Daniel Eyre asked:


With its long, sandy beaches, warm waters and memorable towns, it’s not wonder that holidays in the Algarve prove more popular each year. It’s tempting for Brits on a cheap holiday to the Algarve to spend all their time relaxing on the beaches, enjoying the sunshine, but those that do are missing out, because the sports and activities of the Algarve are unforgettably fun.

So, what kind of activities and sports does an Algarve holiday offer? Well, here’s a list of our customer’s favourites. I’m sure their recommendations will bring out the active sportiness in everyone, despite the weather remaining perfectly suited to lounging…

Paragliding

With just you, your apparatus and miles of open sky, there can be few places in the world as perfect for paragliding as the Algarve. The sport is available throughout the region with lessons and equipment hire and, though a little daunting for beginners, few can deny that the Algarve’s stunning cliffs and beach landscapes could not look better from any other angle.

Surfing

Every part of Algarve holidays combine to make it one of the premier surfing spots of Europe, both for beginners and seasoned veterans: with pristine beaches, clean water and a handful of big wave spots, you really can pick an area to match your level. Finding lessons is no problem at all, and if you want to avoid the summer rush for your Algarve sports holiday, then you’ll be delighted to hear that the winter weather is a warm 16 degrees Celsius with hardly any wind. Learner or veteran, you’d be hard pushed to find a better spot within a few hours of England’s airports!

Skydiving

This is another one that’s not for the faint of heart, but those that do take on the sport in the Algarve will not be disappointed. The region’s clear blue skies combine with the stunning beaches, countryside and waters to burn an incredible image of the beauty of the region into your memory, which will last for years after you’re back on solid ground.

Kayaking

Sea kayaking certainly isn’t for everyone, but it’s the only Algarve activity that really allows you to explore the region’s stunning caves and inlets, provoking many unique experiences for you to recount on return to Blighty. The best way to see the secluded sights of the cliff face is with an experienced kayaking guide, but finding one happy to show you around is rarely a problem!

Microlighting

Anyone who found the other Algarve sports in this list a little too much for them should look away now! For those that aren’t aware, microlighting is like hang gliding… only with a small engine attached! Those who are intrigued by the sound of the sport should look no further than the Algarve for the activity. The clear skies make for majestic views of the Portuguese coast, with its stunning blue oceans, rocky shores and gorgeous countryside: the perfect backdrop for your adventure.

Mountain Biking

Less unusual and extreme than the other Algarve activities in this list, mountain bike holidays in the region are invigorating and enjoyable nevertheless. The beauty of a mountain biking Algarve holiday is the variety it provides, and the lack of instruction. If you feel confident enough, there’s nothing to stop you freewheeling down the side of a mountain with the wind in your hair, but alternatively a relaxed ride through the hillside trails and along the coastline is the perfect way to take in the stunning scenery with less blurry vision!

Rock Climbing

You can’t beat the isolated feel of rock climbing in the Algarve. The activity is the perfect way to take in parts of the region off the beaten track, from deserted craggy beaches to secluded sea cliffs, and if you have the mental and physical stamina to rock climb, then there’s few spots as idyllic. Unlike rock climbing on training walls, those with the energy to make it all the way to the top are rewarded with a view that is nothing short of breathtaking!

Scuba Diving

With some of the cleanest waters in Europe, some interesting marine life, fascinating shipwrecks and atmospheric caves, an Algarve holiday is the perfect place to start a lifelong obsession with the magic of scuba diving. This isn’t to say that Portugal is just for those new to the sport, and there’s certainly enough here for experienced divers to take in and enjoy, but the selection of local instructors and warm clear waters make this the perfect place to make a start… if you can draw yourself away from the beach.

All these options present a great introduction to activities in the Algarve, but for some you just won’t be able to beat the peace and tranquillity of lying on those beautiful beaches: there’s a reason they’re so closely associated with cheap holidays in the Algarve!



Holly

Seomul Evans asked:


Extreme sports are those which are characteristically thrilling, owing to the high level of risk involved. They often include extremes of physical exertion or speed, or height. Danger is always present, and this adds to the thrills experienced. Many people enjoy watching extreme sports, rather than participating themselves. The popularity of extreme sports has increased in recent years, especially amongst young people.

One reason behind the evolution of extreme sports is the technological development which has made them possible. Most people do not experience much risk in everyday life, and this too adds to their attraction. People seek the thrill, and enjoy the attention it receives as well.

The Ten Most Popular Extreme Sports

Surfing

The surfer uses a board to glide along on a breaking wave. There are now two classifications of surfing, based on the design of the board and riding style. These are short and long boarding. Surfing is said to have been developed long ago in Polynesia, and came to the rest of the world when Europeans first observed it.

