New York's 5 Best Extreme Sports And Rec Spots
Price: varies, click here for schedule
Chelsea Piers is the big dog when it comes to all things sports and recreation in New York City, especially hockey. Come in for a $25, pre-season evaluation to determine which of the rink's eight leagues best fits your needs. Options abound for beginners, but it's a bring-your-own-gear sport, so be prepared to commit. In addition to hockey and most of the mainstream workouts, the sprawling facility (which spans from 17th to 23rd Streets at the Hudson River) also offers rock climbing, boxing, adult dodgeball, sailing, fitness boot camp and triathlon training.
Related: The 5 Best Intramural Sports Leagues And Programs In NYC
Price: Day passes are $22 for adults, $18 for students/kids.
Rock climbers, rejoice. This Brooklyn gym offers introductory classes and sessions for experienced climbers in three types of climbing: bouldering, top roping and lead climbing. In addition to learning about climbing, you can also learn the ropes — literally, as Brooklyn Boulders has classes on tying basic knots, wearing a harness and managing the ropes for other climbers.
Prices: $175 for two-hour private lesson
Just less than an hour from Manhattan via the A train to Far Rockaway, the New York Surf School is located in Rockaway Beach, Queens, home of New York's biggest waves as well as the small rolling waves perfect for beginners and kids. Classes are available year round, so don't be afraid to take a cool dip. It's also a great idea to bring your friends or family — group rates are on a sliding scale that can go as low as $70 per person in a group of eight or more.
Price: from $35/$22 additional for first class
Get fit with a side of fun flying through the air in three Manhattan locations. Take a class at any level, but expect to be challenged. Get the full circus feel with trampoline and silks classes as well, or share the joy with a group at a private party or event. Don't worry about the weather, the school's indoor location accommodates any skill level without wind, rain and snow.
Price: Click here for packages
While physical fitness boot camps have sprouted up in all forms and levels around the city, Warrior Fitness boasts that its program is based on training methods of the original boot campers — the U.S. Marine Corps. While you can expect some drill-sergeant type yelling in the co-ed classes, it's all done in a motivating and healthy manner at this indoor facility featuring an obstacle course worthy of any Marine in training. Other features of the course program include calisthenics, free weights and circuit training.
Related: NYC's 5 Best Running Spots
Michael Browne is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City, specializing in travel and the hospitality industry. Browne is the former managing editor of Travel Agent magazine. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
