The kayaking event has a number of different races that test novice and advanced kayakers. There is the Kayak PaddleCross race where kayakers try to beat the clock and have the fastest time. Another race pits kayakers against each other as they battle it out over 200 meters of river. Kayaking fans will assuredly have plenty of kayaking events to experience. Attending the Teva Mountain Games can boost your enthusiasm for the sport as you admire the skills of professional kayakers. If you are unable to attend the games, then don’t worry because OLN cable network has you covered.

Fans at the Teva Mountain Games can choose from seven other outdoor adventure sports to satisfy their sports craving. Whether you are an aficionado of rafting or trail running, the games have spectacular events for you to enjoy. The outdoor sporting events are the mainstay of the festival, but art and music events are also offered. There are concerts and nightlife parties that will entertain you until the wee hours of the morning.

The Teva Mountain Games is also geared towards families. There is an event guide that will be of interest to families. For example, there is a list of events for each day. Families can figure out which events to attend by reading the tips and insights offered by festival officials. If your family has trouble deciding which events to take in, then the family information available will be a welcome guide. Plus, you’ll know where to take the kids for dinner. Finding a family-friendly restaurant is a major plus.

An outdoor sports festival wouldn’t be complete without offering clinics to the eager spectators. The games offer clinics in climbing, kayaking, adventure racing, fly fishing, trail running, and mountain biking. The clinics are geared for participants of all ages and skill levels. The clinics are free, so take advantage of them.

Set your sites on attending the next Teva Mountain Games or watching it on the OLN cable network from the comfort of your own home. It is thrilling to watch professional athletes in action. You might learn a thing or two about your favorite sport and have fun in the process.

About the author: Monica Marty is a kayaking fan and the webmaster of http://kayakingisfun.com/ where you will find a free directory and information on Kayaking.You may freely distribute this article, no need to obtain consent, as long as the author’s bio paragraph (resource box) is included.
Author: Monica Marty

The Equinox river camp is very basic, located around an old farmhouse are 3 different campgrounds (for noisy, semi-noisy and quiet campers..), an outbuilding with extremely basic men’s and women’s bathrooms that have 2 toilet stalls as well as 4 functioning shower stalls in a co-ed shower and an outdoor eating area covered by tarps that are draped over metal railings. Luxury accommodation this is definitely not.

Saturday morning we got started early, we actually got woken up by the mooing of cows in the farmers field next door at about 6 am. Other campers reported that some of the cows took a walk right through the camp ground and actually left some sizeable paddies behind. It was fabulous to be in a tent again after not having gone camping for about 8 years…. We got a simple breakfast, some pancakes and pre-packaged muffins (some of them a little furry) and we started picking our kayak gear and headed off with our knowledgeable guide Christine and her helper Krista in a van to the Ottawa River. We got suited up with our life jackets, helmets and sprayskirs, and then put our kayaks in the water.

I had a devil of a time getting my sprayskirt over the kayak’s opening because it was so tight. We started with simple paddling exercises in the calm waters of the Rocher Fendu dam and first learned how to do a “wet exit”: after you tip the kayak and are underneath the vessel (panic time for most people) we were taught to rip the sprayskirt off and swim our way out of the kayak.

Paddling was quite difficult since the angle of the blades of the paddle is offset, so while your right hand is supposed to stay still, the left hand is supposed to tilt a little so the left blade of the paddle goes into the water at the proper angle. I had a bit of a problem with that since my right arm is way stronger than my left arm (from playing tennis) and I couldn’t get the entry angle of the left side of the paddle right, so many times I ended up going in a circle off to the left, having to paddle 3 or 4 times on the left side just to straighten myself out again. The kayaks are perfectly flat on the bottom, so there is no hull to help you out with the tracking on the water.

Paddling got a little more difficult when we went up the Ottawa River and my own personal faulty technique caused me to veer off to the left all the time, causing me to get caught in the current of the river, drifting downstream, against the direction of where we were trying to go. I then realized a few things: that the currents on a river as big as the Ottawa River are extremely strong and that my upper body strength was waning pretty quickly. I really developed some major respect f

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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

The standard climb up Mount Kinabalu is via the Kinabalu Summit Trail at Kinabalu National Park (~1,560m above sea level). The first ascent is from the starting point at Timpohon Gate, about 4km or 30 minutes drive from the Kinabalu National Park Headquarter.

