Extreme Activities: Top 10 Outdoor Sports Every Man Should Try at Least Once

Ready to take your fun to the next level? It's no secret that we only live once, so you might as well make it exciting. One of the ways for men to achieve this is by taking part in extreme activities.But beware, some of these 10 activities are definitely not for the faint of heart. Following the right guidelines can help you ensure the experience is thrilling – and safer.

1. Downhill Mountain Biking

Imagine climbing onto a mountain bike, and just letting gravity do the rest as you race down a hill.

Extreme mountain biking is typically done with bikes that have special shocks to absorb the bumps along the way. You have to have your wits about you, and use your brakes to control your speed.

Put on your helmet and get ready to quicken your pulse! It's all downhill from here.

2. Extreme Parasailing

If you're a fan of the water and looking for extreme things to do, then parasailing might float your boat.

This involves being dragged behind a high-speed boat in a harness fitted with a sail. You can get up to heights of 500 feet or more, so if you're afraid of heights, this may not be one of the extreme outdoor sports for you.

However, it's also an ideal way to have some fun and get a great view from a high perspective. Turn on your GoPro and record the whole experience!

3. Underwater Cave Diving

This extreme sport will take you to new depths – literally. The idea is generally to explore underwater caves while holding your breath or using surface air.

However, if you're not an experienced diver, then it's probably not the best idea. That doesn't mean you can't still explore caves using scuba equipment and oxygen tanks.

If you're traveling with scuba equipment, be sure to keep it more secure with a scuba luggage tag.

4. Skydiving

This is one of those thrilling activities that are probably on most men's bucket list. What could be more fun (and terrifying) than falling out of an airplane?

Skydiving can be a super fun experience, especially if you have a qualified instructor and you jump as a tandem for the first go. The trick is more about getting the courage to do it in the first place. 

Follow some tips to make sure your first jump goes down smoothly.

5. Zorbing

These awesome outdoor activities involve climbing into a plastic, air-filled ball and hurling yourself down a steep hill.

You can race against friends, or try it solo (good luck getting yourself out of the ball).

Aside from downhill zorbing, you can also wear these bubbles to make contact sports a little more interesting (and amusing).

6. Ice Climbing

If you think there's nothing to do in winter, then you've never tried ice climbing. This favorite among extreme outdoor activities will have you scaling frozen waterfalls or mountain faces.

All you've have is your ice picks, safety equipment, and your strength and determination. You can start off with a smaller waterfall and (literally) work your way up to something more challenging.

It may also be wise to practice at a climbing gym beforehand, so you can increase your strength and endurance.

7. Polar Plunge

Many cities across the U.S. take part in an annual polar bear plunge in the middle of winter.

You'll be joined by other extreme outdoor sports enthusiasts in their bathing suits as you all rush towards a freezing lake. You spend a few seconds in the frigid water and then run back out as fast as you can into a waiting towel.

This can be quite a shock to your system, so maybe see your doc ahead of time to be cleared for this activity.

8. Zip Lining

This is one of the more commercialized extreme outdoor activities, so you should be able to find a zip line company without much trouble.

Basically, you are attached to a zip line with a harness, and then you sail down the line at speeds up to 40 mph. You'll feel the rush, while also possibly enjoying a great view from up high.

Find a park that has a nice, long line to maximize the experience.

9. White Water Rafting

If the idea of being thrown around in an inflatable raft while you're rushing down a raging river excites you, then this one's for you. If you want to take this high adrenaline activity to the max, there is no better experience than white water rafting in Denver, CO, that offers one of the fastest rivers in the entire United States of America!

Since this is typically a group activity, you can round up your friends and have them brave the waters with you in the raft. The more paddles, the better!

Whitewater rafting is also a way to spend more quality time with your family while trying something new.

But these extreme outdoor activities include whitewater kayaking – a version of whitewater rafting for the lone wolf. Either way, wearing a lifejacket and a helmet is pretty much mandatory.

Depending on the temperature of the water, you may need a wetsuit, too.

10. Slacklining

Were you amazed by the tightrope walkers at the circus when you were a kid? Now you can be just like them! Sort of.

Slacklining is the possibly safer cousin of tightrope walking. You string up nylon rope between two points that are relatively close to the ground and see if can walk across it.

Seems simple enough, but you'll probably have many thrills and spills before you get it right. Perhaps set up above grass for a softer landing.

Extreme Activities Can Be Good For You

Getting exercise and challenging your limitations can be one way for men to achieve a higher level of wellness. However, it's important to start off slow or get the advice of an expert before diving into extreme activities.

If the exercise and thrill aren't motivating enough for you, think about the great memories and great photographs to humblebrag about your experiences on social media!

There are other more practical ways extreme sports can benefit you, such as learning to overcome fear and better risk management. Once you successfully tackle a challenge, it can boost your confidence and self-esteem.

What are you waiting for? Get out there and try one of these thrilling activities today.