APPS FOR BEFORE YOU LEAVE:

Got loads of packing to do?  Worried about the weather?  These two apps will help you get prepared for your trip.

• Mammut Packing List App:

Mammut provide this app for outdoors enthusiasts about to embark unpon an adventure.  You can share lists with your friends to ensure everyone has remembered to pack all their gear.   Bonus: This app is perfect if this is your first ski trip and you’re not sure what you need to take. Get an experienced mate to write their packing list and share it with you!

• Ski-Webcams Free:

Wondering what the snow and weather conditions are like at your favorite ski resort?  This app lets you view skiing webcams all across the globe, allowing you to keep your eye on the weather while you’re on the move.

APPS FOR THE JOURNEY:

If you’ve got a long bus or coach ride once you’ve got off the plane, here’s an app that will keep you entertained!

• Ski Jump Lite:

Apple has featured this classic game as their ‘Best Winter Game’ recently.  It’s simple yet very addictive game that will help the odd half hour while you’re waiting around pass a little quicker.  Bonus:  You can even compete with people from all around the world.

APPS FOR WHEN YOU’RE THERE:

These serious apps are great for when you’re at your resort.

• Realski  (Free initially, but additional maps cost more):

This is a serious app for tech enthusiasts.  Use Realski’saugmented reality (AR) application to navigate mountains.  The apputilises the iPhone’s compass, camera and & GPS features:  load it up on the mountain and the app will show you nearby lifts, points of interest, runs and resort facilities in real time.  It also includes maps for well-known resorts and is continually expanding.

• Mammut Safety

Make sure you tell your mother that you’ve downloaded this app, which will help you avoid accidents and ensure quick rescues if you get into bother.  I promise she’ll breathe a sigh of relief!  The app has a ‘risk check’ based on several factors and there’s also an SOS button so you can send the coordinates of your location by SMS.  The app comes with a built-in clinometer to measure the angle of the slope and a compass to determine the slope direction.  It also has a built in altimeter and links to the main avalanche bulletins from all around the world.  This is a must have app for any serious skier!
Let us know which apps take your fancy, and if you’ll be using any on your ski holiday this year in the comments section below!

Author Bio: Written by Carly.  Jetting off on holiday?  After some new ski wear?  Check out Ellis Brigham, who stock everything from ski boots to base layers.

Heli-skiing is sure to provide any thrill seeker with an experience of a lifetime. The feeling of getting out of a helicopter to shoot down an untouched batch of powder is not something you get everyday.

Image credit: tignes.co.uk

Typically heli-skiing trips can last anywhere from a day to over a week. Some companies offer better values for multiple day trips but this is something you will want to look into before finalizing your plans. Although heli-skiing can be a bit expensive compared to other skiing options, you don’t want to miss out on a skiing adventure like this.

Depending on your skill level, you can pick various routes that will both challenge you and give you something to enjoy.  Don’t worry if you aren’t a world-class skier or snowboarder because many companies offer accessible tracks for all levels. Also, an experienced guide can help you find easier tracks down the mountain.

For those with a lot of skiing experience, heli-skiing can challenge you and push you to new levels. Venturing off to untouched, steep slopes can turn out to be harder than any skiing you have ever done before, making the trip down that much more fulfilling. To make the most of your heli-skiing trip, be sure to challenge yourself with tough runs that are also enjoyable.

One major upside of heli-skiing is no crowds. For those used to skiing at peak season and waiting in line at lifts will be sure to appreciate the freedom of heli-skiing and having a whole mountain to yourself. There is no doubt that the isolation and independence of no big ski crowds is one of the major reasons to give heli-skiing a shot.

Aside from the thrill of bombing down a mountain or carving through some trees, heli-skiing allows you to take in some unbelievable views of winter terrain. Whether you are heli-skiing in the Skeena Mountains in British Columbia or at the Southern Alps in New Zealand, the views from flying above mountain ranges before you head down a pristine slope are unforgettable.  Part of the experience of heli-skiing is getting to take in a panoramic view of mountains that is inaccessible from standard ski resorts.

Before you head out this winter, a word of caution; Heli-skiing can be a highly addictive sport. After your first time out, you may be signing up for your next trip before you know it.

Author Bio: Jack Middlebrook is student at University of California at Santa Barbara and works for FindTheBest, a data-driven comparison website that allows you to compare anything from Heli-Skiing to Exercise Bikes.If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

Image Credit: telegraph.co.uk

If you’ve got a few years of decent experience in a particular sport or activity then you could be better placed to work as an instructor. This is probably one of the best jobs to get as you will be directly involved in sport all day long. However, if you don’t have the skills required there are plenty of jobs on the fringe that should allow you to regularly get out and have some fun with the sport of your choice.

Working a Ski Season

There are a huge number of organisations across the world that recruit staff each year to work in ski resorts. Jobs range from looking after chalets, working in hotels right through to lift assistants and instructors. If you love winter sports then this is definitely something you should look into doing. Even the more laborious jobs such as cleaning hotel rooms should allow you some time on the slopes. Most organisations will have benefits for their employees which could include lift passes and other advantages. It’s worth checking out the different companies to see what’s on offer, and checking how much time you get on the slopes.

