Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities usually mean activities done in nature away from civilization, such as hill walking, trekking, canoeing, running, kayaking, rafting, climbing, caving, and arguably broader groups such as water sports and snow sports. Other similar activities include photography, cycling, kayaking or just spending time with family.

Outdoor activities may be pursued for the purposes of enjoying scenery and nature, relieving stress, finding peace in nature, enjoying life and relaxing. They are alternatives to expensive forms of tourism. Outdoor activities are also frequently used as a medium in education and teambuilding.

Located in, done in, or suited to the open air: badminton and other outdoor games. Outdoor pursuits can be loosely considered to be the group of sports and activities which are dependent on the great outdoors, incorporating such things as hill walking, trekking, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, caving, and arguably broader groups such as water sports and snow sport. Outdoor sports most often include nature in the "sport". While obviously enjoyed by many as a bit of fun, an adrenaline rushes, or an escape from reality, outdoor sport is also frequently used as an extremely effective medium in education and teambuilding. It is this ethos that has given rise to links with young people, such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and PGL, and large numbers of outdoor education centers being established, as the stress on the importance of a balanced and widespread education continues to grow. Depending on the persons' desired level of adrenaline outdoors can be considered a type of hobby. As interest increases, so has the rise of commercial outdoor pursuits, with outdoor kit stores opening up in large numbers and thriving, as well as outdoor pursuit's journalism and magazines, both on paper and online. The increased accessibility of outdoor pursuit's resources has been the source of some negative publicity over the years also, with complaints of destroying the landscape. A widely-seen example is the destruction of hillsides as footpaths are eroded by excessive numbers of visitors.

Objectives of Outdoor Recreation
1. Appreciation of nature
2. Personal satisfaction and enjoyment
3. Physiological fitness
4. Positive behavioral patterns

Five Components of Outdoor Experiences
1. Pursuing, obtaining, and displaying physical/natural objects.
2. Feeling of isolation in nature
3. Fresh air and scenery.
4. Perceptions of natural processes.
5. Sense of husbandry.

Outdoor Recreation Values
1. Cultural values. Appreciation for the natural wonders revealed through poetry, books, songs, and dance.
2. Psychological benefits. Creates opportunities to develop an individual's potential and increased life satisfaction.
3. Sociological values. Opportunities to participate in socially redeeming activities as opposed to low-quality recreation activities. Provided opportunities for socialization.
4. Physiological benefits. Increased opportunities for fitness and improved health.
5. Challenge and adventure. Opportunities for self-discovery and increased self-esteem.
6. Educational benefits. the out-of-doors offers a unique and challenging educational setting.
7. Spiritual values. The outdoors promotes a powerful experience of freedom, serenity, and humility.