The Lower Mainland has been treated to some sweet weather over the past couple of weeks, excluding the biweekly torrential downpour and terrifying thunderstorm a couple of nights ago… Anyways! The sun has been out! 

And as Vancouverites, once there is a glimmer of sun, we flock to the beaches and pray the sun lasts another day. My mental health is very dependent on the weather, so I really don’t know why I live in Vancouver! But if you relate at all, you’ll know that, when it’s sunny, you seize the day! Carpe Diem or whatever!

Catching a tan is a staple! But, as cliche, as it is, staying active, does wonders for your mental and physical health, which I think many of us lack, coming out of a Vancouver winter/spring.

Today I’m going to run through a few sports and physical activities to keep you…

A) sane

and 

B) ripped, fit and hot

Starting off, you’ve definitely seen this one around, and for good reason! Spikeball! Spikeball bros are a staple to Vancouver beaches and parks. It’s a killer workout and brings on everyone’s competitive edge. Inspired by Volleyball, the game consists of a small trampoline-like circular net and a small bouncing ball. The game can be played with 2 – 6 players, so it’s super flexible. It’s a great idea to have a Spikeball set in your car this summer. Everyone will love and worship you. Trust me.

(Spikeball/Unsplash)

As I said, a tan is nice, but if you’re like me, you get bored and restless after an hour or two. And a dip in the ocean can be fun… but you know what’s better? Stand-up paddleboarding! It’s not only amazing for your core. Your quadriceps, shoulders, arms, and knees are all working together to propel you forward. But if you don’t want to push yourself, it can also be a leisurely activity that may include falling in the water more than once. Jericho, Deep Cove, Kitsilano, False Creek and English Bay all have paddleboard rental kiosks, some providing lessons if you’re a beginner. You can kill a whole day on one of these things, definitely worth the hype!

Lastly, probably the most “Vancouver” activity yet, biking! Biking is the preferred method of transportation for many Vancouverites. With bike lanes all across the city, you can get pretty much anywhere via bicycle. And your staying (or getting) fit in the process. There’s the classic sea wall route to explore with your pals, or you can be practical and bike to work or school if you don’t have the time and leisure. Biking is pretty self-explanatory. As long as you have a bike or one of those Mobi accounts, you’re good to go! Oh, and don’t forget a helmet!

This summer, it’s more important than ever to stay active for your mind, body, and soul! So I dare you to grab your bike or a Spikeball set or head on over to a beach and rent a paddleboard. Or even do a 3 in 1! 

Stay healthy and enjoy some summer sports Vancouver has to offer!

Honourable mentions,

• Hiking 
• Stairs at Wreck Beach
• Aimless, lonely walks in the evening when you have no one to hang out with, and you’re trying to distract your mind from thinking about the looming future 
• Kayaking