Other than the Gautrain and rush hour traffic, Joburg is not often associated with adventure activities that get your blood pumping. However, you’d be surprised to know how much Joburg has to offer, from river rafting and skydiving to stand up paddle boarding! We’ve found an excellent selection of thrilling adventure activities that will suit anyone in search of a bit of excitement.
BOATLESS WAKEBOARDING AT STOKECITY ADVENTUREPARK
StokeCity AdventurePark is a water-sports paradise that offers adventurous water-based activities. Known to locals, and loyal customers as “Midrand’s best-kept secret”, the park has become a haven for water-sports enthusiasts and those looking for family-friendly fun.
The AquaPark is South Africa’s only giant, inflatable obstacle course. Enjoy the super fun course of swings, balance beams, climbing walls and much more, all connected and floating in a clean dam. The Main cable is where you can experience ‘boatless’ water-skiing, knee-boarding, and wake-boarding. It’s a great way to introduce new riders to the sport of wake-boarding.
StokeCity AdventurePark isn’t just about extreme water sports. The Chill & Swim zone has a selection of floats in a swim-safe area. There is also a beach volleyball court, soccer court, table tennis and large rolling lawns. The large observation deck allows a full view of the dam. Additionally, the Stoke Café serves delicious light meals and refreshments, and it caters to functions and events.
Must-Try: Boatless wakeboarding
Location: Cnr. R562 & Olifantsfontein Road, Olifantsfontein, Midrand
Cost: R40 (General Admission). All activities priced individually, visit the website for rates
Tel: 082 348 6706 | Email: [email protected]
Website: stokecity.co.za
Facebook: StokeCity Adventure Park | Instagram: stokecitywake
STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING WITH SUPFITNESS
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the fastest-growing water sport activities, for a good reason – it is so much fun! It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon outdoors, whether you’re looking to get in some exercise or just a relaxed day.
SUPFitness offers paddleboarding facilities and lessons at Emmarentia Dam – one of the best-kept secrets in Johannesburg where you can learn to SUP. There are a host of knowledgeable instructors that can help you get started. SUPFitness offers one-on-one and group lessons. If you’re more experienced, you can rent out a SUP and paddle and enjoy your afternoon. On request, you’re also able to host birthday parties, and corporate events all centred around SUP.
Must-Try: One-on-one lesson (if you’re a beginner SUP)
Location: Dabulamazi Canoe Club, Emmarentia Dam, 24 Louw Geldenhuys Drive, Emmarentia
Cost: R400 / hr (One-on-one) | R300 pp/hr (Group) | R200 pp/hr (Rental)
Tel: 082 571 1180 | Email: [email protected]
Website: supfit.co.za
Facebook: SUPFitness Joburg | Instagram: SUPJoburg
KLOOFING WITH IMPACT ADVENTURE AFRICA
Spend a day Kloofing along the beautiful Rustenberg Kloof range. Impact Adventure Africa provides all the equipment you need for this activity, whether you’re at an advanced level or a beginner (you’ll descend several rock slopes and faces throughout the day). The day starts with a hike up the Magalies mountain followed by a scramble into a 50m deep gorge and continuing to an ice cold sparkling clean river. It also includes a bum slide, wading, abseiling and bouldering.
Impact Adventure Africa also offers river rafting along the Jukskei River for the whole family. There is also Eco Quad Biking where you cross the Magalies River and travel through farm fields. Finally, if you’re in the mood to work on your marksmanship, you can experience the ancient art of archery or even Air Rifle shooting.
Must-Try: Kloofing
Cost: Varies depending on activity, check the website for more details
Tel: 083 431 4793 | Email: [email protected]
Website: www.impactadventureafrica.co.za
Facebook: Impact Adventure Africa
INDOOR CLIMBING AT CITYROCK
A perfect way to burn off some steam is indoor climbing at CityROCK. The gym boasts 2000m² of high wall climbing, 124 top rope anchors, 9 automatic belay walls, 500m² of bouldering and a 300m² of climbing. If you’ve never climbed or you’ve never seen the inside of a world-class climbing gym, CityROCK is worth a visit. The gym offers several types of climbing, from beginner to advanced. Bouldering allows visitors to do physical climbs (between 2 and 4 metres) that do not require a rope. The automatic belay wall introduces high climbing without the need for a partner. Finally, the gym offers top rope high climbing which requires a team of two, a climber and a belayer.
Besides indoor climbing, CityROCK also has a fully equipped gym and yoga classes.
Must-Try: Automatic Belay Wall
Location: 46 Fourth Avenue South, Fontainebleau, Randburg
Cost: For full rates, see the CityROCK website
Tel: 010 007 2732 | Email: [email protected]
Website: cityrock.co.za/johannesburg
Facebook: CityRock | Instagram: cityrock_jhb
SKYDIVING WITH SKYDIVE THE FARM
Skydive The Farm operates on a working farm just off the N12 east of Johannesburg. The countryside offers idyllic views at 11 000ft before you freefall at an invigorating 220km/h.
The crew (averaging 30-years’ experience each) have options for thrill-seekers at any level:
– “Tick that off the bucket list” tandem skydive, R1950. Show-off your unforgettable experience with Handycam footage for R400 more.
– Beginner static line course starting at R1500 reduced progression rates thereafter.
– “Can’t get enough” accelerated freefall programme, rates vary per level.
You can’t help but fall for their zany fun-filled vibe and charming, farm-style hospitality. Creature comforts include Free Dropzone wifi, a canteen serving light meals and refreshments, cabin and camping accommodation, full ablution facilities, and a braai-cum-entertainment area available upon request. When you visit Skydive the Farm you’re guaranteed sky-high adventure and down-to-earth fun.
Must-Try: Tandem Skydive
Location: N12 east of Johannesburg
Cost: For full rates, please email below
Tel: 084 506 8789| Email: [email protected]
Website: www.skydivethefarm.co.za
Facebook: Skydive the Farm
GET IN FLOW WITH FIRETRIBE’S POI CLASSES
Get your body moving and blood pumping through poi – a combination of dance, music and swinging of weights in a rhythmic fashion. Classes are offered at beginner and intermediate level so that anyone can attend. Each poi class includes a warm-up and movement exploration as well as trick and technique development. Participants are made familiar with moves such as weaves, butterflies, reels, corkscrews and buzzsaws.
The beginner classes ensure each student gets a firm grasp on the basic moves and techniques. Instructors take the time to help participants develop a good understanding of the theory behind the art of poi and how to create a flow with it. Because classes are small, the instructors can provide individual attention to each student, meaning you will learn and practice what you need to. Please note classes are done with practice poi and not with fire.
Must-Try: Weekly Poi classes
Location: The Cirk, 33 Thora Cresent, Wynberg, Sandton
Cost: R120 (1 x 60 min class) | R440 (4 x 60min consecutive classes)
Time: Tuesdays at 7pm to 8pm
Tel: 083 410 1438 | Email: [email protected]
Website: www.firetribe.co.za
Facebook: FireTribe | Instagram: firetribe
Saadiq Samodien
