Tandem skydiving is an excellent way to experience this popular extreme sport.  People, though, have a number of fears about skydiving.  One myth is that you can’t breathe while you’re free falling.  That is certainly not true, otherwise jumpers wouldn’t be conscious when they reached the ground.  Another concern is that your chute may fail to open.  Student chutes are typically safer than other chutes, so this isn’t a realistic concern.  Most chutes are now rigged with automatic opening devices, so not opening your chute on time shouldn’t really be a worry.  Despite these assurances people still worry about the safety of skydiving.  Tandem skydiving is an excellent way to experience the sport without worrying about the nagging doubts that plague people’s minds.

Tandem is the most popular way of experiencing jumping for novice skydivers.  Students are required to attend about thirty minutes of instruction.  During this time, they will meet the instructors they will be jumping with, probably watch instructional videos about the jump, go over safety procedures and then get fitted to the equipment they’ll be using.  Additionally, students learn how to leave the aircraft, how to free fall and what to do in terms of body position as you land.

After the training session, tandem students and instructors board the plane, for the fifteen to twenty minute flight, to the necessary altitude over the drop zone.  While waiting to approach the area where exiting will take place, instructors make final reviews about procedures with students.  When the time comes, instructors and students leave the plane at about fourteen thousand feet.  Free fall lasts only a few minutes.  Once the chute opens, the gentle glide back to earth lasts anywhere from five to ten minutes.

Occasionally, instructors will allow students to help steer the chute to the landing zone, this helps students get the feel of the chute.  This also helps students, who wish to continue their skydiving training, to become certified skydivers themselves.  Tandem skydiving is a great way for novices to experience the sport, by using an experienced instructor, without the worry and danger more associated with solo skydiving.

You may want to take skydiving further and wish to be certified, so you can solo skydive.  For this, you will need to successfully complete a training course including exams and complete a minimum number of supervised jumps.  The exact criteria depends on where you take it.

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Have you ever tried the extreme water sport of kitesurfing?  Kitesurfing has been growing rapidly in the UK since starting in the late 1990’s and now has many thousands of participants, worldwide.  It’s a great recreational, outdoor pursuit that really gives you a rush and keeps you fit.  Kitesurfing is a fusion of many different sports such as windsurfing, surfing and skateboarding.  The equipment is essentially, a customised kite, board, harness, bindings, bar and lines, which combined catches the to wind to propel you across the water.

A kitesurfer uses a kite which normally ranges from 6m squared, right up to 18m squared for those light wind summer days.  They will also need a good 5/3mm wetsuit to insulate from the cold sea.

Kitesurfers normally start with just one kite but as they progress, they often build up their quiver to handle a large range of wind conditions.  Kitesurfers typically reach speeds of between 15-25mph, if conditions are good and with the right equipment, 40mph.  Professional racers commonly reach speeds of 50mph, up to 60mph.

You can surf the waves or attempt huge jumps in flat water.  Alternatively, you may prefer to just cruise around or practise the latest freestyle tricks.  There are many disciplines you can take on in kitesurfing.

One operator, NEKitesurfing teaches this amazing sport in Northumberland, in the North East of England.   It’s a great place for kitesurfing with regular strong winds blowing off the North Sea and stunning, sandy beaches with few people.  Favourite spots include Beadnell Bay, Budle Bay, Druridge Bay and the stunning Bamburgh beach with Bamburgh Castle in the background.

Another option, if you prefer something a little drier is kite landboarding.  The principle is the same as kitesurfing except you travel on land, often a long, quiet, sandy beach.  Kite landboarding involves the use of a mountain board, which is like an oversized skateboard with large pneumatic wheels and foot-straps.  Although, not yet as popular as kitesurfing it’s fast developing its appeal.

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Many people are drawn to the sport of rock climbing because it allows them the opportunity to see the world from a unique vantage point.  If you are a fitness buff who loves to travel, rock climbing can help you indulge your passion for exploration while you push yourself to reach your athletic goals.

