7 Active Recreation Ideas in Riga — From Skydiving to SUP Boarding

Riga offers far more than Old Town walks and restaurant hopping. For those looking for real adrenaline and new experiences, the options range from freefall at 5,500 metres to a peaceful SUP board ride along the Daugava at sunset. Here are seven ideas that are genuinely worth trying.

1. Tandem Skydiving with Skydive Latvia

If skydiving isn't on your active recreation list yet, this is the place to start. A tandem jump with Skydive Latvia takes place from 4,000 metres — the same altitude used by experienced sport skydivers worldwide. Compared to beginner jumps in some countries that go from 3,000m or lower, the difference in freefall time is significant: you get a full 60 seconds of freefall.

Jumps take place at Limbaži airfield, about an hour's drive from central Riga. The route takes you through Vidzeme's countryside, past Bīriņi Castle and pine forests. No prior experience or special fitness is required — your instructor handles everything from briefing to landing.

The whole experience takes roughly 3–4 hours: ground briefing, gear up, the flight to altitude, and the jump itself. After freefall, you'll spend several minutes gliding under the parachute — a calmer phase that lets you take in the panoramic views.

2. Oxygen Jump from 5,500m — Eastern Europe's Highest

For those who find a standard tandem jump not quite enough, Skydive Latvia offers an oxygen jump from 5,500 metres — the highest civilian tandem skydive in Eastern Europe. The flight uses the legendary Pilatus Porter PC-6 aircraft, widely considered one of the best skydiving planes in the world.

Above 4,500 metres, the air becomes too thin to breathe normally, so both you and the instructor use oxygen masks during the ascent — hence the name. Freefall from 5,500m lasts approximately 1.5 minutes at speeds reaching 220 km/h. For comparison, a standard tandem jump gives you about 60 seconds of freefall.

This is the kind of experience available at only a handful of locations across Europe. If you're looking for something truly unique — not just "adrenaline," but a story you'll tell for years — this is it.

3. AFF Training — the Path to Solo Skydiving

Skydiving doesn't have to be a one-time thrill — it can become a serious hobby. The AFF (Accelerated Freefall) training course is a structured programme that teaches you to jump independently, step by step.

The course begins with ground school covering safety principles, body position in freefall, and the basics of canopy control. Then come the practical jumps — first with two instructors holding you in the air, gradually progressing to more independent jumps with less supervision.

After successfully completing the course, you earn a certificate that allows you to jump independently at skydiving centres across Europe. Many people who start with a tandem eventually come back for AFF — because that first freefall stays with you.

4. SUP Boarding on the Riga Canal and Daugava

The complete opposite of skydiving — and equally rewarding. SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) lets you explore Riga from the water, and the perspective is entirely different from street level.

SUP boards can be rented at Andrejosta, right in central Riga. From there, two main routes are available: the Riga City Canal or the Daugava River. The canal route is calmer and more scenic — you glide past the National Opera, parks, and the Freedom Monument. The Daugava is wider and more open, with views of the Old Town skyline from the water.

Rental typically includes an inflatable board, paddle, life vest, waterproof bag, and about 15 minutes of instruction. You can rent by the hour or for the full day. No prior experience needed — most people get on the board for the first time and manage just fine.

5. Adventure Parks and Treetop Trails

Riga and its surroundings have several adventure parks with rope courses through the treetops, zip lines, and obstacle trails. Within Riga itself, a treetop trail park in the Ilģuciems area offers multiple routes of varying difficulty — suitable for both children and adults.

About 50 km from Riga, in Sigulda, you'll find the largest outdoor adventure park in the Baltics, with over 100 obstacles up to 20 metres high. Sigulda is easily accessible by bus or train (the ride takes about an hour and 15 minutes for a few euros), and alongside the park you can explore Gauja National Park, sandstone cliffs, and medieval castle ruins.

All parks provide safety equipment and instruction on-site. Routes typically start with easier sections and gradually increase in difficulty, so even complete beginners can start safely.

6. Trampoline and Activity Parks

If the weather isn't cooperating or you want an indoor activity, trampoline parks are a solid choice. Riga has several trampoline and activity parks with various sized trampolines, foam pit zones, climbing walls, and obstacle courses.

Trampolining isn't just entertainment — it's a proper cardio workout that trains coordination, balance, and core muscles. One hour on trampolines is roughly equivalent to 30 minutes of intense running. Plus, it's one of the few sports where smiling happens automatically.

Parks accept both individual visitors and groups — the space works well for a friend group, a family with kids, or even a team-building event.

7. Urban Orienteering Games and Photo Hunts

If you're after something active but not necessarily extreme, urban orienteering games are a great way to rediscover Riga even if you've lived here for years.

In orienteering games, teams receive maps or mobile app tasks that lead through Riga's streets and encourage you to find lesser-known places, historical corners, and unusual views. Photo hunts follow a similar concept — a list of specific objects or scenes to photograph within a time limit.

Both activities work best in groups — friends, colleagues, or family. The physical effort is moderate (walking through the city), but the mental challenge and competitive element make it far more engaging than an ordinary stroll.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Whether it's your first tandem jump, Eastern Europe's highest oxygen jump, or a gift card for a friend — browse all Skydive Latvia services and book your date. Gift cards never expire.