Five sports to get into this summer

Fancy trying a new sport this summer? These are some of the best sports that are perfect to take part in when it’s hot. Whether sports fans are interested in trying football, enjoying the sunshine on a kayak or getting into cycling, this list has it covered. 

It’s fun to take part in a solo sport or a team sport – whichever it is, it’ll be a chance to get active, burn calories and work on physical and mental health. Most sports will have teams for different levels of ability, so newbies needn’t be put off, and in most cases the person who runs the team will be able to help. 

If there’s time, why not combine two sports? Football one day and then kayaking the other is a great example. Who knows, it may be so much fun that one ends up buying all the gear. It’s just worth making sure to remember eating well after as plenty of nutrients will be needed to keep energy up in the sun. Here’s a pick of five sports to get into this summer. 

Football 

The men’s world cup starts at the end of the year whilst the women’s starts in 2023. All the sports news UK channels are already starting to talk about it with friendlies being played around the world in preparation. It could be a good idea to take inspiration from this and start playing! Football is great in the summer months when it’s hot, and it can be played in the winter, allowing fans to continue to compete. There are plenty of local clubs with all different levels of ability, including friendly 5-a-side leagues, indoor football teams or 11-a-side games on a full-size pitch. Depending on what one chooses, quite often there’ll be training days to help the team improve their ability. 

Kayaking 

Kayaking is something different to do and is an extremely fun and enjoyable activity, and now might be the time to join a team. Depending on where one lives, there’s sea kayaking, whitewater kayaking, kayak fishing or recreational kayaking. With so many different options, it could be an opportunity to try one, see how it feels, then try the other. Kayaking builds physical strength as well as being a great way to meet new people if one joins a club. 

Horse riding 

Horse riding is a sport that is loved by many. It’s relaxing, can be competitive and is something to be enjoyed in the outdoors. Just like kayaking, there are different types of horse riding to take part in, such as show jumping, polo, horse riding, trail riding and much more. Granted some of these require more experience than others, however, one can work up to them if it’s enjoyable spending time with the horses. Horse riding is another sport that can be enjoyed throughout the year, so it can be started in the summer but continued throughout the winter months – plus most people enjoy spending time looking after the horses and getting to know them. 

Cycling 

Cycling is a sport that can be enjoyed solo or as a team. Depending on preferences, one can go out and cycle alone, or, alternatively, join a local cycling club. Cycling is great for your mental health as well as physical wellbeing. Mentally, it helps as it’s a moment to spend time outside and away from day-to-day routines. Physically, cyclists improve cardiovascular health as well as strength in the core and legs. For those who are trying to control their weight, cycling will burn plenty of calories. It is also a sport to enjoy throughout the year and when one is fit enough, it could be possible cycle to work each day, saving money on petrol and exercising simultaneously. 

Golf 

The summer months are the prime time to get into golf. Golf is an outdoor activity that can only be played in the correct weather conditions. No matter the player’s age, golf is accessible to all and can be enjoyed in many locations. In general it’s best to start by playing the nine-hole courses and then work up to the 18-hole courses when players are more confident. Some places will have driving ranges, which is also another way to get into golf. Driving ranges allow players to practice their swing with a driver and get used to hitting the ball long distances, which is key to being successful. When the nights get darker, as long as the weather is ok for it, some courses will be floodlit, allowing members to still play when it’s late. 

There are many sports to get into the summer. The above five are a small selection to consider. Happy summer!

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