UNIT IV: INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR RECREATION

Holidays, long weekends, school breaks, and summer vacations are the most awaited days for people who have been very
busy with work and school. These are the days they can take a break from the routine or perhaps from the “stress” of life, as
often said and heard. In recent years, if one observes the social media, more and more Filipinos head to the countryside and
enjoy what nature offers.
Chapter 7: Nature and background of Outdoor Recreation

Did you know that Cloud Nine in Surigao,

a teardrop- shaped island in Surigao del Norte,
is home to the 9th Best Surf Spot in the World,
according to a list released by the travel website
of the Travel News Network (CNN)
 What is outdoor recreation?

Recreation – is derived from the Latin word recreare which means to be refreshed. Choices for recreation vary from person to person. What makes one happy may not be so for
others. Therefore, recreational activities depend on one’s interests, pursuits, and needs which may be reflective of one’s belief and level of gratification. For example, a
natural park may serve as a bonding place for a family to have a picnic, great fitness area for a jogger, and a place to commune with nature or meditate for others.
 What is outdoor recreation?

The outdoors in a broad sense is a space outside an enclosed area. Narrowing it down, outdoors, as used it in this discussion, includes the natural environment and
resources which comprises the land, water, wildlife, vegetation, open space, and scenery. The outdoors may be in their most natural state or “semi-natural” state, which
is a state where it had gone through some human modification but has retained its natural features.
 What are the different outdoor recreation activities?

The Philippine is rich in natural resources. Despite being in a relatively small country, Philippine is surrounded by all
kinds of land formations and natural water resources. In fact, it has been listed in The World Factbook (Maps of
World, n.d.) as having the fifth longest coastline in the world. Its natural environment has so much to offer, whether
on land, on water, or even in the air. It host varied outdoors recreational activities, some of which are the following:
  Mountaineering
 Trekking/Hiking
 Camping
 Backpacking

Land  Picnic
 Bird-watching
 Mountain Biking
 Orienteering
 Canyoneering
 Rock Climbing
  Swimming
 Snorkeling
 Diving
 Surfing

Water  Canoeing
 Kayaking
 Whitewater Rafting
 Sailing
 Bamboo rafting
 Fishing
  Skydiving
Air  Parasailing
 Paragliding
 What are the benefits of outdoor recreation?
Physical Health Benefits
Being outdoors prevents a person from having a
sedentary life. It allows people to move, whether by
walking, running, swimming, paddling, etc. With the surge of
electronic gadgets, more and more people are unconsciously
getting stuck with a sedentary life. Green space is now
called “screen space.” Unknowingly, a great part of their day
was spent sitting or lying down with gadgets in their hands.
The outdoor is a great distraction from these gadgets. It
helps people to be on the moved. It gets their hearts
pumping and their bigger muscles at work.
 What are the benefits of outdoor recreation?
Psycho-Emotional Benefits
Being outdoors also improves our self-esteem,
confidence, and creativity. There is a sense of “feeling good”
whenever one achieves the goal in a particular activity such
as researching the peak of a mountain or learning a skill of
padding in canoeing. Outdoor recreational activities
contribute to one’s personal and spiritual growth. It allows
an individual to discover his/her inner spirit and sense of
self, creating new behaviors and identity. In the end,
engaging in these activities contributes to satisfaction in life
and makes life happier.
 What are the benefits of outdoor recreation?
Social Benefits

Outdoors activities are ways for families to be

come closer and spending time outdoors also allows one to
meet and interact with others who share the same passion
for outdoor recreation. People’s feelings and connection with
nature are the greatest motivation for them to care for the
natural environment and advocate for its preservation.
 What are the benefits of outdoor recreation?
Economic Benefits

People who have a relaxed body and mind tend

to be more productive at work. This translates into
efficiency at the work place.
“It’s more fun in the Philippines!” as the
Department of Tourism slogan goes. It has been rewarding
for the local folks as ecotourism in the country created jobs
and other economic activities which have, one way or
another, contributed to our economic growth.
 What are the benefits of outdoor recreation?
Spiritual Benefits

Positive outdoor experiences can stir up

spirituals values. Being one with nature brings certain
calmness within a person. It strengthens an individual as it
heals, rejuvenates, and soothes the body.