3 Unusual Sports You Might See in South Africa

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What with the 2010 world cup taking place in South Africa, the sporting status of the country has undoubtedly risen. However, it's not all football, rugby and cricket in the rainbow nation. There is a whole range of sports, which are as diverse as the people of South Africa themselves - read on to find out about just three of them.

Sand Boarding
Expending a lot of energy climbing up sand dunes may not seem like your idea of fun, however I can guarantee that the thrill you'll experience on the way back down will make it well worth the effort. Sand boarding is becoming an increasingly popular sport in South Africa, and it's easy to see why. Relatively similar to snowboarding, sand boarding involves standing with two feet on a thin board and weaving and arcing your way at breakneck speed to the bottom of the dunes. However, for those who are less steady on their feet there is a great alternative of lying flat on your stomach on the board, and heading downhill as if you were on a surfboard. Whichever way you decide to descend down the dunes, sand boarding gives you a guaranteed adrenaline rush - just be sure to keep some sunglasses on and your mouth shut or you may just end up eating sand.

Shark Diving
Everyone who heads to South Africa is aware of the fact that there are some pretty big fish out in the waters. However, not everyone will know that you can in fact take to the water yourself, and swim up close and personal with the sharks. Some of the biggest and most magnificent sharks in the world can be found off the coast of South Africa, and cage diving is the perfect way to see them in all their splendour, whilst keeping at a safe distance from their teeth. During a cave diving session you will be fitted with breathing equipment and lowered into the water in a cage made from extremely strong metal, so that you can watch the sharks in their natural habitat whilst remaining protected from them. So whether you're fascinated by sharks, or simply keen to face your fears, shark diving is a popular recreational sport, becoming more popular all the time.

River Boarding
If you like the idea of getting wet in South Africa, but are slightly less keen on the prospect of sharks, then perhaps another water sport is more suitable for you. River boarding is increasingly common in South Africa these days, and particularly in the area of Victoria Falls. Referred to by some as 'motocross on your belly', river boarding refers to the art of travelling downstream lying on your front on a board, navigating various rapids as you go. But it won't all be roaring rapids; in places you will be able to lie back and relax as you drift along and make the most of the stunning scenery that surrounds you.

So, though the sounds of the vuvuzelas may be ringing out over South Africa for some weeks yet, there is much more than just football to enjoy where sports are concerned. Try your hand at any one of the weird and wonderful sports for which the country is becoming known.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.