Active summer vacations in Ukraine: what to do and where to go

Summer is not only a time for beach relaxation but also an opportunity to get an unforgettable experience and recharge your batteries for the whole year. We'll tell you how to spend your weekend in Ukraine below.

Kayaking

This activity will be appreciated not only by extreme sports enthusiasts but also by those who enjoy a relaxing vacation. The essence of the sport is to overcome the planned path in a narrow long boat. There are different water routes, so you don't have to choose difficult destinations. Kayaks can be used both in quiet places and on stormy rivers.

In the Carpathians, you can raft on the Black and White Cheremosh, Black and White Tysa, Turbat, Hoverla, and Kosivska rivers. In Yaremche, there is Prut with the Probiy waterfall. For those who like thrills, we recommend choosing Mountain Tikych, which is located near the village of Buky, Cherkasy region. In the summer, be sure to visit the Myhiyski Rapids of the Southern Bug.

What to remember:

• Before entering a body of water, check that all zippers and fasteners are secured.

• During rough waves, be sure to wear a helmet.
• Stay as close to the shore as possible and don't swim too far.
• Choose a group rafting trip.
• Follow the recommendations of the instructor.

Keep in mind that this activity is available only to those who are at least 16 years old.

Watersurfing

Combines elements of wakeboarding and snowboarding. Using a special board and a tow rope, tourists slide on an artificial wave. This sport can be practiced on any body of water. The best way to learn how to stay on the water is to take a few lessons from an experienced instructor. They will tell you about the basics of riding, safety, and help you take your first steps.

Wake parks can be found in many cities of Ukraine, including Kyiv (Adrenalin Wake Club), Lviv (Sirka Sport wakesurfing, Voodoo Wake Park), and Dnipro (Rider Surf Club).

Buggy rides

Lightweight, open off-road vehicles designed for speed and excitement. The first models appeared in the 1950s in the United States of America. Their ancestors were homemade cars made from cheap spare parts, such as the chassis of a Volkswagen Beetle. These cars immediately gained popularity due to their simplicity, affordability, and ability to travel on any terrain.

You can try this extreme type of recreation in the Carpathians, as well as in other regions: Volyn, Kyiv, Lviv, etc.

An all-terrain vehicle requires outstanding driving skills. A person must know how to behave in extreme situations. Therefore, if you are a beginner, we recommend choosing a trip with an instructor. Off-road vehicles are suitable for individual, group, or family trips.

By the way, many eco-activists call for the abandonment of this leisure activity, as it harms nature.

Cycling

The cheapest type of outdoor activity for owners of two-wheelers. You can explore mountains, forests, fields, etc. There is even a special vehicle for rocks. It is equipped with wide tires and strong frames. This allows the biker to overcome difficult obstacles and steep climbs.

Benefits:

• Strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular function and helps you lose weight.
• Fresh air and physical activity have a positive effect on mental health, reducing stress and improving mood.
• It's an environmentally friendly way of transportation that doesn't pollute the environment.

How to prepare:

• Make a detailed route with online maps so you don't get lost during the trip.
• Bring drinking water and non-perishable snacks.
• Choose days that are not too hot.
• Check the serviceability of the bike.

The best routes in Ukraine: castles in Lviv region (Pidhirtsi, Zolochiv, Olesk), Vylkove village in Odesa region, Podillia fortresses (Kamianets-Podilskyi and Khotynskyi), Trakhtemyrivskyi peninsula in Cherkasy region, Synevyr lake (Zakarpattia).

Rock climbing

This leisure activity differs in complexity, style, and equipment. Professional climbers use carabiners and ropes on special routes with clearly defined belay points. Traditional climbing takes place on unequipped routes. Tourists establish safety by themselves with the help of laces and embedded elements. By the way, this kind of active recreation is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It develops coordination, balance, and flexibility.

The best routes for those who have been instructed in the Carpathians: Yaremche, Makovytsia, Bubnyshche, Dovbush rocks, and locations in Kamianets-Podilskyi.

Be sure to bring your helmet and other tools. Everything else can be rented.

Forget about boredom and routine, go on an adventure!

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