People who fall in love with this unique sport often build their holidays around the opportunity to explore notable and exciting climbing routes and more than one climber has travelled the world, with the goal of reaching the highest peaks and enjoying the most stunning vistas on the planet.  When you take up rock climbing as a pastime, you are opening up a whole new world of sightseeing possibilities.

If you are new to the world of rock climbing, the best thing you can do is gain skills in your region before you head out to more exotic locales.  If you invest some time in improving your technique and becoming familiar with the tools of the trade before you hit the road, you will find you are ready to enjoy the challenges that unfamiliar terrain provides.  Even if you don’t live in the midst of a stunning mountain range, with a bit of research you will probably be able to find several satisfactory climbing routes within a day’s journey, or at least close enough to be a plausible destination for a long weekend’s trip.

If you start your rock climbing journey by finding some good routes and experienced climbers in your area, you can be sure you will be ready to make the most of the opportunities that will come your way, when you do eventually travel to stunning foreign destinations.

Most veteran climbers agree that whether you are interested in “sport” climbs, which are usually short in duration and fairly easy to complete, or “trad” climbs, which are more challenging in terms of both difficulty and endurance, the ideal way to learn your way around the rocks is by following a leader who is competent and confident with climbing equipment and technique.

Some climbers are self taught, but trying to climb without an experienced guide often leads to injuries and mistakes, that could easily have been avoided if a teacher had been present.  A master climber can help you achieve your goals while making sure you are taking the necessary safety precautions at every step along the way.

Thanks to the internet, finding a ready and willing climb leader is easier today than ever.  Rock climbing message boards are popping up all over the world and spending some time reading the information on these boards can be very beneficial for both novice and experienced climbers.

By posting on a popular climbing site you can find leaders in almost any region of the world.  In addition to offering you the chance to link up with other climbers in your area, the athletes and hobbyists who frequent these websites can offer you tips on the best equipment and offer firsthand accounts of what it is like to tackle the different routes in your area.

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Imagine, contorting your body as you hit a curve launching your sprint kart down the circuit.  Pressing on the accelerator as you exercise dead-on hand-and-eye coordination determining the smartest way to turn the drift in the 31st minute of an hour-long enduro race.  Atlernatively, as a spectator – routing for the likes of Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton, in their karting days, as they race neck-and-neck on the last lap.  Here you are breathing and witnessing (even smelling the distinctive aroma of clay dirt on the dirt track) the atmosphere that comes with go-kart racing.

Developed in the 1950´s by pilots with a zest for tinkering with motorcycle engines to propel simple frames, go-karting extended internationally after the construction of the first go-kart by Art Ingels in Pasadena.  Before dwelling on it’s mass European appeal and discussing the pinnacle of Formula 1 racing, let’s backtrack for a second.  Riding go-karts (or karting) is the best way to break into professional racing.  It is the simplest means of exploding your chassis down the track before getting into the sophisticated arena of professional racing.  Single cylinder engines, basic chassis models and lack of speed producing components provide go-kart racing with the air of simplicity, geared towards beginners and novices.

The concept of sprint karting comes to our mind when we think of the prototypical kart & track in amusement parks, recreational areas and arcade palaces.  Impeccable karts with sleek designs and sturdy frames rip through on short tracks, usually made from asphalt or concrete – ranging from half a mile to a mile in length.  Sprint karting is divided into classes (think boxing middleweights and welterweights) that distinguish engine-types (two-and four-cycle), driver (classified according to age and weight), brand of kart (Yamaha and Honda are popular choices) and specifications.  No carbon-fibre made frames and McLarens built with lightweight materials here!  Sprint karting is a simplified, scaled-down form of professional go-kart racing with shorter tracks, downgraded technology, less experienced drivers and downgraded components across the board.

Other forms of karting include enduro racing.  Endurance racing, or “enduro” for short is a prolonged version of sprint.  Propelled by aerodynamical butterfly steering, enduro karts are an upgrade over sprint karts – participating in races lasting an hour or more.  Dirt, oval tracks is the staple of endurance racing.  For the longer race duration, special emphasis is paid to durable karts and pit stop maintenance than focusing on just speed.  In runner’s terms, enduro is a marathon – not a sprint.  If you sacrifice chassis and tyre maintenance for speed throughout the course of a race, reaching the finish line is out of the question.

