There are two things we love here at V.I.A.: sharing ways for you to get outside/have fun while not sitting around on the couch... and lists! ParticipACTION sent this one to us this morning along to coincide with their Year of Sport in Canada, with the information that "Canadian adults spend an average of 9.5 hours per day being sedentary, while Canadian children and youth (ages 5-17) spend an average of 8.5 hours per day". They conducted a poll and it said that 51% of British Columbians would try a "weird sport", but only 19% actually have tried one. So here are a bunch for you to check out, in case you're part of the 32% looking for a non-traditional way to get active in and around our city.
Photo Courtesy SUP Vancouver
1. Paddleboard yoga – Yoga, just add water
Equipment Needed: Boards available to rent for $10
Price: Ranges from $15-$75 depending on the class, plus optional board rental
Skill level: Varies from beginners who practice on the shore, to those more advanced who practice on the ocean
Location: Kitsilano area
Photo Grouse Mountain
2. Disc Golf – Tee up that throw!
Equipment Needed: Discs. Optional rental also available ranging in price from $10.99-$19.99.
Price: Access to the course is complimentary with your Alpine Experience ticket or Annual Local's Pass.
Skill level: All skill levels welcome
Location: Grouse Mountain, located atop The Cut
Photo courtesy Windsure
3. Skim boarding – To say it’s awesome is just skimming the surface
Windsure Adventure Watersports
Equipment Needed: Skim board, wetsuits, life jackets. All available to rent on location.
Price: $50/person minimum group of 3 students
Skill level: An affinity to boardsports such as snowboarding or skateboarding is encouraged
Location: The Jericho Sailing Centre
Photo courtesy Squamish Windsports Society
4. Windsurfing – There’s wind in your sails
Equipment Needed: Life jacket, wetsuit, Kiteboard equipment (no rentals available)
Price: $82.50 for a half season membership or non-members are required to pay a $20 day fee to launch at the spit
Skill level: Beginners welcome but taking a lesson prior is highly recommended
Location: Squamish River / Howe Sound
Photo courtesy BC Telemark
5. Telemark Skiing – The Alpine / Nordic cross
Equipment Needed: Telemark Skis, boots, poles, helmet
Price: Membership fees for the 2015 season are $5 for all levels of membership.
Skill level: All skill levels welcome
Location: Upcoming events in Whistler Mountain, Silver Star
6. Heli-Skiing – Knee deep in pow-pow
Equipment Needed: Powder skis and powder snowboards are available to rent at the Powder Hut in Whistler Village for $45.
Price: 3-6 run packages available, Starting at $959
Skill level: All experienced skiers and boarders welcome. Powder experience not required.
Location: Whistler Mountain
Photo courtesy Aaron on Flickr
7. Headlamp Trail Running – Lighting up the hike
Equipment Needed: Running shoes / trail running shoes, headlamp
Price: Free
Skill level: All skill levels welcome
Location: List of B.C. trails available here
8. Roller Derby – Let the good times roll
Equipment Needed: Protective gear, including a helmet, roller skates
Price: Varying monthly league fees, travel and uniforms
Skill level: Advanced. General tryouts take place once a year, in the autumn, after the home season ends.
Location: The Royal City Curling Club, New Westminster