Summer Activity Centres

Most tourist destinations will have a set of activity companies offering sports on the more extreme side of the fence. From rafting through to rock climbing, most resorts will need people to instruct and help organise excursions. If you have a particular interest and skill set in one sport then this will play in your favour. Most of these companies are independently run, so to find the work your best bet is to identify popular areas for the sport of your choice and then start getting in touch. Even if you don’t have much experience they may need staff to man the desk or answer calls. If you can get some work like this then chances are that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ‘test out’ the activities on offer.

Setting Up Your Own Business

If you fancy doing something a little bit more crazy, then you could always consider launching your own activity centre. Yes, this will probably be the most stressful option but if you get it right, the lifestyle you’re rewarded with could be fantastic. You will of course need to have some business experience and be willing to market your business and probably live on very little cash whilst things settle. Popular ideas could include rental services, cafes or excursion companies. If you do decide to do this, then make sure you do your research and seek advice from people who have already done it.

Author Bio: Jon Quinton works for Wish.co.uk who provide a range of exhilarating experience days and unique gifts. Take a look at their website to see what’s on offer.If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

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The good news is that protective eyewear doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or unfashionable. Here are a few tips to help you tailor your protective eyewear to the extreme sport you engage in to ensure the best in comfort, style, and protection.

BMX Racing

Motocross biking, more informally known as BMX racing, presents a number of hazards to the eyes. Besides the hazards presented by bright sunlight, mud from the track is often thrown up into the eyes. This can not only obscure the vision but even cause serious injury to the eyes.

For this extreme sport, the best kind of protective eyewear is wrap-around glasses with lenses that are quite large. This kind of eyewear will not only protect your eyes from anything that might fly up from your wheels but will also help to prevent your peripheral vision from being obscured.

Skateboarding

Because the majority of skateboarding is done in urban locations with many types of dangerous obstacles, eye injuries are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. For this extreme sport, protective eyewear may be as important as the obligatory helmet itself. It’s important that the eyewear you choose is extremely resistant to impact as it may take quite a beating. Polycarbonate lenses will usually do the trick.

Make sure that the glasses you choose will fit well onto your frame and will not fall off your face easily. Wrap-around lenses will help to ensure that your peripheral vision is not blocked.

Mountain Biking

Many of the same dangers to the eyes found in BMX racing are also present in mountain biking, but mountain biking comes with its own set of challenges. There are two sides of mountain biking, the descent, and the ascent. For your ascent up the mountain, it’s important that your glasses are properly vented and have plenty of airflow. Glasses tend to fog up during periods of strenuous work that are coupled with little forward progress.

For the descent, however, goggles may be imperative. Because of the great speed involved in the descent, it’s important that the eyewear you use offers maximum protection against bugs, wind, and grit. In extremely muddy mountain biking conditions, you may want to consider eyewear that comes with a number of sticky transparent plastic layers that can be ripped off one at a time when your face is repeatedly splattered by mud.

Sailing

One of the primary dangers to the eyes when sailing comes from the bacteria-infested sand or water that is often splashed into them when navigating open waters. The glare from the sun’s rays bouncing off the surface of the water can also pose an irritating and annoying problem.

Vented goggles with clear lenses can help to protect you from the first danger and are an essential part of any sailor’s gear, especially when sailing in harsh conditions. Sunglasses featuring polarised lenses can help to ward off headaches caused by sunlight glare and should be kept close at hand for those times of day when the sun throws its worst at you.

Author Bio: Matt writes on behalf of designer-glasses.co.uk, the internet’s premier destination for all top brands of designer eyewear including Oakley, Gucci, Prada and Ray Ban glasses. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

However with an increased reliance on technology comes increased risk of complacency; as we place too much trust in gadgets and maybe don’t spend an adequate amount of time in preparation. This issue is one which is on the rise and effects sportsmen and women across multiple sports and pastimes at all levels.

Smartphones and mobile devices have often been placed at the forefront of this debate. So many of us use them in our everyday lives and subsequently have started adding them to our outdoor and extreme sporting kit.

There is of course an argument for and against the introduction of smartphones into the outdoor kit bag. We obviously acknowledge the dangers and promote responsible use; but cannot help but promote some of the applications found on Google’s Android operating system. If you have an android phone and partake in extreme and outdoor sports then the following apps should not be overlooked. They in reality could even save your life. Not to be over relied upon, but to potentially help in an emergency or used in tandem with core skills. Here are our top 5:

1. Compass

No outdoors person should be without their compass and neither should they be totally reliant on this digital variation. But if something should happen to your original one or should it get lost, this version is a great backup. It will also sync with geolocation data, allowing you to plot your course and find your location – cheating to some, lifesaving to others.

2. SOS

The knowledge within and functionality of this SOS app really could prove the difference between life and death. Developed by the American Red Cross & Dr. Oz if you have an Android phone then this should be one of the first apps you install. Not just targeted at extreme sportsmen & women, the lifesaving information will prove valuable to anyone in an emergency situation. It provides emergency protocol for 50+ situations, 3D animations, voice over and GPS location data for when you are speaking to emergency services.

3. Scary Campfire Stories

We have all been in that situation, sitting around a campfire or huddled together in the mess tent trying to think of a good ghost story. The scary campfire stories app will make you the head of all things story telling (as long as you don’t give your secret away). Packed with hundreds of ghost stories, old and new; all of which giving you something to talk about and hopefully something for your friends to lose sleep over.

