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Women have made it their business to break the barriers and make their marks in places you would least expect them to; adventure sports being one among them. Starting in 1975 when Junko Tabei became the first women to climb the Everest to Jessica Crisp who went on to become multiple World Champion in Windsurfing, women are giving a tough competition to their male counterparts.

Although women have taken to adventure sports since its inception it is sad to note that they have not been recognized for their participations. Speculations about whether a woman can take physical strain or not have been going on for a long time now. But the debate is being questioned severely as more and more women are seen indulging in extreme sports.

Be it Niki Gudex, a pro snowboarder or Lynn Hill an ace rock climber. There is no denying that women like in every other domain of their life are becoming known for pushing their limits and taking on themselves some self – directed action.

As much there is a need to clear the myth about women being able to do well in adventure sports there is also a dire need educate the masses about the accessibility of adventure sports. Adventure sports are not just for the tough ones. They are for everyone. They are so varied in their style that anyone who has the faintest of the idea about adventure can give it a try.

If I say adventure sports and you think of climbing the steepest hill on the planet, or spending days alone in Antarctica, you may also see that although these extreme sports sum up the essence of adventure they are not the only ones.  There are several other sports which do not require extreme training, neither great fitness levels. Paragliding, parasailing, hot-air ballooning, scuba diving and snorkeling are to name a few.

The misconceptions that adventure sports create in everyone’s mind can be challenged when you try out some of these sports. You would discover how all of these have a charm of their own. They all are addictive and so fun-filled that you would prefer adventure breaks to any other. The best about these sports is that they are more of a recreational activity, more for instant fun and thrill rather than something that has a long set of pre-requisites.

You may ask what pre-requisites I speak of here. Seasoned adventurers believe in constant practice and thorough training. For them climbing a mountain peak or swimming an ocean is serious business and probably the only task at hand for the time being. Hence being well toned and masculine becomes a priority for them. The dedication of these seasoned adventurers however should not stop us from trying out different activities. As said before adventure sports are many, not all require the participant to be perfect and fit.

In fact what you can try out is to indulge in the fun activities and gradually proceed onto the tougher more challenging tasks. It may take time but don’t you worry people, if you have the will to move ahead, there is no stopping you.

South Africa

Be it the gilded grasslands of Botswana’s Okavango Delta or the dazzling Mediterranean shoreline of Tunisia, Africa has a hoard of adventure activities on offer. As wide and varied it is geographically, it offers limitless prospects for adventure travel of all kinds – from diving and rafting, whitewater to mountain-climbing and trekking.

For some reason however, adventure in South Africa equates with Safari Travel. It is the best-known area for safari in the country is Eastern Transvaal. It is an uninterrupted stretch of pampas lengthening for approximately 400 miles along South Africa’s northeastern border.

South Africa’s small parks have activities on offer and attractions unique to their particular region. In Natal you will find parks of the Drakensberg Mountains that tender opportunities to trekkers, climbers and birdwatchers. Royal Natal National Park and the Natal Drakensberg Park are similar places filled with fun and excitement.

Also in Natal you will find a cluster reserves, including Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park. These comprise of a lovely territory of savanna and jungle. Hluhluwe Umfolozi is known for large numbers of rhino and Nyala.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is well-known for its volcanic landscape and great adventure sports.  Rafting on the white waters of Ayung and Unda rivers or even snorkeling, ocean rating or racing in the boats at jet speed; you dream it and Bali has it on offer.

Nepal

Nepal is a big name as far as mountain climbing goes. After all it is home to the world’s uppermost peak Mount Everest. But that is not the only place in Nepal where travelers go to. Nepal has got a lot more to offer than mighty Everest and its adjoining peaks. This Himalayan kingdom also offers challenges in form of Annapurna trek, paragliding, wildlife jungle safaris and rafting.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Reef is magnificent as there are tremendous opportunities to snorkel, scuba dive and surf. The marine life here is mind boggling and it is a perfect place to body surf and kite surf. The regions most popular destinations are the Whitsunday Islands including Hamilton Island, Port Douglas and Cairns.

Croatia

This is a famous rafting destination. It has Grade 3 and 4 rafting and kayaking available on rivers. The surge through lush forest and sea kayaking on the coast are some of the perfect places to paddle. If you are out here to try something different then you can opt for a lunge into the Adriatic’s necropolis of vessels or clamber limestone cliffs or even sail between 1200 islands for that matter.

