The search for adventure, culture, emotions and experiences drives us all to extremes sometimes. Adventure sports offering speed, height, danger, or spectacular stunts are becoming increasingly popular. What keeps the aficionados coming back for more?

It’s the sought-after adrenaline. However, the best adventure sports don’t have to test the bounds of sanity and are open to everyone. Here are ten adventure sports to consider trying out when looking for something new and different to do.

TOP 10 ADVENTURE SPORTS

1. Scuba Diving

If you love the water but want to move beyond splashing around in the waves, scuba diving could be the answer. Scuba diving is a quiet, peaceful activity, yet the thought of not knowing what sights — and creatures — you’ll discover around the next corner offers sheer joy and adventure

2. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing presents the opportunity to explore your new destination from a different angle. Put safety first and you’ll discover a sport that demands full attention and delivers true satisfaction.

3. Kayaking

Kayaking is a sport that you can tailor exactly to the way you want. If you’re looking for a workout and some tranquility, rent a kayak at the nearest beach and paddle down the river, away from the crowd. If you want to step up the intensity, head for the rapids and experience a shot of adrenalin that will exhilarate you long  after you are back on dry land.

4. Hiking

From the deserts of the Middle East to the mist shrouded mountains of New Zealand, hiking will allow you time to ponder and absorb the wonders of nature. There is a difference between walking and hiking: hiking takes you off the beaten track and into challenging terrain to work your muscles in ways that walking cannot.

5. Mountain Biking

Mountain biking takes you to places your average touring wheels refuse to go. Most popular tourist destinations have caught onto the mountain bike craze and will offer group tours, but if its solitude you’re seeking set out alone and taste the freedom.

6. Hang Gliding

Hang gliding is one of the top daredevil sports, but is supremely addictive once you give it a shot. It’s exciting to be among the 1% of individuals who have seen the world through a bird’s-eye view.

7. Dirt Biking

If you’re new to this sport, a beginners course is advisable. Dirt biking might not strengthen your legs like mountain-biking, but will require a lot of upper body strength to steer a heavy motorized bike around a course. The thrills and sense of achievement are unlimited once you’ve mastered a course.

8. Surfing

Surfing is one of the toughest activities to master, but it’ll offer a workout that will have you feeling good from your toes to your head, that’s after the initial shock to your muscles, of course. Give it a try and you’ll find it’s a great alternative to the poolside bar for all the young at heart.

9. Yachting

Many yachting clubs from Dubai to the east coast of Australia will offer sailing excursions for the beginner. It’s a great way to learn the ropes and taste the freedom of the oceans and the thrill of working nature’s power to your advantage. For the experienced, many of the regattas have teams that are looking for extra hands on deck!

10. Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding combines wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, and gymnastics into one discipline, harnessing the power of the wind to propel a rider across the water on a small kiteboard. From the shorelines of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania you’ll see kiteboarders moving like the wind across an uncertain ocean.

(Article from Footprints, Minor Hotel Group, Issue 1/2012)

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to be always updated.

To view the complete Anantara Vacation Club blog series, and stay informed about tips, reviews and news, please click here.