4. Knots Guide

Whether you are teaching a group of scouts or halfway up a mountain; knowing how to tie knots is a fundamental skill for extreme sports enthusiasts and outdoors people alike. The difference between some knots in certain situations could mean the difference between life and death. The knots Guide android app contains detailed information on how to tie 92 knots broken down into 10 categories (from binding to climbing).

5. Juice Defender

Not a strange ‘angry birds’ type game, but a very useful and potentially lifesaving application. Unlike those mentioned above juice defender is not a reactive app, but one that works passively in the background ensuring your phone has enough battery life in it to make emergency operations. A very powerful app that is very easy to configure, allowing you to customise settings depending on the situation. A must have app for times when one phone call, text or GPS request could mean life or death.

Author Bio: Nick Williams works for myphonedeals.co.uk, who are focused on giving you the best android phones. If you live in the UK and need help deciding on the best mobile phone deals look no further than My Phone Deals. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then you’ve likely participated in extreme sports and activities like sky diving, white water rafting, surfing, rock climbing, cliff jumping, motocross and parkour, just to name a few. Have you ever gone coasteering though? Coasteering is essential for those who are addicted to extreme sports, but not many people know much about it. Here’s an overview of how it works and what you can expect:

• It’s an innovative activity – Coasteering is a relatively new outdoor sport teaches you to explore a shoreline without using traditional paths and methods. In other words, you make your way along a coast line at sea level no matter what obstacle is in your way. Think parkour, only on a coast.

• It tests your athletic prowess – Coasteering is a fusion of swimming, rock climbing, cliff jumping, scrambling and walking. There are no ropes or harnesses involved. Aside from wearing basic safety gear – helmet, wetsuit, life vest and strong and sturdy footwear – you have total freedom to maneuver as you choose.

• Anyone can participate – There are no age or fitness requirements to go on a coasteering adventure. As long as you are relatively healthy and are able to swim capably, you should not have a problem. It’s a sport that calls for a lot of energy, but you’re allowed to go at your own pace.

• It’s safe – What usually happens is you sign up with a group. Before you go out, you’re given a safety briefing by trained and qualified instructors who have knowledge of local tides, weather conditions and other hazards. Then you’re led to an area where you’ll warm up with your team and get acclimated to the environment. You’ll begin with low level cliff traversing, small jump exercises and demonstrations on how to enter the water without injuring yourself. Once the instructors feel that you’re ready, you’ll move on to rock scrambling, bigger jumps, swims through rock pools, around rugged masses and the like. For those groaning that there will be supervision, bear in mind that coasteering can be highly dangerous if the proper precautions aren’t taken.

• It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience – Just like other extreme sports, coasteering is a cool and thrilling way to test your limits. It also allows you to travel coastlines in a way you wouldn’t think possible, often taking in views you would otherwise miss going the pedestrian route.

• It builds self-confidence – If you love to challenge yourself or if you force yourself to face your fears, then coasteering helps you do that and then some. There’s nothing more satisfying and character building than seeing something like this through to the end. After all, consider all the stories you’ll be able to tell!

If you’re addicted to extreme sports, then coasteering is definitely for you. It’s an excellent way to bond with others while doing something outside the box. Most importantly, it gives you a whole new appreciation for nature while getting your heart pumping.

Author Bio: Sarah writes on behalf of Campers In Cornwall who can help you with Volkswagen camper van hire. If your looking for VW camper van hire check Campers In Cornwall for great deals. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

If you are a fan of snow and snow sports, Japan should be your number one destination. No other place in the world has as much to offer as this island nation. From snow sports resorts and snow monkeys to high culture and great nightlife, Japan has it all.

Japan: Land of Incredible Snow

The Japanese people have loved winter sports for some time. Skiing, snowboarding and the like have been popular for decades. Only recently has the international community discovered Japan’s wonderful ski slopes and other activities, however. The 1998 Winter Olympics were held on the island of Honshu and Japan has become an ever-more popular destination for snow lovers since.

Japan’s Natural Beauty

There are not many places that compare with Japan’s natural beauty. Japan is home to soaring volcanoes, pristine forests and rushing waterfalls. Japan contains some of the most beautiful mountains on Earth, including the well-known Mt. Fuji. Despite the high population a number of places have been set aside as wildlife preserves. And of course there is the sea, which surrounds Japan on all sides.

Snow Activities in Japan

There are almost too many snow-related activities in Japan to list. Honshu and Hokkaido are the two islands with the most snow. The island of Hokkaido is a must visit. It becomes a wonderland every winter as storms sweep down from the arctic and blanket the island in snow. There are over a dozen ski slopes on this one island alone. Snowboarding is also popular. Every February the Snow Festival is held in the city of Sapporo.

Ishiuchi Maruyama is one of the premier snow sports resorts in Japan. It offers courses for all levels of snowboarders and skiers. It also has night skiing. One of the largest resorts in Japan is the Shiga Heights Ski Resort, which is located inside a national park. Another popular ski resort is Appi Kogen.

Other activities are available besides skiing and snowboarding. Visitors often go snowmobiling or snowshoeing. You can also visit the snow monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park. Some other popular activities include snow rafting and soaking in the hot springs.

Japan is also home to numerous other tourist destinations, such as temples and museums. Wonderful restaurants are located throughout the country, and the cities have great nightlife.

