Icharus failed unpowered fligt but Paragliders Succeed in Soaring

Fables recount how Icharus wanted to soar like an eagle but alas fashioned his wings from wax, which softened in the hot sun and no doubt body heat as well. Good intentions, bad technology. The Icharus types today utilize a harness suitably fastened to a fabric wing with key vent holes along the front edge to inflate the wing, providing the aerodynamic lift to mimic that soaring eagle.
Launching is always into the wind as in powered aircraft with techniques as simple as the pilot running forward to more complex techniques known as slope soaring or powered towing. Each launch technique depends on wind speed, terrain and pilot skill in utilizing thermals to their soaring advantage. Landing requires the skills of manipulating the wing for still or slight running landings avoiding the harmful crashes that many novices experience.

In flight Wing Deflation at low Altitude a Serious Hazard
Turbulent air can produce wing deflation at any time. At higher altitudes the airfoil (wing ) has sufficient time for the wing to redeploy to normal flight status. At lower altitudes the recovery time is crucial. If recovery is not happening a reserve parachute is carried but most be deployed above 200 feet for the parachute to do its job. Crashes from non recovery have resulted in serious injury and death. The combination of adrenalin surge and soaring is a unique experience peculiar only to  paragliding. In addition a pilot in congested air space must be familiar with all the rules and regs that apply to that situation.
Cross country flying is possible when Paraglide pilots learn to recognize the land formations that produce thermals, masses of rising hot air lifts the glider to higher altitudes perpetuating the flight as the pilot flys from thermal to thermal. Cross country distances then require the pilot to have a radio and gps instrument so location is known and communication is a must.

Filed Under: Extreme Sports, Games Tagged With: , , ,

Mountaineering, the Follow on Sport After the Conquest of Everest

Sir Edmund Hillary conquered mount Everest after many previous attempts failed to climb the highest mountain in the world. So, what was left to climb simply because its there? Nothing of the sort of course but the knowledge and techniques for scaling peaks remained to become the source of a burgeoning mountain climbing extreme outdoor sport dubbed mountaineering. The sport has developed three basic paths according to the desired type of climb over snow, ice or rock. The challenges range from a walk up Pikes Peak to the 14,000 foot summit with an overnight lodge about half way up to some of the most rugged and dangerous climbs existing world wide.
The Inherent Hazards of Mountaineering
The experience gained from mountain climbing to the summits has taught man how to best deal with the hazards that demand the strength, sound  climb strategy and full knowledge of climb equipment to cope with expected and unexpected hazards almost certain to turn up in the extreme outdoor sport of mouintaineering. Hard snow can cover over gaps in glacier ice known as crevasses. Teams of five or more climbers tied together by equal lengths of rope can pull a fall through victim back up to safety. There are general hazards like storms that materialize almost instantly, avalanches that can bury one in suffocating snow and falling rocks. Many locations have permanent base camps and shelter huts along the traversable routes. Other hazards include thin air, intense solar radiation and volcanic activity. The thrill of adrenalin surges overwhelms these many risks as mountaineering grows apace with other high risk endeavors.
So whatever climb style one chooses-expedition type climbs in the Himalayas with a large contingent of support people or Alpanism where the climber carries all necessary equipment with them the motivation is the same. Your chosen route has been climbed before but you have not personally climbed it and its there for you to personally conquer it.

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Rock Climbing, a Traditional and Venerable Outdoor Sport

