My Top 8 Outdoor Adventures

October 2, 2011 by manalkhan

“I’m a synchronized-swimming, yoga-doing, horseback-riding, wall-climbing type of girl. My hand-eye coordination is zero.”

- Mia Thermopolis in “The Princess Diaries”

I was never very sporty as a kid. In fact, I dreaded Games period at school, when we’d be forced to wear those awful dust-blue track suits and pummel each other in Netball matches. I was also quite lazy, and always looked for opportunities to get by in a game of KhoKho or Cricket with the least amount of movement (hitting chaukas and chakkas was my specialty). Swimming was the only sport I enjoyed at school – maybe because I could do it solo, without depending on or being depended on by anyone. I suppose it’s not the kind of thing you’d mention in a job application, the apathy for competitive, coordinated team sports. But I just wasn’t into it.

Years after resigning to my regrettable un-athleticness, I discovered that there did exist physical activities that people like me were actually good at – “adventure sports”! I think it was that first rock climbing-cliff diving-caving trip to Khanpur with the LUMS Adventure Society in Pakistan that sparked it off – and, I’m happy to report, I’ve never looked back

Here’s a list of my 8 most memorable adventure sport experiences…hopefully many more to come!

Hiking / Camping

Hiking through Harriman State Park, New Jersey

Our campsite at Pine Meadow Lake, Harriman State Park

Horseback Riding

Getting on my horse Mariposa in Arenal, Costa Rica

Riding 2 hours through Costa Rican countryside

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing in the Adirondack Mountains, New York

Hi down there!

Skiing

(I don’t have any pictures of me actually skiing, but here’s the beautiful place we went to!)

Mallamjabba Ski Resort in Swat, Pakistan

Ski slope

Snorkeling

On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica

Angelfish at the Cahuita coral reef, Costa Rica

Zip-lining

Canopy Tour in Selvatura National Park, Costa Rica

Riding on a 1km-long cable 500 ft above the Monteverde Cloud Forest!

White Water Rafting

On the Pacuare River in Costa Rica

Class III-IV Rapids!

Skydiving

Parachuting down after the freefall at the Long Island Skydiving Center, New York

Strapped on to my instructor, with the whole of Long Island below us!

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Posted in Adventure, Costa Rica, Memories, New York, Pakistan, Photos, Sports, Travel, World | Tagged Adirondacks, Adventure, Camping, Canopy Tour, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Harriman, Hiking, Horseback riding, Horses, Long Island, LUMS, Monteverde, New Jersey, New York, Pacuare, Pakistan, Rafting, Rock Climbing, Selvatura, Skiing, Skydiving, Snorkeling, Sports, Swat, Travel, Zip-lining | 109 Comments

109 Responses

on October 3, 2011 at 7:22 am | Reply Zuhaib

Hehe Awesomeeeeeee m loving em!
on October 4, 2011 at 1:48 pm | Reply Romantic Asian Guy

I love the outdoors…I’m very jealous of the numerous adventures you’ve been on! Do you have one fav adventure and why?
on October 4, 2011 at 1:49 pm | Reply Mikalee Byerman

Wow. It sure seems you grew out of the “un-athletic” phase, as these all look remarkably athletic to me!

Beautiful photos…
on October 4, 2011 at 1:53 pm | Reply Yatin

Amazing post really liked it!
on October 4, 2011 at 1:56 pm | Reply danidimps

You just made me want to jump out of a plane, on a horse, into the ocean with snorkel gear on. Those trips look amazing! Good for you
on October 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm | Reply Laura

Awesome pictures! There’s more to life than throwing and catching a ball.
on October 4, 2011 at 2:05 pm | Reply conniewalden

It all looks so fun. Thanks for sharing your adventures. Connie
on October 4, 2011 at 2:12 pm | Reply shespoke

Excellent! I live for adventure, even if it’s just on the bike path down from my house. As a certified tomboy growing up, this kind of life was a rather natural trajectory for me. Kudos to YOU for not letting your childhood demons of unathleticism hold you back. And congrats on being FP’d.
on October 4, 2011 at 2:17 pm | Reply Cathy

Everything looks fun. I am also not athletic but that doesn’t prevent me from being adventurous
on October 4, 2011 at 2:26 pm | Reply Oh God, My Wife Is German

Great post! Thank you!
on October 4, 2011 at 2:34 pm | Reply Peter Parkorr

Thats a good range of sports there, I am totally stealing your idea and creating one of my preferred adrenaline boosters!
on October 4, 2011 at 2:43 pm | Reply Kiteboarder