Japan is clearly the top travel choice for anyone who likes snow. The snow sports and other activities it has to offer make this island country impossible to beat. If you are into snow sports, you should start planning your trip today.

Author Bio: Sarah writes on behalf of The Board Basement an independent snowboard retailer in the UK. Their on-line shop gives you access to the latest boarding gear, clothing and accessories such as Sanuk Sandals and the best Snowboards UK. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

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Underground ethics

Extreme sports originate on the fringes of society – in underground and counter-culture movements. Surfing is a good example, starting out as an expression of freedom and making a very definite lifestyle statement; the sort of statement that uses a combination of two fingers when faced with traditional lifestyles and sports. Today, you could be forgiven for thinking that extreme sports are more to do with marketing and mainstream culture than fringe groups. After all, who doesn’t live life “to the max” these days? In the US in 2008 the surf industry published retail sales amounting to £5bn – not all from jobless hippies one suspects!

Dangerous pastimes

Extreme sports have, in fact, become less extreme by the burgeoning retail industry that accompanies them. By definition extreme would suggest that there is an element of danger in the sport but horse riding is more likely to see you killed or injured than many extreme sports. At the heart of these activities is not necessarily extremity or even sport if you go by traditional definitions. The ethos is more to do with testing your own limits and breaking personal barriers – not competing in a team or scoring points.

Challenging yourself

Perhaps it is these two factors that attract more and more people to the sports each year. While traditional sports involve direct competition to prove you are better than someone else, extreme sports offer the chance to prove that you can be better than yourself. This attitude perhaps is one of the key aspects of all extreme sports that it retains from the early days. The desire to challenge and win over the self, which many would argue is harder than beating someone else. The commercialised versions of many extreme sports – bungee jumping for example – take this element away. Safety first in that case – and the only thing that participants illustrate about themselves is that are “Wacky”. Anybody out to prove that, well, just isn’t.

Extreme sports have come a long way and no doubt more will be around next week – for somebody to market – but for those serious devotees, whatever form extreme sports take, the challenge will still be more important than the thrill.

Author Bio: Guest post written by carloan4u.co.uk – offering car finance loans throughout the UK to buy any car from any dealer. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

The Importance of Insurance

When you take your free time to the extreme, it’s important to be prepared for the worst-case-scenarios. It doesn’t matter how skilled of a skater you are; even Tony Hawk has broken some bones. He, however, has the money to fix them; while many of us do not.

Insurance is a necessity of life, especially when you live it to the fullest. If you don’t have the right insurance, you may end up paying for all of your injuries out of your own wallet, which would most likely postpone whatever new wheels you were saving up for.

Know your Coverage

Just because you have medical insurance doesn’t mean you are safe. Insurance companies, like all businesses, are out to make money, so if they can get away with not paying you, they won’t.

Fighting an insurance company after an accident can be a frustrating situation, so it’s best to be knowledgeable about your coverage before anything happens. Even if you believe you are covered, confirm it with your insurance company. Check through yourself to see what circumstances are insured.

Shop Around

You should also check with other companies to make sure that your current insurance gives you the best bang for your buck. Some companies claim to have policies only costing about $20 a month. Whether or not that is sufficient for you is something best taken up with the insurance company and through your own research, but you can be confident that by taking the time to check, you’ll find insurance that’s right for you.

What do you look for in insurance though? If you’re just an occasional skier for example, odds are you won’t need anything special. Basic insurance should be fine for you. Your average policy should cover run of the mill situations.

For the Serious Athletes

If you are a more serious athlete, such as one who travels the world snowboarding different mountains, then you will need better insurance that covers more than just the basics. If you participate in several different sports, you’ll need to get a wide range of coverage. If you are a one-sport kind of person, then you can look into insurance policies specifically for your sport of choice, and save money.

If you perform internationally, you’ll also need specific coverage. Just because you’re employer’s insurance means you’re covered in Chicago, it doesn’t mean you are covered in Tokyo. Insurance companies call this a traveling policy, and this is a must for any one who participates in international sporting events. Losing an event because you broke your arm, and then having to pay for everything out-of pocket would be quite a downer.

Due Diligence

Be sure to do your due diligence on all insurance companies you consider. Do not just sign up with the first site to pop up on a Google search. The Better Business Bureau is a great tool to use, as is word of mouth on the company. An insurance agent should be able to find you what you need if you are a serious rider.

An accident is bad enough; you won’t be able to do what you love to do, possibly for an extended period if time. Having to pay for it would just be salt in the wound. Do the smart thing, and get covered before you get stuck in a bad situation.

Author Bio: Cyndi Peterson is an extreme sports enthusiast, a personal finance and insurance consultant. She helps people, including small business owners and those living off their sport talents, to get bad credit credit cards if they need them. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

Though it has been debated over the years of what is technically “extreme,” most participants consider anything that pushes an adrenaline rush or an excitement that increases endorphins and dopamine. Some popular extreme sports are:

Air:

• Indoor climbing
• Adventure racing
• Sky diving
• Sky surfing
• Bungee jumping
• Gliding
• Hang gliding
• High wire
• Ski jumping
• Sky flying

Land:

• BMX
• Caving
• Motocross
• Street lunge
• Snowboarding
• Snowmobiling
• Speed biking
• Inline skating
• Mountain biking
• Barefoot water skiing
• Cliff diving
• Free-diving

Water:

• Jet skiing
• Open water swimming
• Powerboat racing,-Round the world yacht racing
• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling
• Speed sailing
• Surfing
• Wake boarding
• Whitewater kayaking
• Windsurfing
• Kitesurfing

These are a mix between three types of classification for extreme sports; air, land and water. The daunting title of “extreme” shouldn’t scare away any new comers. Though these may be intimidating sports…there are easy steps to becoming masters of each. Anyone can do it and the amount of positive that comes from risking yourself as a person to do an activity much beyond what you think you can do is even more worth it.