Behind every successful sprint car are its well-performing components, specifically its frame, engine, and tyres. The dynamics of a go-kart is two-fold: to be built to withstand the rigours of racing and to serve as the backbone for speed.  Usually made of steel, frames have the option of being flexible or stiff.  Flexible frames mean easier maneuvering along the track, especially when turning as to maintain good “side bite” and control of the kart.  As non-professional go-karts have no sophisticated traction and suspension system to withstand bumps, frames are usually subject to more punishment.  Sprint kart tyres usually do not have indented grooves, as they are soft in nature and more suited to all-terrain.

Engines of 900BHP are the norm for souped-up Honda Formula One karts.  Capable of reaching speeds of 200+ mph, they represent the all-out nature of karting technology.  For the novices, a simple 2-cycle engine will do! Running on gasoline and electricity instead of petrol (typically mixed with other fuels to suit environmental conditions for Formula One,) sprint karts run on either 2-cycle or 4-cycle engines.  The 4-cycle engines are the weakest engine around, with horsepower topping 20 HP.  Think of the power needed to run a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner – that’s how much power a 4-cycle engine exerts.  The 2-cycle engines are typically associated with the likes of Vespas (European motor scooters) and mopeds.  These go up to 90 HP.  Added cylinders (individual horsepower generators in go-karts) can boost horsepower, adding pure speed and power to your machine. Perhaps the thought of being propelled by a 10 cylinder F1 kart engine with its high speed capabilities, appeals to you most.

Want pinpoint control over the speed of your go-kart?  No problem here!  Go-karts have basic transmission systems with gears that control speed to its desired amount.  Coming with clutches, shifter karts (a popular type of sprint kart that allows you to move at a certain speeds) make the best use of engine power, when zipping along a straight path or maneuvering over a short or wide curve.  Depending on the number of cylinders and engine type, shifter enthusiasts can lay opponents in their dust, blazing trails up to 90 mph.  Shifters usually run on larger road courses known as road racing.  It is flush in structure, with qualification criteria, like class of kart, weight of driver, etc.  Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha are popular suppliers of engines.  These companies are at the forefront of karting technology, regularly tinkering with what’s already available or creating new concepts of their own.

Sprint karting opportunities are available to everyone.  If you want to enjoy it as a form of recreation instead of competition, visit your local track and rent a kart.  Make sure to sign any insurance waivers and become acquainted with the rules and regulations.  If you like to compete, enquire within.  There are karting schools that will let you ride their karts for a nominal fee.  In essence, karting is more than a pastime.  It is a bonafide sport capable of preparing you for more advanced karting by helping you shape your judgment, hand-eye coordination abilities and technological/dynamical know-how of the instruments you’re using.

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Costa Rica is an eco-tourism paradise with rainforests, exotic wildlife, volcanoes and much more.  This relatively small central american country is also an interesting place to scuba dive.  Most of the diving in Costa Rica is done on the west coast Pacific Ocean side. An area up in the Guanacaste region, located in the northwestern part of the country and another south of the capital city of San Jose near the middle of its west coast are particularly popular.  If flying into San Jose, you would have to do some internal travelling to get to either of these two locations.

The Guanacaste area is a bit easier to get to especially if you could arrange a flight to the town of Liberia in northern Costa Rica.  There are some seasonal charter flights from North America directly to Liberia.  The town of Playas del Coco which is used as the main base for divers is a short cab ride from the Liberia airport.  There are restaurants and small hotels in Playa del Coco including a few American owned scuba diving operators.  These operators usually have special package deals available which include both diving and accommodation in one of the local hotels.  Everything in town is within easy walking distance.

I took a scuba diving trip here, in late Autumn.  The operator I used was Rich Coast Diving.  The local Costa Rican divemasters from Rich Coast, took all the scuba equipment including tanks down to the beach every morning, by pickup truck.

