Winter is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and take part in winter sports. Every year, millions of people head to the slopes for their annual ski trip, but what if you’re tired of going skiing and want to try something else? Here are three fun winter sports to have a go at if you’re wanting to branch out.
Snowboarding:
Although snowboarding is an Olympic sport and may look intimidating to the beginner, anyone can enjoy it with a bit of practice. It is important to have the proper gear when you are snowboarding as it can be a dangerous activity. First of all, you’ll want a good helmet, this is crucial for the safety of both beginners and experts alike. Next, you’ve got to think about your ‘stance’ – do you prefer to lead with your left leg or right leg? Test this out with a skateboard and then purchase a snowboard that fits your stance. A good quality pair of snowboarding boots and warm clothing (hat, scarf, gaiter, socks) is also essential. It’s usually extremely sunny on the slopes, so you’ll want a pair of snowboarding goggles. Here’s a list of the best snowboard goggles– these will make sure you don’t strain your eyes in the sunlight, as well as keep the snow off your face.
Ice-skating:
Ice-skating is a fun, family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed with little or no experience. One of the best things about ice-skating is that you don’t have to travel to enjoy the sport. Most cities have an ice-skating rink, so all you need to do is book a session and you’re ready to go! Most ice-skating rinks will provide you with some skates free of charge but if you’re wanting to look like a real pro you might want to buy a pair for yourself. Here are some of the best and most comfortable ice-skates on the market.
Sledding:
For many people, early memories of winter involve sliding down a snowy hill at breakneck speed on a makeshift sled. Did you know that sledding is actually an Olympic sport and something which many adrenaline seeking junkies take up again as adults? It is incredibly high octane and produces an adrenaline rush like no other. If you’re brave enough to want to get into this extreme winter sport, you can start by simply waiting for the snow and then heading off to a nearby hill! You can fashion your own sled or purchase one online – prices start at about £15. Another great thing about sledding is that it provides an intense ab-workout. You’ll be shooting down the hills at fast speeds (in professional sledding, speeds can reach 80-90 miles per hour) – this requires a great amount of core control and is an incredibly hard (but incredibly exhilarating) workout.
There is a whole world of winter sports to explore, so go outside and find one that suits you! Whether you want to keep things tame and simply book a trip to your local ice-skating rink or take up an exciting new sport like snowboarding or sledding, you’re bound to find something that suits you.
2018 ·