Scottish Highlands, Scotland

These highlands are dream destinations for mountain bikers and hikers. The lochs around the castles, Highland Cows and violet heather in the dreamy Scottish Highlands are spectacular picturesque places to experience the beauty of the country. You can also set off north on the West Highland Way from Glasgow to Fort William or discover Scotland’s foremost national park- Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

Vancouver, British Columbia – Canada

Few cities in the world our blessed with great geographical location. Very few have close proximity to an ocean, rivers, lakes, and mountains, and even fewer can have residents and visitors with activities such as climbing, kayaking, hiking, backpacking and several other exciting and fun filled activities.

Upcoming Adventure Sports Destination:

India: India is one of the upcoming adventure destinations in the world which is ready to make an effect in the near future. Many adventure sports await the trekking enthusiast in India. Indian mountain ranges offer marvellous & enthralling trekking routes. In the gigantic arena of the Indian Himalayas & Karakorams, there are unbounded opportunities for trekking, river rafting, skiing, and mountaineering tours. Between this tempting amphitheatres, the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, occupy the innermost place, which is the favourite destinations for most of the trekkers. The thrill of absolute adventure tours in India is amidst the world’s most stunning places.

Ladakh

Ladakh or the land of passes is a famous tourist destination. It is on every trekker’s must-visit list. It is bounded by Himalayan range on one side and Karakoram Range on the other. The normal temperatures here are extremely low and in winters they go as low as -20 degree centigrade.  Leh which is the capital of Ladakh has many tourist attractions. Ladakh has a strong Tibetan influence. Hence there are several Buddhist monasteries which are also open to public visits. The main adventure activities here are trekking, rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing and white water rafting. To reach Ladakh you can take flight from Delhi to Leh or drive down here.

Uttaranchal

Uttaranchal famous as the land of gods is what you can dream of to have on a perfect holiday. Fresh air, pure water, green surroundings, mountains in the background and snow on top of them.. all this and more is what Uttaranchal has on offer. It has brilliant little tourist spots like Nainital, Mussourie, Kausani and many more places. Uttaranchal is famous for trekking, skiing, water rafting, hang gliding, paragliding, boating, canoeing and angling.

Sikkim

Sikkim in the east India is a paradise for tourists. It is the most scantily populated place in India. The landscapes here are incomparable, the weather is uplifting and the mountain ranges here are not to be found anywhere. Coffee plantations here add to the lush voluminous greenery of this place. Rafting and mountaineering here are famous amongst tourists as adventure tourists. Sikkim can be reached at by Darjeeling, Siliguri or Kalimpong.

Himachal

Himachal is a state located right in the centre of Hmalaya mountain ranges with Jammu to its north, UP is South East and Haryana in South. It has trekkable mountain peaks and raftable rivers, green forests and good roads for safaris. Himachal is famous for adventure activities such as skiing, heli-skiing and ice skating. You can also try safaris by jeeps, cars or motorcycles. Aero sports like paragliding is also available here. Trekking, camping and river rafting are also famous here. You can reach here by bus, car, train or flight.

Rajasthan

This North West state of India is surrounded by Thar Desert. It shares a long border with our neighbouring country. Rajasthan also is the place where the oldest mountain ranges of Aravalli stand. Rajasthan has a lot of forts, fortresses and palaces. In fact this place is land of the royal families whose battles are legendary in India. Rajasthan has always been welcoming tourist from all over the globe. It offers adventure sports such as camel safaris, trekking, aero sports, fishing, water sports, wildlife extravaganza. It is accessible by flights, trains and buses.

Karnataka

Karnataka is a place with lot of places that are of tourist interest. There is a whole range of sculptures temples, hills, forests and sea shores that Karnataka has on offer. No wonder it is voted as the 4th most popular destination in India. It also stands 2nd in having the highest number of national monuments. Karnataka has an array of adventure sports that suit various temperaments. You have endless trekking options in the Karnataka hills and lots of white water rafting opportunities in the Kali river. Wildlife here is rich too and tourists are crazy about the Bheemeshwari, Bandipur, Nagarhole sanctuaries. It has several weekend getaway options as well. Karnataka is reachable by flight, train and bus.

