1. Aerial Silk
When you think of Aerial Silk, you probably think of Cirque Du Soleil! Aerial Silk combines dance, acrobatics and strength training, all while hanging metres high in two silk cloths. No easy feat, so aerial silk classes are only offered as a ten-week course. Still a bit afraid of heights? You can just join the beginners' class, where you'll learn the basic skills of Aerial Silk and, of course, train the necessary flexibility. No luxury if you want to do a split mid-air!
2. Quidditch
If you think a game of Quidditch requires you to book a single ticket to Hogwarts first, you're wrong! Harry Potter fan or not, everyone is welcome at the Twentse Thestrals: Dutch champion quadball - the non-magical version of Quidditch. The game combines elements of rugby, dodgeball and handball, plus players walk around with a PVC tube between their legs at all times. Unfortunately, magical powers are not included, so you won’t be getting a bird's-eye view of campus, but fortunately, some imagination goes a long way!
3. Alpinism
Have you always dreamt of climbing Mount Everest or K2? Then start small, at UT's climbing and mountaineering club! Besides mountain, ice and glacier climbing, you can also wall climb, boulder and tour ski - a form of skiing where you walk yourself to the summit. The climbers can be found in the Alps regularly, but you can also decide to stay closer to home: for example, try one of the tallest outdoor walls in the Netherlands, which quite coincidentally is located on campus!
4. Diving
Do you prefer to go into the depths? Then discover the wonderful underwater world of the diving tower in Enschede - at least, that's where you'll start! Because after completing this diving course at swimming association Piranha, you'll have your worldwide SSI Open Water Diver certification and the real work can begin. Join diving trips throughout the Netherlands: you can spot seahorses as early as 219 km from Enschede, in Zeeland! Or, if you're looking for more adventure, explore a flooded quarry in Germany or discover life below sea level in Spain or Egypt. Happy diving!
5. Grassroots sports
Can't decide, even after reading this article? You're not alone! At the Stretchers you'll have a great time: they practice two different sports every week during training. On offer are popular sports such as football, dodgeball and badminton, as well as unconventional, Stretcher-own sports such as Ninabal and Mertebagbal – also known as 'throw-a-rugbyball-against-a-basket-ball'. So, if you want to try something new, you're definitely at the right place with Stretchers!
Are you still not persuaded to get off your sofa/bed/chair for a game of Quidditch, Mertebagbal, a diving lesson or Aerial Silk? Luckily, there are lots of other sports to discover at the University of Twente, from team sports to group lessons and courses. So eat your heart out - or not.
