MALTA'S TOP UNTAPPED ACTIVITIES
If you’re reading this you’re probably a grown man and have a thing for football. There’s no harm in that, but have you ever thought about branching out? We’re not referring to F1 or cricket. We’re talking about adrenaline-fuelled activities that you might not know you can do in this country. The average man has probably, at some point in his life, kicked a football around, attempted to slam-dunk a basketball or possibly been at the receiving end of a rugby tackle. Of course, there are many of the usual indoor and outdoor activities such as the popular sports, wind surfing, scuba diving, abseiling, skateboarding and kayaking, but in recent years, new, uncommon opportunities have popped up. Have you heard about about ziplining, or of sea level traversing? Have Zorb Football and Segways popped up on your radar? And have you ever thought about testing your car or bike to the limit?
ZIPLINING
If you’re not a fan of heights, you may want to avoid this activity, but if you’re the kind of guy who’s mum would shout: “tixxabatx!” when you were playing on the roof as a child, then welcome aboard. It’s not very complicated, really. It involves you, a rope and pulley and a sheer drop. You’re fitted into a harness, which is attached to the pulley and you zoom across a rope over a chasm of some sort. Malta’s landscapes have great surroundings, and even flying over the sea is rather cool. It’s all very exciting stuff. Book yourself a session with MC Adventure. Take a look at their website on www.mcadventure.com.mt.
SEA LEVEL TRAVERSING
This is basically outdoor rock climbing but without the harness. The idea is to let the sea be the gentle arms that catch you if it all goes pear-shaped. Our coastline is a great place for SLT and doing it not only gives you a massive rush, it also gives you a close up view of the many cliffs, caves and inlets that you may have never known existed. With summer heading our way, it’s a perfect time to give it a try. MC Adventure offer SLT experiences, find out for yourself on www.mcadventure.com.mt.
ZORB FOOTBALL
It’s a known fact that football is the god of all sports, but someone has attempted to improve on its divinity. This wacky twist on a traditional, well-loved game is pretty hilarious. You’ve got two five-a side teams and a black and white ball to kick around. The not-so-discreet new addition is a giant transparent inflatable sphere into which players strap themselves. Essentially, it’s like playing football with a sumo-wrestler strapped to your back. The majority of participants book their sessions not for the fun of scoring goals and showing off their ball skills, but to take advantage of being able to ram into friends or work colleagues without the normal repercussions. If you want to try it out for yourself, check out Zorb Football Malta on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Zorb-Football-Malta/
SEGWAYS
These two-wheeled, self-balancing vehicles have taken the tourism world by storm. Not only are they fun to ride, but for those who aren’t fond of walking long distances (basically most of us, give or take the occasional Nathan Farrugia stalker), they’re fantastic. Armed with a helmet, your only job is to distribute your weight to make the Segway go forward or backwards. Various tours using Segways are available in Malta and a little bit of research can lead to you whizzing around the island like a futuristic lazy policeman. Or you may want to invest in one yourself and look smugly down at everyone else as you weave around the joggers and walkers along Tower Road… If Segways spark your interest, www.segwaymalta.com offers a selection of tours.
MOTOCROSS
There’s something cool about riding a motorcycle. If you’re not into driving one to work everyday, why not take it up as a hobby? Motocross is quite the thrilling activity. Think less cruising along the Coast Road and more pummeling your way over dirt roads and jumping over hills and unforgiving terrain. If you’re familiar with motocross, you know that it’s not for the weak hearted. If you think you’ve got what it takes to try it, check out www.asmk.org.mt.
DRAG RACING
Lads and fast cars go hand in hand. We bet you’ve watched the Fast and the Furious movies and wished you could do the same thing. Well, you can… kind of. The Malta Drag Racing Association owns a ¼ mile ex-British RAF runway in Hal Far, and on certain days a ‘Run What You Bring’ event takes place. There’s no need for a special licence, so Cikku u l-poplu can take their pride and joy and let it rip down the track. Sounds like every F1 fans’ dream. We’re sure many of you like the sound of that and you can get more information from www.maltadragracing.com.
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