Nice! May i suggest kiteboarding?
on October 4, 2011 at 2:47 pm | Reply meltdownatcampcrazy

I love other phys-ed non-enthusiasts!!!! If there were t-shirts, I’d wear mine everyday. Gorgeous pictures, thanks for sharing. You’re way more adventurous than I’d ever dream of being!! Hats off to you!!
on October 4, 2011 at 2:51 pm | Reply lexy3587

WOW! I am with you on the ‘don’t like team sports’ thing, though I haven’t done nearly as many exciting things as you!
on October 4, 2011 at 2:53 pm | Reply howtobecharming

Ohh the envy, how I would love to try out some of these… Zip-lining. And SKY-DIVING. Whoaaa Already enjoy some of them but yeah WHOA sky-diving.
on October 4, 2011 at 2:54 pm | Reply Pamanner

Gorgeous pics. . .hope to see the sites someday!
on October 4, 2011 at 3:00 pm | Reply Dounia

Really cool pictures! I love hiking and rock climbing (the rare times I got a chance to climb), but I’d love to try zip-lining and white water rafting sometime! Thanks for sharing and congrats on freshly pressed!
on October 4, 2011 at 3:06 pm | Reply Anita Mac

Love it – live life to the fullest! Love the sense of adventure. I am in the same boat – absolutely dreaded phys ed! That was until my school brought out outdoor education. We went hiking, canoeing, built igloos and did orienteering exercises. Definitely more the speed of sport I am into too!
So – what is next? Have fun – looks like you are already!
on October 4, 2011 at 3:12 pm | Reply TheLookoutDiary

The pictures are just amazing!
on October 4, 2011 at 3:25 pm | Reply drwebs

Love the photo of the horse, looks like so much fun!
on October 4, 2011 at 3:27 pm | Reply Personal Concerns

wonderful ideas!
on October 4, 2011 at 3:29 pm | Reply Lakia Gordon

Yes, hopefully more to come! Adventures are always great
on October 4, 2011 at 3:45 pm | Reply Queen Linda

You go girl! Pretty awesome for someone “not athletic”! Terrific photos!
on October 4, 2011 at 3:46 pm | Reply GraceLynneFleming

so wish this kind of stuff was for me! but its just not – especially since I’m allergic to nature haha! looks like a lot of fun and great photos!

-grace
on October 4, 2011 at 3:48 pm | Reply whorganic

Love this! You rock baby
on October 4, 2011 at 3:53 pm | Reply Olivemore

quite adventurous.
on October 4, 2011 at 3:59 pm | Reply acquayeraphaelawuku

i sure want to do all of them. they all jux went to ma vacation activity list
on October 4, 2011 at 3:59 pm | Reply Cultural Life

That zip-lining sure looks like fun!

Congrats on being Freshly Pressed.
on October 4, 2011 at 4:22 pm | Reply PCC Advantage

I love hiking, snorkeling, and horseback riding, but I SUCK at skiing for some reason…haha.

This was a great list! Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed!
on October 4, 2011 at 4:29 pm | Reply Andreas Moser

I love hiking. This summer, I walked across England, from coast to coast: http://andreasmoser.wordpress.com/2011/06/12/hadrians-wall/
on October 4, 2011 at 4:30 pm | Reply kianys

Wow – if you are unathletic than I am a total klutz (which actually I am, but more as in lack of grace and my ability to find any potential accident in waiting). I think my favorite is you on horseback (maybe b/c I love/d riding). You do look good on that horse! Thanks for sharing those lovely pictures and congrats on being f.p.
on October 4, 2011 at 4:36 pm | Reply asoulwalker

Way to inspire… by having fun.
on October 4, 2011 at 4:48 pm | Reply thereisjoyinthejourney

Thanks for making me feel more adventurous vicariously through your gorgeous photos!
on October 4, 2011 at 4:51 pm | Reply sandallandthecity

I was at Arenal, Costa Rica this past year and went horse back riding as well. What a beautiful country! Thanks for the post, it made me excited to adventure again!
on October 4, 2011 at 4:51 pm | Reply naturenewbie

This is totally inspirational! Great pictures
on October 4, 2011 at 4:56 pm | Reply Klaus Kommoss

“a woman and wonderer who wishes to make use of herself”. There is of course even much, much more use that could be made. I love your attitude; the term “use” is mostly quite perplexing.
on October 4, 2011 at 5:11 pm | Reply broadsideblog

Fun post! I’ve hiked Machu Picchu and snorkeled in Fiji….it’s great to be able to travel and really get out into the land and water wherever you go. We tried to go horseback riding in January 2010 in southern New Mexico but our horses were too badly spooked — by the mountain lion leaving his tracks nearby.

