Sports that kill, and why we do them anyway

Tamsin    ash     adventure holidays, Adventure Sports, Baumgartner, Dangerous sports, extreme sports, Hermann Maier, Skiing, Skydive, skydiving, Surfing, Val-d’Isère, water sports

Anyone who has seen the footage of Hermann Maier’s spectacular crash at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics will have a fairly good idea about the dangers of skiing. But did it stop you booking a week in Val-d’Isère the following season? Probably not.

We all know there are inherent risks involved in extreme sports. Image: Flickr/ Rhys Asplundh

When it comes to adventure sports, however extreme, we all know there are inherent risks involved. You could be caught by an avalanche while skiing, a shark while surfing, a stray wind while base jumping or even a bolt of lightening while golfing.

Despite this millions take to the slopes, waves and air every year. Many pushing the boundaries of what is safe or even possible, on the never ending quest for adrenaline.

So what makes normally gravity-abiding people throw themselves out of planes or off of tall buildings?

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All that Glitters: Why Extreme Sports have no place in the Olympics

Mark Pawlak    ash     Adventure Sports, Brazil, extreme sports, kitesurfing, olympics, Olympics 2012, water sports

Watching the Olympics one thing was clear – there’s no connection between the Games and what are known as ‘extreme sports’, and clearly the two should never mix…

Olympic Rings Image Flickr: ToNy

Recently there’s been an unprecedented rise in popularity, with people and brands loving these edgy and unconventional sports.

Yet, extreme sports are rarely about ‘executing a four year plan’, nor are they always role model production lines. And they are about searching for something more valuable than gold…

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Singles adventure travel: where’s the party capital?

Tamsin    ash     adventure holiday, Belgrade, Europe, Iceland, Kotor, Montenegro, Reykjavik, Single Adventure Travel, singles holidays, Summer adventures, water sports

Well, it doesn’t look like the British weather will be improving any time soon. And with no Glastonbury this year the UK party scene is looking decidedly soggy too.

Belgrade, Europe’s number one party destination. Image: Flickr/ SHAREconference

So, now is a great time to start planning your summer adventures.

Whether you’re going alone or with friends, there are enough action packed days and party nights out there to keep your adrenaline pumping right through to 2013.

Here are a few ideas to get your imagination hurtling towards summer.

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Adventure Honeymoons: How to mix excitement and pleasure

Dion Wick    ash     adventure holidays, adventure honeymoon, adventurous honeymoon, Bali, Brazil, greece, Malawi, water sports, Water Sports Holidays

Some might say an adventurous honeymoon is something of an oxymoron. But we frown upon those who don’t believe in adventure honeymoons, where you can combine high-octane thrills with romance.

An adventurous honeymoon in Bali. Image: Flickr/ shurav

The idea of two weeks lolling beside a pool and doing absolutely nothing may sound like bliss following months of pre-wedding jitters and bridezilla-esque moments.

But before you book that all-inclusive plush pad in Thailand, think again.

Go for a once-in-a-lifetime trip instead with plenty of action — you won’t regret it!

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Learning to surf? Make the most of UK’s Autumn waves

Lucy Grewcock    surfingholidays     learning to surf, Surf, surf school, Surfing, surfing holidays in Britain, surfing in the UK, surfing in UK, water sports

Learnt to surf this summer and eager to do more? Good news: autumn is the best time in the UK for hitting the waves and it provides ideal conditions for progressing further.

Autumn waves bring space to practice Image:Flickr/ Peter Morgan

Autumn’s Atlantic swells bring in bigger, cleaner and more consistent waves and, after the long, hot (ahem) summer,  our British waters have warmed to a comfortable average  of around 14 degrees. Compared to summer’s 1 to 4-foot wave-lets, October can see anything from 4 to 12 feet; perfect for taking your surfing skills to the next level.

To make the most of autumn surfing in the UK, it’s worth taking a few things into consideration first…

Wetsuit

With cloudier skies and less direct sunlight heating up your neoprene, a 2mm summer wetsuit will likely reduce your time spent in the water. Get yourself kitted out with a decent 4/3mm wetsuit, or thicker if you feel the cold and want to carry on into winter. Look for sealed seams, a snug fit and go for a zipper-less option for added warmth.

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Cook Islands Kitesurfing Competition 2011

Ian K    Adventure Sports & Travel Thoughts, kiteboardingholidays     Aitutaki, australasia and pacific, Cameron Dietrich, Competition, cook islands, Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association, International Cook Islands Kitesurfing Competition, Jesse Richman, kiteboarding, kitesurfing, Motu Maina Iti, Muri Lagoon, Pacific Island, Pacific ocean, Rarotonga, South Pacific, water sports, wind sports

In June 2011 the Cook Islands will be hosting its inaugural International Cook Islands Kitesurfing Competition in Aitutaki, with some of the world’s biggest names in kitesurfing competing. The Cook Islands Kitesurfing Association has organised the event which promises to launch the Cook Islands as an international kitesurfing destination with some of the world’s biggest names set to compete in the line-up.

The competition opens with an exhibition event on 25th June 2011 at Muri Lagoon and the main competition takes place at Motu Maina Iti off Aitutaki from 29th June to 2nd July 2011.

Two-time world champion Jesse Richman has confirmed he’ll be competing; the Maui born 18 year old is a two-time KPWT champion and has won gold in international competitions all over the world. Also competing and going for gold is Cameron Dietrich, one of kitesurfing’s biggest names and has also been named the sport’s worldwide ambassador.

The judge’s panel will also include some impressive names in the kitesurfing world. Three-time Queen of the Air Susi Mai has agreed to judge along with Tahitian pro rider Moehau Goold.

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Shark Diving: Should we be afraid?

Mark Pawlak    Adventure Sports & Travel Thoughts     Africa, cape town, Danger, kitesurfing, ocean sports, Risk, Safety, Scuba Diving, shark, shark dive, shark diving, sharks, south africa, Surf, Surfing, water sports, watersports

Another Shark Week has concluded on one of the major networks. No matter how many times it’s explained that sharks rarely attack, there’s always a moment, a worry that passes over watersports fans as we paddle out into the waters.

Sharks: even the smallest look intimidating. But is this because we are conditioned to fear them, or based on a genuine threat? Surely kitesurfers are safe? Or are they?

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