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Triumph over the Waves: The Ultimate Guide to Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking is a challenging and potentially dangerous endeavour, requiring careful preparation and the right equipment. Among my experiences of sea/touring kayaking include paddling from Dungeness, UK to Boulogne, France both ways and the Great Glen Canoe Trail. Here is my basic kit list for such an adventure: Kayak and Paddles Sea Kayak: A high-quality sea kayak designed for open water, preferably one with a length of 14-18 feet, 22 to 24 inches wide, designed for stability and speed. Day Touring Kayak: An average size is of 12 to 14 feet long and 24 to 28 inches wide. Ideal qualities needed are “easy entry and all-day comfort”. Paddle: A strong…
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Transform into a Fearless Adventurer: Your Ultimate Guide
Devote yourself to the project not just for the sake of it or even solely for charity, but primarily because it resonates deeply with your own values and aspirations. There’s no time like the present! It’s never too late, and you don’t have to wait like I did. I embarked on my first real wild adventure by walking 650 km to the North Pole at the age of 62. To enhance your quest to become a seasoned adventurer, begin by embracing challenges that are both demanding, unusual and captivating. Engage in endeavors that ignite your passion and curiosity, something you deeply care about. Remember, the journey towards becoming a full-fledged…
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Triumph Over the North Atlantic Ocean : a Monumental Rowing Adventure
Rowing the North Atlantic is a monumental feat that requires incredible physical and mental endurance. The North Atlantic is known for its challenging weather patterns, strong currents, and unpredictable conditions, making it one of the most demanding bodies of water to cross. On 28th Jan 2016, approaching midnight – I was sitting in my rowing position on the “Toby Wallace”, a light-weight ocean rowing boat; ‘primed and ready for an attempt’ on a world record. Our challenge was to Row across the North Atlantic, setting off from Marina Puerto De Mogan Gran Canaria, 4815Km. / 2992 miles to Port St Charles Barbados faster than anyone before. I was musing !!!! Rowing the Atlantic…
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Running Bowline: Is a Reliable and Secure Sliding Loop Knot
The Running Bowline is a type of knot that forms a loop that will not slip or bind, and can be easily untied even after being loaded. The Running Bowline knot stands out as a remarkably versatile and dependable knot. Crafted by looping a bowline around its own standing end, it manifests as a robust and adaptable noose. The Running Bowline knot’s strength, versatility, ease of tying, and security make it a valuable tool in numerous outdoor activities, including climbing, sailing, rescue operations, and more. Notably, its ability to slide smoothly allows for easy adjustment, while its simplicity enables quick untying when needed. Tying Guide Preceding the Running Bowline with a half…
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Camping / Equipment & Accessories, Climbing, Climbing / Caving, Critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive an Adventure, Essential Rope Knots, How To's, Mountaineering, My Blog
Locking Screwgate Carabiners: The Ultimate Safety Gear for Secure Climbing
Locking Screwgate Carabiners / Karabiners serve as essential tools for climbers and mountaineers, facilitating the secure connection of various equipment pieces, thereby ensuring their safety during ascents. Typically crafted from durable metal, these versatile devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, though commonly feature an oval design with a spring-loaded clip mechanism, ensuring firm closure unless intentionally opened. They have a wide range of uses across various activities and industries, including: Climbing and Mountaineering: Carabiners are crucial for connecting ropes to harnesses, securing climbers to anchors, creating belay systems, and linking different pieces of climbing equipment such as cams, nuts, and quickdraws. Rigging and Rope Work: They are…
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Essential Guide to Due Diligence: What You Need to Know Pre-Adventurers
Prioritizing health and safety is essential in any endeavor, particularly in adventurous activities where risks abound. Comprehensive risk assessments are mandatory for all such undertakings, particularly in challenging environments like mountainous terrain or during intense activities such as an Atlantic row. Ignoring safety protocols in these scenarios may result in dire consequences. Drawing from personal reflections, poignant events such as the unfortunate loss of a fellow oarsman during the Atlantic row in 2016 and the notable dropout rate in Rugby on Everest 2019 have profoundly shaped my outlook. The tragic incident underscores the importance of ensuring comprehensive safety measures are in place. The Skipper and owner of the vessel faced…
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Rock Scrambling: Practical Tips and Best Techniques for Success
Rock scrambling, a popular outdoor pursuit, involves navigating rocky terrain with a mix of climbing and hiking techniques. It’s crucial to conduct thorough risk assessments before engaging in rock scrambling to ensure participant safety. Ignoring safety protocols in this activity could lead to accidents or injuries. Basic Guide to Scrambling How to Navigate Scree Loose Scree / friable rock is hair-raising, it makes the scramble tougher mentally Carefully maneuver your boots into the scree, especially effective when it’s just a few inches deep. Engage the front of your boot, securing a stable foothold, and meticulously shift your weight before replicating the process with the other foot. Keep your center of…
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River / Stream Crossings: Best Practical Tips for Hikers and Trekkers
River and stream crossings offer a mix of excitement and challenge. There are various factors range from navigating shallow streams to traversing deep rivers. Whether one opts for fording, using a bridge, or sailing across in a boat, the primary focus remains on assessing the environment and choosing the safest approach. Essential considerations: Scout for safer crossings by thoroughly exploring upstream and downstream to find the most suitable and secure location. Depth of the water , current intensity, and the nature of the terrain; emphasizing the paramount importance of prioritizing safety above all else. Look downstream; consequences are crucial if you get swept away by the current A straight stretch…
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Cold Water Shower : Energize your Mind, Body, and Immunity
Embracing the Cold Stepping into that cold shower initiates a daily journey toward resilience. The first moments of icy water serve as a reminder of inner strength. With each deliberate breath, you welcome the invigorating challenge, understanding that you’re nurturing both your mental and physical health. The shock of the cold water becomes a source of vitality that energizes you throughout the day. Self-Mastery This practice equips you with a mastery over your mind and body. By intentionally subjecting yourself to discomfort, you cultivate a mental fortitude crucial in handling highly stressful situations. Through enduring the chill, you develop a resilience that allows you to approach life’s challenges composed and…
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Survival Knife : Best Tips for Maintenance and Mastery
“Your knife is your life”: You’re only as sharp as your knife and your survival knife is the one that you have on you at the time. Stephen Nowacki. Taking care of your knives and using them correctly is essential for their longevity and your safety. Knives are versatile tools, but they have their limits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide valuable advice on knife care and usage to help you make the most of your tools while ensuring their durability. Section 1: Proper Knife Usage Section 2: Knife Maintenance Section 3: General Care Section 4: Maintenance and Sharpening Proper knife care and usage are vital for your safety and…