Rock climbing was a necessity in those European countries sharing the Alps. It gradually grew into an outdoor sport in the late 19th century spreading across the globe with a slow evolution until the 1920′s when climbing aids for hand and foot holds were developed permitting higher climbs than free style limits of 15 to 20 feet. From the 1960′s on the development of improved climbing aids extended the height of rock climbs ever higher and higher as well as climbing techniques that provided protection against injurious or deadly falls. This is not to say that rock climbing is safe- far from it- but it does permit higher climbs without increasing the already high risk of this extreme outdoor sport.
Another Sport Requiring Upper Body Strength+LegStrength
This sport also requires sufficient leg strength and good balance for successful climbing and generates the adrenalin surge consistently given the challenges of the climb. The critical importance of standard climbing equipment must be thoroughly understood as this case in point provides. Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a very popular tourist attraction. Unfortunately some tourists that have never done anything more than sit on a boulder are tempted to climb a seemingly easy rocky slope. Only to discover that reaching their unaided limit now realize- how do I get down !!- The thinkers plead for help, the non thinkers try on their own with often deadly results. The pleas for help grew so numerous that laws were passed making the unequipped, inexperienced climber responsible for the full cost of their rescue.
Good training facilities are available throughout the country where artificial rocks simulating typical rock formation types  and basic climbing equipment are available under the supervision of veteran rock climbers. Rock climbing can be a very satisfying sport but be well prepared. Dont bet your life on an impulse that could cost your life.

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An Optional road to Superior Health via Mountain Biking

The city of Colorado Springs is approximately an hour’s drive from the mountain city of Cripple Creek, famed for the gold strike of the late 19th entury. That 50 mile distance masks the reality of the change in elevation between the two cities.Starting at Colorado Springs at elevation 6300 feet, up Ute pass to Woodland park at elevation 7400 feet. Then another up leg to a crest of 10,000 feet before descending into Cripple Creek at elevation 9500 feet. Traversing this high route is a snap for the auto but- in the warm seasons- the stream of mountain bikers pedaling their way to an adrenalin high on high is truly amazing. One can’t help reflect on the superb conditioning required to develop the stamina and endurance to accomplish this physical feat. This leads to curiosity of how it all got started and where does it lead ?
The Buffalo Black Soldiers, Pioneers of Mountain Biking
Mountain biking traces back to a group of black soldiers known as the 25th infantry buffalo soldiers based in Missoula, Montana in the 1890′s. this group modified bikes for long distance cycling such that, when fully provisioned, they weighed 70 to 120 pounds. This group-with single speed bikes-  achieved two notable and documented feats. First a round trip of 800 miles from Missoula to Yellowstone. Then a one way trip of 1900 miles to St. Louis, Missouri. They set a lofty standard for endurance to be emulated by today’s crop of mountain bikers. The modern era  began with a group of mountain bikers in Morin County, California in the 1970′s. They are largely resposible  for the flat handlebars, fat tire and multiple gear features of today’s mountain bikes. Perhaps even a fraction of the conditioning necessary for mountain biking would be a boost for better health as well as the adrenalin highs.

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Preparing for Adventure: Indoor Exercise

Snow and hail, sleet and cold rain. Winter has come and it seems destined to stay. You are, of course, furious. The days are dull and the adventures are lost. It’s too cold to get out and seek them.

You find yourself inside Chicago apartments, condos in Boston, or homes in Charlotte. You can’t get outside.

Don’t waste all that time you’re spending inside. Don’t sulk, waiting for the hours to be bright again. Instead, go ahead and move your body–take advantage of your forced imprisonment and gain strength! Here’s how:

Scissor Kicks. The need for speed requires more than determination. It demands endurance. Your legs must be conditioned properly to maintain the intended levels of activity. Scissor kicks help to achieve the necessary toning. Lie flat on the floor, with your hands tucked behind your head. Lift one leg as high as you can and then bring it down in a controlled way, repeating the gesture with the other leg. Increase the pace, creating a scissoring motion. This will help condition your lower body.

Squats. A quest for extreme adventures can’t be accomplished without strength. Squats allow you to work several muscle groups at once. Stand erect with a weighted bar placed against your shoulders (be certain you can handle the extra pounds). Carefully bend to a squat–your knees bent and your back straight. Return slowly to an upright position and repeat. Your arms, hamstrings and glutes will be tightened.

Balance Boards. Having good balance is important. Without it you’ll suffer from injuries. Balance boards allow you to master your sense of balance, learning composure and patience. The exercise (despite being minimal) will also burn calories, as you’ll be constantly trying to correct your posture and stance.

