Part 1: Twelve Ideas for Sporty Dating Fun Under the Sun

by Grace Tzeng

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It's getting close to the end of summer.  So enjoy the good weather on an awesome date! Here are some suggestions for sporty outdoor activities.


And in the next posting I'll suggest some non-sporty dates for those who want to relax in the sun.  


Okay, I'm not an outdoorsy person.  From my non-dating experience of getting bug bites that got infected and lobster-colored sunburns, I'd advise you all to bring: lots of sunscreen, water to stay hydrated, and insect repellent with Deet.  


Also guys, tell your date in advance to wear appropriate clothing and shoes.  You don't want her to wear high heels on a 3-mile hike.  Ouch! 


Search these activities online to find places in your area.


1.  Pedal Boat

Two people sit side by side and move their legs in a cycling motion in one boat.  The motion propels the boat across the water.  I've never tried it before.  But it looks like fun and exercise at the same time.  


2.  Wakeboarding

I've never seen wakeboarding until I searched online for sporty pictures.  It looks similar to water skiing, but done on one board instead of two skiis.  

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3.  Horseback Riding
It's a nice experience to be riding on such a sturdy animal.  But if you and your date are not used to horseback riding, just know that the next day you both may get sore in the inner thigh and buttock areas.    


4.  Badminton

I did try badminton outside years ago in my elementary school friend's back yard.  It was kind of tough because the grassy surface was uneven.  But we had fun nonetheless. 

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5.  Skydiving

Okay I know this is extreme and not for the faint of heart.  (My brother's friend actually went with a group of friends a few weeks ago.)  It would definitely be a very unique date.

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6.  Swimming 

Whether you're swimming in an outdoor pool or in a lake, having your body surrounded by water can be a soothing experience. And it can be quite sensual to see your date in a bathing suit. 


I don't swim too well; but when I'm floating on my back in a shallow pool, I lose myself and the world seems to disappear.  But if I were on a date, of course I wouldn't want my date to disappear, haha.  

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7.  Tennis

It's fun.  When I play tennis with friends, I never kept track of the score.  But I noticed that it's very interesting that love is a zero point. Is that something subliminal or what?  

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8.  Golf/ Miniature Golf

I've never done a whole course.  But I enjoyed playing miniature golf. This weekend I'll go with friends and do the driving range.  It's good because we'll take out our aggressions and hit the balls into the field.  

Well, I don't know if we'll end up swinging the club and missing the balls, or if we'll actually get to hit the balls.  If we like golf enough, maybe some day we'll be able to ride the golf cart; it always looked like fun on TV.

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9.  Archery
I have a vague recollection that I tried archery in outdoor education when I was in fifth or sixth grade.  I remember that it was hard to pull to get the arrow back.


10.  Rowing

It looks romantic in the movies, but rowing a boat is an all-body exercise.  It works your back, arms, legs and abdomen.  Wear a life vest if you don't know how to swim, just in case the boat capsizes.

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11.  Hiking 

I recently took my cousins who were visiting from another country on a walk.  It was a trail I didn't think much of.  But it surprised and delighted me that one of my cousins actually brought a camera with her.  She was thrilled to see deer.  


So on the date, you can take a nature walk and who knows -- you may see deer.    


12.  Biking
If you or your date doesn't own a bike, you can rent a bike.  


Drop me a line at datingandrelating@gmail.com or let me know how the date goes in the comments section.  Please feel free to add more activities in the comments section.