When it comes to cultural trip, Istanbul is one of the irreplaceable cities. However, apart from hosting culture lovers, Istanbul offers many beauties to those who are into outdoor sports. Have you ever experienced the excitement of outdoor sports in and around Istanbul?
Paragliding
Paragliding can be defined as floating in the air after jumping from or being hauled to a height. Anyone who meets the certain health conditions can go paragliding. There is no need to move away from Istanbul if you want to have a stab at paragliding. There are some places where you can take basic flight trainings. Ext way is one of these places where you can be trained to paraglide. The basic pilot trainings are held for the beginners, dependent on the weather condition, in Kilyos, Abant and Çatalca.
Extway Address: Süleyman Paşa Sokak, No:30/E Kadıköy
Diving
One of the sportive activities to be experienced in Istanbul is scuba diving. Training options are offered as whether basic freediving trainings or drift diving. Surrounded by seas on three sides, Istanbul offers many opportunities to those who want to give this sport a try. Guru Dive is one of the alternatives which holds a wide range of trainings from beginner to advanced diver courses. If your aim is to get a certificate as an advanced diver, Guru Dive is the right address. Moreover, it offers the excitement of freediving for the beginners lasting for a week. The other training center is Istanbul Diving Center (IDC). For the ones who want to try scuba diving, IDC holds “Joy and Exploration Diving” trainings. In the course lasting approximately for two hours, trainees learn how to use a regulator, snorkelling and skin-diving techniques including the hand gestures.
Guru Dive Address: Topkapı Ticaret Merkezi 1, No: 116 - 117 Cevizlibağ
İstanbul Diving Center Address: City Club Spor Kompleksi, Akasya 08 Bahçeşehir
Rowing
Rowing, which is a team sport, is one of the best alternatives for those who love nature and water sports. As all muscles work thanks to rowing, it is mostly preferable. With a basic training those who are enthusiastic or curious about the sport may practice it in a short time. If you are into that sport, Vira Kürek is one of the training addresses. It is located in Golden Horn (Haliç) and you may find all levels of rowing training. Whether you prefer group or individual trainings, Vira Kürek will offer you endless opportunities.
Vira Kürek Address: Kazım Karabekir Caddesi, No:2/27 Vira Kayıkhane, Eyüp
İstanbul Rowing Club Address: Merkez M. Silahtarağa C. No.4 Eyüp / İstanbul
ATV Safari
AYV Safari is a full of adrenalin sport. Above all, it offers the opportunity to be in touch with nature. For the ATV Safari you have to be above 16 and take the basic training. All the necessary information is given by the tour guides before the activity starts. It lasts approximately for 30 to 60 mins. Polonezköy is one of the itineraries for ATV Safari. Even you attend the Safari alone, you may be included in a group. At the end of it you may find places to eat and rest. Do not forget to make a reservation as it is a must.
Ext way Tourism is one of the agents you may enrol in for ATV Safari. It has two racing tracks. One of them is in Kemerburgaz and the other one is in Şile. After a short training lasting for 15 minutes, the tour starts and lasts approximately for 1,5 hours. Reservation is a must.
ATV Safari Polonezköy Address: Beykoz Caddesi, No:53 Cumhuriyet Köyü Polonezköy
Ext way Tourism and Nature Sports Address: Osmanağa Mahallesi, Süleymanpaşa Sokak, No:30/E Kadıköy
Rafting
Melen Stream is a river in the province of Düzce. It is poured into the Black Sea. The difficulty level of the rafting track is 3+1. That means even the amateur enthusiast can easily attend. The 13km rafting track finishes in between 1 to 2,5 hours depending on the weather conditions and the season. It takes 2 hours to reach Melen Stream from Istanbul. From the European Side of Istanbul, it is 210 km. You may either stay for the night or day-trip. Melenci Rafting is one of the rafting tours you may prefer.
Melenci Rafting Address: Dokuzdeğirmen Köyü Cumayeri, Düzce
Kitesurf
Also known as kiteboard, kitesurf is wind-powered water sport, practiced with a kite and board along with the trapeze, to propel you across the water. The best place to practice kitesurfing in Turkey is Gökçeada, which is also approved by the sportsmen. Aydıncık Beach becoming popular with kitesurf is the best place for the kitesurfing enthusiasts. You can also take individual courses at Aydıncık Beach. Next to Aydıncı, Kefaloz Beach is also a good option for the kitesurfing. If you like strong waves, you may prefer Kefaloz Beach.
Volkite Kiteboard School Address: Çınarlı Mahallesi, Köy sokağı 104/1, Eşelek Köyü/Gökçeada/Çanakkale
