Five Extreme Sports to Get Your Blood Pumping

Holbrook native Jess Hammond takes a tandem dive (Image courtesy of Skydive Pepperell Center).

Summer. It’s a time to wriggle your toes in the sun-strewn dunes while catching some color, chilling out, and popping a cold one. But what about those who want a little less ahhh from summer and a little more AHHHH? You may have to travel a bit beyond the city to catch these once-in-a-lifetime thrills, but they’re well worth the mileage. So buckle up and hang on tight — check into these summer outings, and you’re in for one helluva ride.

Skydiving
Skydive Pepperell has been serving Greater Boston’s adrenaline junkies since 1971. Join the ranks and experience a 10,500-foot tandem dive at 120 mph. As a first-time diver, Pepperell’s elite staff handles the midair technicalities. Just take in the majestic view and don’t forget to scream.
165 Nashua Road, Pepperell. $235 for a tandem dive. 978-433-9222, skyjump.com. Open seven days a week.

Deep Sea Fishing
Located 35 miles north of Boston, Yankee Fleet Deep Sea Fishing has tours for all ages and expertise. Hit the high seas and reel in tuna, cod, grouper and more. For those looking for tasty surf without the waves, Yankee’s program now has Harbor Adventure Tours. These tours run 3.5 hours and offer inland species such as flounder and mackerel.
121 East Main St. (full-day fishing), 37 Commercial St. (half-day fishing), Gloucester 1-800-942-5464, yankeefishing.com. Times and prices vary.

Rock Climbing
Boston Rock Gym’s “Introduction to Rock Climbing” class coaxes climbers out of the rainbow rock courses to nature’s outdoor bluffs. The excursion is led by a Rock Gym professional, who teaches climbers the basics of knot-tying, climbing, routing, and rappelling. Advanced courses are also available.
78G Olympia Ave., Woburn 781-935-7325, bostonrockgym.com. Times and prices vary.

Whitewater Rafting
Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting plunges its eager clientele into the white-capped rapids of three Northeast gems. Stretching a whopping 16 miles, Dead River is the area’s longest continuous set of rapids. Also accommodating to all ability levels, Kennebec River is unanimously hailed for its transcendent setting in the thick of Maine’s wilderness. And for rafters up to the challenge, Penobscot River is a solid class five course that boasts waterfalls and rapids galore.
West Forks, Maine 1-877-846-7238, threeriverswhitewater.com. Open seven days a week. Prices vary.

Hang Gliding
Take an introductory hang gliding lesson among the rolling hills of the Connecticut River Valley. New Hampshire’s Morningside Flight Park offers a five-flight course that’s perfect for beginners wanting to quench their thirst for new heights. In addition to take-off, students are given preliminary information on the sport’s history, principles, and precautions.
357 Morningside Lane., Charlestown, New Hampshire 603-542-4416. Introductory Lessons: $149. flymorningside.kittyhawk.com.