Goa

Goa is called the Rome of East. The Portugese influence here is very strong here. The place is a destination popular amongst youngsters, hippies, party-crazy people.  Besides the hippie culture that Goa has it also has a great history behind it. It has century old temples, churches and ancient houses which stand for the old Goan culture.  Goa too is a place for water sport lovers. The Arabian Sea touching the Konkan coast is an exciting place to experiment with water. The water sports you can try here are scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, parasailing, surfing, water-skiing, windsurfing, and deep sea fishing. Goa is easily reachable by air, sea and land.

Andaman & Nicobar

Andaman and Nicobar is a cluster of 572 small and big islands. This place has great opportunities for water sports. Andaman has a water sports complex where you can indulges in a variety of water sports. You can experience scuba diving, sailing, parasailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and trekking in the ocean. You can also enjoy sail boats, speed boats and paddle boats. Glass bottom rides are a hit here. The extensive marine life here is striking and a wonderful experience. Andaman also has an amusement park and central jail which are great tourist spots. You can reach here by flight which flies from Kerala, Kochi to Port Blair or by ship which leaves from the Kochi port.

Lakshadweep

Lakshwadeep is a beautiful island 240 km away from Malabar Coat. The island is rich in marine wealth and that is what people come to see here from across the globe.  Water sports in Lakshwadeep are quiet popular as there is availability of equipments of very high standards. Water sports here include snorkeling, scuba divng, glass-bottom rides, para sailing, surfing and water skiing. The islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmath and Minicoy offer activities like kayaking, sailing, paddling and inflatable motor boats. Staying facilities here are good but expensive as it is still not so tourism inflicted. Lakshwadeep can be reached by a flight from Kerala or Cochin. You can also come here by ship that commences its journey from Kochi.

Kerala

Kerala is a place where all the elements of nature exist in their purest form. The seas tranquilize, the skies mesmerize and the lands are ablaze with the fire of light that blows from the human settlements. Kerala is voted as the third best tourist destination in Asia. It is connected with all the major cities of India and is accessible by air, train and bus. The Kerala tourism is the most developed and it has facilities that suit people of all classes.

There is plenty for everyone to do here. People come here for adventure trips, trekking expeditions and water sports. Some also come here for soft adventures like Wildlife Safaris, the infamous boat race-Allepy, Kollam and backwater vacations. Kerala also offers a huge range of wellness holidays like spa getaways or Yog and meditation tours. Whatever way you wish to come here as a backpacker of an elite guest, Kerala will never fail to impress you.

Pilates and yoga may be the latest trends in fitness, but there’s nothing like the rush of adrenaline to really feel alive! Best of all, you can pick up a range of affordable equipment from major retailers. So strap on a helmet and muster up some courage to give our top 10 adventure sports a go.

Scuba diving

Scuba diving is one of the best ways to combine a holiday with sport. You will become so absorbed with the colours and the species of sea creatures that you will hardly notice you’re expending energy. Do a bit of Red Sea diving in Egypt, take in Cozumel in Mexico or get close to the coral on the Great Barrier Reef. Once you’ve had a taste, you will be addicted.

Sky diving

Incorrectly perceived as the domain of gap year students and adrenaline junkies, sky diving is a regular sport to many, just like cricket. Whilst jumping out of an airplane at 15,000 feet is not for the faint-hearted, the sport offers a great sense of community, fun and skill. Tandem jumps offer the curious the chance to taste the thrill, whilst advanced sky diving courses train and certify recruits in the art of freefall diving. With hundreds of drop zones all over the world, you can experience spectacular views in fabulous locations.

Mountain biking

Taking the bike off-road adds a whole new dimension to cycling. There are numerous events across the UK and Europe for the avid competitor, or you may want to set your own pace and just take in the great outdoors. Whether you get your kicks from cross-country or downhill mountain biking, it sure beats an afternoon in front of the television.

Jet skiing

You don’t have to own a jet ski to enjoy this sport. There are dozens of operators who provide ‘jet ski experiences’ that include instruction and water courses, and even more operators who simply hire out jet skis. Get a handle on the freeride and freestyle modes of skiing by trying your hand at Nintendo’s Wave Race 64 game first.

White water rafting

There’s you, a paddle, an inflatable boat and pulsating rapids – are you up for it? There are numerous white water rafting centres across the UK which you can attend individually, or organise a group of 4 to 7 people. Skyline Rafting can help you organise a charity rafting experience with donations going to the cause of your choice. Go to skylinerafting.co.uk for more information.

