7 extreme sports to try out this summer

Some might say that scuba diving isn’t an extreme sport, but when you’re 30 metres below sea level with only a tank of air keeping you alive, scuba diving gets pretty intense. The underwater environment can be hazardous to those unprepared, but many beautiful sights lie below the surface. Many factors go into scuba diving: you’ve got temperature, navigation, equipment, breathing, and plenty of other things; so make sure you’re with an experienced diver if it’s your first time.

Marine biodiversity makes every diving experience memorable. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is one of the most biodiverse diving spots on the planet, with over 600 species of fish and 360 species of corals. Don’t worry about learning because the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) has academies all over the Philippines!

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Those who want to stay on land can treat themselves to off-road ATV racing. Whatever terrain you’re in, whether in sandy dunes, the beach, or the race track of your choice, trust that your vehicle can handle it. Make sure you’re geared up for it as well. A full-face helmet, goggles, a chest protector, and gloves should help you get started.

Sadly, there aren’t too many official ATV races in the Philippines. But we do make up for it with an abundance of ATV tracks. So call up your friends and host your competition! Notable tracks are ATV Petrohead in Porac, Pampanga, and Bicol Adventure ATV, in Albay.

For a different way to explore the seabed, freediving is your best bet. But when I say it’s not for everyone, I mean it. You have to be trained to do this. You can’t just go down 40 feet as a beginner. You need to start slow and build up your body’s endurance. As you get more experience, you’ll be able to stay down for longer, go deeper, and have more freedom in movement. Truly a unique experience to be had.

The best thing about freediving is you can do it just about anywhere. From beaches to lakes and indoor pools, an impressive freediving experience boils down to your training. But if you want to get into it, visit Panglao, Bohol, our country’s ‘‘freediving capital’’.

If you’re among the few people convinced to jump off a moving plane, you’re already halfway there! Leaping isn’t easy, and it’s all about your mental fortitude. If you’re worried about your parachute failing, don’t worry. You have a reserve, just in case. Besides, only one in 1,000 parachutes malfunction, so you’ll be safe.

Veteran skydivers know of two locations to go skydiving, Cebu and Pampanga. Pampanga’s best for those who want to start training, while Cebu has myriad alternative landing areas and a stunning view of the blue horizon as you’re dropping in.

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The idea of jumping off a cliff sounds crazy at first. But not when you have a hang glider. Flying at 40 km/h will be a leisurely glide as you drift through the air while witnessing some breathtaking sights. Key preparation factors include proper flying lessons, weather condition checks, and a relaxed mind.

Those who want to take flight will have to take to the mountains and cliffs, and Carmona in Cavite is the ideal spot to fly high in the sky. As one of the most popular gliding spots in the country, you'll catch breathtaking views of Mount Makiling and Tagaytay.

One of the most exhilarating watersports to do, jetski racing gets your heart pumping. The excitement of going 80 km/h on top of light waves is an experience like no other. Even if you don’t want to go that fast, you can gently cruise close to the shore and savour that fun beach atmosphere.

The best part about jetskiing is you won’t have difficulty finding them. Almost every beach has a resort that rents jet skis by the hour. But Coron, Palawan is where the pristine beaches and natural beauty lie. Waves aren’t too harsh either so you can reach top speed with no problem.

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