Opening Chat

The other day while browsing Weibo, I received an interesting private message. A reader asked me: "As a complete beginner, I really want to get into outdoor activities, but it seems like such a deep rabbit hole - I have no idea where to start." When I saw this message, I fell into deep thought, because outdoor activities are truly so rich and diverse that explaining everything at once isn't an easy task.

I spent several days looking through photos and videos from over the years, reviewing my outdoor experiences. I must say, looking at those photos really gets my blood pumping - each one carries so many memories. So I decided to write this article to share my years of outdoor experience and insights with everyone.

Essential Reading for Beginners

I recently saw some interesting data - globally, over 68% of people participate in outdoor activities every month, and this number exceeded 75% in 2023. This data reminded me of when I first started getting into outdoor activities - back then, not many people around me participated in outdoor sports, but now it has truly become a new lifestyle.

As someone who has been in the outdoor community for over a decade, my biggest realization is: getting started isn't actually as difficult as people imagine. The key is finding the type of activity that suits you best. Take me for example - I also started with the simplest activity, hiking, before gradually trying more exciting sports like rock climbing, skiing, and kayaking. Looking back now, I can still feel the nervousness and excitement from trying each new activity.

For instance, when I first tried rock climbing, I practiced in an indoor climbing gym for three whole months before daring to go outdoors. I remember my first outdoor climb - even though it was just a 5.8 grade route, when I stood at the base of the rock face, my palms were sweating from nervousness. But after I actually climbed it, that sense of achievement was truly indescribable.

Land Activities

When it comes to outdoor activities, hiking is definitely the most basic and popular outdoor activity. According to the latest statistics, the global hiking population has exceeded 800 million, with about 15% being newcomers who started in the past two years. This data doesn't surprise me at all, because hiking is truly an activity with an extremely low barrier to entry but huge rewards.

I remember my first formal hike was on Section 1 of the MacLehose Trail in Hong Kong. Choosing this trail was a well-thought-out decision because it's not too tiring and the scenery is spectacular. The entire journey takes about 3 hours, offering both magnificent ocean views and the atmosphere of a pristine forest. Speaking of which, I must mention why I especially recommend the MacLehose Trail for beginners - it has plenty of supply points, excellent mobile phone signal, and is very safe.

Later, I challenged many hiking trails of different difficulties. The most memorable was last year's Gongga Circuit in Sichuan, which took a full 7 days. Although we were dog-tired every day, when we saw the snow mountains, meadows, and starry skies, all the fatigue just vanished. I remember one night, a group of us just lay on the grass watching the stars - that feeling is really hard to describe in words.

Besides hiking, mountain biking is another particularly interesting land activity. I started mountain biking three years ago, and honestly, I was covered in bruises at first. But once you really master the techniques, the feeling of weaving through the mountains is absolutely amazing. Now every weekend I meet up with a few friends and spend the day at the suburban mountain bike park.

Another must-mention is camping. Camping has become extremely popular in the past two years, with all kinds of luxury campsites popping up. But I still prefer traditional camping. I remember last summer, a group of us camped on Mount Wugong, cooking hotpot, chatting, and watching the stars at night - it was truly beautiful. However, I must remind everyone to choose appropriate campsites and not just pick places randomly for good photos.

Water Activities

After talking about land activities, let's discuss water sports. According to the Global Water Sports Association's data, participation in water sports increased by 35% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This growth rate is indeed impressive, but it's understandable when you think about it, as water sports are really fascinating.

My first kayaking experience was in Milford Sound, New Zealand. To be honest, I was really worried about capsizing at first, especially since I wasn't a particularly strong swimmer. But under the instructor's guidance, I quickly mastered the basic techniques. Actually, the most basic kayaking moves are just two: paddling forward and turning. Once you master these two moves, you can experience the thrill of water sports.

I remember paddling in the fjord that day, surrounded by surreal scenery. The towering mountains, crystal-clear water, and seals occasionally swimming by - these images are still vivid in my mind. Later, I tried kayaking in many places in China, like Hangzhou's Thousand Island Lake and Guangxi's Li River, each offering different experiences.