If you prefer to start the ascent on Day 1, it is advisable to arrive at the Park late morning the latest or else, depending on the weather, the Park may not allow you to do the first ascent due to hazardous condition (i.e., the fog may be too thick by late evening causing visibility problems and/or the trail may be extremely slippery).

Most climbers prefer to stay overnight at Kinabalu National Park upon arrival to not only acclimatize to the altitude but also to enjoy the magnificent flora and fauna at the Park before the ‘assault’ on the next day/morning.

The first ascent is from Timpohon Gate just after the Power Station up to the mid-summit Laban Rata Resthouse (or more popularly known as the 11,000 ft or ~3,873m). You will first follow the crest of a narrow ridge that dips down onto the main slopes of Mount Kinabalu itself. A little further on, you will reach a scenic waterfall known as Carson’s Falls, named after the first Warden of the Park. Don’t forget to take a sip and fill your water bottles with the fresh natural mountain water.

Conservatively, it should take a normal fit person an average 5-6 hours to reach Laban Rata. Participants at the annual Mount Kinabalu Climbathon competition went all the way up to 13,400ft (4092.5m above sea level) and back in 2 hours. But it is not really about how fast you can reach the top. It is about the experience of trekking pass different vegetation zones from Oak and Chestnut to mossy and eventually to alpine type of vegetations, and observing the rare and exotic flora and fauna on the way up.

Besides the heated Laban Rata Resthouse, the other option for climbers is to stay at the unheated mountain huts. There is actually another accommodation option at the so-called VIP Lodge, which is more expensive compared to the others and also, more difficult to secure (i.e., only two such units available).

After a short night rest to recharge your battery, the second and more grueling phase will commence early morning on Day 2, at about 2 am to 3 am. The second ascent will be from the mid-summit all the way to the summit, which is called Low’s Peak, named after the British colonial officer Sir Hugh Low, supposedly, the first person to conquer Mt. Kinabalu.

The ascent should normally take a few hours but it is much more challenging than the initial ascent due to the thinner air near the summit. But near the peak on the granite portion of the ascent, there will be a thick nylon rope laid down to mark the route so that climbers will not get lost in the fog. You can use this rope to pull your tired body up.

Although, to reach the summit is already an achievement, it is best to target, if possible, to reach the summit just before sunrise to catch the awesome sight. If you reached too early, it will be too freezing cold to wait too long for the sunrise. On a good clear weather, the sky seemingly turns from black to red then orange and finally gold as the sun appears. When daylight breaks, you will truly feel that you are standing on top of the world. You can see as far as Kudat and even Sandakan if the weather permits.

One important tip is to make reservation early. Given the popularity of the Mount Kinabalu climb nowadays, it is advisable to book at least 3-4 months in advance (or even much earlier during the peak season usually around mid-year) to avoid any disappointment.

This is mainly due to the limited accommodation at the mid-summit (i.e., Laban Rata Resthouse, Mountain Huts or the VIP Lodge). In the event that there is no accommodation at the mid-summit, the climb will not be possible as strictly stipulated in the National Park’s rules and regulations. Additionally, a mountain guide is compulsory.

In essence, Mount Kinabalu is relatively an easy mountain to climb. There is not much risk of acute mountain sickness at the first phase of climbing. Given climber-friendliness of the mountain, conquering the mountain must be high in your list of “activities to do” if you were to visit Sabah. For the average fit person, a visit to Borneo will not be complete without conquering Mount Kinabalu.

Author: E-borneo.com

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Experienced hikers will always tell you that every detail matters when you pack hiking gear, especially tents and camping stoves. The right hiking gear and clothing, a properly and ergonomically packed backpack, positive mood and good fitness – all these elements play an equally important role in the success of any hiking trip.

Hiking boots are the most important part of your hiking gear. The right footwear will serve you longer and take you farther and safer than any training shoes or sneakers will. You can wear a cheaper pair of pants or an old t-shirt, but a good reliable pair of hiking shoes or boots should be as expensive as you can afford.

