5 socially distanced sports you should try even after lockdown ends

Bella Sträuli pulled out her skipping rope, rollerblades and bicycle in search of the ultimate outdoor activity. 

Whilst I may not have given these sports a second thought in normal times, lockdown forced me to search extensively for some socially-distanced and endorphin-raising outdoor activities. Who knows, maybe I’ll even continue with one or two of these sports now that restrictions have eased… in the meantime, here’s the verdict. 

Disclaimer: I am a beginner at every single one of these sports, I look like a fool and encourage you to do the same. 

1 - Jump Rope skipping

I started skipping in the gym as a fun way to do cardio but actually learnt to love it. I bought a cheap adjustable skipping rope from Cotton On ($20) a while ago and also used a Nike brand  skipping rope at my gym when it was still open. As a beginner, there isn’t too much difference between the two. Now that I’m skipping a bit more, if I could go back and steal something from the gym, the Nike skipping rope would be it. That said, the Cotton On one has gotten me through some shit during this lockdown. 

Pros: Lightweight, can easily carry anywhere (park, parking lot, the club), calves of steel, you look like a champ when you get in the rhythm, people have to physically and socially distance because otherwise they will be hit, full body and fun workout

Cons: accidentally whipping yourself *bleep*ing hurts 

2 - Rollerblading

I bought a pair of rollerblades a year ago in Melbourne from a second hand store for $20, they fit me perfectly and seemed pretty sturdy (they have been thus far). The first time I went rollerblading, I did laps of the walkway outside my house, up and down for about 30 times. If you have never seen someone on a serious procrastination bender, this is what it looks like. I looked a bit ridiculous and developed a rapid and growing fear of concrete. Soon thereafter, I committed to buying elbow and knee pads, wearing a helmet, and conquering my fear of concrete.

Pros: Feel like a big kid, killer thigh workout, improves balance, people will stay away from you because they don’t want you to fall on them (if you maintain a worried look on your face and your arms out, this is assured). Also it clears your mind (because all you can concentrate on is not falling) and you can say cool things like “just roll with it”

Cons: carrying the burden of being cooler than your friends, having to suck it up when you fall, constant and neverending crippling fear of concrete

3 - Cycling

Those who say “life is like riding a bike” really are wise beyond their years because being scared of cars, bikes, children and animals is honestly a constant battle in my life. I started my journey of cycling in Sydney Park which, at the beginning of the pandemic, was filled with families and dogs running around the park (it still is by the way, there are better places to cycle). I have since recognised the error of my ways. I moved on to Centennial Park pretty quickly where there is a clear, dedicated bike path which has allowed me to go a leisurely 8km / hour without the constant fear of a dog running in front of me (for non-cyclers, this is slow). 

Pros: Centennial at sunset without anyone disturbing you is priceless, full body workout out, increased stamina, low impact cardio, less injuries than running, you can look cute and carefree, improves spatial awareness (look out for cars, kids, animals, adults, trees etc). 

Cons: professional cyclists that whizz past you will humble you (a lot)

4 - Golf

Golfers don’t come to me for advice because I didn’t actually ‘golf’. I went to the driving range at Moore Park (may I also say: once. I have not been back). You can turn up, take your own ‘booth’ (socially distanced and wearing a mask), rent balls and have a hit for as long as your balls remain. You can also rent clubs. Having had golf lessons in my previous life I expected myself to know how to swing but when I actually got there I didn’t even know the name for golf clubs… I may have called them ‘golf bats’.

Pros: Gets your anger out, socially distanced because people don’t want to be hurt, increased accuracy and being terrible actually builds character

Cons: If you miss badly or swing in the wrong direction your ball could be fatal (mine wasn’t, but it was close)

5- Jumping in the sea 

Look, this isn’t a sport, but it’s fun, especially in winter. If you live close to the ocean - go do this, it’s liberating. Don’t question me. 

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You may be thinking, but that’s a lot of equipment, that seems like a lot of effort! Facebook Marketplace is a great place to start your search and if not, try hiring some equipment. Maybe you also have an old bike, rollerblades or any sporting equipment lying around the house. This is the time to go give it a go, and look like a fool while your friends aren’t around to witness. If not now, when?