Mix it Up

Instead of shooting hoops or tossing around a baseball, why not go for indoor rock climbing? You don’t need to skip your exercise workouts, just incorporate extreme sports around your workout plan to get the complete package. While on vacation at the beach, give surfing a try. With all these different sports, the possibilities are endless. Though free diving may not be your thing, snorkeling or scuba diving are both hobbies that can easily be picked up.

These sports require a high level of physical exertion, though that shouldn’t stop anyone from trying it once. The X Games are easily relatable to the extreme factor in these sports. They are able to compete in a more controlled atmosphere for their events. But, don’t let the pro’s steal all the spot light! Take it step by step, conquering the most manageable of the extreme. Letting your body feel the rush of adrenaline while bungee jumping is enough to start an addiction to being free and letting your body truly feel the weightlessness of the sport. The suspension as you’re clearing a huge slope while snowboarding will feel incredible, if the time, training and conditioning are all put into full effect. They may be achievable, but the work and muscle training must be %100 percent.

Don’t be Afraid: Try Something Out of Your Comfort Zone

The danger factor is also a very key element to the idea of extreme. The thought of not really knowing what could come next is terrifying, yet completely satisfying at the same time. This is what drives the human craving of stepping outside of the box. The idea of living in a world where we are unaware of what could happen is intriguing. We live vicariously through the people who break through their comfort zones and into an area of risk, danger and adrenaline. We want that rush, those sweet moments of suspension, the touch of fear that comes with being suspended upside down.

Risking your body and keeping it alive and aware is a perfect way to keep fit. Instead of living in the same familiar routine that your body is used to, extreme sports can wake things up and use muscles that have never been used before. After seeing the many different types of extreme sports, it’s easy to choose one to fit your physical type. Or choose one that is completely opposite to give a personal challenge. The satisfaction that cheerfully comes along with these sports is one to be recognized. They bring out the best in each person, bringing alive the spirit and excitement in a human.

Give it All You Got!

Rather than just living through the X Games, get up, get out and explore the beauty of this craft. Take on an extreme sport yourself and physically challenge your body to boost those endorphins. Endorphins have been said to make you happy, exercising can only benefit you. So, go all out! Risk your body in ways you’d never dreamed of before. There’s only one life we’re given, why not make the most of it? Get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to the extreme with sports that will keep you more fit than jogging on the treadmill for an hour. The gym won’t satisfy that hunger for danger, but sky diving most definitely will as well as keep you much more physically fit. All in all, it’s a win win situation.

Author Bio: Michelle is a freelance writer for a fitness website. She loves keeping active and trying new things. Her favorite thing to do is water ski at the nearby lake. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

The Need for Adrenaline

Whether you talk to medical professionals or you talk to people involved in extreme sports, one of the first answers that you’ll receive on this question has to do with adrenaline. Athletes are hooked to these sports because of the psychological craving for adrenaline. Whether they are jumping out of a plane, doing a half-pipe, or even running a marathon, many of the athletes live for the feeling that their body gets when they are close to the edge. Medical professionals differ in opinion on whether this is an addiction, but it goes without saying that athletes are clearly hooked on this feeling.

A Feeling of Identity and Accomplishment

Another explanation comes from identity. Simply put, the athletes have built their entire reputation and their lives on being able to push the limits. People know them not for what they have done around the office, but for what they put their bodies through. Even though some athletes recognize the immediate and long-term danger of what they are doing, many of them crave the sense of identity that comes from competing in extreme sports or taking on that next challenge.

Competitive Drive

Some athletes just aren’t satisfied until they have taken on the next challenge. It is the same phenomenon as what you might see among baseball players who have won a division championship. The next step is to win the pennant and
from there, the World Series. The competitive drive to keep moving up the ladder and keep winning is something that drives a lot of athletes. For many of these athletes, the dangers that they face are like their competition. Just as a golfer must compete against the course and the elements, an extreme athlete only looks at the risks as things that he has to overcome mentally. This is a very powerful motivating factor that keeps these athletes hooked on that high.

Ultimately athletes get hooked on the extremes for different reasons. Depending upon who you talk to, you might get a different answer as to why these sports remain so popular year after year. The risks don’t seem to be slowing any of these athletes down, though, and that is for sure.

Author Bio: This guest article was contributed by Jennifer Bell from Health Training Guide. She also writes about gerontology training and other exciting health careers. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

There are differences when it comes to girding up the mountain warrior versus the track rider. Mountain biking tends to see increased speed and some downhill runs can go on forever. Your equipment is going to have to deal with those issues. Dirt biking on the other hand may entail a few more attempts at X-game style maneuvers and repeated jumps for distance and air. So keep these things in mind when choosing your gear.

