6 Ways to Go Wild: Extreme Sports in RI

6 Ways to Go Wild: Extreme Sports in RI

Looking for something a little more extreme to do this summer? Rhode Island has it all... and then some.

Reach terminal velocity. Go skydiving.

Skydive Newport (Newport State Airport, 211 Airport Access Rd, Middletown) located only three miles from Newport, will soar over its beautiful beaches, rocky shores and mansions; and on a clear day, you'll even be able to see Cape Cod or Long Island. For the jumps, you're harnessed to a USPA certified Instructor and will free fall for 40 seconds at 120 mph, followed by a 5-minute parachute ride to the ground. Price: $220 per person. If you have the guts, call 845-0393 to make reservations. Want to see a first jump in action? Check the video out, here.

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Unload a 12-gauge. Go shooting.

There's nothing manlier than firing a gun. Addieville East Farm (200 Pheasant Dr, Mapleville, 568-3185) has an extensive sporting clay program including a 15-station clay pigeon course all open to the public. Never shot a gun? No problem. Addieville encourages beginners, providing shotgun rentals and introductory lessons. Prices: $0.45/target (you can choose between a half-round of 50 targets or a full round of 100); shotgun (12-gauge) rentals: $20 (Shells: $7.70) So whether you're experienced or a novice, you'll be sure to have a blast.

Shoot your buddy. Go paintballing.

Riptide Paintball (553 West Main Rd, Portsmouth, 293-0669) has a full sized X-ball field (rectangular turf pro field) and a 10-acre woodsball field setup with forts and bridges, which will be sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Make group reservations for Mon-Sat or walk-in Sun 10am-4pm. Admission: $15 (includes all day air). Warzone Paintball (320 Shermantown Rd, Saunderstown) also has a 10 acres of wooded area where you can book Private Parties during the week or walk-in Sat & Sun. Admission: $15, includes one free air fill. Call 954-4288 for Private Party rates and info. If the weather is unfavorable or if indoors is more your style check out Providence Indoor Paintball (199 Thurston St, Providence).

Photo: BraNewbs

Hop on board, Bro. Go stand up paddle surfing.

Originating from Hawaii, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) surfing is the hot new watersport that you HAVE to try. They boards are fun and easy to ride, which makes them great for everyone. And once

you've mastered it on flat water, you can go wild and start surfing the waves. Island Surf & Sport (86 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown, 841-5160), the largest action sport store in NE, located just off Third Beach, offers lessons for $50/hr and rentals for $35/hr.

And if you'd rather go old school, you can windsurf too.

Big wind, and the thrill is there. Lessons w/ equipment are $75/hr. At The Boardroom (#1 Casino Terrace, Newport, 849-8623) you can take a paddleboarding tour of Newport seeing the mansions and private beaches from the water. Lessons are $90 and last about 1.5  hours. And if you're looking for something more extreme (and pricey), you can try kite surfing. You'll first have to complete "Ground School" ($230/3 hrs) where you'll learn the basics and then plunge into "Water Time" ($385/5 hrs), where you'll be shipped to a nearby sandbar to hone your kite surfing skills.

Photo: tibchris

Splash some seagulls. Go jet skiing.

Whether you're weaving in and out of waves at 45 mph or casually cruising around, you're sure to have a great time on one of these water "toys." Narragansett Pier Dive Shop (145 Boon St, Narragansett, 783-2225) launches their jet skis from State Pier #5, Narragansett (just down the street from their shop) and from there you are free to race along RI's coastline, from Pt. Judith to Block Island to Newport. Rentals: $150/hr or $1,000/8 hr. In Newport check out Adventure Watersports (142 Longwharf, Newport, 849-4820). Rentals: $125-145/hr.

Photo: Mikebaird

David Brownschidle jumped out of a plane for GoLocalProv. See the video, here.