragic deaths, which is why it was closed for some time before reopening again in 2015.

Swing

Swings are always seen in children’s playgrounds. But how can swings be a source of adrenaline rush, or let alone be terrifying? Head over to Bali, Indonesia and try the giant swing in Ubud. The thin wooden plank where you would sit on is simply secured by two ropes tied to two trees. Your only life support is a rope tied around your waist as you enjoy the swing. Hold on tight to the ropes and be sure to open your eyes.