Having a solid, well-fitting helmet is the most important gear investment. There are a lot of good choices out there. However, one helmet, that continues to get great reviews, is the 2011 FOX V1 HELMET - EMPIRE. A helmet is a must have and this one seems to do it all. It looks great, is safe and has your comfort in mind. You will stay cool and dry thanks to its superb ventilation and smart design. Most importantly, the injection moulded polycarbonate shell promises a great fit and incredible safety. There are a lot of great helmets on the market to choose from, but comfort and safety should never be compromised. You may pay more up front but you won’t regret it in the long run.

Having the right eyeglasses or goggles can make all the difference in your ride. Again, there are some really great new glasses to choose from. Oakley makes a solid goggle that is innovative and extremely comfortable. They get great reviews and you can choose the right one for you. You will want to make sure your goggles give you an anatomical fit. And this is where you won’t want to sacrifice comfort. Choose a pair that provides great comfort and layered foam protection for a snug fit. Polycarbonate goggles will last and are worth the extra cost. Rocks won’t break them and an occasional crash won’t finish them off. If you’re going to do some dirt biking tricks, you might want to have a strap or an elastic band. Mountain bikers mostly want to be able to see clearly when hurtling down a stony path. Bugs, rocks and branches no longer threaten your orbs. Clearly, quality is important. Buy the good stuff.

Every great rider knows that you must be prepared for a fall- no matter how unwanted it is. Knee-pads, shoulder pads, elbow pads and wrist guards will keep you safe. Add in some sturdy long sleeve protection and your adventure will be outrageous. One more thing, you can also buy your protective gear in one big package. If you choose to go this route and buy a riding outfit, make sure it fits well. It may save you money but if you aren’t comfortable, the savings won’t matter.
Check out this site http://www.motosport.com/dirtbike/category/Riding-Gear/. They offer outstanding choices of gear from top brands. Take time to read the reviews of other riders so you know what to look for. Having great gear that meets your needs can help provide a stellar riding experience. Your next new piece of dirt or mountain biking gear can only add to the experience.

Author Bio: Diane Johnson graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in political science. When she’s not travelling she enjoys writing articles about Grand Canyon University, reading books and sports. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

Flying to India will take you to a destination that loves extreme sports. Uttaranchal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Laddakh and the northern parts of India are some of the best areas to find the action.

The Himalayas are undoubtedly the best place for extreme sports with their rough terrains, unscaled heights and extreme temperatures, perfect for mountain biking, mountain cycling, bungee jumping, gliding, paragliding, trekking and rock climbing to name but a few! Others areas are fantastic for white water rafting, kayaking and scuba diving. Hang gliding, paragliding and hot air ballooning are common sights on the beaches of Goa, Andaman & Nikobar islands, Lakshadweep islands and the hill stations in the northern parts of India.

Some other extreme sports to try are:

Heli Skiing

For some ski lovers, getting a ski life to the top of a mountain and skiing down just isn’t thrilling enough. Some like to jump into a helicopter to be airlifted to a remote mountaintop where they are promptly dropped off and left to ski down some of the most unexplored and hair-raising terrain imaginable. This is, unsurprisingly known as, heli-skiing. It does pose certain risks since a skier will eventually have to find his way toward the plain through unfamiliar routes and contours. Aside from the Indian Himalayan region, other amazing skiing locations are Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass and Chandrakhani Pass near Manali, Gulmarg, Pithoragarh, Kumaon Himalayas and Uttaranchal.

Mountaineering and Ice Climbing

Want something a little different but a lot more challenging? Mountaineering and ice climbing could be the challenge for you. Try beating the odds on the Indian Himalayas for a heart pounding experience. Some of India’s mountaineering regions are Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal and the eastern Himalayan range of Sikkim & Darjeeling. The most challenging mountain peaks in the Indian Himalayas are Nanda Devi and Kanchenjunga.

Paragliding

Tandem Paragliding experiences and Paragliding courses are held in Kamshet, set amongst rugged hills, green fields and crystal clear lakes. This beautiful hilly area has an altitude of 2200 feet with pleasant weather and an untouched beauty. Kamshet is 11 kilometres away from the twin hill stations of Khandala & Lonavala and is easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune by road and rail.

White Water Rafting

Zip up your life jacket, snap on your helmet, grab the paddles and get ready for the time of your life as you ride those waves and negotiate those rapids and sharp twists and bends that the river throws at you .Instructions and lessons will be given beforehand so you needn’t worry, after which you’ll feel your pulse quicken as your guide runs you through the various manoeuvres you’ll be undertaking in the water. An abundance of mountain rivers makes India a World Class destination for White-water rafting and a great way to see India’s natural surroundings too. Experience the thrills of raging rapids and water crashing against your little whether you’re on the Ganges or the Indus River’s.

Rickshaw Challenge

For something completely unique, and a little crazy, why not take up the Rickshaw Challenge? Drive an auto rickshaw across India and experience a hilarious and extraordinary way of seeing India and while contributing to charity as well. The Rickshaw Challenge involves teams of one to three people driving an auto rickshaw along a specified route in India. During the journey, you’ll also get the opportunity to visit a number of charity projects. The Mumbai Xpress is the most popular going from Chennai to Mumbai, over 13 days of driving. You’ll get to encounter the notorious monsoon in India as well. Extreme!