Paragliding

With paragliding you really are in the pilot’s seat. Whether you choose a towed take-off or to launch yourself from the top of a slope, once the wind catches the canopy you are off and flying. You don’t need to purchase the equipment or complete the course to experience the thrill.  Tandem paragliding experiences with an experienced pilot will get you up and flying.

Rock climbing

With the emergence of indoor rock climbing centres you can safely ascend a rock face even when it’s pouring rain outside. The key is in balance rather than pure strength, so don’t assume your lack of biceps will prohibit you from this sport. Grab your chalk bag and work your way up from bouldering to alpine climbing – if you dare. Try cotswoldoutdoor.com for your specialty climbing gear.

Snow boarding

Inspired by skateboarding, skiing and surfing, snowboarding has developed into the coolest of the winter sports. Former British snowboarding champion, Chris Moran, lists the following top five destinations for snowboarding: Whistler, Canada; Les Arcs, France; Chamonix, France; Mammoth Mountain, California; Island Lake Lodge, Canada.

Canyoning

Canyoning is the descent down a canyon by whatever means suitable. It usually involves rock climbing, abseiling down a gorge and either rafting or swimming downstream as you venture from one point of the canyon to another. Organised activities with an experienced instructor is the best place to start.

Quad biking

For something a little less taxing on the body, but equally as fun, quad biking is your answer. Quad biking safari adventures will see you challenging difficult terrain in a race to cross the finish line first. With a little practice you too can master the balance and throttle technique of this pulse-racing sport.

Nepal is quickly becoming one of the biggest adventure playgrounds in Asia. Many people travel here to discover more about the mysterious Himalaya and the beautiful culture it has to offer but more recently adrenaline junkies have been travelling to this enchanting country to get their next kick. And who can blame them; with so many sports on offer and the stunning scenery, where better to go than Nepal.

 Listed below are a few of the action adventures you can expect to find in this surprising country…

 Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking

Nepal has some of the best whitewater in the world, with rivers ready for first timers or experienced paddlers. Trips range from one or two days to two week expeditions, often paired with some trekking to get to the remote rivers offering a whole new experience. Depending on how daring your feeling, Nepal has rivers that will make anyone’s heart beat a little bit faster!

 Paragliding

Where better to go paragliding than Pokhara with a breath taking view of the Annapurna mountain range? After the takeoff (which believe me is the only scary part!) you’ll be soaring in the sky with eagles weaving in and out of you. Your only problem will be knowing where to look! With the mountains glistening in the sun on one side and the Fewa Tal lake on the other with the World Peace Pagoda looking on at you, you won’t ever want to land! Most flights are half an hour tandem, but if you have more time why not learn to fly yourself? All the equipment is provided and guides are trained to an international standard. A great way to spend a morning in Pokhara. 

 Canyonning

Canyonning is quite a new sport to Nepal, and I must admit when I first got there I’d never heard of it before! Basically it is the sport of travelling down canyons using a variety of techniques such as walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming. It is one sport that will get you completely off the beaten track but does require quite a good level of fitness. There are several sites in Nepal where canyonning is available.

 Rock Climbing

With endless mountains in this country, it’s not really that surprising that you’ll find some great places to go climbing. And you don’t have to go that far to find them, even within Kathmandu there are some great little spots (have a look at Narajun forest for example). There are courses for beginners or advanced climbers. It’s a great way to fill in your spare days in Kathmandu and get away from all the traffic.

Mountain Biking

Although trekking is still the most popular past time for travellers, Nepal has some of the best terrain for mountain biking. There are some incredible tracks and trails to be explored and you won’t be stuck in a crowd. Depending on your fitness you can opt for a one day down hill tour, or if you’re up for it a week’s expedition, (thighs of steel are recommended for this though!). Bikes can be hired locally very cheaply, just make sure you spend that extra 25p and get a helmet for the day as well!

In two weeks you can get a fairly good taste for adventure in Nepal. Raft, bungee, fly, bike, climb and abseil you way around this remarkable country. Just make sure you book your trips with a safe company, when involved in these type of activities you can’t afford to skimp on your safety. Have a look at http://www.grgadventurekayaking.com for more information.