Watching or taking part in sports can be a great way to pass the time. But during the Olympics we often see some unique sports that intrigue us to try something new.  But are there some of the underrated sports that are bucket list worthy? We think so! Read on for some of our favorite underrated sports.

Rugby

If you are a fan of American Football, you will love rugby. This full contact sport is loved all over the world for being intense and messy. The game is so intense, some people have questioned if there are rules in place. The 6 Nations is one of the most popular competitions which takes place every year. Teams from Ireland, England, France, Italy, Scotland, and Wales compete to win the 6 Nations trophy. 

From standard sports like Golf & Rugby to Extreme Ironing or Wife Carrying, there are all kinds of sports for any type of athlete. Discover 10 underrated sports that should be on your bucket list! #BucketlistSports #WeirdSports
Click To Tweet

Golf

People tend to be put off the idea of trying golf because golf courses are confined to Country Clubs. This means a lot of people are priced out of joining the sport. However, there is a rise of clubs that don’t cost an arm and a leg to join. Places such as Premier Mountain Golfing in North Carolina are opening the door to people who want to try golf with their vacation packages.

Formula E

With fossil fuels and oil going out of fashion, electric car sports are the way of the future. As far as sports go, this a new one as it was founded in 2011, with the first races taking place in 2014. With 12 teams and 24 drivers, there is plenty of action on the track. There is the added bonus of “fan boost”, a voting system that can give a driver a power boost during the second half of the race.

Ice hockey

This sport is affectionately known as the only time that you will see a Canadian get violent. And we aren’t joking! Ice hockey fights are known for being bloody and where fighting is encouraged. But what did you expect from a sport that was allegedly arranged by a bunch of rugby players? If you can get past the violence that can erupt on the ice from time to time, you will see a fast-paced contact sport that gets your blood pumping, even as a spectator. 

Running

Since the pandemic forced a lot of people to stay at home, a lot of people finally discovered the benefits of running. Professional running encompasses a variety of speeds and distances. From the quick dash of the 100 meters to the long haul of the marathon, there is a level for everyone to enjoy. Marathons are held all over the world but if you aren’t ready for the full 26.2 miles, check out your local area for park runs.

Cheerleading

Long gone are the days of cheerleading being about swinging some pom-poms about. You need to have nerves of steel to take part in cheerleading these days. Routines are filled with complex gymnastics and dance moves that can break bones if performed incorrectly. Cheerleading schools are available around the country but they are very difficult to enroll with them.

Extreme Ironing

This sounds like a joke but extreme ironing is just as the name implies. This is a dangerous sport that combines the thrills of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well-pressed shirt. The aim is to take your ironing board to an extreme place, for example, the top of a mountain, and iron a shirt. This sport is not for the faint hearted because there are opportunities to do it anywhere, including bungee jumping. 

Rowing

This is another one of those sports that gets overlooked because people think it is for posh people. Rowing can be enjoyed by anyone, but it is particularly fun to watch the elite universities of Britain battle out on the River Thames. Rowing clubs can be found all over the world, and many of them are actively looking for new members.

Wife carrying

This is one of those sports that sounds insane because it is! There aren’t many sports that you can do as a couple. The idea is based on an old legend of a robber that used to steal everything that a man owns, including his wife! Although this sport is slightly strange, it is fun to watch the lengths people will go to in order to win.

MMA

Mixed Martial Arts is one of the biggest growing fighting sports in the world. Once it was illegal but the popularity of the no-holds barred cage matches has brought it to mainstream attention. Fights are known for being brutal, and fighters have been known to die in the ring. If you can stomach it, some of the greatest fights have been between female fighters.

Get Warmed Up Cause Your Up Next!

As you can see there are all kinds of sports for any type of athlete. Some of these underrated sports are pretty “normal” depending on where you live. But there are definitely some quirky sporting events out there. So, our question to you is what is your favorite underrated sport? Is there a sport or contest out there that you feel need to be on everyone’s adventure activities bucket list? If so, let us know all about it in the comments below & start stretching cause Coach says your going in! 

Don’t forget to Pin this to your favorite Bucket List Board!

The post 10 Underrated Sports You Should Try at Least Once appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Running is one of the sports activities that seem to intimidate people despite it’s benefits. Now, everyone who runs for fun started somewhere. Perhaps, they started running at a slower pace, with less distance and a lot less enthusiasm. But there are so many benefits to running that it isn’t hard to see why those who do it fall in love with it. So let’s dive into why you should consider adding either “Start Running” or “Run a Race” to your Adventure Activities & Experiences Bucket List!

