You start in the water. At your command, a pump in your jet pack thrusts 1,000 gallons of water down per minute to lift you up, up into the air, like you were just doused with a handful of
pixie dust.
It isn’t your typical outdoor excursion. Group tours no longer need to stick to the traditional hike when venturing outside. You can now effortlessly incorporate inventive outdoor activities, such as riding a water-propelled jet pack, paddling while standing up or riding an electric bike, into your activities.
The variety of new outdoor excursions ranges from adventurous activities like sand dune surfing to relaxing experiences like luxury camping. These popular activities can infuse a trip with unforgettable memories that participants will eagerly share with friends, family and anyone else who will listen.
If your excursions need spicing up, look no further than these five up-and-coming outdoor adventures.
Riding a Water-Propelled Jet Pack
Naples, Florida
Blast out of the water, just like Buzz Lightyear, during a water-propelled jet pack ride with Captain CJ’s Jet Pack Adventures. The company’s jet packs use a pump system that’s quieter than a motorized boat to produce 420 pounds of thrust that can lift you up to 30 feet.
Guides ensure safety by helping you master the turns and elevation control while you remain waist-high in water. Then with a helmet, a safety vest and the protection of the water below, you can begin your flight.
“Within a couple minutes of figuring it out, you are flying, and you feel like a bird,” said captain Barry Berger, co-owner of Captain CJ’s Jet Pack Adventures. “By the second time you try, you are doing all kinds of tricks.”
Strength is not a factor, but participants should feel comfortable in the water and be able to follow instructions. The company can run two jet pack rides simultaneously, each taking about 30 minutes. The experience can be customized to meet the size and desires of each group.
“We go to a backwater bay where there are no waves,” said Berger. “The area has spectacular vistas. Some companies take you out on a boat where no one can see you. We fly you where people can see you and cheer you on.”
— www.evergladesjetpackadventures.com —
Glamping in the Adirondacks
Johnsburg, New York
Love being one with nature but hate sleeping on the hard ground? Glamorous camping, or “glamping,” grants you the same peaceful surroundings plus the indulgence of comfortable beds, hot showers and gourmet meals.
One of the only locations in the eastern United States to offer glamping, Camp Orenda lies nestled between New York’s Hudson River and the Adirondack Mountains. The all-inclusive outdoor retreat offers open-flame fireside meals and numerous outdoor activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, hiking and fishing, as part of the accommodations package.
Guests stay in canvas cabins with quilt comforters, pillows, fresh linens, clean towels and woodstoves. The camp also provides all-natural shampoos and soaps and hiking gear for those looking to explore for the day.
“We are giving people the opportunity to come to a beautiful retreat in a mountain setting where they can explore the area or just stay at the camp and relax,” said David Web, owner of Camp Orenda. “People can come here and feel that they are still in a backcountry setting, but they don’t have to worry about all of the hassles that are normally involved. They can just enjoy.”
Hiking trails full of mountain vistas, backwoods trails and cool streams run throughout the 40-acre private property. Luxurious activities can be customized for individuals or groups. Optional off-site activities can also be arranged, such as white-water rafting, rock climbing and spelunking at an additional cost.
“We try to incorporate the history and culture of the Adirondacks into our guests’ stay, so they are getting an experience rather than just coming to a fancy camp in the middle of the woods,” said Webb. “Our retreat gets you back to nature in a way that is safe and restive.”