Author Bio: James is an extreme sports lover and destined globetrotter. When not working on travel blog PRnewshub.co.uk, he spends most of his time flying to India to experience more of the extreme sports on offer. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

For some of us, it’s to lose our inhibitions, for others it makes emotional or physical pain easier to deal with. However for many, it’s all about getting a sense of increased vitality and awareness – feeling alive! This high can be achieved 100% legally and naturally, using chemicals inside our own body. Specifically by a hormone called adrenaline or epinephrine.

The effects of adrenaline:

• Our body secretes this hormone naturally to deal with fear and stress
• It boosts our heart rate and increases oxygen flow which gives us more strength and energy
• It dilates our pupils which enhances our vision
• It directs blood to the skeletal muscles which makes us stronger and also decreases bleeding in flesh wounds

So, when we are hunting, fighting or running for our lives, this sure can come in handy, but there are other benefits to harnessing the effects…

Highs

Since the discovery of adrenaline, there has emerged a breed of adventurous folk who call themselves adrenaline junkies. They need or want the feeling of a natural adrenaline high. This high is fairly easy to achieve, although sometimes dangerous.

Safer, or more controlled ways include experiences such as roller coasters, where your body instinctively gets frightened and stressed and produces adrenaline and endorphines. But some folks need real fear, so they get involved with extreme sports.

Sports such as Skydiving present real risk. Your brain and your body understand this and provide you with ample adrenaline for the fall. Bunjee jumping and cliff diving are a couple more extreme options if you’re looking for an intensified adrenaline rush. You can also combine your taste for adrenaline with your competitive side. Dangerous sports like race car driving, snowboarding, motorcross, and whitewater rafting can fill you with adrenaline.

Lows

The adrenaline high is best paired with physical activity to “work off” excess amounts in your body and to prevent side effects. For example, if something unexpected causes/stimulates your body to produce adrenaline, you may want to go for a walk to get it out of your system. Just a few of the side effects include insomnia, headaches, anxiety or jittery nerves.

Junkies

The term adrenaline is originally derived from Latin (ad- and renes literally means on the kidney, in reference to the adrenal gland’s anatomic location on the kidney). However, the term ‘adrenaline junkie’ was made popular by the movie Point Break, which inspired a whole new breed of thrill seekers. Or maybe it just highlighted the number of people looking for adventure and to get a “high” from life in the first place?

For some, the high or “rush” is a way of life (a psychologically addictive must), for others it’s a way to push boundaries in life, and some, simply a great way of showing off. But how do you know if you’re a junkie or not. For adrenaline-newbies, you’ve first of all you’ve got to experience it, to understand if it’s the ‘missing piece’ in your life. On the flip side, if you’re a well-seasoned thrill seeker, and find yourself ‘getting high alone’, stealing money to buy hang gliding gear, you might want to be a little concerned.

Ok, there may be a risk of physical harm in pursuit of the ultimate adrenaline rush, but in any measure, it’s fun, perfectly legal and ultimately a natural sensation serving a physiological purpose; there when we really need it!

Author Bio: Amy Greenacre writes on behalf of Thorpe Breaks, official short breaks provider for Thorpe Park. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

Christine McKenzie

Falling at a distance of 11,000 feet, Christine McKenzie was prepared for a typical skydive outing in August of 2004 on her 112th jump (this time from Carletonville, South Africa). But her jump on this day would be anything but typical as the main chute failed to deploy and several lines on the reserve broke. Hurtling downward, McKenzie was saved when power lines broke her fall. As a result, McKenzie sustained a broken pelvic bone and several bruises.

Image Credit: insight-nyc.com

Alan Magee

On Jan. 3, 1943, Magee’s B-17 was shot down on his seventh mission. Wounded from the blast, the airman escaped his ball turret position. At 22,000 feet he began to fall. “Luckily” for Magee, the St. Nazaire train station was there to break his four-mile plunge. Rescuers found him inside the station. He had crashed through the glass roof. From there, the Germans took him prisoner, and treated his 28 shrapnel wounds, nearly severed right arm, countless broken bones, and additional damages received to the nose, eye, and kidney. He was rescued by Allies in May 1945 and received a Purple Heart and Air Medal for his troubles.

Image Credit: blogspot.com

Ivan Chisov

Soviet air lieutenant’s brush with death occurred in January of 1942. In the midst of an air battle, his Ilyushin II-4 bomber was attacked. Like Magee, he bailed at 22,000 feet. Unlike Magee, he had a fully operable chute he planned to deploy after he fell out of the firefight. Unfortunately for Chisov, he lost consciousness before he could deploy and crashed into a snowy ravine at a speed of anywhere from 120 to 150 miles per hour. With a broken pelvis and a variety of spinal injuries, no one expected Chisov to survive, much less be flying again in three months, but that’s exactly what the airman did.

Image Credit: wikimedia.org

Stephen Alkemade

This British airman was part of a seven-man crew that came under attack from the Nazis on March 24, 1944. At 18,000 feet and with a parachute destroyed by fire, Alkemade decided he didn’t want to burn to death. His only option: jump from the flaming wreckage without a chute and hope for the best. On the way down, his fall was broken by pine trees and a thick smattering of snow. Alkemade sustained a sprained leg from the fall and was taken captive by a suspicious German army. After the Gestapo interviewed him and discovered the wreckage, they issued him a certificate of survival and were reportedly impressed with Alkemade’s good fortune. He survived the war and died at the age of 64 in 1987.