Use these tricks to develop stamina, strength and improved coordination. You won’t feel so bored when you’re stuck inside during the coldest months of the year.

Filed Under: Adventure

Two fastened skiis +rope=mountain snowboarding

The non-math equation describes the origin of today’s snow boarding segment of outdoor extreme sports. In 1965 an engineer dad in Michigan bound two skiis together, attached a rope to the front end , allowing his young daughter to swoop down the local snow covered hills. The daughters playmates clamored for their own and so was born the outdoor sport of snowboarding. A bit later a teen age skateboarder in New Jersey adapted the skate board idea for snow by attaching a piece of sheet metal to the bottom of a board.
Snow Boarding Grows to an Established Outdoor Sport
Subsequently, an upstate New York man- who had enjoyed whizzing down snowy hills on cafeteria trays during his college days- expanded the board size to equal that of the surfing board he rode the waves with. By 1977 a Vermont man, an early on snow boarder, fashioned suitable foot bindings a la ttraditional ski bindings. In the relatively short span of 12 years the basic snow board-as we know it today - had been developed. Refinements in materials, design and safety features have improved the basic board design fashioned by four contributors with vivid imaginations and talented hands. Over that same 12 year period snow boarding stories began appearing in newspapers and magazines that fueled a world wide interest that spawned international competative events such as the annual world cup. These developments culminated in the winter Olympics establishing snow boarding as a separate and distinct competition of its own
Like any other extreme outdoor sport the value of safety and professional instruction can’t be over emphasized. The injury rate for beginners and up to one year’s experience runs at approximately double the rate for down hill skiing. The rates are significantly lower for the snow boarding novice with exposure to professional instruction.

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Cruising Down Through the White Water in Your Kayak

You might recall or have heard the popular song ” cruising down the river on a Sunday afternoon” – a pleasant, placid vision- totally opposite the extreme outdoor sport of staying afloat as you guide your kayak through the thundering torrent of white water. White water kayaking is an outgrowth of white water rafting that began gaining popularity in the 70′s. It is considered by some the most challenging of extreme outdoor sports.
Veteran Kayakers seek the wildest, maximum turbulence rivers – grade six on a scale of one to six- around the globe. In North America, the Colorado river in the Grand Canyon and the Jalcomulco river in Mexico are the choice for maximum adrenalin surge fans. The Colorado river has taken its toll in fatal accidents. White water sports , both kayaking and rafting require upper body strength to effectively handle the raging waters. If not naturally posessed, the upper body strength must be developed. Certainly a desirable condition contributing to good health.
Not all rivers are natural for white water sports fans. The support industry has developed man made rivers designed to cover the grade one to six range of turbulence. This concept allows developing white water skills to tackle the the more intense grades of turbulence and also allows white water adrenalin surges for the entire family.
Apprpriate Gear and Clothing a Crucial Factor
Helmets and water shedding outer clothing are  mandatory items to keep dry although one must be prepared for wet faces and hands at all times. Warm weather season kayaking and rafting are easier to cope with. Believe it or not, white water fanatics ply their sport during cold seasons as well, requiring multople layers of synthetic clothing for warmth and prevention of wet clothes sticking to one’s body, an unbearable condition. The full line of appropriate gear and clothing can be found on line.

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Extreme Sports: The Yo-yo Challenge on the Adrenalin Tour

