When we think of summer sports, classics like swimming, soccer, or beach volleyball might come to mind—but around the world, different countries celebrate summer with sports and games that reflect their culture, geography, and traditions. From surfing island waves to racing across dusty fields, these summer activities are as diverse as the people who play them.
Whether you’re looking for something new to try or simply love learning how sports connect people globally, here’s a roundup of fascinating summer sports from every corner of the map.
Surfing – Hawaii and Beyond
Where: Hawaii, Australia, Indonesia, California
What makes it special: Surfing isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. In Hawaii, it’s deeply tied to culture and tradition, dating back centuries to ancient Polynesians.
Modern surfing blends athleticism, art, and respect for nature. It requires incredible balance, timing, and ocean awareness. Top spots like Bali and Australia’s Gold Coast become global hubs during the summer months.
Fun fact: Surfing is now an Olympic sport, which debuted in the Tokyo 2020 Games!
Dragon Boat Racing – China and Southeast Asia
Where: China, Vietnam, Singapore, and now globally
What makes it special: This ancient water sport features long, narrow boats powered by teams of paddlers in perfect synchronization, often accompanied by a drum to keep rhythm.
Held during summer festivals, especially the Duanwu Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) in China, it’s as much a cultural celebration as a competition.
Fun fact: Dragon boat racing is now a worldwide sport, with races held in cities across North America and Europe every summer.
Buzkashi – Central Asia
Where: Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
What makes it special: Often described as “rugby on horseback,” this intense traditional game involves riders competing to carry a goat or calf carcass into a scoring circle.
It’s played in open fields during summer festivals and requires remarkable horsemanship, strength, and strategy.
Fun fact: Buzkashi is the national sport of Afghanistan and is considered both brutal and honorable.
Sepak Takraw – Southeast Asia
Where: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia
What makes it special: Imagine volleyball—but using only your feet, head, chest, and knees to hit a rattan ball over a net. This high-flying sport combines the skill of soccer with the energy of volleyball.
Popular in summer tournaments and played both professionally and casually, it’s a regional favorite that showcases incredible agility and control.
Fun fact: Sepak Takraw players routinely perform gravity-defying scissor kicks and flips during rallies.
Capoeira – Brazil
Where: Brazil (especially in Bahia), now practiced globally
What makes it special: A mesmerizing blend of martial arts, dance, and music, Capoeira was developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil as a form of resistance disguised as play.
Often performed outdoors in summer roda (circles), Capoeira involves rhythmic movement, kicks, flips, and cultural storytelling.
Fun fact: Capoeira is so expressive that it’s as much a performance art as it is a sport.
Fell Running – United Kingdom
Where: Scotland, Wales, northern England
What makes it special: A mix of trail running and mountain climbing, fell running involves racing up and down hills, often through rugged terrain and in unpredictable weather.
While it’s not exclusive to summer, many of the largest fell races take place during warmer months, drawing local competitors and international endurance athletes alike.
Fun fact: “Fell” comes from the Old Norse word for mountain—this sport has Viking roots!
Sandboarding – Namibia, Peru, and the Middle East
Where: Namibia, Peru, UAE, and even parts of the U.S.
What makes it special: Think snowboarding, but on giant dunes of hot sand. Riders use boards to carve down desert slopes, reaching impressive speeds and mastering tricky balance on shifting terrain.
It’s become a popular adventure sport in arid regions where traditional snow sports aren’t possible.
Fun fact: Some sandboarders use waxed boards or even modified snowboards to tackle the dunes.
Pato – Argentina
Where: Argentina
What makes it special: Argentina’s national sport, Pato is played on horseback and combines elements of basketball, polo, and rugby. Players toss and catch a ball with handles while galloping at high speed.
It’s traditionally played in the countryside during the summer, especially on ranches and during rural festivals.
Fun fact: “Pato” means duck in Spanish—the original version of the game used a live duck in a basket!
Summer Ice Sports – Canada and Nordic Countries
Where: Canada, Sweden, Finland
What makes it special: Even in summer, die-hard athletes keep winter sports alive indoors. Indoor hockey, figure skating camps, and curling training are year-round in countries where ice is life.
Fun fact: Some summer curling events are now held on synthetic ice outdoors to promote the sport to new audiences.
Summer Sports, Global Style
Whether you’re paddling in a dragon boat, leaping through a Capoeira roda, or racing across a fell in Scotland, summer sports show how creativity, culture, and climate shape the way we move.
These activities remind us that sports are about more than competition—they’re a reflection of our heritage, geography, and passion for play.
So this summer, try something new. Explore a sport from another country. Or better yet, create your own backyard version of a global game and invite your friends.
Because no matter where you’re from, there’s a summer sport out there waiting for you.
Learn more at: https://www.littlepassports.com/blog/world-community/after-school-sports-around-the-world/
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!