Summer is a beautiful time to be outdoors when the temperatures are just right. But while many people choose to travel or just rest, how about you give summer sports a try for a change?
There are countless types of summer sports ranging from simple activities like cycling and swimming to the more extreme ones like skydiving or bungee jumping. One thing they all share in common? They’re fun and beneficial to the body.
In this article, I’ll show you the best summer sports you can try next time the sun comes out in full swing.
So read on to the end and find the one that fits your needs.
Also Read: List of Sports That Start With Z
25 Summer Sports You Need To Try
1. Surfing
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If you live near an ocean or any large water body with decent waves, then consider getting yourself surfing gear and hitting the warm waters this summer.
Surfing is all about catching the waves at the right moment and riding them as far as you can. It’s an exhilarating sport that has multiple benefits to the human body. For example, surfing is a good cardiovascular workout for keeping your heart in tiptop condition.
The sport is also a good stress reliever as you will be surrounded by nature and that can be very calming. Furthermore, you will be exposed to the sun which is a rich source of vitamin D. Just remember to carry enough sunscreen to avoid sunburns.
But be aware that surfing requires specialized gear and you must be a good swimmer on top of having experienced dealing with waves.
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2. Swimming
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Swimming is another amazing water sport perfect for the hot summer heat and it can be a simple workout or competitive race.
There’s a lot of workouts involved and medical research even shows that swimming is one of the most effective calorie burners with a host of benefits for the body. Furthermore, swimming isn’t just limited to the swimming pools, you can do it in the lakes, oceans and rivers.
It’s also a communal sport that you can take part in with friends and family members, and that’s what the summer season is all about.
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3. Cycling
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Cycling is one of the most accessible sports on this list because you don’t need to have a fancy bicycle or expensive accessories to get the most out of it. As long as you know how to ride a bike, all you need to do is find a good track and get down to it.
Cycling is taxing on the body and it gives it a proper workout that keeps you healthy and ready for other summer activities. Like most of the other sports on this list, you can choose to cycle alone or compete with your friends and family members.
The best bit about that is you can even include your children and have a car following behind to carry them if they get tired along the way.
4. Golf
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Contrary to popular belief, golf isn’t that expensive. Yes, you’ll need to invest a little in some special gear but if you can afford it, it won’t hurt to take part in a golf tournament in the summer.
Besides the competitive nature of this sport, playing golf on the green grass in an open air environment does a lot of good for your body, especially the fresh air.
Constant swinging of your arms is also a good workout that should help stretch your muscles and make you more flexible.
Golf is also the sport you need to familiarize yourself with if you want to brush shoulders with CEOs because that’s where most of them go to spend time with their fellow millionaires. Life is all about taking chances after all.
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5. Rock Climbing
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Rock climbing is for the daredevils, not the faint hearted. It’s one of the most intensive summer sports on this list and to some extent, it can be dangerous if you’re not careful enough.
So it goes without saying that you need to prepare well for it and must possess the experience and skills to conquer steep cliffs.
Outside of that, it gives your body a very good workout and it’s a sport you can take part in with people you know. You’ll need to buy safety gear and have a qualified guide with you in case of emergencies.
Fortunately for rock climbing enthusiasts, America has a lot of good rock climbing spots that you can explore.
6. Kayaking
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Kayaking is also an extreme sport where you navigate rivers and lakes with a small well-fitted water vessel that usually fits just one person. This is an ideal summer sport that comes with multiple benefits.
For starters, you get the chance to interact with nature at a personal level while fighting against river rapids or just floating into the sunset. Secondly, it gives the body good exercise, so it’s like killing two birds with one stone.
While you need specialized gear for kayaking, there are numerous kayaking shops strewn all over the US where you can hire everything you need.
7. Beach Volleyball
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Everything about beach volleyball screams summer and you only need to look at the playing field and the clothes needed to see the point.
The sport doesn’t even need professional athletes, anyone can play it as long as they understand the simple rules and want to have fun in the hot summer heat.
It’s also very cheap because most beaches around the US usually rent out the balls and gear. All you need is to show up dressed and ready to break some sweat.
It’s also the ideal sport for large groups of acquaintances, like family and friends, who have gone for vacation to the beach and want to compete against each other or just have fun.
