Spring is here and we’re impatient to try out new sports that will make our blood flow and our adrenaline up and running! Here’s our list of 5 extreme sports you should definitely try if you haven’t done it yet this spring!

 

Mountain biking

Birds are singing, bees are flying, flowers are blooming and nature is coming back to life. We can’t think of a better moment to dive into mountain biking!

Why would you want to try it now? Well, the reasons vary from person to person, but the most common answer includes being finally able to do something exciting out in the open after the winter months. Especially if you’re not a snow sport kind of person, you’re probably very fed up with staying at home and being stuck only with videos on the internet of people doing exciting stuff. The wait is finally over because after the middle of March there are plenty of places where you can enjoy mountain biking within reasonable temperatures. What is more, the days are getting longer so you will have more time to enjoy it. And don’t even let us start on the beautiful and absolutely miraculous views you will come to witness!

What is more, if you’re just starting to mountain bike, spring might be the perfect starting point for you. There will be good visibility and as well as that - the ground will be good for biking.

Of course, you will have to prepare well. Don’t forget your waterproof jacket and to always check the weather: spring storms are unpredictable and very fierce sometimes! The good thing is the wind blows them away quickly. And last, but not least, check your gear - clean your bike and take it to a shop for a seasonal check up and get your tires in order.

Are you ready for a nice mountain biking experience? Let’s go!

 

Rock climbing

Thousands of people all around the world swear this is the best extreme sport you can get into in spring! The reasons - it’s very accessible, it doesn’t need a lot of equipment and is a great activity you can practice alone as well as with friends.

When it comes to rock climbing, nature is your friend - especially in spring. The ice is gone and spring offers you a nice view of all the paths and little secret places with amazing views of nature reborn.

What is more, pros in this extreme sport say that spring is one of the two best seasons to practice rock climbing. The reason: the ideal temperatures to practice it are between 32°F (0 Celsius) and 50°F (10 Celcius) which you get in early spring.

As well as that, it is very good for your body after the long months without that much physical activity. Some even say it’s the best possible workout you can get since it’s out in the open, in the fresh, clean spring air and it puts pressure on the whole body. You also practice your balance and flexibility. As a bonus: specialists have reached the conclusion it burns up to 900 calories per hour!

Let’s not forget that rock climbing has benefits for your mind too. It relieves stress - which we have a lot of in spring with all those new year’s resolutions waiting and nudging at the back of your mind. Psychologists also say that rock climbing helps with developing a better sense of problem solving.

Ready to find your favorite new rock climbing spot? Set? Climb!

 

Water rafting

If you’re more of a water person than a bike one, water rafting may be the perfect spring extreme sport for you to try this year. You may ask - why spring, though? Isn’t summer better since the water is warmer?

That is the truth on a lot of places on Earth, but at a lot of locations water rafting is the best in spring because the levels of the rivers are higher from the melting of the snow. And since most rivers spring from mountains, this usually means a lot more water making its way down to the valleys. A river having good depth is extremely important for water rafting because otherwise you may get stuck or the waters wouldn’t be as fast and exciting.

Another good reason to try water rafting in spring is the crowds are smaller. This means you and your friends, family or coworkers may have a bigger variety of time slots or days to choose from - way more than in summer, for example.

Depending on which part of the world you are in, summer may be too hot for a water rafting trip. This means spring may be your best option for optimal temperature of the air and not that burning sun beams. This, of course, does not mean the waters won’t be freezing. Prepare well with:

• light-weight rash guard
• good and warm fleece or some kind of waterproof long sleeve shirt
• thick, wool socks since your feet will get very cold very fast

 

Water rafting is great for bonding with people and improving teamwork - a thing we need a lot of after the pandemic and the social isolation we were all put through in the last years. Add to the equation amazing sceneries, a great rush of adrenaline and wildlife sightings. All amazing experiences that will soothe your soul and at the same time - bring you to life along with the rebirth of nature!

 

Paragliding

Imagine you can fly through the fresh morning air of some of the most beautiful spring mornings that exist - all by yourself, feeling the cold air that wakes up all your nerves and senses while your eyes devour the amazing nature far below your feet, coming back to life after the long cold winter. Did you imagine it? You can live it with the best spring paragliding experience!

Humans have always striven to fly and paragliding is as close to that as it is humanly possible. It is not an easy extreme sport by any means and if you’re just starting, you have a long way to go before you can go on a flight alone, but even with a trainer, the experience is amazing and out of this world.

Since most people prefer summer and the warmer temperatures, you will have a good choice of time slots for paragliding and possibly - longer flight times. Spring is also the time when experienced paragliders have the best time while practicing their favorite sport because there are usually stronger winds and the atmosphere is more turbulent.

Overall, if you choose spring for your paragliding experience, you will not be making a mistake. Just dress well and follow the health and safety advice your coach gives you. The amazing spring scenery awaits you!

Surfing

Have you ever seen the sea or the ocean in the winter and early spring? It is a very different kind of view than the one you’re used to in summer and even autumn. It is harsh, it is cold, it is a force to be feared and to be reckoned with.

This of course doesn’t mean you can’t surf - just that you should have a different idea and experience with the sport than the one you have during the warmer months of the year when the waters are calmer.

Spring sea and ocean waters have character and although they are not for beginners in surfing, if you fall into the advanced category or you consider yourself an expert, you might want to try out this challenge.

If you want to surf in spring, you need:

• a thicker board
• a warmer and thicker wetsuit
• good preparation: hot beverages and food in your body before your surf session and warm liquids after
• a fresh and warm, thick set of clothing for after your surfing experience

All is well, but you may ask, why do I start surfing in spring? Why not wait for summer and just jump in the trend like everybody else. Just as much as rock climbing, surfing has a great impact on your mental health and physical strength. Battling with the waves and the moods of the sea / ocean in spring will give you greater training sessions and mental stability than you ever thought possible. And if you doubt it, just know there is scientific proof that surfing literally changes your brain chemistry and makes you happier, calmer, stronger mentally.

How to prepare before you start

No matter the type of sport you choose this spring, you have to consider diving into your new passion will require some preparation in advance. Here is why.

Rock climbing and surfing, for example, are very straining on all parts of the body. This means you might want to hit the gym a few times in the weeks prior to your big start. Otherwise you will be quickly overwhelmed and the possibility of you dropping it is close to 100 percent. To avoid that, train a little bit, just so you can get your muscles in the mood for the challenges ahead.

Don’t forget to also research extensively the sport you’ll be getting into. The list includes:

• what kind of equipment and clothes (and shoes) do you need
• what kind of weather is suitable for the selected sport
• should you book a time slot (as you should for paragliding) or you can go in a chosen time (as you can do with surfing and mountain biking etc)
• what you should expect from your first experiences

After all, good preparation ensures you have a good time!

What are you waiting for? Spring will be over before you manage to sense it in the air! Choose your next passion and let’s dive into your next favorite extreme sport!