Next phase is to do the same trip, but then paddle home from Anacapa Island to Channel Island harbor. Probably do that the following summer.  Right now I’ve been hitting the gym 4 days a week for the last 4 months for some weight training and cardio and then paddling 10 miles a day on Saturday and Sunday in the ocean.

After that we’ll paddle to Hawaii and back.

So if anybody’s got suggestions and tidbits of information I would love to hear them.  We both have Tarpon 160′s.

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BEFORE                                                                                                                               AFTER

Of course, not all adventures can go this smoothly. I’m sure there are many instances where people have noy brought their whitewater kayak paddle or their life jacket and have not had the good fortune of such wonderful friends to lend them the necessary equipment. Being, literally, up the creek without a paddle can be a daunting experience as you have effectively removed control of the water from your own power.

It is now up to the water, the waves, and the sheer force of nature to carry your adventure through to a safe landing on the shore. In the case of whitewater rafting, however, this isn’t usually a gamble many want to take; whitewater rafting can be vicious and brutal.

Adventurous Captivity

There are some that are, as many in the industry call it, captivated by adventure. These people are likely to let the waves carry them and will deliberately start their rapids trip without a whitewater kayak paddle. This is not recommended as it leaves them in the hands of nature and the clutches of the vicious white water as it rages forth carrying the small raft into certain oblivion.

Although this type of adventure is frowned upon, year after year many people embark on a similar type of adventure without a whitewater kayak paddle and, worse yet, without a proper life jacket.

Imagine being captured by an enormous wave and being tossed around like a cork in the raging waters, flipping and spinning about with no control over the direction your body is headed. This type of helplessness could have been entirely prevented with the proper use of a whitewater kayak paddle and some basic safety equipment.

Do not be captivated by adventure to the point that you lose sight of logic and common sense; take the proper equipment with you when you go whitewater rafting.

Author: John Mailer

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Fear can play a significant part in our everyday lives. Fear on the job, as a spouse or parent, or even driving can hold us back and prevent us from achieving our goals. Likewise, fear of climbing and everything it brings with it, can hold us back.

Just as preparation and training of your body is essential to be a safe and successful climber, so to must you prepare your mind. Strength and balance are good and useful, but even more important is an accurate understanding of the challenges and dangers. Only then will you be able to deal with them. Like life itself, if we know and understand our fears we are then able to overcome them and go on to greater heights and challenges.

How do you deal with the fear? While the sport does involve equipment and support from fellow climbers, it still is just one person at a time in contact with the rock. And, unless you can deal with and understand that, you are setting yourself up for great disappointment.

Understand that with rock climbing you must get into your subconscious fears that lie deep within us all. If you do that and work through the inner issues in your mind, you’re set to enjoy this wonderful, inspiring sport.

Business experts have shown that fear of failure can be a great motivator to achieve heights that many never imagined possible. Understanding your fears, whether in rock climbing or business or relationships, can push you to greater and greater heights.

Now, go climb that rock!

Author: Yvonne Volante

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Climbing is a daring sport for the bravest outdoor enthusiast. Be sure you don’t try it without the right equipment! Ropes, cords, slings, harnesses, helmets, rock climbing shoes and boots to make your climb easier, backpacks and clothing suitable for climbing are some of the things you’ll need. There are several kinds of harnesses to look at, so think about your climbing style to determine the best kind for you. Test your harness to assure the best fit before you buy. You should also find specialty shoes that will give you the friction and focus you need as you climb.

Is cycling more of your thing? Your bike isn’t the only thing you will need. Helmets, backpacks, water bottles, and gloves are some of the items you’ll want to have with you. You could also benefit from clothes made specifically for cycling. So how do you choose a bicycle, anyway? It depends on your style of biking. Where do you bike? How important is comfort to you? What size of bike do you need? Are you going to ride it on a rugged trail or on a paved road? Ask yourself these questions when shopping.

Canoeing and kayaking are other popular sports for those who enjoy nature. What should you have packed to take on the river or lake? Carrying yolks, boat cushions and chairs, pump, safety kit, floats and life vests are important. Need help choosing a canoe or kayak? Consider the type of water you will be paddling on (lake, river, or ocean) as well as the types of expeditions you will be venturing into.