The dives ranged from about 60 feet to 85 feet, with mild to moderate currents.  One thing that all divers will notice here is that the diving in Costa Rica is very different from the usual Caribbean reef diving.  The visibility is a lot poorer and there are some noticeably colder thermoclines.  The poor visibility is due to higher amounts of plankton in the local waters compared to the Caribbean Sea.  At some dive sites, we had to swim through areas of water which had turned into an almost brown coloured soup.  This cut the sunlight from above, drastically.  However, there is an upside to this poorer visibility.  The plankton attracts larger marine animals and if divers came here to see the big ones, they would not be disappointed.

Even some of the reef fish here are larger than average.  The trumpet fish we saw were significantly larger than the ones found in Caribbean waters.  There were many more porcupine puffer fish here too.  In Caribbean waters, I’d seen only a few porcupine fish and they were usually alone.  Here in Costa Rica, I saw large schools of them.  We encountered large schools of other fish species, on a regular basis as well.

The local divemasters here definitely work in a different way compared to their counterparts elsewhere.  In many Caribbean locations, the divemasters would promote a ‘look only, no touch’ rule.  Here, the divemasters actively turned over every rock to find interesting creatures for us.  They would catch them in their hands and pass them over to the other divers.  Over three days of diving, I held a seahorse, an octopus, a spotted eel, an orange frogfish and a puffed up porcupine fish.  The ethics of this practice of handling marine wildlife is debatable but it was certainly an interesting experience, holding these creatures in my hands.  The divemasters were certainly hard working and they were eager to make sure that their guests had good diving experiences.

Large marine life, such as giant sea turtles, stingrays and white tip sharks were also spotted. On one occasion, which I will never forget, is when a very large school of cow-nose rays, resembling a huge squadron of alien spaceships, headed straight for our group of divers. They went right through the middle of us and past while we watched in wonder, then disappeared.  This memorable experience was all too brief.

The cost of diving in Costa Rica is very reasonable, being significantly lower than in premium priced locations, such as the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas.  Costa Rica also has many other things to see and activities to do, both on land and sea, in this beautiful, tropical country.

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Do you love winter?  More importantly, do you love spending time in the cold winter weather?  If so, and you are looking for a great new activity to try this winter, consider snowboarding.

For many people, the idea of snowboarding sounds dangerous, like it was only for crazy teenage boys.  The idea of skiing down a large hill or mountain sounds scary enough and the idea of doing it with a snowboard sounds too hard to be attempted.  If these are your thoughts, maybe you should think again.  Whether you have been skiing for years or if you have never made it down a winter mountain, snowboarding can be a great way to spend winter days.

If you have been a skier and are thinking of branching out into the world of snowboarding, congratulations.  The best advice I can give you is to be patient.  Snowboarding is similar to skiing and yet very different, some people who ski well will find that snowboarding comes naturally and quickly while others will find the learning process grueling and frustrating.  Stick with it because eventually the tricks of snowboarding can come to almost anyone.

If you have never been a skier, have no fear.  Having a skiing background is not always necessary or even beneficial in learning snowboarding skills. As a non-skier, you may actually pick up the techniques of snowboarding much easier than your skier friends.  After some time you may find that snowboarding fits you like a glove.

Whether you are a skier or not, there one or two things you should keep in mind.  Do not expect to jump on a board and pick up the skill all on your own.  Most people will benefit greatly from taking snowboarding lessons at least to learn the basics correctly and safely.  So do not hesitate to sign yourself up for a lesson or two before you head out to the slopes.

Resist the temptation to run out and buy the latest board and snowboarding gear, just to look like a seasoned pro on the slopes.  You need to be sure you actually enjoy snowboarding and will stick with it.  Therefore,  for your first few times out, you should rent equipment and take the time to learn what kinds of boards best meet your needs.  Talk to the experts and use a little trial and error.  By hiring equipment to begin with, you can avoid making a costly mistake that will leave you frustrated later.

So, whether you have been skiing for years or not, when winter comes around again, make the choice to learn a new skill.  Who knows, snowboarding could fast become your favourite winter activity.

