Mar

Extreme Sports Guide to West Sussex

Aaron

4x4 Driving, Canoeing, gliding, helicopter flights, hot air ballooning, kayaking, kitesurfing, mountain boarding, power boating, skydiving, track driving, wake boarding, water skiing, water sports, windsurfing

Nestling proudly at the bottom of the UK between Hampshire and East Sussex lies one of the Country’s archaeological and historical goldmines; West Sussex. The UK’s Atlantic Ocean bordering county is split into seven districts, and is best known for its stately homes and castles, most notably in Arundel and Chichester.

Hang Gliding in West Sussex

The county is situated south west to London and neatly bordering East Sussex, Surrey & Kent; is no further than an hour or so drive away and less than 45 minutes on a train. Being in close proximity to the Capital City allows an easy escape from city life to the 770 mile² countryside region, and West Sussex has a range of decent experiences to suit most enthusiasts. From the grounds of Goodwood to the aerial attraction gained from one of the many flying activities on offer, most notably on the Sussex Downs; the picturesque county has a lot to offer.

Driving off road is also a readily available, with the UK’s only US spec Monster Truck available for commercial use, making good use of the green county that gave birth to the sport of Cricket, Europe’s largest horse racing straight and… Simon Cowell.

Kitesurfing
The South Coast naturally affords a high level of involvement in water sports, and with a large surface area bordering the Atlantic; West Sussex is a part of the ever growing trend. There are a number of water sport providers specialising in Kitesurfing in West Sussex, offering courses to cater for absolute beginners through to pro-kite tuition. As many of the windsurfers now tend to sail at either Shoreham or Worthing, Lancing has become a popular destination for the locals and the travelling Kitesurfers. With acres of grass for rigging, a newly secured Kitesurfing Zone and an authentic surfing bar set just off the beach, Lancing is an ideal location and is considered by many as the sport’s advocate for West Sussex.

Water Sports
With Kitesurfing being a high involvement sport that requires serious practice, it is good to know that the more ‘experience’ orientated activities are also easily accessible, via either the seafront or a large reservoir. One RYA & BCU recognised centre in Ardingly operates a range of great experiences from a 200 acre reservoir, including Kayaking, Canoeing, Wind Surfing and Power Boating. For the coastal activities, the picturesque City of Chichester is renowned for its natural beauty and the harbour hosts these experiences in addition to the water sport lessons, including Water-skiing and Wakeboarding, as well as banana boats & donuts for the more ‘fun’ orientated experiences.

Goodwood Circuit

Famous Circuits – Goodwood
Out of the water and making use of the ranging terrains in West Sussex is made relatively easy by the number of driving centres available. Goodwood remains one of the most prestigious stately homes in the UK, annually hosting the ever popular ‘Festival of Speed,’ where the finest cars from every generation gather for celebration. Quality supercar experiences such as Ferrari and Lamborghini driving can easily be booked and enjoyed on the 2.4 mile circuit, which is situated in the grounds of the Chichester based mansion.

Driving Off Road
4×4 and Off Road experiences are very popular in West Sussex as the ranging terrain and beautiful views afforded at most locations culminate to add an extra dimension to the technical sports of 4×4 & Quads. There are at least five operators in the area providing 4×4 experiences, advanced tuition and Off Road safaris. Driving Military vehicles is also popular, with Tank Driving a huge favourite during the months around May, where up to 180 people can be (and often are) catered for in one day. For the family get-away, one particular centre offers junior versions of the Off Road activities that can be enjoyed by the adults. The UK’s only American spec Monster Truck is also available to drive in East Grinstead, where you can also drive a range of giant machines and vehicles on the same site as the 6.5L beast with 6 foot tyres!

Mountain Boarding
Utilising the sloped playground that West Sussex is naturally blessed with is a sport that has literally boomed in the last decade; Mountain Boarding. Also known as ATB (All Terrain Boarding), the sport is essentially off road skateboarding using hills and jumps to gain speed, air and a few cuts and bruises along the way. The South Downs are a great location for the sport in the warm summer months, with lessons catering for anything from absolute beginners to seasoned pros. One supplier operates from March to October, riding and teaching on the 200 metre-high hills.

Motor Flying
Combining beautiful countryside with coastal agriculture is naturally going to inhabit aerial appreciation, and West Sussex is rife with aviation possibilities. Helicopter tours continue to grow in popularity and operate freely alongside the popular plane flights, taking off from West Sussex and encompassing most of the Sussex area. Taking control of the aircraft yourself is an easily achievable feat with Gliding excursions, and one South Downs supplier provides tours allowing you to glide back to Earth and appreciate the views from 2000 or 3000ft, lasting around 40 minutes and reaching speeds of up to 170mph.

Flying
Hot Air Ballooning is naturally a popular activity when the weather permits due to the breath-taking views of the county, and in particular the North & South Downs. The main market for Hot Air Ballooning is very often romantically themed, and West Sussex again excels due to the picture perfect perspective gained from above. Tours take off from Petworth, Hickstead, Handcross and Waterhall.

Skydiving
Skydiving is the most organically extreme experience on the planet and will never fall from grace as THE activity to do before you die. The Tandem Skydive is available here, where very little training or preparation is needed from anyone other than the professional jumping with you. Skydiving above a black hole would still be fantastic, but the inclusion of breath taking views is a big factor; demonstrating how West Sussex is at a great advantage.

West Sussex is one of the most agriculturally rich counties in the UK, with traditions and a culture that remain true after even after the best part of a millennium. With protected landscapes and beautiful coastlines; it is a visually stunning county. Naturally the best ways to appreciate these features are by getting stuck in, on or above, and West Sussex hosts many great activities like flying and driving to realise and appreciate its appeal.

Click here to see other available experiences in West Sussex, including:

Go Kart Racing
Scuba Diving
Abseiling

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