I admire your bravery for the ziplining, rock-climbing and sky-diving. My most adventurous so far was working for seven days aboard a Tall Ship, climbing the rigging every day to work 100 feet in the air on footropes.
on October 4, 2011 at 5:42 pm | Reply Eva McCane

love it! these are all things i’ve done, or plan to do very soon. love where your heads at. thanks for sharing!
on October 4, 2011 at 5:54 pm | Reply jlsalinger

Great photos. I have always wanted to go zip lining.
on October 4, 2011 at 6:10 pm | Reply Paula Unleashed

Love the photos , I wish I could do any of those ( except maybe sky diving lol ) and hope im lucky enough to one day. thanks for sharing these !
on October 4, 2011 at 6:21 pm | Reply CJ Anton

Wow, beautiful photos. You put my lazy computer-attached self to shame.
on October 4, 2011 at 7:15 pm | Reply etomczyk

No, no, no, no, no. You are not a person who is unathletic! Judging from these shots, you were born to do this stuff. I did that same Costa Rica adventure and if you want to see spastic nonathleticism, you should see me “stuck” in the middle of the zipline or being eye-balled by the crocodiles. I wrote a humorous story called “Once Upon a Time” on my blog if you want to see what your chubby alter ego looks like being athletic. You’re Wonder Woman compared to me! Congrats on being FP’d and making me depressed.
on October 4, 2011 at 7:30 pm | Reply Lowongan Kerja

So amazing… great pics, nice life
on October 4, 2011 at 7:56 pm | Reply ANAR373CT

i like adventure,nice pict..
visit on http://anar373ct.wordpress.com/
thank..
on October 4, 2011 at 8:23 pm | Reply manalkhan

thanks guys for your comments!! i had no idea i was FP-d, soo exciting! i have to say, i was terrified before the zip-lining, white water rafting and skydiving – REALLY terrified! but once there was no turning back, it was an absolute blast…so definitely don’t let your fear hold you back! having an equally adventurous partner/friend also helps a great deal
on October 4, 2011 at 9:30 pm | Reply Matthew Weigand

Rock climbing tops the list, hands down.
on October 4, 2011 at 10:11 pm | Reply aikonamerica

Nice adventures sports. Congratulations for the post.
on October 4, 2011 at 10:12 pm | Reply Sue

Great post! And beautiful pictures! I especially like the last one!
on October 4, 2011 at 10:22 pm | Reply Fiona.q

you are so so special and COOL!!
on October 4, 2011 at 10:47 pm | Reply thejourney21

It’s all about the journey!
on October 4, 2011 at 10:48 pm | Reply Raxa Collective

Congrats on being Freshly Pressed. It looks like nature helped you “find yourself”. We lived for many years in Costa Rica and are now in southern India. So much of the world to explore!
Please take a look at our site for inspirations on your next outings!
on October 4, 2011 at 11:09 pm | Reply RoseWine

WOW cool!!! Nothing can compared all of those beauty that has given. Congrats!!
on October 4, 2011 at 11:36 pm | Reply Nathan Menkveld

Those are great! Your pictures of whitewater rafting in Costa Rica just got me very excited (I am going there in January to backpack and whitewater kayak with my college). I like the range of things you have tried, very impressive.
- on October 4, 2011 at 11:44 pm | Reply Nathan Menkveld
  
  I forgot to mention, if you wanna check out some of my trips:
  http://nathanmenkveld.wordpress.com/
  …I will have my Costa Rica pics up in February, but I have other trips up now that may inspire some more ideas for you to try
on October 5, 2011 at 12:15 am | Reply thisonechance

This is really amazing and so inspiring! you have the life that I want someday!
on October 5, 2011 at 12:34 am | Reply dijana

Looks way too fun! Gotta love the adventure!
on October 5, 2011 at 12:46 am | Reply Slamdunk

Those shots of Costa Rica look fantastic. I have always wanted to go there.
on October 5, 2011 at 1:01 am | Reply mishfish13

Hahaha, looks like you didn’t give yourself enough credit! You look pretty sporty to me.
on October 5, 2011 at 1:47 am | Reply Iris Daphne

This is interesting! Cool!
on October 5, 2011 at 1:50 am | Reply seekingresolution

I understand your avoidance of the sports of your youth. I never found team sports interesting at all, but adventures where you are your own team are wonderful. Congratulations upon stumbling on a world of excitement and happy travels to you!