Many people consider their jackets as another important clothing item for a hiker, especially in the colder periods of the year. A hiking jacket can be a true lifesaver if you choose well. A Gore-Tex top layer will shield you from cold, wet, and windy weather. Many hiking jacket manufacturers use a layering approach in their jackets, so that an outer shell layer becomes not insulation, but goes over insulating clothing. Underneath a Gore-Tex layer your can wear a lightweight and even trendy fleece jacket, which you can use in warmer months and for other sporting activities too.

Hiking tents are a must if you plan to camp in mountain regions in all three hiking seasons – spring, summer, and fall. Hiking tents can be used for protection from storms, winds, small animals and insects. Along with a tent pack a sleeping bag and an insulating ground pad which also brings warmth as well as ironing out bumpy ground.

A lightweight, dependable backpacking stove is much easier to use than campfires which are often prohibited in certain areas. A camping stove manufactured by such trustworthy brands as Primus and Coleman are basically a fuel container and a fire faucet with burner grates. These grates can collapse for compact storage. More expensive models even have electronic ignition so you won’t need matches or lighter. Although it is always a good idea to pack matches anyway in case of ignition failure. Another version of a camping stove is a storm cooker which basically consists of a spirit burner with windshield and handle and a pot or pan for cooking. These stoves are lightweight because you don’t need a propane container, but are sufficient for one or two people only.

The newest models of camping stoves are environmentally friendly, odor-free, and very accommodating. To cook and eat take a pot, spoon, and a cup. To start the camping stove, if you don’t have an ignition feature, lighters are more reliable than matches. Take more fuel than you initially planned – camping stoves “eat” more fuel in cold weather.

To fully enjoy your hiking trip you must prepare beforehand. Even a small mistake in selecting your hiking equipment may result in an injury or at the least in discomfort and a negative experience. Check and fire up your camping stove while still at home and double check your hiking gear and equipment using a hiking checklist before you head out.

Author: Kathryn Whittake

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• TEKKING HIKING GEAR

- Purchase the best gear you can possibly afford. If you are going to spend a year planning your next excursion on the continental divide, spend three months getting into great shape, take three weeks vacation when it’s time for the hike, purchase an airline ticket, and so on ‘ then why are you using the cheapest backpack you can find? A good backpack will make all the difference in the world. This applies to all of your backcountry gear. Whether its your GPS unit, sleeping bag, rain gear or dual-fuel portable stove, be sure to carry good equipment in order to get the most value for your money. Don’t buy cheap!

- Learn how to use all of your gear correctly and practice using it. When you are completely lost, it’s not the time to learn how to navigate with a compass and map. When you and your firewood are wet, it’s not the time to learn how to start a fire with the flare you’ve been carrying for 5 years in your pack. Take time to learn all of the features of your gear. You might be surprised to learn just how useful your GPS really is when you understand how to use the backtrack feature. You’ll be mighty thankful when you learn the proper weight distribution for your backpack. Take time to learn ‘ practice around your home before you venture into the backcountry.

- Keep your gear with you and use it as much as possible. Your backcountry gear isn’t just for the backcountry. It has unlimited uses in everyday life. Never go on a road trip without your pack. You’ll almost always find an opportunity to use your binoculars or GPS unit. If you don’t have your gear with you, you’ll need it ‘ never fails.

- Take great care of your gear. Hopefully you’ve learned this from your parents and not necessarily from experience. Your gear will only take good care of you if you take good care of it. Conversely, your gear will let you down if you don’t take good care of it. That’s a bad situation to be in. Inspect everything before you embark on your adventure. Clean and properly store all of your gear upon your return. Have you check your gear’s straps, fuel, waterproofing, batteries and overall condition lately? Taking good care of your gear is an important part of enjoying your backcountry trip.

- When you’re done with it, donate it ‘ and some of your time – to a local scout troop. They are always looking for assistance from outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll feel great getting this last piece of benefit out of your old trusty gear!

Optimize your time in the backcountry. The easiest way ensure maximum outdoor enjoyment is to get the most possible value from your gear. Let these 5 ways guide you in getting the most out of your backcountry gear ‘ and your backcountry experience. Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time.
Get Outdoors!

Author: Chuck Fitzgerald