You’ve found the one. And as if they weren’t perfect enough already, they love the outdoors just as much as you do. If your ‘significant other’ loves to wake up at 5:00 AM for sunrise hikes, and will jump into any lake, river, or ocean regardless of how cold the water is – and convince you to jump in, too – then you need a proposal that’s going to fit your relationship.
At The Activities Industry Mutual we understand that bearing your soul and going out on a limb to ask someone to spend the rest of their life with you can be a daunting prospect! But for all the adventurers among you, we want to help spark your inspiration for your outdoor, adventurous, and nature-filled proposal. So, here’s the scoop on everything you need to know; from the best time of day to pop the question outdoors, to actually getting down on one knee!
If you don’t want to take a big risk when you pop the questions maybe think about a romantic hike and a picnic instead.
Canyoning Proposal
Activities Industry Mutual Members, Adventure Britain, helped adventure loving Dan propose and caught it all on camera for us to enjoy.
https://www.adventurebritain.com/one-unusual-places-world-propose-marriage/
https://youtu.be/uBhA_ZIX9qo
Paddleboarding & Kayaking Proposal
If you and your loved one have an affinity for the ocean, then a kayak or paddleboard proposal may be perfect for you.
- Why not surprise your other half by making your way to a beach or island together, and arrange for flowers, rocks, or seashells to spell out the all-important question when you reach your destination – “Will you marry me?”
- Worried about transporting the ring across the water? Place it in the kayak hatch ahead of time and during a break, ask your partner to grab you some water from the hatch. Surprise!
- Get your friends and family involved – organise for your partner to go out on the water with their nearest and dearest, and surprise them by paddling out to their location for the grand event
When To Propose?
Do: Sunrise and sunset are the most beautiful times on the water. Not only is the sky gorgeous, but the water is often calm. Sunrise has the best chance of glass-like conditions!
Avoid: Midday – There is often boat traffic and strong winds or low tide which just makes for a longer walk to the water
Advice: Be flexible! The weather has a lot to do with the proposal. A windy/choppy day would not be ideal, especially if the ring is going to be on board the kayak or paddleboard.
Rock Climbing Proposal
“Imagine you’re reaching for holds above your he
ad, unable to see the ledge until you reach up and grab it, and instead of an empty hold, you grab a ring!”
If your significant other enjoys pushing themselves to the limits, likes trying new things, and is athletic, but you want an outdoorsy proposal that doesn’t depend on the weather, a proposal with climbing involved may be exactly what you are looking for.
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced
This proposal is recommended if climbing is already a part of your life. For a lot of climbers, it’s an addictive sport that becomes a passion, so it makes sense to propose in a place that is a big part of your lives.
What if this is your first time climbing?
The experts do not recommend this proposal method if you are a beginner! “Climbing is not just physical activity, it is a mental exercise, so it might be overwhelming for you and your partner if it is your first time”.
Creative Proposal Ideas:
- Before you get there, arrange to have the staff put the ring in a hold halfway up a route. Guide your significant other up the route and at the opportune moment, take the ring from the hold and propose while climbing!
- Or why not lead your partner to the correct hold so that they reach up and find the ring themselves?
- A popular first date is climbing. Try to recreate the same climb or same events from the first date for the proposal.
- Invite your friends and supporters to secretly come and surprise your partner and celebrate with you.
Do: If you want a crowd cheering you on after you propose, then a weekend or weekday evening is perfect. But, if you want a more intimate setting, then any weekday before 5, especially in the morning, is when you want to pop the question.
Avoid: Any climb that is too difficult! If he/she doesn’t get up to that point, they might not find the ring – or they may get frustrated from the difficulty, which would ruin the mood of the moment
Make Your Proposal Unique:
“Get your local climbing wall to help put the ring in a particular place at a certain time or reserve a particular climb for you and completely manage the process to make sure that it is perfect.”
Credit: Facebook, Bryan Rafferty Photography
Tree-To-Tree Adventure Climbing Proposal
Treetop courses can vary in degrees of difficulty, but pretty much anybody who’s adventurous can find a route that’s appropriate for their comfort level.
Creative Proposal Ideas:
Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced
“Each course has about 15-18 treetop rest stops between the obstacles in which to pop the question…There’s just enough room for someone to get down on their knee on the treetop platforms!”
When To Propose?
Challenge your partner to a ‘race.’ When engulfed in the spirit of competition, get down on one knee and propose – they’ll never see it coming! …Don’t worry!
Special twilight climbing hours in the summer provide the perfect time of day to pop the question and then head to a fancy restaurant for dinner.
Do: Any time is ideal. Want privacy? Any weekday, especially in the morning. Like the lime light? Plan for a weekend proposal.
Avoid: Any day that might rain!
A Mountain Top Moment 
Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced
Creative Proposal Ideas:
- As long as you and your loved one are fit and healthy you should be able to make it up the mountain. Make sure you plan your route, have all the relevant equipment, clothing and supplies you need- oh and don’t forget the ring!
- Take your other half on an adventure up a mountain with a fabulous view at sunset. With the adrenaline from the climb and the sense of achievement once you both reach the top, take a moment to relax, take in the view and tell your other half how fabulous life is with them. Finish your speech by popping the question!
When To Propose?
- Sun rise and sun set are beautifully romantic times to pop the question, especially with an amazing view.
- Have Champagne and a bubble bath with candles waiting at home so that you can both refresh after your adventure!
When To Propose?
Do: Any time is ideal.
We hope you’ve been inspired by some of our romantic suggestions.
Good Luck!