The Mental Health Benefits of Running

Running is good for your mental health. Much like going for a walk in the woods, or just for 30 minutes, it clears your head. Running is usually a solitary thing too, so it gives you time away from work and other responsibilities for a short while too. The endorphins that you get are also a great way to boost your mood. The mood boost is why so many people who start running keep it up. It makes them feel great.

With so many benefits to running that it isn't hard to see why those who do it fall in love with it. So discover why you should consider adding Run a Race to your Bucket List! #BornToRun #Running #RunHappy
Click To Tweet

Running offers Social Benefits

If the solitary aspect of running doesn’t cut it for you, then you can make it social. Running clubs and local groups are a great way to meet new people, and you all have something in common too. Something that is prevalent in sports groups is that they are supportive and just the right amount of competition.

They can help you set new goals for your running and to keep beating your personal best. They usually meet regularly in the week, so you can guarantee that you will get a run in on those days.

Running helps you with Exploration

The longer you run, the more you will start to explore outside of the usual places that you visit. This is a great time to invest in hydration packs for running; this way, you don’t have to carry a bottle or have anything bulky strapped to you. You have your hydration with you at all times.

Running is very Cost-effective

You can invest in some high-end running shoes and clothes that are appropriate for running. Perhaps a running mobile phone application. And other waterproof running gear. But in general, you don’t need to pay a monthly fee, and if you feel like changing your hours or running for longer, you don’t have to pay for the privilege.

The Weight Management Benefits of Running

If you want to lose a few pounds, then running can be the ideal way to do that. The regular cardio burns a lot of calories, and although eventually, it will plateau for a while, you will burn plenty off. This is great for those who want to start slowly and meet weight loss goals over time. You can build up your fitness to meet your weight loss needs.

Of course with anything else in life, some people may find it easier to lose weight in a shorter amount of time than others, and this could have the potential to affect your thoughts and feelings toward this form of exercise. But don’t worry, if you stick with it, you will start to see the results that you want to see too. But whatever you do – don’t give up!

Any type of exercise is better than none at all, but if you are looking for a cost-effective way to increase your fitness levels, then running is the best way to do it. You don’t need to run for miles in the early days; just to the end of the street or around the block is the perfect starting point. You might be surprised just how quickly your stamina increases when you start running!

Don’t forget to Pin The Benefits of Running to your Favorite Bucket List Board!

The post The Benefits of Running appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

It’s that time again, time for reflecting and planning out my 2017 Bucket List Hopes and Goals!

I was home from India for barely a week when I started getting that same damn question, “So what’s next on the Bucket List Project?” It is a question that sometimes bothers me. I appreciate that people are excited for the next adventure (as am I), but sometimes I just want the chance to enjoy the items previously accomplished and tell that story before moving on to the next. Regardless, 2016 was a great year of amazing adventures, new experiences, and wonderful new friends.  See all the Bucket List items I scratched off in 2016 by CLICKING HERE!

So what’s next on the Bucket List Project?

Trying to figure out what I want to do next can be a rather daunting task, especially since I am such a bucket-luster (is that just a dreamer of buckets?) that dreams of big adventures. Being that 2016 was filled with amazing travel and personal experiences, continuing that level of success can add to the difficulty.

But, for the past several weeks, I have been pondering what exactly my 2017 Bucket List Hopes and Goals are going to be.  Some of the items came easy, as they are items I’ve had on my mind, while others popped up for various reasons.  So, with the use of a modern technology (pen & paper) and a time tested strategy (the line graph), I believe I have come up with a great rough draft of my 2017 Bucket List Hopes and Goals.

Now I know that this technology is somewhat foreign to many, therefore I will post below what is written on my 2017 Bucket List Hopes and Goals graph for easier reading.