Some years back-circa1975- local news in Colorado Springs  included a startling announcement that a Bungee jumping service would be offered from the Royal Gorge bridge that spans the chasm above the Arkansas river. Claimed to be the highest suspension bridge in the world some 1000 feet to the rivers surface- provided an opportunity to become a human yo-yo from a height many people could not bear looking down or would refuse to cross at all. Not an outdoor sports activity for the faint of heart.
Some folks in the extreme outdoor sports field rate Hang Gliding as the ultimate challenge but with respect to faith in the equipment to hold together during your jump gains the ultimate status for courage and risk taking. Initially Bungee cords-available from 1/8th in. to 1/2 in diameters- for both body and ankle harnesses. Some Bungee enthusiasts preferred the ankle harness for a more intensive adrenalin surge. Several unfortunate disasters prompted ankle harnesses to be discontinued.
Bungee Jumping Locations Around the World
According to Travelers Digest the best Bungee jumping sites are truly spread world wide including United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Canada, Australia, Nepal, Zimbabwe and Switzerland. In the United States top rankings go to California, Colorado and Idaho. Want to try Bungee jumping from a Helicopter? Idaho offers the only service where a jumper can plunge down from an altitude of 1200 feet held by a cord 500 feet in length. A die hard Bungee fan could combine a trip around the world with a variety of Bungee challenges to face down at each and every stop on the tour’s itinerary. Of course, also the opportunity for the traditional tourist’s sight seeing of many interesting mountanous regions of the world.
Google “Bungee” to reveal everything of interest in equipment and costs to the veteran or rookie Bungeeist.

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Extreme Outdoor Sports: The Adrenalin Surge Syndrome

The great depression ushered in a decade long period of tough economic times. It is also when the seeds of extreme outdoor sports were planted to sprout into the ever growing popularity of extreme sports today.
Perhaps, some individual- feeling hopeless at finding work- needing relief from their personal depression devised a pastime such as hang gliding. Throughout history the original intent leads to stumbling across an unanticipated finding. In this case the adrenalin surge, so exhilarating that it demands repetition and soon spreads to others
History of Extreme Sports Expansion
Some activities classified as extreme sports today have existed for many centuries. Rock climbing, hiking and skiing to name an illustrative few. In common, these sports shared the feel good, thrilling, adventurous and a sense of accomplishment but not the adrenalin surge provided by development of clearly dangerous extremes over the past eighty years.
Focus on the descriptive names of “modern ” extreme sports such as Bungee Jumping, Hang Gliding, Para Gliding, Cliff Hanging, White Water Kayaking and Surfing. There should be no doubt of the ability to induce adrenalin surges. Many people think the life threatening jeopardy is too high a risk and perhaps the risk takers are a bit on the looney tunes side. However, extreme sports continue to grow in popularity and variety driven by devotion to experience adenalin surges. Needless to say, we are seeing the adrenalin surge syndrome alive, well and prospering.
Surge Seekers Cause Creation of Support Industries
American entrepreneurs-recognizing opportunity- have created the facilities to provide support and creature comforts for extreme sports practioners. Some of the more well known locations are Aspen and Vail in Colorado, Sun Valley and Elk River Lodge in Idaho. Exercise your browser to find a location that fits your desired extreme outdoor sports interest and your choice of accomodation levels.

Filed Under: Outdoor Sports, Sports Tagged With: , , ,

Where Do Your Sports Lead You?

Statisches Apnoe
Image via Wikipedia

When it comes to extreme sports, there are pretty much two kinds of people: the types who would try it once, just to say that they had done that, and the types of people who get one taste, and just want to go back again and again, like a fat man at the buffet. If you are among the “obese” types of extreme sports people (who are usually about as fat as Bruce Lee), you need to find out where the best extreme sports are going on and be there. While visiting is a great way to “get your feet wet,” it’s a lot like dating. Once you have found what you love, it is time to commit to it on a full time basis.

Don’t be afraid to search out the best cities for your chosen sport. Maybe you want to take on Class IV rapids. There are tons of cities and towns in Colorado that can help you find the streams of your dreams. Maybe you love to climb rocks. Have you ever heard of a little town called Boulder? Okay, Boulder, Colorado is anything but a small town. But if you can find some bigger rocks closer to all of the amenities of a big city, you should move there instead. Granted, a lot of people can get pretty terrified of moving – not for the thrills you are going to experience in the open country, but for the costs of moving.

Don’t stress over that. You can go online and find all kinds of moving quotes. You can get everything from renting a truck and doing your own loading to just pointing to where stuff goes, and let the movers do all the work. That way, you can focus on doing what you love to do the most – getting your thrill on, whether you are into skiing in the Poconos, or surfing in Hawaii.

Filed Under: Sports
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