There is no better time than the summer to get out there and try something new. That’s especially true for games and sports. The weather is ideal for everyone to play outside. When we say trying new things, we don’t just mean a sport you haven’t played before. We’re talking about testing out a sport you’ve probably never even heard of before. There are all sorts of summer games and sports worth checking out, despite seeming really peculiar at first glance. Here are five that we think you should give a shot.
5. Cardboard Tube Fighting
Yes, you read that right. It may sound strange at first, but cardboard tube fighting is kind of a big deal. There’s an actual league for players that has been around for over a decade. Robert Easley of Seattle started it and it stemmed from having mock sword fights with friends using cardboard tubes. The idea behind the matches here is to have a fun, safe battle where the objective is to break your opponent’s tube. Sounds simple enough, right? Anyone over the age of 5 is open to participate is one of the most fun leagues around.
4. Quidditch
Okay, so here’s the one entry that most people have heard of. Quidditch is the sport invented by J.K. Rowling for the Harry Potter series. There, it is played on magical brooms and involves flying. That didn’t stop people from making the game a reality in the real world. They took everything but the magic from the game and implemented it into a real sport that is now played by thousands. There’s even a Quidditch World Cup that takes place every year, involving players from all around the world.
3. Sepak Takraw
It may be hard to pronounce, but this is one fun sport. It is most commonly played in Southeast Asia but can be picked up by anyone. The main rules of the game are very similar to volleyball. However, there are two big differences. One is that the sport uses a much smaller ball. The other is that, like soccer, players aren’t allowed to use their hands. They can kick, headbutt, use their chest, and any other body part to get the ball where it needs to go.
2. Octopush
Sounds weird doesn’t it? A closer look lets you know that this is a twist on a sport you already know of. An easier to understand name for it would be underwater hockey. It started back in the 1950s and has spawned into something quite popular. Get easy to find street hockey equipment, but throw in snorkels and fins. The game is played six-on-six, like traditional hockey. Trying to get a weighted puck into your opponent’s goal against the pressure of the water will certainly make you feel the burn. But being underwater will help you stay cool in the hot summer.
1. Hantis
This is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to stray too far to try it. Hantis can be played pretty much anywhere. Think of this one as something of a successor to ping pong. All you need are four equally sized tabletops. From there, you play similar to table tennis, except there are no real boundaries and you don’t use paddles. Instead, you use any part of your body. Kick it, slap it, headbutt it. Consider the need for fast reflexes and the ability to move freely and you’ll find yourself being more active than expected in a tabletop game.