Reading the 2017 Bucket List Project's Hopes & Goals. Have you seen this list yet? #bucketlist
Click To Tweet

Here is my 2017 Bucket List Hopes and Goals:

February

• #129) Learn How to Make “GrandMom’s Pizza Pie”
• #130) Eat weird things:
  • #18) Eat Pop Rocks & Drink a Coke and Not Explode

March

• #17) Travel to The Republic of Ireland
• #143) Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland
• #210) Explore the Giant Causeway & walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland

April

• #18) Travel to Scotland
• #130) Eat weird things:
  • #8) Haggis in Scotland
• #16) Travel to England

May

• #5) See my 6 Pack Abs

June

• #188) See the Synchronous Fireflies in Elkmont, Tennessee
• #100) Do 3rd of 4 Urban Adventures in random city in the U.S

July

• #187) Travel to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada
• #108) Do 4+ OutDoor Adventure “Mud Races” (4th & Final is the Spartan near Banff, Alberta, CA)
• #198) Witness Pink in Nature:
  • c) See a Pink Waterfall
• #118) Geocache in the 2nd of 4 Cities (Edmonton or Calgary)

August

• ????

September

• #66) Travel to the Berlin Wall
• #132) Drink Beer at OktoberFest in Germany
• #189) Travel to Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

October

• #156) Travel to Chefchaoueh (the Blue City) of Morocco
• #158) Visit my 5th of the 7 Continents (Africa)

November

• 197) Go to Notre Dame vs Navy football game in South Bend (11-18-2017)

December

• ???

Whenever Possible this Year

• #200) Continue to Explore my home state of Louisiana
• #203) Continue Reading my 11 Classic Adventure Books
• #37) Be in a Movie: Be seen
• #38) Be in TV Show Episode
• #39) Be in a National Commercial
• Try to Make Amends with 1 Person on my List
• #103) Fullfill 1 Bucket List Item for Anyone who helps me with 1 of mine!

Now this definitely looks like a lot.  Obviously, this is just a rough draft because with life, especially mine, things are always subject to change. But as a list-maker, I feel writing it all out not only allows me to maintain focus but keeps me accountable.

So what do you think about The Bucket List Project’s 2017 Bucket List hopes and Goals?  Is there anything on the calendar you think is missing that I need to put on there this year? Please let me know in the comments below!

Also , what is on your 2017 Bucket List? I would love to hear about your hopes and goals for 2017!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

The post 2017 Bucket List Hopes and Goals appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Ok So I realize that it is already mid May and that 1/3rd of 2016 is already over but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t plan it out!  I just didn’t share it yet!   In fact, every January, I tend to sit down post Christmas and start Bucketlistlusting (is that a word?) from my Old Notebook.  Then I literally create a year graph and draw out how I think I can manage it.  Then I place it by my notebook in a place where I and anyone can see it to always remind me of my commitment to my dreams, hopes, and goals of the year!

But if you read the Origin of our Bucket List Project, I stated that I needed to always post it online for 3 Main Reasons:

1) I need Everyone’s help…keep me accountable, help me find ways to accomplish my goals, or just cheer me on!!

2) I want to help others with their own Bucket List Items.  #103 on my list is to Help anyone Complete an Item on their Bucket List within 1 year of them Helping me Completing one of mine!!

3) I want to Inspire People to Dream & then to GO OUT & COMPLETE THEIR BUCKET LIST!  If I can do this, then ANYONE CAN!  Too many people, my Friends & Family included, just go through life living a mediocre existence!

Therefore, I am here now to post up my 2016 goals for The Bucket List Project & perhaps some insights on how I am going to pursue these items this year.

Now 2016 is a Special year for me in that on February 25th, I actually took my 40th lap around the Sun!  So I decided to go after a couple of big ticket items. So Below, I will list what I had written on my Graph and add or tell you what I have already changed.  Let me know in the comments below if there is anything that is on your list this year or is there anything else that I should add or subtract.  Also, let me know if you want to join me on any of these adventures or projects!

February

• #199) Raise a Minimum of $2,500 for a Charity I Care for Angel’s Place in New Orleans
• #200) Explore my home state of Louisiana
  • c)  See the Preservation Hall Show Live

March

• #202) Ride in a Submersive Underwater Bubble (S.U.B.) in the Bahamas

April

• #118) Geocache in 4 Cities (#1 New Orleans)
• #200) Explore my home state of Louisiana
  • b)Visit Tabasco on Avery Island
  • g) Boudin & Beer at Fred’s Lounge in Mamou
  • h) Zydeco Brunch at Café Des Amis in Breaux Bridge
  • s) Drive the Bayou Teche Byway

May

• #78) Experience the Kentucky Derby
• #104) Finish Reading the 5 Major “Arts” Books
• #203) Start Reading my 11 Classic Adventure Books
• #77) Experience the Indy 500

June

• #188) See the Synchronous Fireflies in Elkmont, Tennessee
• #5) See my 6 Pack Abs

The Next 3 were added to June/July 

• #109) Walk the Camino de Santiago from France to Santiago, Espana
• #185) Visit and Stay with 3 Different Friends who live in Foreign Countries so that I can Reconnect with Old Friends & See that Country through Local Eyes (My Family in Leon, Espana while I am Hiking the Camino)
• #153) Drink Port Wine in Portugal

July

• Do one of my MAKE AMENDS Items hopefully!

