TRAVEL AND LIVING

Rappelling

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Rappelling is the descent of a vertical cliff or a wall that is too steep. One can also call it as a controlled descent down a cliff using a rope which is fixed at higher end and the other end is wrapped around the body. Several mountain climbers use this technique when a cliff or a slope is too steep and also in places where it is extremely dangerous to descend without any protection.

Though rappelling is an exciting sport and seems to be one of the simplest technique when compared to other mountain climbing techniques, it also has several dangers and risks involved.  Several people have been lost by rappelling off the end of their rope. To avoid this it is better to tie both ends of the rope. The climbers feel much safer when the other end is tied to their body. A double fisherman’s knot has been advised by the experts as it won’t rip off. Also long hair and loose clothing are both concerns while rappelling. Hair and clothes can jam themselves between the belay device and the ropes. One must make sure that hair is properly tied prior to climbing. It is also advisable to carry a knife to rip their hair in case it gets jammed.

There are several techniques to be followed while rappelling down. In the beginning it would be a fun filled experience without much risks, had a tandem expert accompanies the tyro. Finally after some experience and advises from the experts, one is ready to rappel down the cliff alone!!

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Mountaineering

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

Mountaineering is one of the most adventurous experience one could ever have. It requires outdoor skills and tests one’s athletic capabilities. Though mountaineering is a grueling activity and very dangerous, some of the breathtaking views can be seen only at its pinnacle. The reason why mountaineering has become popular amoung people now a days is that it has become easily accessable to many people with more protection . Thanks to the advanced mountaineering equipments which provides greater protection as ever before. This was initially started as a sport but now has become a hobby for many.

The experts in mountaineering have suggested to learn few basic mountaineering skills before trying it. It includes how to live effectively, travel safely and most importantly avoid real-life threatning dangers. Also one must learn how to adopt with the environment and act smartly. There are several commercial guide services that helps to learn all these techniques and it is advisable to learn all these techniques, especially fa a rookie.

Mountain climbing should never be done alone or by groups of tyros who do not have much experience. The best way to gain some experience is to climb small peaks in the presence of mountaineering guides. These guides can be helpful for those who wanted to develop mountaineering skills. It is better to try climbing bigger mountains only after few years of experience in this field.

Mountaineering is prone to injuries and dangers but proper training, preparation, physical conditions can ensure a safe and most adventurous climbing.

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Skateboarding

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Skateboarding is a very famous sport across the world. Skateboarding as everyone knows is nothing but balancing and riding on a board that is mounted on wheels. One starts riding the skateboard by pushing with one foot while the other foot remains on the board. It is one of the most popular sports of all time among the teenagers as a hobby. It attracts not only teenagers but also small kids.

Teenagers like this sport especially because of the varieties of tricks it has. One can display an ample number of tricks with a skateboard. It is so popular also for the fact that it is quite easily available in all sport shops and much cheaper. It can also be used as an alternative for walking. There is no special area required for skateboarding as it can be rode on all roads with few precautions. It is very important to wear a helmet and a knee guard while riding on the road. It is simple to learn and balance the board and ride, but need lot of experience and practice to perform tricks.

The experts will often invent new tricks and have their own methods to perform several other tricks. It is better to learn under an expert to perform various tricks; else one could break his bones. Once this sport is completely leant, one would be in a position to invent their own tricks and teach others.

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Scuba diving

Saturday, April 10th, 2010

Scuba diving offers one to explore the underwater and know what is beneath the ocean. The word Scuba is an acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Scuba initially being the name of an apparatus now holds the name of one of the most popular motor sport. The divers  use this scuba equipment for underwater respiration which supplies oxygen for a sufficient amount of time. Scuba diving usually done in the ocean, but divers also explore other bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and ponds. Scuba diving has given a great freedom for the underwater researchers as one can stay under the water for a longer period of time than ever and also the freedom of going deep into the ocean unlike before.

Scuba diving may be performed for a number of reasons, both personal and professional. Most people dive as a part of their recreation activity, which is performed purely for enjoyment; while the professionals dive in to perform quite a few tasks. Some of their tasks are oil exploration, underwater welding or other civil purposes like building bridges. The divers also dive in for some naval purposes like repair and inspection of ships and salvage of wrecks. There are professional divers involved with the Read the rest of this entry »

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Angling & sport fishing

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

Angling is a method of fishing by means of a hook (angle). It is a common technique used for sport fishing. Small and medium sized fishes fall under this category. Recreational fishermen have increased the practice of catch and release fishing and are not much concerned about fish as their meal. They just take it as a hobby.

The hook used is generally attached to a fishing rod and then lure or bait is attached to the hook. The baits used can either be a natural or an artificial one. Lures are nothing but artificial baits that are designed to entice fishes. Natural baits are usually worms, leeches, frogs, maggots, small fishes and several others. Natural baits are preferred than lures because of the lifelike texture and it is used unless and until it damages the ecosystem. Few natural baits can result in spreading disease to the ecosystem and hence one must be careful while using natural baits.

There are certain rules and regulations framed within each country which are to be followed while fishing. One has to get permit and moreover fishing should be done only during the period open for fishing. They are open only during some seasons. The angling equipments are quite easily available. It is one of the adventurous sports that do not involve any sorts of risks. As it is a simple sport with minimal risks, it is aptly suited for middle-aged people.

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Skiing

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Skiing is the sport that has gained immense popularity in the recent past. This sport has made many people to travel to snow covered areas. The excitement and thrill while sliding down the snow clad region, makes this sport amazing. People from all over the world would love to ski atleast once. A novice will find it difficult to handle and can even seem to be frightening, but the modern equipments provide greater protection thus ensuring safety. Once a person get used to skiing he can try out few challenging tracks which has lots of curves. The experts, infact drop themselves from a helicopter in a snow clad peak and slide. That would be extremely adventurous and too risky and hence is advisable only for professionals.

Skiing is also the major and most popular sport in winter Olympic games. It would be a treat to watch the professionals ski. Skiing is very difficult to master and hence normally the terrain would not be so steep and involves less risk. It is very important that the instructor is an expert and has lots of experience because of the risks involved in this sport.

The modern skiing equipment has developed a lot and it has been separately designed in such a way that even differently abled people can ski. This adds to the popularity of this sport across the world.

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Bungee Jumping

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

Bungee jumping is one of the most exhilarating adventurous sports. If one wants to enjoy the extreme thrill then bungee jumping is the right one. The word bungee means an elasticized rope. Bungee jumping involves a person or two jumping from a very high elevated tower with an elasticized rope (bungee) tied to them. The other end of the rope is fixed to the tower.  It is highly risky and hence proper equipment must be used. Because of the dangers involved this sport is classified under “extreme sports”. This sport was officially commercialized in the mid 80’s but within few years it gained the popularity as it is quite stimulating.

There are lots of requirements for participating in this sport. One should neither be developing an offspring inside their body nor be a heart patient. It is better to consult the doctor before trying this sport. Not much of a physical requirement is expected and has to be mentally tough and prepared. People who are afraid to jump alone would prefer a tandem, an expert accompanies while jumping.

There are lots of spots for jumping. One can jump from a bungee tower, a mobile crane, mountain peaks, helicopters or even from over a river bridge. Nonetheless it is one of the best sport world could ever have.

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