As much as everyone wished COVID-19 would disappear, the pandemic has continued far past early predictions. Are you going stir-crazy from too many Netflix binge sessions yet? It’s time to reclaim your freedom and get back out there — while adhering to recommended safety guidelines, of course. Here are nine socially distant outdoor activities for men that you can enjoy, pandemic or no.
1. Fishing
Chances are, there isn’t much of a crowd gathered around the old fishing hole — if there were, the trout supply would quickly disappear. What better way to relax and get away from your adorable-yet-noisy toddler screaming for a bit than packing a bag and heading out to catch your dinner?
Make sure you take plenty of provisions for the most enjoyable day on the waterfront. A backpack cooler that holds up to 24 cans provides more than ample brewskis for some relaxing day-drinking. Just be careful to know your limit — it’s way too cold this time of year to risk getting tipsy and capsizing your boat.
2. Hunting
What if you are plumb sick of fish Fridays, but catch-and-release never floated your boat? Why not make like our primitive ancestors and hunt down your meal?
When going for more dangerous prey, it helps to have a high-powered gun like an AR-15. Check to ensure that such weapons are legal in your jurisdiction, and please make sure you are far away from any other hikers or hunters that may cross your path.
3. Bouldering
What is bouldering? It’s a bit like a hiking/mountain climbing hybrid. While you don’t necessarily need ropes and carabiners, you will use your entire body as you scramble over rocks like a parkour wizard.
Such activities aren’t only for physical exercise — they engage your mind, too. How often do you have to test whether a rock is stable enough to bear your weight during the workday? By employing different areas of your brain, you spark creativity and ingenuity.
4. Camping
Sometimes, a fellow needs to get away from everything and unplug. If you have had it up to here with computers and phones and television news broadcasts cluttering up your mental landscape, pitch a tent.
While you can go the campsite route for convenience, ideally, you want to find a place where electronics fail. Make sure you tell someone where you’re going in case you don’t return when expected. When you go deep in the country, it can take rescuers considerable time to find you — all the while, you shiver and starve.
5. Frisbee Golf
What if you aren’t the deep woods sort, but you still want to get out there? How about a rousing round of frisbee golf or two?
You can find professional courses near you, but you don’t need one. All you need are a handful of frisbees, some baskets and wide, open space. If you want to keep this activity a genuinely socially distant outdoor one, have each participant bring disks so that they don’t have to handle yours.
6. The Game of Kings
For those who can afford the luxury, why not go golfing? It’s the ultimate socially distant outdoor activity as long as you don’t share a cart. Getting too close to the players ahead of you could result in injury and will definitely irritate those trying to concentrate on their drive.
Prices vary depending on your location. Those in northern climes can find mad steals in the winter. However, if you live in the south or desert southwest, the sweltering summer months often bring the best bargains.
7. Archery
As a child, did you dream of becoming Robin Hood? While you probably don’t want to go around stealing from the rich unless you want a criminal record, nothing can stop you from perfecting your bullseye.
You have your choice of a recurve bow or compound model. While compound ones are favorites of hunters for accuracy, it takes considerably more strength to pull a recurve version. If upper-body conditioning is your goal, go rugged.
8. Geocaching
Geocaching lets you explore your urban landscape and find prizes — all while remaining a socially distant outdoor activity. How can you get started?
To participate in this sport, you’ll need to join a group and visit their Hide and Seek cache page. Then, enter the coordinates on your GPS device. Once you discover your prize, leave it there for the next person to enjoy but take pictures to share your triumph on social media.
9. Treasure Hunting
Do you want to keep what you find? Why not give treasure hunting a try?
You can pick up a metal detector or rely on your eagle-eye vision as you stroll the beach, seeking treasures. Your local park is another hot spot to search for what people drop. While you should return any wallets you find out of good conscience, you can always hope for a reward.
Try These 9 Socially Distant Outdoor Activities for Men This Year
The nine socially distant outdoor activities for men will get you off your couch and away from your popcorn bowl. Your waistline and mental health will thank you.
Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.