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8. Archery
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Archery has been practiced for centuries by different cultures around the world and it has become a very good summer sport in modern times.
It’s a sport that demands accuracy, concentration and mastery of handling the bow and arrow, so if you thought it was something easy, think again.
One thing that makes archery an ideal summer sport is that it can be both competitive or just an activity to pass time among people who know each other. You don’t have to buy the gear, simply hire from licensed outlets and find a shooting range.
9. Polo
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Polo is a sport that involves horses and chasing a small ball across the open field with and scoring against the opponent.
It’s one of the few summer sports on this list that may require qualified professionals to take part in because horses tend to be a little unpredictable when handled the wrong way.
However, this doesn’t take away the fun. If you don’t know how to ride horses, polo is equally entertaining to watch so you can just find a good shade and enjoy as a spectator from the sidelines.
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10. Water Polo
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Water polo is the opposite of regular polo. Instead of land, it’s played in the water, most times in a swimming pool, and there are no horses involved.
The sport is perfect for the hot summer season because being in the water cools your body down and ensures you remain moisturized.
Furthermore, trying to move in water at great speeds takes a heavy toll on your muscles and that’s the kind of workout everyone needs during summer.
Water polo is also cheaper and allows for the participation of many people in a single match, making it ideal for family and friends on vacation.
11. Windsurfing
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Like wave surfing, windsurfing harnesses the forces of nature. It’s an exciting summer sport that’s best conducted on oceans and lakes with strong winds.
Instead of the regular surfing board, windsurfing uses a special kind of board that’s attached to a sail that catches the wind to propel you forward.
Interacting with water cools you down in the hot summer heat and being forced to control the sails gives you a good workout. But you need to have sufficient experience before attempting this sport.
Also Read:Â Is Skiing a Rich Peoples’ Sport?
12. Skydiving
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If you have a fear of heights, then this isn’t for you. But adrenaline junkies live for skydiving and when the summer comes around, giving this a shot is one of the most worthwhile things you can do for yourself.
Jumping from a plane thousands of feet above earth is something you will live to remember for the rest of your life. Battling with high speed winds at high altitudes is what makes skydiving a very attractive sport for adventurous people.
However, skydiving is not cheap and you have to prepare well in advance. The gear has to be checked for safety well in advance to avoid mishaps in the air.
13. Running
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Everybody can run, but not everyone can do it as a sport. Taking part in a challenging run during summer is the best thing you can do for your body for a number of reasons.
First, it keeps your body fit but burns the excess fat you may have accumulated when sitting behind a desk for hours a day. Running outdoors is also the perfect excuse to interact with nature.
Another exciting thing about running is that you don’t have to push yourself too hard, setting a simple target while bonding with your friends and family is all you need. So register for that marathon and see how far you can go.
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14. Frisbee
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Frisbee is an outdoor summer sport that involves teams of players going against each other using a flying disk. One team throws it while the other tries to catch it and score.
There are different variations of frisbee and each comes with its own set of rules. But one thing that connects all of them is the amount of fun involved.
The game is best played in an open field and it would be the best activity to take part in if you have company. There’s no special gear needed either, just wear clothes you’d be comfortable sprinting in and hit the ground running.
You can even play the game with your pets. Dogs love chasing after the frisbee.
15. Soccer
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Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and therefore, it’s no surprise that people would want to play it in summer. The game is quite intense and considering the size of the soccer pitch, there’s a lot of running involved.
Soccer also involves a large number of people, usually 22 per game, but it has variations like Five-a-Side where it pits teams of 5 against each other on a much smaller pitch.
You don’t have to splash too much on the gear either. Simple soccer boots, shorts and a light jersey are all you need to keep the summer heat from taking you out.
16. Hockey
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Hockey is played on a pitch of artificial grass or concrete and follows the same hockey rules found in other variations of the sport.
Compared to ice hockey, you don’t need expensive or complicated equipment to enjoy this game and sometimes, all you need is an open field, a team of willing participants and you’re good to go.
Hockey can be intensive and physical, so don’t think you can wake up in the morning and jump into the field without properly warming up. But once you get the groove, you’ll enjoy it to the fullest.
17. Tennis
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When you look at the clothes worn by tennis players, you can right away tell that it’s not a sport that can be played in a cold season. Tennis is a summer sport that demands the highest level of athleticism, but can still be enjoyed by amateurs.