The avid runner must be fit and in great physical shape. However, you’ll need more than that to be successful at this activity. Good running shoes are an absolute must, along with specialty socks to help your feet. The right clothing will also help. As you try on running shoes, pay attention to comfort. You don’t want to worry about blisters or sprains later on!

So skiing is your hobby? Maybe you prefer snowboarding. The list of gear for skiers and snowboarders include skis, boots, poles, avalanche safety equipment, helmets, bindings and goggles. Of course, what you dress in is vital. A warm, waterproof ski coat or parka is essential, as well as hats, waterproof gloves, socks, pants and earmuffs. What skis or snowboard you need can be determined by your style and skill. With so many fun things to do in the great outdoors, everyone can find something they will love. Just don’t forget to pack all of the right gear!

Author: Corby Morris

There are two basic variations of the typical sleeping bag, the rectangular bag and the mummy bag. The rectangular bag is open at the top and has a zippered side and bottom and will facilitate attaching two bags together to form a double bag. Rectangular bags provide more room for movement, but less overall warmth because of the opening at the top. Mummy bags are typically zippered in the center of the bag and close up completely except for a small hole for the face. Mummy bags are more confining, but offer a better insulating factor by minimizing heat loss.

Insulating materials used in sleeping bags are natural down filling and synthetic fiberfill. Down will be warmer and more insulating, and compresses into a smaller bundle, which may be a factor for backpackers and hikers, but will be heavier and less insulating if allowed to become wet. Synthetic filled bags conversely will insulate just as well when wet, but are less warm and take up more space when compressed. Synthetic bags are typically less expensive than down-filled ones.

The overall temperature rating is just a guideline as people are quite different when it comes to being warm. The most common ratings are +35 degrees for summer camping, +10 degrees to +35 degrees for spring or fall camping, 0 degrees for colder camping, and -10 degrees for winter camping.

Sleeping bags have characteristics just like the people who use them, so each of these features will have to be considered when choosing your new sleeping bag. Take into consideration the one that will be the most useful for all of your outdoor activities. A comfortable night’s sleep will provide a more enjoyable experience whether you are hunting trophy elk or camping in the backyard with the kids.

Author: Ferrel Kenda

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Consider Your Climbing Style

You should first decide the type of climbing that you will do the most often. Once you know your climbing style, you can select the right harness for your needs.

Multi-Purpose – Multi-purpose harnesses are known as all-around, crag or sport harnesses. Multi-purpose harnesses are ideal for beginners because they are designed for a number of climbing applications such as top-roping, sport and gym climbing. Most multi-purpose harnesses have padded leg loops and waistbelts for which provides more comfort, especially if you take a fall. Some multi-purpose harnesses have detachable leg loops which will allow you to detach your legs while remaining attached to the rope. Most climbing harnesses have gear loops for carrying your climbing hardware such as carabiners, chalk bag, quickdraws etc. Multi-purpose harnesses will usually have a front loop that allows you to attach a belay/rappel device.

Alpine – Alpine climbing harnesses are made for long mountain trips. These harnesses are pretty basic and usually have minimal padding and very few extras so that they will be light weight with low bulk. Alpine harnesses are made of non-absorbent materials so that they will withstand the rough environment of glacier and alpine climbing. The waistbelt and leg loops on alpine harnesses are very adjustable to make it easier to get in and out of when the harness is not needed. The leg loops are sometimes removable so you can take potty breaks while staying tied into the rope.

Big Wall – Big wall harnesses are for climbers doing multi-pitch, multi-day climbs like in Zion’s National Park or Yosemite Valley. Big wall harnesses will have lots of padding on the waistbelt and leg loops to relieve pressure during hanging belays or aid climbing. Big wall harnesses will also have multiple gear loops that will help put much of the wait on your harness instead of on your shoulder gear sling. They usually have a full-strength haul loop in back for towing a rope or heavy gear bag.

Competition – Competition harnesses are the best choice for climbing competitions like “On Sight Difficulty” or “Speed” events. Competition harnesses have a slim design and narrow webbing to allow a full range of motion. Most competition harnesses will typically have little padding and few, if any extras.

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