Windsurfing

This sport uses a surfboard with a sail, by means of which the rider can skim across the surface of the water. Thus it combines elements of surfing and sailing. The sport developed in the latter part of the twentieth century.

Hot Air Ballooning

This technology was the first form of human air transport. The balloon contains a bag which holds the hot air, and the passengers are carried in a wicker basket which hangs underneath. Hot air ballooning is now a sport, and modern structure includes fire resistant materials for the mouth of the balloon.

Mountain Biking

In this sport the bike rider rides over rough ground on a mountain bike or hybrid road bike. There are four classifications in mountain biking: street riding, downhill, freeride and cross country. Mountain biking has now developed as an extreme sport, and there is now a hall of fame to celebrate the achievements of early mountain bikers.

Hang Gliding

A hang glider is an aircraft which you can launch yourself, and which you then guide in the air by means of shifting your weight. You can also steer them by means of aircraft control technology. Modern hang gliders can perform aerobatic stunts and can fly long distances and at significant height.

Paragliding

The techniques of flying and launching a paraglider are similar to those in hang gliding. There are no solid supports in a paraglider. The paraglider pilot needs to possess understanding of relevant engineering technology and aircraft design, as well as weather conditions. Rough weather can cause a high degree of risk in this sport.

Skydiving

Skydiving, or parachuting, is when a person falls (on purpose) from a height, supported by a parachute. Early jumps were from hot air balloons in the eighteenth century, and it became an international sport in the mid twentieth century. It is now popular both as a recreation and as a sport.

Mountaineering

This sport is enjoyed as a recreational activity as well as a sport, and combines elements of hiking, trekking and walking. The original intention was to reach high places, where no one had trekked previously. It then developed into a physically demanding sport. Some people enjoy mountaineering in the snow, others prefer rocky climbs.

Ice Climbing

This sport means climbing up icefalls and ice covered rock faces. There are two variations, water ice climbing (on cliffs or under waterfalls), and alpine ice climbing (in the mountains). The equipment used varies according to things such as the type of slope and ice texture.

Bungee Jumping

This extreme sport involves jumping from a height, whilst attached from above by a long elastic cord. The jumper usually jumps from a structure such as a crane, bridge or high building. The jumper falls free until caught and bounced up and down by the cord, and this provides lots of thrill.



Michele

Andrea Harris asked:


The idea of paragliding appeals to every individual. Humans have always aspired and dreamt of flying in the open sky. Although airplanes were made in an attempt to satisfy the thirst of flying, yet it cannot be as rejuvenating and refreshing as flying by your own. Paragliding is a wonderful experience and once you undertake this activity, you will surely come back for more.

A paraglider looks like a sports parachute and is even categorized as an extreme sport. However, paragliders are always inflated before the pilot leaves the ground as compared to other sports parachutes. Paragliding is a sport of flying parachutes; these parachutes are designed and modified in order to make them glide in air.

Just like any other sports, paragliding also has its own risks. The aviation side of paragliding is very important, when it comes to safety. All pilots are trained to operate their aircraft safely, by minimizing potential risks. In some cases it’s a matter of pure judgment such as during a loom and landing. Or it might mean sticking rigidly to a check list while preparing to leave the ground. The joy of flying, year after year after year, is the reward for doing it right.

The pilot or the person who drives the parachute sits in a harness position which is suspended with the help of strong harness belts. Modern harnesses are designed to be as comfortable as a lounge chair in the sitting position. Many harnesses even have an adjustable ‘lumbar support’. The pilot can operate lines individually to turn in air, increase or decrease speed of gliding, pitch, speed and steepness of glide.

Although paragliding is a very exciting and thrilling sport, one should always take precautions to avoid the possibility of any mishap. So, follow the above tips and have a safe and wonderful paragliding experience.



Cynthia

Max Cashman asked:


Everybody dreams of being able to fly at some point in life, running across a grassy field and soaring over houses, streets and countryside. The wind in your face, cruising like a bird leaving all your worries and stress on the ground. It is no longer just a dream but a reality with the aid of a paraglider and paramotor.

Things have come a long way since the triangular Hang-gliders of the 1970s, the development of the Paraglider has made foot launched free flight an extremely popular sport today. The paraglider was first conceived in the late 1970s by parachutists foot launching Ram Air Chutes from the Alps in France, over the years these chutes have been modified and improved into a very Efficient wing giving the pilots performance more like a fixed wing glider.

Flights of over 200km are common just using thermals and the pilots skill to find lift and stay aloft for hours on end. Training in most countries will see you airborne, solo within a few days and it is possible to have a basic licence within a few weeks. The equipment is relatively cheap, a new glider, harness, reserve parachute, Boots, helmet and variometer will see you safely in the air for less than 4000USD! With many second-hand equipment available, less than 2000USD for an aircraft is not impossible!!

