Southern California Adventure Activities

Southern California offers many differeny activities for the adventurous type. Mountain biking is particularly popular throughout the state.mountain bike image by JCVStock from Fotolia.com

Looking for a little adventure? Look no further. Southern California is a virtual mecca for the thrill-seeker, with activities to tempt even the timid adventurer into a little experimentation and fun. Surfing, hiking, biking and boating are always at one's disposal. State parks and beaches abound with beauty and outdoor opportunities. For the path less traveled, try some unusual adventures.

Paragliding

Athletes who like a challenge should try kiteboarding at one of Southern California's many surfable beaches.kiteboarding image by Snezana Skundric from Fotolia.com

This extreme sport is a challenge and a rush! Kiteboarding combines surfing with aerial jumps and tricks. If you're already a seasoned kiteboarder, take to the seas at any of the great beaches. Particularly good for kite surfing are Seal Beach, Mission Bay or Belmont Shore. However, for some instruction, get a dry session and a wet session to learn the ropes. During a 3-hour dry session, instructors teach kite rigging, control, launching, landing and the "power stroke" to help you get comfortable in the water. For the wet session, students learn body drags, water starts, board skills and water-launching. All equipment is included in the cost of the lesson, which can be booked online through Extremethings.com.

Hold on for dear life (and a great workout) in the desert or forests of Southern California.technical rock climbing image by Mike & Valerie Miller from Fotolia.com

Learn to climb sheer-faced rock towers with the professional, AMGA-certified instructors coordinated through Extremethings.com. Beginning the day with ground school, adventurers learn to work all the necessary equipment. After extensive training in knots, anchoring, belaying and technique, participants harness up and try themselves against the rocks in Joshua Tree, California. Try bouldering, top-rope climbing and rappelling for a full day.

Taking the plunge off one of California's bridges is a serious adrenaline rush.bungee jump image by Lovrencg from Fotolia.com

Jump off a bridge the smart way: with a harness. Jumping with a bungee is a rush not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights. Extremethings.com takes adventurers to Azusa, California, for bridge jumping excursions every weekend. The tour begins in the Angeles National Forest, where participants hike for about two hours through the forest, fording deep streams before reaching the bridge. Participants can sign up for a single jump, or try multiple jumps, up to five jumps in one session.

See the coast of California the old-fashioned way: by horse.grimace image by YuriyVZ from Fotolia.com

Make like a cowboy and ride the trails through the canyons and ridges in the gorgeous Gaviota coastline The Gaviota coast is a glorious place for horseback riding, with its miles of trails and peaceful verdure. For a guided tour, including information about history and wildlife, Kijubi.com can provide gentle horses and helpful guides for about an hour.

Get up close and personal with the predators of the sea.shark image by krotex from Fotolia.com

This is the ultimate marine thrill. Shark diving is getting beyond the discovery shows and living the dare from within a steel cage. See Great White sharks, Blue sharks, Makos, Hammerheads and Tiger sharks feeding off the coast of Guadalupe Island. Tours last for five days, including a 22-hour boat ride from the San Diego coast to the island. The trip includes instruction, equipment, a practice dive and bait: a near-guarantee of shark sightings. Other marine life is typically plentiful during both the boat ride and the dives. This experience is only for certified open-water scuba divers in good physical condition. A trip like this costs some money, so be prepared to pay up for this adventure of a lifetime.