Advice to help you live your healthiest life, covering fitness, nutrition, mental health, self-care and much more.
Jul 25, 2018
Instead of just sitting on the sand and watching the rollers come in, why not get out there and learn to ride the waves? Individual learn-to-surf lessons cost about $75 per person and cover all the basics, so you’ve got a good understanding of ocean safety, surfboard basics and surfing technique before you hit the water. The lesson fee includes a rest-of-the-day wet suit and surfboard rental, so you can stay in the water and keep on practising your new skills. Check out Halifax Surf School or East Coast Surf School to learn more.
If you prefer your outdoor adventures to be conducted on dry land, grab your bicycle (and helmet!) and hit the trails. Nova Scotia has tons of great options for taking your bike out for a spin, whether you’re looking for something long and flat, like the Rum Runners trail between Lunenburg and Halifax, or something a little more exciting, like the downhill trails at Keppoch Mountain near Antigonish.
Leave those landlubbers down at street level and move up – way up – into the treetops for your next adventure: zip-lining. You’ll get a whole new perspective on the world as you zip through the canopy from one place to the next. Nova Scotians have two options: Anchors Above Zipline Adventures is located in Pictou County, and Ontree Fun and Adventure Park is not far from Ski Martock. In addition to the 47 different zip lines available at Ontree, you can also test yourself with a wide range of physical challenges on the high-ropes courses.
For a summer adventure that really makes a splash, book a tour with one of Nova Scotia’s tidal bore rafting companies. Located near the Bay of Fundy, these tours offer participants to learn about the geology and tides in the area – until you hit the tidal bore. That’s when things get interesting, as the calm boat journey turns into a wet’n’wild whitewater ride. Your heart will definitely be pumping as the waves crash over the gunwales!
No matter what you get up to this summer, remember to play it safe. Check the weather before you set out so you can ensure that you’re dressed for the weather conditions: rain gear if it’s wet outside, sunscreen if it’s not. (Dressing in layers is usually a good bet…and don’t forget your hat!).
Make sure you’ve got the right safety equipment, including helmets for bike-riding and roller-blading, and PFDs for water sports. And don’t forget to stay hydrated! Finally, whether you’re hiking, biking or setting out for a swim or a paddle, tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. That way they can raise the alarm if you don’t return on time.
