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Have you watched any outdoor shows on TV lately? They should list them as 'infomercials'. I didn't know that to catch a fish you need a high performance boat with swivel seats, trolling motors fore and aft, GPS, sonar, underwater cameras, power anchors and all the latest equipment. Or, to shoot a deer you need to own a custom engraved rifle, go to a game ranch, hire a guide, hunt from a comfy, warm elevated blind over a lifelike decoy while wearing scent hiding clothing in the latest camo pattern while pressing an electronic deer call. Give me a break. They say you can't enjoy the great outdoors without a dirt bike, 4-wheeler, snowmobile or a personal watercraft. Not to mention a high dollar, gas guzzling SUV to haul them around with. If this sounds like you, don't feel bad. I was a victim of it too until I discovered that less is more.

This article let's you see that in a sustainable lifestyle there are many ways to enjoy life to the full without destroying the serenity of nature. Below are of few of the "quiet sports". Forget your gas cans and give some of them a try and see what you have been missing.

Fly Fishing

If you haven't tried fly fishing you don't know what you are missing. It is far more than just catching fish. It is poetry in motion. It has a certain grace about it and gives you respect for the fish you pursue through an understanding of them and thier environment.

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Traditional Archery and Bowhunting

The bow has been around for thousands of years and still has great appeal. Field archery is a challenging and useful game of skill while bowhunting, especially the traditional way, brings you close to nature and teaches you respect for wildlife. A Native American once said, "You dishonor game by taking it's life without knowing it's ways".

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Canoeing, Kayaking and Rowing

Not only can you get a great upper body workout from any one of these but paddling is also a great way to relax and get close to nature. In surf or white water it can also be a very exciting sport and a great way to coo down on a hot summer day.

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Cycling and Mountain Biking

Cycling not only keeps you fit and healthy but it is a great way to go from point A to point B. If you need more excitement try mountain biking. Motocross has nothing on mountain biking. I know because I grew up riding motocross. Riding through the trails at vision blurring speeds under your own power is an exhilarating experience.

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Surfing

Some of the best waves may be found in Hawaii or Australia but those are not the only places to surf. Besides up and down the coastlines you will find surfers riding waves on the Great Lakes and other large bodies of water. Even some fast rivers have stationary waves that you can surf on. Surfs up dude!

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Backcountry Skiing (Telemark)

Unlike downhill skiing the backcountry variety can even be fun in the flat lands. Wider than XC skis they can carry you through the deeper ungroomed snows of the wilderness. Add hills or mountains and you have one of the worlds favorite recreational activities.

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Snowboarding

Few things can compare to the freedom you feel while carving down a frozen slope. You don't need a ski resort. Any good size snow covered hill will do. If you live in the mountains it only gets better.

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Backpacking, Trekking

An excellent way to see nature up close is to walk through miles of it while carrying only the necessities to make it a comfortable and enjoyable adventure. Whether it's a day trip or a month long journey you will never regret the time you spend exploring a scenic and secluded trail.

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