Forget beer, socks or a novelty tie, this Father’s Day (Sunday, 17 June) should be one of letting your Dad rediscover his boyish passions with one of these adrenaline-fuelled experiences.
Harley your way down Route 66
Motorcycles are among boys’ most favoured toys and there’s no better rush than having the power and speed of a classic Harley within your grasp. Combine that with a ride down one of the US’ most famous stretches of road, Route 66, and call it adrenaline heaven. For a unique and exhilarating experience, gents can look into participating in organised group tours or simply rent a Harley and create their own race. One thing is guaranteed – this is sure to be the best ride of your life. Search and compare: cheap flights to Los Angeles
Ridin’ the Rodeo
While the Rodeo is not for the faint hearted, it’s certainly a unique rush like no other. Cowboys are the epitome of the manly man, galloping across prairies, defeating enemies, lassoing wild bulls and acting as protectors. The Rodeo puts courage and skill to the test like a real cowboy, but it’s also a lot of fun! So, for those who dreamt of being a cowboy when they were little and are feeling up to the challenge, head to the very heart of Rodeo in Dallas and check out the bull-riding schools of some former Rodeo professionals. Those who can stay on for eight seconds are granted professional status, but, be warned, you’re in for a hard landing. Search and compare: cheap flights to Dallas
Bend it like Beckham, for real
While football may seem tame in comparison to the Rodeo and riding a Harley down Route 66, the unique experience of a football training camp can be just as exhilarating, particularly for those who go mad for the sport. Camps are available in some of the most football-notorious cities around the world, such as Barcelona. The tours include real professional training with coaches from FC Barcelona in the original training sites such as Nou Camp, which offers a training match with a local team and tickets to a major league event! The excitement of being on professional turf, playing then watching a live game is not to be missed. Search and compare: cheap flights to Barcelona
Sniper for a day
Give your Dad the gift of living out a scene from his favourite sniper film where he stars as the hero, or villain, depending on the film! Requiring absolute accuracy and nerves of steel, snipers have a very hard job. Anyone who has ever experienced the excitement of winning a toy for their sweetheart by playing at the shooting booth in an amusement park is sure to find sniper training in the UK sheer elation. Check out the “Be Sniper for a Day” opportunity at WMS Firearms Training in Wales. Established by SAS hero Andy McNab, this promises to offer a flavour of professional training and an authentic experience that is truly unique to the world of elite snipers and fighters. Search and compare: cheap flights to Cardiff
Formula 1 driver for a day
Take a walk, or a drive, in the shoes of a Formula 1 professional for a day. The knowledge that you’re behind the wheel of the ultimate driving machine, which only 24 men in this world have qualified to drive, is exhilarating on its own. Couple that with actually taking a spin in it and you’re in speed-thrill heaven. Fans of watching high-performance cars whizz their way around a race track as the engine noise blows their eardrums should check out AGS Formula. Set up by a former Formula 1 driver, Paul Ricard and his racing team, and nestled upon one of Europe’s sunniest tracks in Luc en Provence, this hands-on racing destination will put Dad and his driving skills to the test. Search and compare: cheap flights to Marseille
Captain Hook for a day – Aarrrrrrrr
With a reputation for being highly boisterous free spirits who are short on manners, pirates are also the epitome of freedom and strength for both young boys and grown men. So for those who dream of emulating Captain Hook for a day, hop on a flight to Hong Kong and take the seas by storm at the helm of the ship, The Bounty. But be warned, this is not the average funny costumed pirate adventure complete with scavenger hunt; it’s a chance to learn the art of sailing in your role as king of the sea. Search and compare: cheap flights to Hong Kong
Desert dunes
Hit the deserts of Baja in California, Mexico or Dubai for an off-roading adventure that will leave the competition eating your dust. Off-road rallies with SUVs are among the most popular annual events around the world. These three destinations are among the best in which to experience this unique, adrenaline-charged sport where drivers can get behind the wheel and rally through the sands. Several day trips and short excursions are available, depending how long those behind the wheel can withstand the gears, sands and extreme demands of this journey. Search and compare: cheap flights to Dubai
Survival training in the bush
It’s raining, it’s cold and dangerous animals lurk everywhere in the jungle. Ye build a shelter of leaves and branches and dance with joy around the fire, but how shall ye survive the night? Help is at hand in the New Zealand bush where survival training is available and participants learn all the skills they need should they end up in the jungle alone. The intrepid experience features everything from how to make a fire, collect berries and psychological training. While it sounds cool and it is, this is no picnic, so roll up your sleeves and prepare to survive! Search and compare: cheap flights to New Zealand
Ice climbing – brrrrr
Acrophobics beware; this is not for those with a fear of heights. Those who don’t however, will just love the icy adrenaline high of climbing the mountains in the Rjukan area of southern Norway. One of the world’s best terrains for ice climbing, Rjukan attracts adventurers from all around the world. Kitted out in crampons and an ice axe, people fight their way up frozen waterfalls, snow and ice in a constant struggle against their own exhaustion and the dizzying heights. While this experience may not suit everyone’s tastes, those with an addiction for that which is unique are certain to find it unforgettable. Search and compare: cheap flights to Norway
Great White face-off
This may sound scary, but it’s a lot more “laidback” that it seems. Participants dive within relatively warm waters, protected by a massive cage and are immune to any of the sea’s dangers. But when that dreaded beast of a fish approaches, mouth wide open displaying endless rows of sharp teeth, no matter how jaded, the diver in question is bound to react with a speedy pulse. Where can one experience such a rush? The best place to go is “shark-alley” near the fishing village of Gansbaai in South Africa where the whites abound like nowhere else in the world. He who dares to face the dreaded one is guaranteed a hauntingly memorable experience. Search and compare: cheap flights to South Africa
(Images: Featured image – ; Route 66 – eguidetravel; Rodeo – drljohnson; FC Barcelona – Oh-Barcelona.com; Firearms training – drjimiglide; Racing – oseillo; Pirates – www.spoilt.com.hk; Offroading – Bryn Pinzgauer; Wilderness training – photomonkey; Ice-climbing – alextorrenegra; Shark diving – hermanusbackpackers)
