Get Inspired: How to get into adventure sports

If you love the feeling of adrenaline pulsing through your body and get a thrill from pushing yourself to your limits, then you've come to the right place.

Adventure sports involve high speeds, tall heights, a high level of physical activity and often, an element of risk.

They can be associated with holidays or travelling, however you don't have to look too far afield as the majority of adventure sports can be done not far from your doorstep in the UK.

Below you'll find information on a selection of the most popular and easily accessible adventure sports but if you can't find what you're looking for here, check out our dedicated Adventure Water Sports,Adventure Snow Sports and Roller Sports pages.

Skateboarding

Many people think of skateboarding as a recreational activity, but if you take it to the next level it's a fast, thrilling action sport that is not for the faint hearted!

If you want to get into skateboarding, visiting a skate park is a great way to get started. Using ramps to pick up speed, you can learn to perform tricks such as the wheelie, high jump and 360 kick flip.

If you're looking for a safe environment for children of all ages and disabilities to try skateboarding, visit Sk8 Safe.

From buying your first board and what footwear to wear, to tips and hints on learning tricks, Skateboard UK has all the information you need to get started, or get back into skateboarding.

And if you live north of the boarder, you can meet like-minded people through Skateboard Scotland - membership is free! For further information visit our dedicated Roller Sports page.

Mountain biking

Combining the technical skill and endurance of cross-country and the speed of downhill racing, mountain biking is the perfect choice for those of you who love cycling, but seek adventure!

There are options for all abilities and the opportunity to take part in competitions. If you prefer recreational cycling, then the UK offers a network of tracks and trails to get stuck in to.

Visit British Cycling for bike routes near you as well as for a comprehensive guide to mountain biking. For youngsters who want to get involved, British Cycling's Go-Ride programme teaches the essential techniques of off-road riding. For information on inclusive mountain biking, visit British Cycling and The National Cycling Charity.

Snowboarding

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of speed, to learn tricks, or a gentle ascent down the slope - snowboarding offers it all.

From Freestyle and Freeride to Alpine Racing and Boardercross, there is type of snowboarding for everyone.

Take a look at our guide to learn the difference between them all!

Disability Snowsport UK provides specially trained coaches and can advise you on adaptive snowboarding opportunities. Snowboarding is just one of many adventure snow sports, so make sure you check them all out!

Coaching and volunteering

Whether you have been a competitor in the past or just have a keen interest in developing talent, Surfing GB, The British Mountaineering Council, British Cycling and British Ski Snowboard all have dedicated pages on coaching opportunities. You can also try Sports Coach UK for more ideas.

Or use your skills to help a local club - Volunteer Scotland,Join In UK,Sport Wales,Sport England and Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland all have information about volunteering opportunities near you.

Surfing

It's time to get active and ride those waves! Despite the typical British weather, surfing is a hugely popular sport in the UK.

Whether you're a beginner or are already confident standing on the board and want to have some fun doing local competitions, visit Surfing GB to find a local club. If you're aiming to become a pro surfer, find an accredited Surf School, where you'll be trained up to reach your full potential.

Surfability promotes inclusiveness within surfing and trains coaches to provide surfing experiences for adults and children with disabilities. For more information visit our Adventure Water sports page.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is a very physical and mentally demanding sport that requires strength, balance and patience in order to reach the summit or peak using a designated route.

However, don't worry if you're just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. At beginner level, it caters for people of all ages, fitness levels and abilities, including mental and physical impairments and you'll be amazed by the abundance of health benefits from climbing regularly.

Climbing is a great all-round inclusive sport. Contact your local club or the British Mountaineering Council for more information on para-climbing. You can also find places to climb locally and check out our guide to getting into climbing for information on some different variations of the activity.

Caving

Perhaps you'd like to go climbing and crawling, wading and swimming all in one!

Caving is an adventure activity full of physical challenges and an outlet for a real explorer's spirit, not to mention a great way to keep fit.

It is an experience of nature unlike any other, not just close to nature but within nature itself.

The British Caving Association approves the New to Caving website, which can point you in the right direction (not just 'down' ;-) and there are plenty of clubs with the experience you will need when starting out.

What's next?

1. Wherever you are in the UK, find your local club using the links above.

2. Share your story and inspire others!

Are you inspired to try adventure sports? Or maybe you are an enthusiast already? Get in touch and tell us your story by tweeting us on @bbcgetinspired, visit us on Facebook or email us on [e-mail].

See our full list of activity guides for more inspiration.