Besides kayaking, I've also tried windsurfing and surfing. Honestly, these two sports are much more challenging than kayaking. When learning windsurfing, it took me several days just to maintain balance on the board. As for surfing, I'm still at the beginner level. However, although these sports are challenging, once you master the basic skills, the feeling is really addictive.

Last summer, I attended a week-long surf camp in Bali. Although I got knocked around by the waves every day, when you can actually stand on the surfboard and ride the waves, that feeling is amazing. Plus, I met many like-minded friends at the camp, and we still often meet up to go surfing together.

Equipment Selection

When it comes to outdoor activities, we must discuss equipment. Many beginners ask the same question: "Do I have to buy the most expensive equipment?" I've been asked this countless times. My advice is: you must choose based on your needs and budget, and never blindly pursue brands or high prices.

Taking hiking boots as an example, there are options ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. But according to outdoor equipment testing agencies, thousand-dollar range hiking boots offer the best value for money, accounting for 65% of market share. I've been using a pair of $1,200 hiking boots for five years, and they're still serving me well. These boots have accompanied me to many places, and although they're a bit old now, they're still very durable.

Speaking of equipment, I suggest beginners start with the most basic gear. For hiking, a pair of suitable hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, and a set of quick-drying clothes are the basics. Once you really fall in love with the sport, you can gradually add other equipment.

That's how I did it myself. When I first started outdoor activities, I just bought a pair of thousand-dollar hiking boots and an entry-level backpack. Later, as the intensity of activities increased, I gradually added professional trekking poles, waterproof jackets, and other equipment. This not only avoids waste but also helps you better understand your needs through use.

Another important point about equipment selection is choosing the right size. Especially for gear that fits close to the body like shoes and backpacks, you must try them on before buying. I've seen many people buy shoes online to save money, only to find them very uncomfortable. So I suggest that when buying equipment for the first time, it's best to go to a physical store and let professional sales staff help choose the right size.

Safety First

After discussing various interesting activities, we must emphasize safety. According to 2023 outdoor accident statistics, 90% of accidents were caused by insufficient preparation or overconfidence. This statistic is truly alarming.

I remember last summer at Mount Siguniang, I encountered a couple who wanted to climb wearing ordinary sneakers. Fortunately, the guide discovered and stopped them in time. Guess what? That afternoon, heavy rain started falling, and the mountain temperature dropped below zero. If they had gone up, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Since then, I've become even more serious about safety. Before each trip, I do detailed preparation work, including checking weather forecasts, making detailed itineraries, and preparing necessary emergency items. I now especially recommend that beginners join reputable outdoor clubs or go with guides, as this not only helps learn correct outdoor knowledge but also ensures safety.

Speaking of safety, another particularly important point is knowing your limits. I've seen too many people push themselves too hard due to competitiveness, forcing themselves to continue despite exhaustion. This is really dangerous. Once at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, I saw a young man who clearly had altitude sickness but insisted on climbing higher - he eventually had to be forcibly brought down by staff.

Actually, the most important thing about outdoor activities isn't reaching the summit or completing some goal, but enjoying them safely. So you must choose routes and activity intensity based on your physical condition and experience level. If you feel unwell, you must stop to rest or give up - this isn't cowardice, but being responsible for yourself.

Final Words

Through this article, I hope to help those interested in outdoor activities find their direction. Actually, the most beautiful thing about outdoor activities isn't what you conquer, but what you gain in the process. It might be beautiful scenery, friendships, or a deeper understanding of yourself.

I remember meeting an elderly German gentleman during the ABC trek in Nepal last year - he was over 70 and still hiking. During our chat, he said something that really moved me: "Life is like hiking - it's not about where the endpoint is, but about the scenery along the way and those who journey with you."

By the way, if you've already started trying outdoor activities, please feel free to share your experiences in the comments. Your experience might help other friends who are still hesitating. After all, we all started as beginners - everyone has their first time, right?