The Best Ways to Stay Active in the Summer Months

With rope climbs, distance challenges and a variety of obstacle courses, endurance races and events like Tough Mudder and Spartan are a guaranteed way to get your heart pumping this summer.

The sizzling summer season is in full swing, and you know what that means—it's time to dive headfirst into epic outdoor activities and maximize every minute spent enjoying the sunshine. 

Here at Panama Jack, we're all about soaking up the sun, feeling the sand between your toes, and embarking on unforgettable adventures—whether they be exotic trips to far-flung beaches, or sun-soaked activities right in your own backyard. And this year, we’re excited to share that we have a few new ideas that are sure to make your heart race with excitement. Read on to learn more about the hottest events for this summer, and find out how you can jump into the fun.

Tough Mudder and Spartan Races: Pushing Your Limits

Fellow adventurers, if you’ve had your fill of beach bumming (for now) and you’re ready for a real challenge, brace yourselves for an adrenaline-charged summer like no other. That’s because we've teamed up with the legends of the obstacle course world—Tough Mudder and Spartan Races—to fuel your quest for greatness. 

But hold on tight; these aren't your average fun runs. Far from it. These full-body workouts are heart-pounding, limit-pushing, and soul-stirring challenges that'll leave you with an incredible sense of accomplishment. From Tough Mudder’s famous 5K obstacles to the audacious 10K and awe-inspiring 15K distances, you'll experience triumph like never before. And if that’s not quite far enough for you, Spartan offers obstacle races and events ranging up to 50K distances.

Ask yourself: Are you tough enough for a Tough Mudder event? Ready to embrace the Spartan ethos of becoming unbreakable in a long-distance obstacle course? Whatever you’re feeling up for this season, the challenge awaits in a city or town near you, and the glory is yours for the taking.

Best of all, as the Official Sun Care Partner of Tough Mudder and Spartan, we’re proud to offer you a discount when you decide to conquer the course. To kick-start your adventure, use the exclusive codes SMS15-LF802H3 for 15% off all 2023 Tough Mudder events (excluding World’s Toughest Mudder), and SR15-JS291H3 for 15% off all 2023 and 2024 open and age-group OCR Spartan Races.

Explore the Outdoors: Hiking, Biking, and Rock Climbing

For those seeking a mix of adventure and leisure—but who aren’t quite up for the pulse-pounding pace of a Tough Mudder or Spartan event just yet—you can still get your heart racing and explore the great outdoors through hiking, biking, rock climbing and more. Here are some of our favorite summer activities to help you make the most of the season. Lace up your sneakers, grab your favorite sun hat, and get ready for an unforgettable summer in the sun.

From national parks and reserves to state parks and local trails, hiking is a favorite summer pastime that's sure to get your heart pumping.

Hiking Trails and Nature Walks: If you haven’t noticed by now, we here at Panama Jack are all about National Parks, from the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between. Even if you can’t travel this summer, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of your own local parks and nature reserves. Wander along winding trails, listen to the sweet melody of birdsong, and if you’re up for it (and your local geography permits), select a challenging trail with dramatic elevation changes to help get your heart rate up while you explore. 

Whether you're biking along a coastal boardwalk or on the sandy beach itself, take a moment to soak up the beach views along the way.

Biking Adventures: Is there any activity that’s more quintessentially ‘summer’ than a bike ride along the beach? Pedal your way to summer bliss on scenic bike routes, or even take to the city streets for an urban sightseeing ride. You’ll feel the wind in your hair as you explore new routes and witness the world passing by at your own pace.

Rock climbing is packed with mental and physical benefits, from building muscle and burning calories to boosting confidence and improving problem-solving skills—but safety first! Always set out with a trained belay partner.

Rock Climbing Thrills: Channel your inner daredevil and conquer vertical challenges in the thrilling world of rock climbing. We recommend taking a course or two at your local rock climbing gym or facility to “learn the ropes,” so to speak, and we also advise going with other experienced climbers. But with safety checks complete, there are few more incredible ways to experience any destination than from above it looking down. On belay!

Tandem or solo—or even in large groups—kayaking is sure to get your pulse rate up while giving you up-close access to unforgettable scenery. For an added core workout, swap your kayak for a standup paddleboard excursion on your next outing.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding: We love the summer sun—but it can be a doozy. That’s why we’re fans of watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing and more, all perfectly suited for a tough workout, and a refreshing dip whenever you need to cool off. Glide across tranquil waters, discover hidden coves, watch gentle waves, and let the water be your guide. Just be sure to wear a life jacket and apply plenty of Broad Spectrum sunscreen before hitting the water. 

Sun Safety: Essential for Every Outdoor Activity

As you indulge in summer fun—whether you’re bound for a Tough Mudder or Spartan challenge, or you’re forging your own path toward summer adventure—don't forget the importance of sun protection. Our broad range of sunscreens is your ally against harmful UV rays. Apply (and reapply!) sunscreen generously to shield your skin from sunburn and potential long-term damage. And remember to wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and stay hydrated!

Don’t Forget Your Summer Bucket List

Amid all the action, make time to check off a few things on your ultimate summer bucket list—especially a day trip or two to nearby attractions, if you can swing it. Whether it's visiting a water park, exploring a new city, or relaxing at the local lake, day trips offer exciting opportunities for adventure. 

Staying Active and Staying Protected

Ready to embrace the summer months by engaging in a mix of physically active and leisurely pursuits? Whether you're conquering obstacle courses, exploring nature, or simply savoring some  ice cream in your own backyard, remember that Panama Jack's high-performance sun care line can help you stay safe throughout all your summer activities, big and small. Stay active, stay protected, and make this summer one for the books!