Thrill seekers often attempt to get an adrenaline rush from a variety of activities, from bungee jumping to skydiving. They thrive on the feelings associated with taking risks, and they’re not afraid to try new things—even if they carry a serious risk of injury or death. The problem is, some of these activities are expensive, inconvenient, or otherwise hard to access.
If you’re interested in seeking new thrills, but you want something a little more down-to-earth, we’ve got just the hobbies for you.
Accessible Activities for Thrill Seekers
These hobbies and activities should be available to you even if you don’t have the means to travel or make big purchases.
1 – Try power boating (and related activities). Power boats can be incredibly fast, with the speed record well in excess of 300 mph. Of course, you don’t need to go that fast to experience a thrill. If you rent a power boat, or ride with someone who owns one, you’ll feel a thrill just being in the passenger seat of an average model. If you’re looking for something even more intense, there are a variety of sports you can try that are associated with power boats; for example, you can try wakeboarding.
2 – Get on a roller coaster. Roller coasters are designed to evoke a natural high that comes with facing (and conquering) fear. The high climb may give you a tinge of anxiety, and the plummet that comes after will make you feel like you’re racing toward death. You’re perfectly safe, of course, so when you get used to the sensations and pull in for a final stop, you’ll feel exhilarated. You can likely find a roller coaster somewhere within an hour or two drive of your current location, and most amusement parks are affordable to attend.
3 – Go rock-climbing. Rock climbing demands significant physical exertion, as well as patience and concentration. If you have rock formations nearby, this is an ideal hobby for you. Otherwise, you can hit up a local rock-climbing gym and test your skills in a slightly safer environment.
4 – Learn to skateboard. Skateboarding is a somewhat risky activity, but as your skills increase, you’ll gradually become more competent. Get used to your footing and momentum, then head to a local skate-park and get started on a half-pipe. Just make sure you wear a helmet and other protective gear.
5 – Try ice swimming. If you live in an area that gets cold during winter, see if there are any local clubs or communities that practice ice swimming—the practice of swimming in nearly-freezing water. This is a risky activity, so make sure you have other people available to support and/or assist you, but it can be absolutely exhilarating when you emerge and dry off.
6 – Partake in an endurance race. You can also tap into the thrill-seeking part of your brain by partaking in an endurance race, like a running marathon or a biking century. If you’re not in shape, it may take some time to work up to this level. However, the training can also be a thrill-seeking activity of its own; when pushed to the brink of exhaustion, you’ll experience a natural high.
7 – Go ziplining. Ziplining courses are becoming more popular, so there’s likely an option in your area. Climb to the top of a tree and hang on tight as you zoom all the way down to the bottom; you’ll hit amazing speeds and experience amazing sights along the way.
8 – Hang glide. Arguably one of the less accessible items on this list, hang gliding is available anywhere with a decent height differential. Learn from an experienced coach, then try it on your own.
9 – Race cars. If you have a fast car (or if you can drive a friend’s), head to a local race track or join a motor sports club so you can test it out. Just don’t race on the street!
10 – Experiment with VR. Virtual reality (VR) was once expensive, but is gradually becoming more affordable. If you get a realistic headset and a good PC, you can simulate almost any thrill-seeking experience in the comfort of your own living room. Choose a simulator to get the experience of a steep fall or intense speeds, or test your bravery by playing through a horror game in a fully immersive experience.
Trying New Things
One of the best ways to experience a thrill is to simply try something new for the first time. Experiment with new hobbies as often as possible, and hit up friends and family members for ideas about new things you can try. Chances are, there are a lot of inexpensive, accessible ways to tap into your inner thrill-seeker.
Photo Credit
Hang Gliding Image by JacLou DL from Pixabay
Rock Climbing Image by 7163893 from Pixabay
Guest Author Bio
Jamie Lansley
Jamie is a freelance writer who covers trends in business, technology, and health. She loves to go skiing, camping, and rock climbing with her family.
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