August

• #55) Return to Fenway Baseball Park to See the Red Sox Play the Yankees
• #54) Go to a Summer Olympics
• #124) Travel to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
• #185) Visit and Stay with 3 Different Friends who live in Foreign Countries so that I can Reconnect with Old Friends & See that Country through Local Eyes (My Brazilian Friends I met in 2012)

September

• #187) Travel to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada
• #108) Do 4+ Outdoor Adventure “Mud Races” (4th & Final is the Spartan near Banff, Alberta, CA)

October

• #167) Celebrate Dia De Muertos in Mexico
• #185) Visit and Stay with 3 Different Friends who live in Foreign Countries so that I can Reconnect with Old Friends & See that Country through Local Eyes (Stay or Visit with Mike Poissenot for Dia De Muertos in Mexico)

November

• #70) Climb the Statue of Liberty
• #79) See the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Person in NYC
• #89) Travel to the Niagara Falls

December

• PREPARE FOR THE ADVENTURE OF MY LIFE!!!!!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

The post My Hopes & Goals of 2016 appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

(Originally published on 03/02/15)

Wait….What Year is IT??? How Did I miss 2014 already?  Wait, how old am I?  I turned 39 Last Wednesday??  Holy Crap!!!!  Where did those days go?

These are all statements people say all the time when you ask them what they did last year or what they did during the past year of their life on their birthdays.  I know its what people keep asking me.  So what did Eric Gamble, Mr. Bucket List, Mr. World Traveler, Mr. Crazy Adventurer, Mr. Insane Free Living Spirit do last year??  Then they ask, well what is NEXT?  So First, Let me give you my 2014 Year in Review and then Give you a taste of the State of the Bucket List Union for 2015!

Then the Summer time I got to give back!  I was able to help my mother see Alaska, help honor a long time friend by showing him what I saw in Him and his friendship (A Holy Cross Man), help another friend recover his lost high School Ring, and set another friend on his own insane Adventure to skydive!

I did some unique traveling to different parts of the US but the highlight of my travels was backpacking through Peru to witness Machu Picchu and Lake Titticaca!

So Here is a Little Taste of the Ideas of What the Year 2015, my Last Year in my 30’s, is going to hold!  Here is my 2015 State of the Union!

1) I am starting this year by helping 2 people complete their Bucket List Items, One will go Skydiving and my cousin will do a Color Run as a Catalyst to get healthy

2) 2015 Will be the YEAR OF FINISHING!  I plan on Finishing several Bucket List Items that have been a work in progress like reading all 15 Wizard of Oz Books, Doing my Last Mud Run of the 4 that were my Goal ( Last One? I AM SPARTAN!), Finally cut this last bit of Body Fat to see my 6 pack! and a couple of others!

3) I have been missing one of my more important sections Making Amends.  Therefore, I am going to actively try to work on 2 of them and hopefully do one other bucket list gift for one other person this year!

SO WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL?

4) Geez, fine…I will be travelling to hopefully 3 international sites and 4 new US sites that I have never been to…Think I am going to search for the Aurora Borealis, do Indy 500, Possibly go to China and do the Most Dangerous Climb to a Temple, visit the Galapagos and Ecuador for an EcoTravel, or perhaps go to Thailand.  These are just some of the ideas popping in my mind right now but who knows where I will end up however I will go see the world, eat strange foods, and learn by traveling!  I do know this, it will be crazy, it will be wonderful, and it will be epic!

So those are my Goals. I like to announce them and share them!  It holds me accountable!  You guys hound me and I like and need that.  What if 2015 is our last year of life?  What if we don’t get to see our next Birthday?  Well, then we need to Live now!

What are your goals this year?  Share them with my by clicking on the comments link below!!  Cant wait to see what you are thinking!

The post 2014 Year in Revew & 2015 State of the Union! appeared first on The Bucket List Project.