10 Extreme and Outdoor Activities for Father's Day

After mums, it's dads' turn to be in the spotlight. This year, forget ties, polka-dot socks or electronic corkscrews. Make way for thrills and lasting memories. Make sure your dad is proud of his gift and wants to talk about it (instead of discreetly selling it on Ebay). With more or less adrenaline on tap, here are a few activities to offer (or treat yourself to) this Father's Day.

Snorkeling

Better known as snorkelling or snorkelling, it's an easy, fun and friendly way to learn about marine biology by observing different species from the surface. You don't need to be a strong swimmer to go snorkelling - you just need to know how to swim and breathe with a snorkel! Your adventurous dad will love snorkelling, as it's the most accessible and least expensive way of discovering underwater life!

Climbing

For a good adrenalin shot linked to physical activity,climbing is ideal, whatever your level. Climbing a cliff and overcoming the various obstacles can also help you get on with your life, and is a real morale booster. An excellent way to develop your fighting spirit and motivation.

Wherever you are, there are a variety of routes available that will give you the opportunity to experience this sport with different levels of climbing and techniques. Put on your climbing shoes, harness and helmet for around 3 hours of practice, depending on your physical abilities. Our climbing instructors are waiting to help you push back your limits on a wonderful mountain adventure.

Parachute jumping

It's never too late to take the plunge, even if the record for the oldest person to skydive is 101... A good minute of freefall at over 200 kph as you jump from a plane at an altitude of 4,000 metres, followed by another 4 minutes under the parachute canopy with a breathtaking view as the crow flies.

If your dad's an adrenaline junkie, then skydiving is the activity for him, with sensations he'll remember for the rest of his life. If you're the least bit apprehensive, you'll find all the answers to your questions here, but don't forget that skydiving is rigorously controlled and is one of the strictest safety activities (and it's easy to see why).

Rafting

If you're looking for thrills and want to share an unforgettable experience with friends, rafting sounds like a good solution. Riding down a river on an inflatable raft is an intense adventure that you won't soon forget.

Rafting is an activity that involves navigating white water in a boat operated by a group of people equipped with a paddle for steering.

Note that these rafts are theoretically unsinkable and very stable, making it possible to cross currents that are sometimes quite violent and that no other boat (except kayaks) could pass. The thrill of paddling along the currents of a river with cold water splashing in your face as you try to keep your balance is a great way to have a good time as a family, with a nice dose of adrenalin in the process.

Tyrolean traverse

Tyrolean traverse is a fun, thrilling outdoor activity for families and friends. Let yourself slide along the rope while enjoying the scenery and the speed. A little adventure to discover the sensations of flight in complete safety. There's something for all the family, with some thrilling passages above the void. For the more adventurous, it's sometimes possible to make a pendulum jump in the middle of the course.

Windsurfing

Commonly known as "planche à voile" in France, windsurfing has always been a popular sport (no pun intended, of course). Using a sail attached to a surfboard as a rudder, windsurfers steer their craft with their arms, depending on the wind.

It's a great way to tone up your body and, above all, it's a great personal challenge that you'll grow out of. There's no shortage of reasons to praise the merits of windsurfing, a water sports activity that can be practised at any age, with specialist schools all over the world. You don't need waves to practise this sport, just a little wind and balance and you're ready to go.

Caving

Explore the bowels of the Earth on a caving expedition in one of the many caves in France or abroad. Set off on a journey into the depths to discover a wonderful world shaped by the flow of water over thousands of years. You'll recognise, or learn to recognise, the rock formations specific to this underground erosion: stalactites, fistulas and other draperies.

Your instructor will teach you about the geological history of the region, with its unlikely fauna given the conditions imposed by this cave and troglodyte environment. An incredibly beautiful descent into the heart of the Earth awaits you.

Paragliding

Paragliding is an aerial activity practised all over the world. Tandem paragliding is the ideal way to start exploring the air before taking to the skies alone. Discover the world from above as you soar several hundred metres above the ground. A highly accessible activity, whatever your age or state of health. A great opportunity to contemplate the earth from a bird's eye view.

Skateboard

Riding down a street standing up on a skateboard is a fantasy for many people, and even if it requires a bit of balance and training, skateboarding isn't as complicated as all that.

A good teacher will be able to explain the basics of positioning (feet level with the screws, body forward, flexible knees, etc.) and the first vital reflexes, then it's off to the tarmac and international class. Whether it's freestyle (tricks on the ground or on modules), longboard downhill (extreme downhill on the road) or cruiser mode (a cool ride), all these activities are offered with personalised lessons.

Downhill bikes

Known as MTB downhill (DH) in English, downhill riding on a mountain bike consists, as the name suggests, of riding down an inclined track on a road, often mountainous. The rider must show commitment and technical skill, but above all control and precision, to descend a steep slope in the woods or on a trail.

Because as well as a road strewn with obstacles such as roots, bumps and holes, there are often sharp bends to negotiate and sometimes more or less significant jumps to make. So if you're bored by a simple bike ride and want a bit of adrenalin in your rides and escapades on the mountainside (or volcano), here's an activity that's sure to please.

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