Fans of extreme sports are often so obsessive over their favored activities that they will often plan whole trips and vacations around them but the problem with this is, it can be tricky to get a change of scenery in around your adrenaline fix. Where do you go to try out rock climbing adventures and hurtle down a mountain at top speeds?
Well, fear not you extreme sports fans as we have the perfect trips to get the blood pumping detailed in this very article.
1. Rock Climbing – Oman
The canyons of Oman are perfect for both rock climbing and bouldering as flash flooding in the region has left only the biggest, most sturdy boulders behind for scaling whilst the sheer, but craggy, cliff faces are perfect for those wanting to scale something tall and mighty without the use of ropes and hooks.
The valley of giants is perfect for enthusiasts to test themselves out and get down to business.
2. Hiking – Tasmania
The Australian island to the South of the mainland is a wild and rugged place often battered by strong winds that travel all the way across from South America. Because of this, the hiking trails of this mountainous region can be tough going and a little tricky but should you manage to scale them you can get spectacular and breath-taking views.
A remote place, the tranquility and ruggedness is nothing short of stunning.
3. Kayaking – Borneo
With national parks full of white water rivers, Borneo is the best place to head to for those who like relentless, exhausting but exciting paddling as you battle against the whirlpools and jagged rocks to get downstream amongst the amazing jungle scenery of this gorgeous country. The journey to these paddle routes are something in themselves.
Wild and untamed, the landscape is perfect for an adventure getaway.
4. Mountain Biking – Ethiopia
The Simien Mountains in Ethiopia’s highlands are stunningly beautiful and are recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site due to their bizarre formations from ancient lava explosions and rainy seasons clearing away large chunks of the hillsides. Trekkers are very fond of the area but for those wanting a new and exciting biking trail, here could be your best bet.
Stunning and with elements of the unexpected, you’ll have to keep your wits about you to navigate your way down safely.
5. Paddleboarding – Scotland
The West coast of Scotland can be an awe-inspiring yet lonesome place at times with its icy waters, freezing cold winds and jagged coastline. That being said, paddleboarders will find spectacular sites from the waves with seal pups and porpoises cropping up to take note of what is disturbing the waters above them.
Serene moments can become challenging in a matter of minutes but all the effort is worth the views.
6. Skiing – Afghanistan
Yes, you read that correctly. The mountains of Afghanistan are becoming increasingly popular with experienced skiers as they offer, quiet slopes with rocky outcrops that provide a challenge and a sense of excitement with these enthralling jumps keeping you on your toes alongside dry snow and fast runs.
Guides that know the mountains well are available to help you out in this discovery of largely untapped, prime skiing terrain.
7. Surfing – Iceland
A sport more commonly associated with the sunny climbs of California or the sandy beaches of Australia but for the hardier surfer out there, heading North may be the way to go. Just outside of the arctic circle, Iceland sits with winter storms, icebergs and glaciers all providing decent swell and activity for those looking for a good wave.
The water will take your breath away from being so cold but the scenery will do it just on sheer looks.
8. Volcano Boarding – Nicaragua
Many will wonder what volcano boarding even is, not being as well known as some of the other sports on this list but the name is pretty self-explanatory. Speeding down a volcano on a reinforced wooden toboggan you can reach speeds of up to 90km/hr but you’ll have to hike to the top of the volcano first.
Pioneered on the Sierra Nevada volcano, you can head to Leon to try this sport out and get your speed thrills in.
9. Fresh Water Cave Diving – Mexico
Can’t decide between a caving vacation or a scuba diving obe? Well then, this may be right up your street. Exploring caves that have been submerged or filled with water, the magnificent stalactites are usually the big draw in a sport of stunning scenery as you swim through submerged cave systems.
Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has the world’s largest concentration of cenotes (sinkholes) and the trek through the gorgeous jungle to get there isn’t to be sniffed at either.
10. Waterfall Ice Climbing – Switzerland
Ice climbing is a sport where climbers scale frozen walls of ice from indoor set-ups, such as those found in the dedicated Ouray ice Park in Colorado, USA, to frozen waterfalls One such waterfall that freezes cold enough in winter is the Bruckenfall in Switzerland. However, in the outside world it is a perilous sport as if it’s too cold the ice can shatter, if it’s too warm it will turn to slush.
If you’ve got the equipment and know what you’re doing, though, there are plenty of places to try it out.
