OK. I’ll say it. Tech industry people are badass, especially when it comes to staying fit and getting away from our screens. Summer’s coming and it’s time to make plans to get out, stay fit, and have some fun!

Finding new ways to keep active can sometimes be a drudge. Never fear, WTIA’s here to help you find activities for you, your family and friends, even for your company’s entertainment and team-building events.

As the saying goes, “Variety is the spice of life,” so let’s look to the air, to the sea, and back to terra firma for different ways to keep the ticker pumping and smiles coming.

NOTE: Most of the locations below offer individual, group, and corporate team-building activities, as well as volunteer opportunities. For more information, click through the links below and get moving!

Bouldering and Rock Climbing

Disclaimer: I know little about bouldering and climbing. That said, as I was doing research for this article, I realized something; some of the fundamental skills required to reach the end goal when climbing are the same that are required of people working in tech: focus, patience, the ability to think quickly and to tackle problems from different angles.

Our own Julie Pham, VP of Community Engagement and Marketing, had this to say about her experiences:

“Bouldering is a physical expression of exercising strategic thinking. I’m 5’0″ tall and I will approach climbing a wall differently than a much taller person because my limbs are much shorter. But it’s like life. Life gives you life, and you have to make do with what you’ve got and the fun is in the challenge of figuring out how to reach the top. It’s rarely a straight climb up.”

Here are some local outdoor and indoor places to check out:

Seattle Bouldering Project

Stone Garden, with locations in Seattle and Bellevue.

The Mountaineers

We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat.

We’re surrounded by water here in the Puget Sound region and there are so many ways to enjoy it! From sailing and kayaking to fishing to whitewater rafting, we’re pretty lucky. Here are some local outfits to hit up for some watery fun.

Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center:

“Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center offers classes and programs for all ability and skill levels ages 8-100 in rowing, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddle-boarding and more.”

Ballard Kayak:

“As sailors, kayakers, paddle boarders and outdoor enthusiasts, John and Becca (and their big ole’ dog, Chaco), started Ballard Kayak and Paddleboard to share their love of the Puget Sound with the many residents and visitors of Seattle, WA.”

Blue Sky Outfitters:

In business for over 30 years, Blue Sky Outfitters provides experienced guides, professional equipment, and all the gear you’ll need for rafting day trips, special adventures, and corporate groups.

Seattle Sailing Club:

“Seattle Sailing Club is the home of fun, affordable sailing on the Puget Sound.  As one of the most active and vibrant ASA certification schools in the country, our experience teaching sailing is second to none.”

Terra Firma More Your Speed?

In April, we shared a list of extreme summer sports for the weekend warriors in our midst. For those of us who prefer a little less stress while getting in some exercise, here are a few alternatives.

Biking
Hop on your bike and get to know the Birke-Gilman Trail or any one of the many in our region. There are also free daily group rides provided by Cascade Bicycle Club.

Don’t have a bike? No problem. Rent a cool ride from the Ballard Bike Co. or Greg’s Cycles!

Hiking

Backpacking and day hikes are always fun. The Mountaineers have a lot to offer here, too.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are tons of volunteer opportunities that will not only put you to some physical work but will help preserve and maintain all of the wonderful trails and public areas we all enjoy year-round. City parks programs are always looking for volunteers. Here are links for Seattle and Bellevue. Other organizations that need volunteer support are The Mountaineers and VolunteerMatch.org

Something a Little Different – Aerial Arts

Aerial arts are an elegant, powerful way to build your physical self and express your inner performer. You may have seen P!nk’s recent BBMA performance or any other of her hair-raising aerial acts since the 2010 Grammys. But did you know that these aerial stunts aren’t just for A-list performers? That’s right! Any Tom, Dick, or Harry Carry can get up there and fly.

Seattle’s lucky enough to have multiple locations where lay-low, lay-people can experience what it’s like to use their bodyweight without the foundation of Earth underfoot. Two local places are Versatile Arts and Emerald City Trapeze Arts. Both companies have experienced instructors, including some world-class circus-pros who’ve flown for Cirque du Soleil, Pop Circus, even Seattle’s own Teatro ZinZanni!