| By :
Eddie Prentice
Outdoor activities are great for mind and body. For the adventurous and those who just enjoy the great outdoors, the challenge is often finding the next thing to do. Presented here are ten air related activities. Some of them are not for the faint hearted and some are not recommended. 1. Base Jumping Base jumping is a relatively recent phenomenon. It embraces jumping with a packed parachute from fixed structures such as tall buildings, bridges and cliffs. It is highly dangerous and people have died doing it. Genuinely not recommended. 2. Bungee Jumping Bungee jumping started in New Zealand and has now spread around the globe. It involves jumping from height attached to an elasticised line. Jumps usually take place from a fixed structure but have also been done from helicopters or hot air balloons. A fun experience but not without risk so check out company reputation before signing up. 3. Hang Gliding A hang glider is an unmotorised aircraft where the pilot is strapped on to an aluminium frame by a secure harness. Hang gliders are lunched by foot, usually by jumping of a hillside. When the sport first started flights were usually short in duration but today they can extend for hours. Not to be undertaken without proper training. 4. Helicopter Flight A helicopter flight is a totally different experience to a fixed wing aircraft. The greater manoeuvrability can be a fund experience for first timers. Most people opt for a helicopter flight as a site seeing experience, for example a tour over the Manhattan skyline or the Grand Canyon. It can also be a faster (albeit more expensive) means of commuting short distances. 5. Hot Air Ballooning Hot air ballooning is a remarkably peaceful means of air transport. Flights ascend to around 2000 feet and journey destination depends on the direction of the wind. Subject to getting in and out of the basket ballooning is accessibility to all ages and levels of fitness. A great way to see beautiful scenery. 6. Gliding A fixed wing aircraft with no engine can be a wonderful experience. Flights can last for hours and reach altitudes of 30,000. It is a very accessible pastime - it's not expensive and pilots can fly solo as young as 16 years of age. 7. Microlight A microlight is a small (maximum 2 seats) motorised aeroplane which can fly at slow speeds. Flying a microlight is not subject to the same regulation as other aircraft and for some people may be an affordable introduction in to the world of flying. 8. Parachute Jump There are basically two ways most people take a parachute jump. One is on a static line which means jumping out of the aircraft solo and the canopy opens automatically after a few seconds. The other is tandem jumping where the novice is joined by a harness to an experienced practitioner. The advantage of the latter is that preparation for a first jump can take just 30 minutes. 9. Paragliding Paragliding is very similar to hand gliding. The main difference between the two is the configuration of the wings. A hang glider has V-shaped wings whereas a paraglider has a more oval shape. 10. Skydiving Skydiving is a more advanced form of parachuting. It involves jumping from higher altitudes and involves freefall before the canopy opens. Most people experience skydiving in tandem with an experienced jumper. All these activities carry an element of risk. Choosing a reputable operator is essential.
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