Sports of all kinds are a fantastic way to stay fit and get outside during the warmer months. In fact, there are so many summer sports that it can be difficult to choose just one. Here are 12 summer sports that you should definitely consider this year:
Swimming
Swimming is the perfect way to cool off while getting in your workout this summer. Hit up the local pool to get some laps or, if you’re confident about your swimming skills, head to the nearest lake or ocean for some open water swimming.
Surfing
If you want to participate in the quintessential summer sport, look no further than surfing, which has been one of the top summer pastimes in America for decades. Alas, you’ll need to live near the ocean to take up surfing, so if you are landlocked, keep reading for other water sport ideas that will be more accessible for you.
Kayaking
Kayaking is the perfect sport to do with either one or two people.If you live near a body of water, chances are good that there is a kayak rental place that operates there during the summer. You can also try canoeing or even kayaking, depending on where you live and what the water levels are like.
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Standup Paddle Boarding
If surfing sounds a little too intense for you, but you’d like to work your core more than kayaking, consider standup paddle boarding instead. Standup paddle boarding is especially well suited to lakes and calm days on the ocean (waves make it hard to stand up on the board), and you will get in a serious arm and core workout while exploring the water.
Baseball
Attending a baseball game is one of the quintessential summer activities, so why not play it yourself? Given the popularity of baseball in the United States, many cities offer teams for adults, not just Little League or T-ball. You can also get a great workout by visiting a batting cage near you, putting in your baseball mouthguard and working on perfecting your swing.
Softball
Softball is similar to baseball, except that in softball the ball is larger, the field is smaller and it only goes for seven innings (vs. nine innings for baseball). These differences make softball an exciting game to both play and watch, which is why many cities have softball teams for adults in addition to baseball.
Rollerblading
Who knew that a sport could help you recapture your inner child? If you miss having birthday parties at the local roller rink, try grabbing a gold mouthguard and taking up rollerblading for adults. If you’re super competitive, you can even see if there’s a roller derby team in your area that you can join.
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Tennis
If you’re looking for a sport that you can play with one other person, or a small group, consider taking up singles or doubles tennis. Many rec centers, gyms and other facilities have tennis courts that members can reserve for their games. If you live somewhere really hot and need a similar sport to play indoors during the summer, you can also try squash instead.
Running
Running is a great way to fit your cardio in without the need for fancy gear or a gym membership. Unless you live in a very temperate area, you’ll probably need to run in either the early morning or evening hours to take advantage of the cooler temperatures then. If you’re new to running, start slow and don’t be afraid to intersperse sections of walking and jogging until you build your stamina.
Hiking
If you prefer the idea of moving at a slower pace, hiking might be a better fit for you than running. Hiking requires no special skills, takes minimal equipment and is a great way to see beautiful trails in your area. We recommend hiking in the earlier morning hours to beat the heat and stay safe out there.
Golf
Some people prefer slower-paced exercise during the hotter months, which is only one of the many reasons why golf is so popular during the summer. Don’t be fooled by the slower pace, though: Golf requires excellent form and attention to detail and, while it’s beginner friendly, it also takes years to master.
Having a golf simulator at home offers golfers the convenience and flexibility to practice their swings and enjoy the game without having to step foot outside the comfort of their own space. You can check out the best golf simulator from The Left Rough.
Volleyball
If you want a sport that you can play on the beach without getting in the water, volleyball is for you. Most public beaches, lakes and parks have public volleyball courts available, and many cities are big enough to support adult teams that practice regularly. Even if you’re landlocked, you can still participate in this fun summer sport!
Mountain Biking
If you enjoy cycling and want to be more adventurous, consider mountain biking on scenic highways or trails instead of your local roads. Cycling is a full-body cardio workout and a great way to cover more ground than hiking while still enjoying the great outdoors. If you want to take things up a level, try bikepacking, which combines overnight backpacking with bike touring for an unforgettable experience.
Soccer
No list of summer sports would be complete without soccer, which is one of the most popular sports in the world, and with good reason. The basics are easy to pick up, and all you need to play it is an empty field, a soccer ball and enough people to form teams. Given soccer’s popularity, you can definitely find a soccer team for pretty much any age in your city.
Don’t forget to stay safe while playing sports this summer. Avoid the hottest hours, drink plenty of water and wear proper safety equipment such as custom mouthguards when you play. Now get out there and enjoy trying these summer sports this season!