During the late 1980s motorised backpacks started to arrive on the paragliding scene and the name ?Paramotor? was soon adopted. These units gave paraglider pilots the opportunity to get in the air from a flat field rather than have to find a hill or mountain to start their flights. The also

gave these flyers the opportunity to stay airborne When all the thermals of the day had finished or even before they had started.

These units are very popular in Thailand, they development of paramotoring over the last 20 years has seen the Units get lighter, more powerful and less expensive each year. The training times are similar to paragliding and there Is a huge choice of new and used paramotors available. They can be easily dismantled, will fit in the boot (trunk) of a car and only require a small soccer field as a take off area. Prices range from 10,000USD for a full tandem outfit including Wing, reserve parachute, two seater trike and instruments to 1000USD for a used solo unit.

There are dangers involved in these sports, they are classed as extreme sports but with a sensible attitude Many pilots have enjoyed decades of safe flying up to 12,000 feet over some of the most beautifull countryside In the world. There are saftey courses available to deal with collapses from flying in turbulance and all pilots carry A reserve parachute. It is easy to enjoy this sport at your own pace, evening and early morning flights in smooth Air watching the sun rise (or fall) are a popular with some, whilst others enjoy the strong lift from midday thermals.

If you are interested in either of these sports why not nip down to any Sport flying club you can see paragliders and paramotors in abundance, chat to some experts and if you can even have a taster flight on a tandem paramotor.

A few other facts: If the motor fails you are still on a glider, no problem! A reserve parachute deployment is extremely rare World record distance on a Paraglider (No Paramotor) is 349Km



Cecil

Sarah Roberts asked:


If you want to get out and about during your stay at Pelham house you’ll find there are lots of activities to chose from right on your doorstep. Whether you’re after a gentle walk around town or in the downs or an adrenaline fueled extreme sport , Sussex has something to offer for everyone.

Based in Brighton Marina, just a few miles from Lewis, Sailnet UK offer a variety of water based courses, activities & taster days for all ages and abilities. Everything is very hands on and overseen by a professional RYA Instructor, whether you are after a morning’s relaxing leisure experience, a 4 day learn to sail course or a yacht racing taster day. There are also many cafés, restaurants & other leisure facilities in and around the marina.

Founded in 1896, Lewis Golf club is built on top of the South Downs. Not only does it offer a 6190 yard course, a five bay driving range and practice chipping and putting greens , but also stunning views of the English countryside and is probably the most scenic course in the South of England. And for those keen golfers, Lewis Golf club is just under a mile away from Pelham House, the perfect place to unwind after a long day on the course.

If you’re after something a little more extreme, then just 10 minutes down the road in Steyning you’ll find Rob Chisholm’s paragliding school, Freeflight. Freeflight offers tandem sessions taking off at various locations in Sussex where anyone can experience what it’s like to fly. They also offer pilot courses enabling you to fly on your own. Your individual flying skills are developed while being instructed in air law, theory of flight and meteorology.

And if you’re still after something more extreme but would rather keep your feet on the ground then how about Go karting or quad biking? 4×4 off road driving, clay pigeon shooting, archery, paintball or target shooting? QLeisure offers a huge range of activities with purpose built areas for each activity and you can choose from an afternoon session or a full day and pick either one activity or maybe a selection.

If watching sport is more your cup of tea then both Plumpton and Brighton race courses are around 10 minutes away from Pelham House and both host regular events. Goodwood is around 1 hr along the coast and also offers motor racing and of course its famous festival of speed every June.

If you’d rather just go off and explore on your own then the South Downs are Pelham House’s back garden. Take a stroll or cycle along the South Downs Way, visit beachy head and see the seven sisters, walk around Burling Gap. All this beautiful countryside is at your fingertips during your stay at Pelham House and, of course, absolutely free.

Esporta Fitness centre is also just down the road from Lewis and boasts 3 swimming pools, 8 indoor tennis courts and a beauty spa. Go as a guest of a friend or visit their website to download a free one day trial pass.

But if all of the above seems like a little too much hard work then why not visit Equilibrium, the Award-Winning Complementary health centre in Lewes, East Sussex. With over 35 different treatments and lots of classes and workshops, you are sure to find something that suits your mood.

Any activity works up an appetite and what better way to end your day than with a 3 course dinner at Circa Brasserie, Pelham House’s fine dining restaurant boasting picturesque views over the Sussex Downs. Enjoy a glass of fine wine with family and friends and relax after your day’s adventures.



Chad