As The North Face says, “Never Stop Exploring!”
on October 5, 2011 at 3:12 am | Reply Jude Chukwuemeka

Sporting for me at school was a tertiary thing. Though I love sports so much, I took care of my studies.
on October 5, 2011 at 3:21 am | Reply sangram27

Nice
i loved it
on October 5, 2011 at 3:42 am | Reply feistygirl

wow that was a lot of adventure for some one who hates sports!! Awesome….congrats on being FP!
on October 5, 2011 at 4:00 am | Reply ajeeshsj

It is fantastic………………..
on October 5, 2011 at 4:22 am | Reply Julio Eiffelt R R

nice picts outdoor sport.. challenging..,
on October 5, 2011 at 4:48 am | Reply Munira

Not only was this a brilliant post, i’m so pleased to see a Freshly Pressed Pakistani girl!!! *two thumbs up*
on October 5, 2011 at 5:08 am | Reply sunlitcanopy

Looks like you had the best outdoor adventure ever! This was an invigorating post to read
on October 5, 2011 at 5:20 am | Reply StanNeon

I wish I can do that too. Your adventures are amazing. I only know how to ride my bike on different places.
on October 5, 2011 at 7:09 am | Reply The Simple Life of a Country Man's Wife

Wow! You might not be “sporty”, but you sure are adventuresome!
on October 5, 2011 at 7:21 am | Reply INDIATRIPPING.COM

adventure sports brings out the best!
on October 5, 2011 at 7:22 am | Reply Isobel

Awesome! I’m into mountainclimbing and horseback riding. Anyway, how does it feel to skydive? I really want to try that…

Amongst those activities, zip-lining is the thing that I can see myself doing (slash that, trying) in the not-so-far future!
on October 5, 2011 at 7:23 am | Reply jnantomah

that is totally amazing. from a no-show to hello world. very inspiring. i would definitely like to go out there too..
on October 5, 2011 at 7:35 am | Reply whenquiet

The entire time I absorbed these photos, I couldn’t help but think that you should consider stuntwoman as a possible profession. Thanks for sharing.
on October 5, 2011 at 7:40 am | Reply jaller

woooow, great,… so when will you come to indonesia?
on October 5, 2011 at 7:54 am | Reply Jaipur Sightseeing

You are a good traveler.
on October 5, 2011 at 8:07 am | Reply corneliamladenova

Beautiful photos, you really must have had unforgettable adventures
on October 5, 2011 at 8:53 am | Reply metallurguy

Just went through your amazing blog. Certainly you are a good writer, and I like the way you compose your thoughts into words.
on October 5, 2011 at 9:08 am | Reply Kelverz

one word…wow! looks amazing. great to see people living the dream. here’s to many more happy adventures for you
on October 5, 2011 at 9:13 am | Reply Go Send or Disobey

I’m not much of a team sports person either but I do love camping, hiking, horseback riding and white water rafting. And my bicycle, oh how I love tearing up the trails on my bike. I do have a little issue with heights so the zipline and skydiving may be problematic but you’ve got me thinking about rock climbing. Actually, I know tis isn’t the same thing but I have been considering a climb up the back of Half Dome in Yosemite in the near future…

Congrats on being Fresh Pressed!
on October 5, 2011 at 9:30 am | Reply lucygail7

Fantastic! That’s the way to live!
on October 5, 2011 at 9:38 am | Reply Yoga Yajna

good to see someone happy and enjoying what she does, especially she a happens to be a South Asian and that to loves enjoying solo…..Just read this bychance…..Regards
on October 5, 2011 at 10:14 am | Reply hayat bilgisi

WoW, this is too amazing for me
on October 5, 2011 at 10:27 am | Reply a little wit

you are living the dream.
on October 5, 2011 at 10:31 am | Reply Sophia Morgan (griffinspen)

Awesome photos. Great experiences. I’ve done a few of the easier adventures, but don’t think I’ll ever have the courage to skydive. Congrats on being Pressed!
on October 5, 2011 at 10:55 am | Reply graciehart1

I love that you try all of these things. I definitely want to go zip lining, but I could do without the skydiving.
on October 5, 2011 at 11:07 am | Reply sportsjim81