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Whitewater rafting is a perfect way to combine a love for the outdoors and the rushing thrill of taking on nature’s elements.  There is nothing quite like driving through a rushing whorl of water, having it spray up in your face, bouncing up and down in your seat feeling as though you are only moments away from disaster.  Best of all, whitewater rafting is one of the safest adventure sports there is, with national safety standards followed by every major outfitter in North America.

Every state and province in North America offers several whitewater rafting experiences on various river routes. Beginners can try out smaller rapids, in the Class I-III range, while thrill seekers can try out rapids classified IV and V. If you are an ultra adventure seeker, however, you might be out of luck.  North America does have a few of the most dangerous Class VI rapids, but they are seldom used by even the most hardy rafting enthusiasts and no outfitters offer tours on them.

If you are truly looking to defy death, there are several other locations in the world that do offer incredibly hazardous raft rides. nAfrica, for example, offers several tours of Class VI rivers, where the adrenaline junky must not only contend with deadly rapids but also wildlife hazards such as crocodiles and hippopotamuses even in the “safer” areas.

For those who wish to enjoy a safe rafting experience, there are many options for duration of rafting trips and costs.  The well established whitewater rafting outfitters all employ highly trained guides and the best quality equipment, both personal safety and rafting equipment.  The guides know their routes and rapids like they know their houses, and can be counted on to take care of you to complete the tour safely.  They are also high trained, in the event of an emergency, should one come up.

There are a few standard items that you should wear during your whitewater rafting experience.  Proper shoes must be worn to the site.  These shoes must fit well and be able to get wet and dry quickly.  Whitewater rafters should also keep in mind the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and bring along sun glasses and sunscreen.  More often than not, these items will be available at the outfitter’s store should you forget, but they will be quite a bit more pricy than if you had remembered them yourself.

Whitewater rafting is a perfect way to satisfy your inner thrill seeker and get you in touch with areas of nature that might otherwise be inaccessible.  If you are on a family holiday, try to book in advance and find out the recommended age limits and any other conditions, for their tours.  Whitewater rafting is usually not recommended for children under eight years of age.

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Mention Las Vegas and your likely to think casinos, elaborate hotels and bizarre themed weddings.  You probably didn’t think extreme sports.  The number of extreme sports in Las Vegas has exploded in recent years.  Skateboarding, BMX biking, skydiving and rock climbing are amongst those available in the city and in the rugged landscape, nearby.

There are many skate parks in the area for enthusiasts of the sport to enjoy.  Some parks are even open to other sports like roller blading and BMX biking.  Some parks offer lessons to novice skateboarders to help students learn the sport effectively and in relative safety.

Several companies offer a Red Rock Canyon bike tour that takes cyclists through one of the most beautiful locations in the United States.  All of the equipment necessary for the trip like the bike, safety gear and water are normally provided.  While the trails are very arduous, especially in the heat, the ride is exhilarating.

Rock climbing is also popular.  Just thirty minutes from the insanity of the strip, with all of its overburdening society features, are rock climbing areas that are unimaginably beautiful.  Climbers can experience simple nature hikes or rough and tumble climbs that are difficult for even experienced climbers.

If climbing in the heat of the desert is not for you, you might wish to try indoor rock climbing. There are several places in the city that offer rock walls.  It’s a great way to try rock climbing before you move to the more challenging canyons, outside.

Las Vegas adventure skydiving is among the most adrenaline rich, adventure sports experiences you will find there.  As you stand awaiting your jump you begin to appreciate the feeling of security and relative safety inside the plane. Outside the air rushes with incredible force and the earth is a blur of colours below.  It seems inconceivable that you are about to leave the safety of the plane, to leap into a free fall as the ground rushes towards you, then as the canopy opens, you drift serenely down.  There is nothing on earth like the feeling of complete freedom skydiving provides.

There are many companies in the city that offer lessons and one day deals like tandem jumping.  This gives people at all levels a chance to experience this extreme sport.  If you don’t feel ready for the real thing, you can experience indoor skydiving with the help of one of several wind tunnels in the city.