Tennis can be played both indoors and outdoors on a special court. The constant running from one end of the court to the other gives the body an amazing workout while swinging the racket every few seconds can help tone your arms.
But the best part of tennis is how it accommodates teams of players, so you can enjoy it with close members of your circle.
18. Hiking
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If you’ve spent too much time in the office and need a break in the summer, then hiking is what could beat your body back into shape. It’s the best activity to take part in as a group, so ensure you mobilize enough people and hit the trail anywhere in the wild.
But like most of the other outdoor activities on this list, hiking requires enough preparation. If you can get a qualified guide with you the better because accidents happen all the time. And finally, ensure you choose the right trail that isn’t too hard to conquer.
19. Pickleball
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In pickleball, two to four players use paddles to hit a hollow, perforated plastic ball across a 34-inch-high net until one side is unable to return the ball or makes a mistake.
It’s a game that’s normally played in an indoor or outdoor pickleball court and would be perfect for the summer.
This game is easy if you know how to play regular tennis or badminton. There’s’a lot of quick reflexes involved so you have to be fit and ready well in advance before playing the game.
Furthermore, it can also be played by kids too, and that qualifies it for a good family activity.
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20. Paddleboarding
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Paddleboarding looks a lot like wave surfing but instead of standing on the board, you either sit or lie on it and just float away while paddling. Most times, the sport is played on calm waters with minimal waves where the chances of capsizing are limited.
This is a good summer sport because you get to cool down when paddling in the water and at the same time, getting a good workout to keep yourself fit. The only equipment you would need to buy is a good paddle board and swimwear, which you can also hire to save on cost.
21. Scuba Diving
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Diving into the deepest depths of the ocean may be scary for most people, and rightly so considering how dangerous it can be, but if you get an opportunity to see the other side of the ocean then do it by all means.
The sport involves underwater diving while wearing simple breathing equipment, mostly in the form of a small oxygen cylinder strapped on the back. This can be done as a recreational summer activity with your colleagues or family members.
However, like any other water related sport on this list, you need to know how to swim.
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22. Skateboarding
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This is another wholesome summer sport that the whole family can take part in. S kateboarding is popular in urban centers and it’s a cultural movement among different generations of people. So it’s not surprising to find parks and other recreational spaces in the United States filled with skateboards.
People of all ages can participate in skateboarding too and learning how to skate isn’t that hard, especially where boards are involved.
Additionally, you don’t have to spend too much on the gear. Skate boards are very affordable in most parts of the country.
23. Gymnastics
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Gymnastics is a great summer sport that can keep you in shape while also offering you a chance at having tons of fun with other people
The sport requires all of your body’s muscular parts to be strong and agile and at the same time, it increases flexibility and joint mobility, which is ideal for avoiding summer stiffness issues.
There are different variations of gymnastics, from competitive types to casual ones that you can turn to as a recreational summer distraction.
It doesn’t cost much to participate in this sport either. Simply get comfortable clothes, do a proper warm up then get right into it.
Also Read: Hardest Sports In The World
24. Mountain Biking
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This is a little more challenging than regular cycling that’s done on fairly flat terrains. Mountain bikes are built to deal with dangerously winding paths going up hills and mountains and this requires a lot of skill and experience.
It’s perfect for summer when the ground is dry to increase tractions between the mountain bike wheels and the gravel. This sport is also inclusive and you can take part in it with a group of people to increase the spirit of competition.
Just ensure you get the right mountain bike and appropriate accessories like knee guards and helmets.
25. Bungee Jumping
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Bungee jumping is another extreme summer sport that’s best reserved for people who have no fear of heights. It involves tying legs to an elastic long rope then dropping from up high, swinging back and forth.
The rush of hurtling through the air is what attracts many people to this sport. You don’t have to be experienced to enjoy it either, simply show up to a bungee jumping venue, have everything fitted securely on your body and leap.
Bungee jumping may not be ideal for children though, but a very good bonding activity for work colleagues out on a vacation as a group.
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Get Ready for Summer
That completes our best 25 summer sports worth your time. You can clearly see how intensive some of them can be, but I’m sure you’ve already taken note of a few of them that align with your summer plans.
Remember to hydrate and warm properly before attempting any of these sports. You need to get your body ready or you may risk serious injuries.
