Get Inspired: How to get into adventure sports

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climbing and surfingImage source, Getty Images

Fast Answers

Why get into adventure sports?

They're fast-paced, action-packed and perfect for adrenaline junkies!

Who is it for?

Anyone who wants to take a risk and test their bodies to the extreme.

Is there a cheap option?

Many clubs offer free taster sessions, and cheap hire of equipment- so you don't need to spend money on getting your own kit to begin with.

What if I want a proper workout?

Adventure sports are fun but don't underestimate what you're putting your body through. You'll be using muscles you never knew existed!

Can I take it to another level?

There are clubs and groups around the UK with professional coaches to help you reach your maximum potential in whichever sport you choose.

Is there a disability option?

The majority of adventure sports offer a disability or more accessible option. Visit our guides to roller sports, adventure water sports and snow sports for more information.

Is there a family option?

Most adventure sports offer a variation for children. Visit the dedicated Get Inspired guides for further information.

So where can I take part?

Take a look at our club finder page for adventure sports near you.

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

Media caption,

Mike Bushell proves you are never to old (or young) to Skateboard

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., external

From buying your first board and what footwear to wear, to tips and hints on learning tricks, Skateboard UK, external 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, external - membership is free! For further information visit our dedicated Roller Sports page.

Mountain biking

Media caption,

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

Snowboarding

Media caption,

Living in Sutton-in-Craven, Yorkshire, Norma has indoor slopes nearby in Manchester and Castleford

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, external 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

Image source, Getty Images

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

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

Surfing

Media caption,

Get Inspired - Surf's Up in Scotland

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, external to find a local club., external If you're aiming to become a pro surfer, find an accredited Surf School,, external where you'll be trained up to reach your full potential.

Surfability, external 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

Media caption,

Blue Peter's Radzi reflects on climbing challenge

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, external from climbing regularly.

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

Caving

Media caption,

'It's real adventure' - why you should give caving a go

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, external, 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, external 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,, external visit us on Facebook , externalor email us on getinspired@bbc.co.uk., external

See our full list of activity guides for more inspiration.

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