The coronavirus has certainly put a damper on warm-weather activities this summer. With all the lockdowns and contagion scares, most would rather wait until next year to attend barbecues, pool parties, and concerts. Still, if you’re looking for ways to have fun and stay safe, there are many forms of outdoor recreation that may suit you.
1. Off-roading
Is there anything more manly than hopping on a four-wheeler and kicking up dirt in the backcountry? Take to the hills, mountains, deserts and more in an ATV or Landrover and experience the adventure of off-roading. Thrill-seekers can usually rent one of these bad boys from a sports rental or adventure store.
While social distancing probably won’t be a problem while off-roading, be sure to protect yourself from other dangers by wearing safety goggles and other gear and buckling up.
2. Archery
You’ve probably shot your fair share of guns at the range, but when was the last time you used a bow and arrow? Often, these facilities will offer archery as another recreational option. If you’re new to the sport, begin by reading up on basic techniques and practice close-range shooting to refine your new skills.
3. Electric Biking
If you love cycling but dread those strenuous uphill climbs, electric biking may be right up your alley. E-bikes are similar to conventional bicycles in that you pedal to power them. However, they also come with a backup electric battery to give you a boost when riding uphill or if you grow tired of pedaling. Some models come with thin tires for urban riding, while others feature all-terrain fat tires that are perfect for riding through everything from snow to sand.
4. Car Tenting
This summer, spice up your annual camping trip and sleep in style with a car tent. Simply press a button on your phone and watch your tent unfold on top of your car’s roof. Then, cozy up next to your significant other and enjoy a restful night’s sleep up off the cold, hard ground and away from critters and creepy-crawlies. Some even come with ladders so you don’t have to climb onto your car’s hood.
5. Hydrofoil Surfing
You don’t have to sit in the sun all day to get the vitamin D your body craves. Take a more adventurous approach and surf the seas with ease on a hydrofoil board. These innovative products feature a hydrofoil attachment that extends below the water and wings to raise the board above the surface at speeds of just 3 mph. Once you’re standing, you’ll feel as if you’re levitating above the waves.
6. Teched-Out Fishing
If you really want to show your friends you take social distancing seriously, grab your pole and paddle out onto the middle of the nearest pond or lake for a day of fishing. Take this sport to the next level with the newest gear and technology, like the fish cam. The underwater lens allows you to spot whoppers and cast your bait into areas where fish tend to congregate. With some luck, they’ll be biting in no time.
7. Stargazing
There’s something incredibly relaxing about staring up at the stars on a cool, dark night. However, if you want to learn more about those bright little dots, consider using a stargazing app to show you constellations, satellite trajectories and planets. You might even purchase a telescope to get a better view of the moon or some of the bigger, brighter objects up there. Just be sure you have a stable mount so your telescope remains focused and steady.
8. Disc Golf
After months of self-isolation and lockdowns, you may want to hang out with your buddies again. Of course, you’ll still want to practice social distancing. Luckily, disc golf is the perfect sport for those who value both friends and safety. Head to your local Frisbee park and meet the guys for some friendly competition. Mark your discs so everyone can recognize their own. This way, they’ll remain clean and virus-free for the duration of the game.
Try These Forms of Outdoor Recreation
Even if you’ve tried a few of these activities before, odds are the experience will be new and maybe a bit strange this time around. Whether it be wearing a mask, bringing your own gear or heading into the wilderness alone, your summer adventures will likely look and feel different compared to those of years past.
Regardless, there’s still fun to be had outside this summer, so get moving. Try one of these forms of outdoor recreation today.
Dylan Bartlett is a men’s lifestyle blogger from the City of Brotherly Love. He runs the site Just a Regular Guide, looking at other topics related to health and wellness, relationships, the outdoors and DIY. You can follow him on Twitter @a_regular_guide to get frequent updates on his work.