Man, these are some great pictures. I love skiing as well, and contemplated skydiving but have not gotten up the nerve. Congrats to you on that!
on October 5, 2011 at 11:34 am | Reply businessbrainsindia

Wow! This is what I was looking for ! You made my day lady ! Great Post ! Beautiful pictures and surely it covers almost all of the adventure sports I have been looking for!
on October 5, 2011 at 11:55 am | Reply leilanidance

Great post. Love the sports you do. Have done quite a few myself except ski diving. Wonderful photos. Really like your Costa Rica pics. Trying to convince my husband to go there one day.
on October 5, 2011 at 12:17 pm | Reply newsy1

Wow! None of these look un-athletic to me. I’v done the skiing and white water rafting but the skydiving for me would require nerves of steel. Terrific shots and post.
on October 5, 2011 at 12:20 pm | Reply childfreefeminist

Those are amazing photos. The most stunning is you above Long Island. How did it feel being so high up in the air? I know you’re smiling but weren’t you afraid? Those definitely look like super fun adventures, for sure. And I’m sure white water rafting beats a game of netball any day!
on October 5, 2011 at 12:28 pm | Reply Loving life!

wow i love all those things. i Have a horse, and i go white water rafting every year! hope you had fun!

http://hippyhipster.wordpress.com/
http://outandabout7.wordpress.com/
on October 5, 2011 at 12:50 pm | Reply Peas and Cougars

No one can say you haven’t lived life to the fullest! Awesome photos!
on October 5, 2011 at 3:04 pm | Reply samanthagf

This is amazing. I would be terrified to sky dive, but I love, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing. I love overseas adventures. I have yet to really explore the world, but I look forward to all the possibilities. Your photos are beautiful! I loved what you shared
on October 5, 2011 at 5:15 pm | Reply Aileen Torres

Livin’ the life!
on October 5, 2011 at 10:56 pm | Reply goose-jacket

Thanks for sharing your adventures.Your photos are beautiful!
on October 6, 2011 at 5:06 am | Reply theoutsidersinside

Great pictures! I recently discovered adventure sports for myself as well. Your pictures are really inspiring, and I`ve already tried snorkeling, skiing, skydiving and rafting myself. Rock climbing sounds like fun, I think I`ll try that out next.
on October 6, 2011 at 8:42 am | Reply & edi

Great post guys.. I like rock climbing..
on October 6, 2011 at 1:31 pm | Reply gaycarboys

It’s stunning photos like that which make me wish I was more outdoorsey
on October 8, 2011 at 8:40 am | Reply Zuhaib

Wow Manal!!!! Your post got amazing responses……hehe u being celebrity
on October 11, 2011 at 3:54 am | Reply daydreamingactress

Beautiful shots! Love these activities- now to get out to try more of them Cheers to adventures to be had!
on October 17, 2011 at 7:09 pm | Reply tsizzles

That’s an interesting post. It reminds me of something I wrote recently on my blog
on October 18, 2011 at 6:01 am | Reply GOactivities

This is a great blog – and just what we are working on to at http://www.goactivities.co.uk – getting people who wouldn’t usually go ghyll scrambling, caving, monster trucking, biking, riding etc all out there! Check out our blog and website when it launches!
on October 19, 2011 at 2:54 pm | Reply Cody

Some people have all the fun! I’m personally getting excited about the prospect of ultralight backpacking. For some reason I enjoy counting the ounces and dropping them where possible.
on October 23, 2011 at 6:19 pm | Reply Smart Guy

You should try surfing. I stopped playing competitive sports because I am TOO competitive and now I mainly surf and snowboard. Love it.
on October 24, 2011 at 4:30 pm | Reply Emily Warren

Motivates me to get out and do more! Love the last picture. Very cool.
on October 27, 2011 at 5:34 am | Reply bebestyles

Oh man….sky diving must be such a thriller…that’s my first to do list before I die.
on October 27, 2011 at 5:46 pm | Reply trialsinfood

awesome! i was never much of an athletic in school myself. have yet to skydive, but would love to! you should try bungee jumping!
on November 1, 2011 at 11:44 pm | Reply chrisvoges

This reminds me that I need to find extra time this year to learn scuba diving. I’ve always wanted to do this since forever….It’s time to get up and follow your dreams…thanks for you post.
on December 14, 2011 at 5:18 am | Reply Bia

it’s good you listed them out like this! i didn’t remember half the things you’ve done, IT’S SO COOL!!!