Adventure sports of all persuasions has become a popular past time for thrill seekers of all ages.  The adrenaline junkie is no longer a crazy person with a death wish, he or she is your everyday adventurer and Las Vegas is a great place for such adventures.

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The Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is undoubtedly Peru’s most popular trekking route.  Recommended for the physical fit only, it runs for more than 40km and reaches 4,200 metres above sea level (masl). at its highest point, that is the Warmiwañuska or Dead Woman’s Pass.

The stone-paved trail, discovered in 1960 and part of the more than 23,000 km of roads built by the Incas across South America, crosses a remarkable range of natural landscapes and eco-systems, from thick tropical jungle to the bear, unwelcoming rocks of the Andean mountains.  It’s regarded by many as the most beautiful walk in South America.

The Trail takes three to four days of tough hiking, and can be commenced at Chillca (Kilometre 76 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railway) or, most frequently, at Qorihuayrachina, (Kilometre 88 of the railway).

The first day is relatively easy and includes along the route the Inca ruins of Cusichaca, Q’ente, Pulpituyoc and Llaqtapata, a site used for crop production, which remains well preserved.  The second day is the hardest of all, mainly because the ascent becomes increasingly steep.  The trail follows original Inca stonework that climbs uphill, ending just short of the actual Warmiwañuska or Dead Woman’s pass, at 4,200 (masl).

The crossing of the pass opens (day three), after camping in the Pacaymayo valley.  From here it’s downhill.  The Trail descends into the valley and heads to the restored site of Runkuraqay, a small Inca watch post and then to Sayaqmarka, perched upon a sheer cliff, from where one can see the start of the massive Amazon rainforest, stretching to Brazil.  The final day is another relatively easy day, mostly descending and passing through lush jungles and cloud forests before reaching Machu Picchu, Peru’s most important tourist site, through the Inti Punku or Gateway of the Sun.

Before going on the trail you should spend at least 48 hours in Cusco acclimatising as it features some tough hiking, including several hours over 3,500 (masl).  Acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness) could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable.

During the high season, from June to August, you should book well in advance, at least 3 months, as the number of trek permits issued is limited to 500 per day (including tour guides and porters).

Other trekking routes:

The Royal or Sacred Path

Just before arriving to Aguas Calientes, at km. 104 of the train rails, this path takes the direction to Phuyupatamarca, climbing up terraces and stone stairs.  After 2 hours of hiking you arrive to the recently discovered and beautifully Wiñay Wayna ruins.

Located on a steep mountain slope and looking over the Urubamba river, Wiñay Wayna is a good example of Inca terrace architecture.  The name means “forever young” in Quechua but experts still disagree upon the meaning, some consider it refers to the colourful orchids that populate the surroundings, while others say the name alludes to the Inca rites and ceremonies celebrated in the complex.

The path then converges with the Inca Trail, arriving to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, Inti Punko.  The route takes some 6 hours and can be done as an alternative to the Inca Trail if the latter is deemed too harsh.  A permit is needed for this route.

The Purification Trail

Part of the Inca Trail system, this route has been recently discovered by archaeologists.  It starts at km. 107 of the railway track (3km upstream from Aguas Calientes), near the hydroelectric exit pipe.

After crossing the suspended bridge, it follows to the Choquesuisui gully and ascends until it meets the Inca Trail near Wiñay Wayna.  The name “Purification Trail” refers to the descending pools formed by the stream that runs alongside the path.

The Putucusi Hike

This dangerous and demanding 3-hour hike (round trip) brings great reward, the spectacular view of the Machu Picchu landscape.  Putucusi (“happy mountain” in Quechua) is a round-shaped mountain that reaches 2,600 (masl) at its peak and is located across the valley from the Inca citadel.

This is a demanding hike (only possible during the dry season, March to November), which involves steep ladder climbs and slippery scrambling.  Some ladders, stacked into the wall, even go up for 20 meters at almost a 90 degree inclination.

Recommended for people with a good level of physical fitness only.

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