Foreword

I am a post-95s generation outdoor enthusiast who has been involved in outdoor activities for over ten years since college. Every time I recall my outdoor experiences over these years, those moments of sweat, laughter, thrills, and emotions remain vivid. I remember once when my friends and I got lost in the mountains and only found our campsite after dark. Although we were quite disheveled at the time, looking back now, I feel it's become one of my most precious memories.

Outdoor activities have truly changed my lifestyle, transforming me from a homebody into a vibrant sports enthusiast. In the past, I would just lie in bed scrolling through my phone and playing games on weekends. Now, I can't wait to get out into nature every weekend.

Essential Beginner's Course

When it comes to outdoor activities, hiking and camping are absolutely the most basic and accessible. My first hiking experience was at Moganshan with several classmates. I had no experience then and just set out with a school backpack. Halfway through, not only was I sore all over, but I also developed several blisters on my feet. This lesson taught me the importance of proper equipment.

Now when I go hiking, I always choose an appropriately sized outdoor backpack. For day hikes, a 30-40 liter backpack is sufficient. Essential equipment in my pack includes trekking poles, food supplies, drinking water, a basic first aid kit, and some spare clothes. Trekking poles, in particular, are a hiker's best friend, reducing knee strain and providing better safety during descents.

Regarding equipment, I suggest beginners start by renting or buying entry-level gear first. I've seen many people buy a lot of high-end equipment right away, only to discover they don't really enjoy the activity, leaving the gear unused. You can always upgrade your equipment gradually after you've truly fallen in love with the sport.

Camping might be my favorite entry-level outdoor activity. I remember my first camping experience in a valley in Zhejiang, with particularly beautiful moonlight that night. We set up tents, built a campfire, grilled meat, chatted, and could see countless stars overhead. That feeling of escape from city noise truly allows both body and mind to relax.

However, camping requires attention to many details. First is site selection - you must find flat, dry ground away from riverbeds and slopes. Second is weather - always check the forecast before departing to avoid rain. Then there's preparing sufficient food and water, as well as warm sleeping bags and sleeping pads.

Once when winter camping, I shivered all night because my sleeping bag wasn't warm enough. Later I learned that sleeping bags should be chosen based on seasons. For summer, you can choose bags rated for 5°C and above, for spring and fall it's better to choose around 0°C, while winter camping requires below-zero rated sleeping bags.

New Water World

When it comes to water sports, I could talk all day. Kayaking is my most frequent activity - I go almost every month. Last year at Qiandao Lake, we rented a tandem kayak and paddled from morning until dusk. The sunshine was perfect that day, the lake surface was mirror-smooth, and as we paddled, it felt like we had completely merged with nature.

Kayaking looks simple but actually requires technique. First, proper posture is essential - keep your back straight and legs naturally extended. When paddling, use your whole body's strength, not just your arms. Balance control is especially important when turning. On my first try, I capsized due to poor balance control.

White water rafting is a completely different experience. Last summer, I went rafting on the Nu River in Yunnan, and that feeling of navigating through rapids really gets your adrenaline pumping. However, rafting must be done at official sites, wearing proper life jackets and helmets, and following guide instructions.

I remember a thrilling moment during Nu River rafting. Our raft got caught in a rapid and nearly flipped, but thankfully our experienced guide quickly adjusted our direction. Although scary at the moment, it helped me appreciate nature's power.

Besides these, I've also tried windsurfing and surfing. I learned windsurfing in Sanya - spent the first two days just trying to stand steady with the sail, and barely managed to go in a straight line by the third day. Surfing is even harder - just selecting suitable waves requires lots of experience, let alone maintaining balance on the board. But these challenges are what make water sports more interesting.

Pushing Limits

If water sports are about enjoyment, then rock climbing is a form of cultivation. I remember my first time at the climbing gym, feeling intimidated by those towering walls. But once I actually started trying and gradually mastered some basic techniques, I grew to love this sport more and more.

What attracts me most about climbing is that it's not just a physical challenge, but also a test of willpower. Each climb requires focusing on the present moment, calculating the next hold, controlling your body's center of gravity. Sometimes you get stuck at a difficult point and need repeated attempts to break through - this process is both painful and rewarding.

I now practice at the climbing gym weekly, progressing from initial 5.8 grade routes to now challenging 6b+ difficulties. Indoor climbing has given me considerable experience, but natural rock walls are what truly fascinate me. Last year's climbing at Moon Hill in Yangshuo offered a much more thrilling experience than indoor climbing.

Speaking of extreme sports, skydiving is a must-mention. My first jump was in Queenstown, New Zealand, choosing a 4000-meter high altitude jump. Honestly, those few minutes waiting in the plane before jumping were the most nervous moments of my life. But when I actually jumped, I felt surprisingly calm.

The 15 seconds of free fall felt like the whole world went quiet, with only the sound of rushing wind. The process of slowly floating to the ground after the parachute opened was another kind of enjoyment. That feeling of overlooking the earth from high above makes you feel incredibly small yet incredibly free.

I've skydived several more times since then and even got my skydiving license. Though this sport is indeed expensive and highly weather-dependent, I would still choose to do it again without hesitation whenever possible.

Seasonal Specialties

For winter outdoor sports, skiing is definitely the highlight. Last year's skiing experience at Changbai Mountain was absolutely addictive. They have various types of slopes, from gentle slopes for beginners to black diamonds for experts. The feeling of gliding through soft powder snow after a fresh snowfall is simply amazing.

Learning to ski is actually quite interesting. At first, you're constantly covered in snow from falling, but gradually you learn to maintain balance. From basic snowplow turns to eventually making simple jumps, each progress brings a special sense of achievement. Now I can challenge black diamond runs, and although I still fall sometimes, that's become part of skiing's fun.

Summer is perfect for canyon exploration. My favorite is canyon jumping, though this requires professional guidance and adequate safety measures. I remember at a canyon in Lin'an, Zhejiang, there was a roughly ten-meter high jumping platform. Looking down from the top for the first time made my legs shake. But the sensation of weightlessness and excitement when you finally gather the courage to jump is truly unforgettable.

Besides jumping, summer is also suitable for river tracing - walking upstream through rapids and pools. This activity requires professional river tracing shoes and waterproof equipment, and it's best to have an experienced guide. Once while river tracing in Taiwan, we encountered a waterfall over two meters high that required rope assistance to climb - that feeling of conquering nature was absolutely exhilarating.

Final Words

These ten-plus years of outdoor experiences have not only given me a healthy body but, more importantly, changed my attitude toward life. Through outdoor activities, I've learned how to face challenges, stay calm in difficult situations, and appreciate every detail in life.

Each time I go out, I meet different people and hear different stories. Some people escape city pressure, some challenge themselves, and others simply love nature. But regardless of the starting point, outdoor activities bring happiness and growth to everyone.

For friends wanting to try outdoor activities, I suggest starting gradually. Begin with simple hiking and camping, slowly accumulate experience, and find suitable activities for yourself. Remember, outdoor sports aren't about comparing with others, but surpassing yourself and enjoying the process.

Over these years, I've been to many places and tried many activities, but I know there are more beautiful scenes waiting to be discovered and more challenges waiting to be conquered. This is the charm of outdoor activities - they always bring new expectations and motivation.

Life is like an outdoor adventure - what's important isn't the destination, but the scenery and experiences along the way. I hope everyone can find their own space and enjoy the happiness that outdoor activities bring.