5 Outdoor Activities Perfect For Social Distancing

At the time of writing this article, we’re living in a pretty strange period in human history. We’ve all been told to keep our distance from each other and in some cases, we’ve been recently forced to stay in our homes.

But now, as the world begins to reopen, more and more people are looking for ways to responsibly explore their own backyards while still remaining socially distanced.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 5 great ideas for outdoor activities that you can do while still remaining the recommended 6+ feet apart from each other.

Fly Fishing

This has always been one of my favorite outdoor sports and hobbies and there are enough great destinations in the US, Canada, and around the world that you can really get into the sport wherever you are.

All you need to get started is a good fly fishing rod, a reel, some line, and some flies (hooks). Once you have that, you can head out on the rivers, lakes and streams near you and start learning to cast a line.

By the very nature of the sport, fly fishing is perfect for social distancing. Unlike spin cast fishing, you must stay at least 20 feet away from the next casting angler. This allows enough space for you to throw the line back and forth and also gives you room to land your fish.

Some great places in the US for fly fishing include Colorado, Wisconsin, and Montana, while in Canada you can check out BC and Ontario.

Rock Climbing

If you live in the US, there are countless places for great rock climbing. Places like Nevada, Kentucky, and California have some amazing faces to conquer.

In rock climbing, you can go with a friend who is in your “social bubble” and the two of you can climb a face often miles away from the next climber. This is a great way to get back into the outdoors while staying responsibly distanced from other people.

Surfing

I’ve tried my hand at surfing a few times and while I’m still not any good at it, it’s the perfect sport for keeping clear of others. The very rules of surfing state that you should give each other room on the break (even though it may not look like that at crowded surfing beaches).

Many of the best beaches offer cheap board rentals, so you don’t have to go and spend a fortune to get into the sport. The first time you go, I recommend hiring a surfing instructor to show you the ropes and the best places where beginners can catch waves.

After that, you can head out on your own or with a friend and enjoy the ocean without being stuck in a boat with other tourists.

Hiking

I’ve always loved hiking and perhaps now more than ever, I’m looking to get out on the trails. After being locked in the house and confined to a small neighborhood for two months during lock-down, the first thing I thought of was heading out on the nearby trails for a nice long hike.

If you’re from the US and trying to avoid crowds, it may be best to avoid the more frequented trails in places like Yosemite and Grand Canyon.

Instead consider checking out places like Jedediah Smith Wilderness and King Range National Conservation Area in the west, or Katahdin Knife Edge Trail and Old Rag Mountain via the Ridge Trail, Virginia in the east.

Golf

Another perfect sport for remaining at a distance, golf is a great way to get out in nature and get some exercise, while practicing your hand-eye coordination. I’ve done my fair share of Golfing around the world, but have yet to do much in the US.

If you’re in the US, check out this list of great courses and if you’re new to the sport, consider choosing some of the cheaper courses.

Conclusion

Now that we’re finding a bit more freedom of movement returning to our lives after lock-down, it’s important that we take advantage of it.

We all need sunlight and nature to stay healthy, both in mind, body, and soul. Take this opportunity to make up for lost time. Get out and explore your backyard while enjoying nature and fresh air!

Note: Every city, state, and country has different regulations in place currently. Be sure to check with local health organizations to ensure that it’s safe and responsible to do any of these five activities wherever you are in the world.

 

Feature image courtesy of Pixabay