Image Credit: nonjok.com

Steve Wood

On May 6, 2011, 25-year old Steve Wood jumped near Shotton Airfield close to Peterlee County, Durham, in England. Wood’s canopy opened, but he could not access the harnesses in time to steer. As a result, he began spinning out of control at 3,000 feet and hit the ground at 40 miles per hour. His spine was cracked in three places.

Image Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Owen Horton

Australian skydiver Owen Horton had made more than 100 solo jumps when his chute collapsed on him during a skydive near New South Wales. The 14,000-feet drop was punctuated by a 125 mile per hour landing. Horton received a multitude of injuries including several breaks in his right arm, severe bruising to his foot soles, and a crushed thigh. Doctors expect him to make a full recovery, and Horton has no plans of stopping in spite of watching the admittedly horrific footage that is now available online.

Image Credit: mirror.co.uk

Author Bio: Aric Mitchell writes for Star Costumes, a retailer of high quality Renaissance costumes.If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

6. Manasquan Inlet, NJ

Image Credit: Surfline.com

While on your way to the state capitol of New Jersey (Trenton, for the geographically impaired), you may want to stop off at Manasquan Inlet for a series of waves that will really test your skills as a surfer. The hollow riding experience is fun, challenging, and fast paced, but you will really need a more experienced skill set to deal with the jetty/breakwater environment effectively. Beware the hidden dangers of manmade structures such as buoys along with rips and undertow.

5. Reef Road, FL

Image Credit: Magicseaweed.com

Yet another entry on this list of top 6 East Coast surf spots, South Florida’s Reef Road captures a slot because of the temperate climates, the great lightweight tunneling action of the swells and the laid back feel of the weekday surfing action. You may wish to stay away from this place during the weekends, however, as it can get quite crowded. The prime swell of the day can get up to 16 feet, so beginners beware. The only real non-surfing danger that one will encounter in Reef Road, Florida, is the threat of sharks, but attacks do not happen very often. One must be mindful of their presence, though.

4. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, NC

Image Credit: 808surfer.com

The rips and the undertow presence at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, N.C., can present dangerous conditions to even the most seasoned surfer, so proceed with caution and stay in the shallow end till you’ve got your bearings. Once you do, you’ll be able to tackle the glowering 16-foot swells and test your surfboard leash to its max. Like some of the other locations on this list of the top 6 East Coast surf spots, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse offers a fast and hollow experience with a bit more power than you’ll get from Reef Road and Manasquan Inlet. Another heavily populated weekend experience, so try to get out there during the week if you don’t like the crowds.

3. Sebastian Inlet, FL

Image Credit: Sebastianinletcam.com

While South Florida and Miami in particular may garner much of the praise the state receives for sand and surf, don’t forget about the northern coastline, in particular the breakwater and jetties of Sebastian Inlet. This locale has been known to harbor a shark population and a jagged contribution of rocks, so choose where you start out carefully if you are a beginner. Surf spot also features a number of buoys and larger crowds than even the others on this list of top 6 East Coast surf spots boast.

2. Newport, RI

Image Credit: alternityrecords.com

Ruggles Avenue in Newport, R.I., is home to one of the most daring surf spots that the seasoned boarder will ever face. A combination of reef and rock, the terrain itself presents a danger, but not like the swells, which have been known to climb over 16 feet. There is nothing hollow at all about this experience, and that’s what brings large crowds out both during the week and on the weekends. Surf if you dare!

1. Folly Beach Washout, SC

Image Credit: Magicseaweed.com

Folly Beach Washout is perhaps the best of the top 6 East Coast surf spots, because it is an experience for both beginner and pro alike. The 6-foot swells maintain a manageable but fun environment, where one can hone their craft or jump on a board for the first time without impunity. Sand-bar terrain makes it easy to focus on just the surf and not the potential hazards hiding in (or on) the water. The great climate means surfing in your board shorts is possible for most of the season.

Author Bio: Aric Marshall is a professional writer for a Massachusetts insurance agency, and he’s always up for a swell time, in or out of the water. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

Image Credit:33surf.com

What to Buy?

The question is, which board should aspiring surf-junkies buy? Any good surf shop will have dozens on display in a bewildering array of colours, shapes, and sizes. There isn’t one size or shape that is best for everyone, but most beginners will want something fairly big for their first board. Longer, wider boards are more stable and require less balance and less pop-up speed, but smaller folks can get away with smaller boards which are easier to paddle out. 7’4″ might be fine for a muscular man who tops 6′ while a petite woman will probably want something about 6’10″. Also bear in mind that the length of board will determine the length of surfboard leash you need.

Opinions on the surfer height/board length question vary as widely as surfboards do, but as a rule of thumb, the surfer should be able to stand beside the upright board and put their hand on the top just about comfortably. Shape-wise, you’ll probably want a funboard or a mini mal. These are pretty much standard and your surf shop will have plenty to choose from.

The ideal board also depends on the surf. The bigger the waves, the smaller the board. Small boards will be far easier to paddle out to the lineup on messy days because they can be manoeuvred under or through oncoming white water more easily, but on the other hand, a 6′ short board won’t have the capacity to catch waves on small, gentle days.

Surf varies in height, period (length of time between waves), and quality from day to day. What you get depends on swells further out to sea, which in turn depends on the atmospheric pressure pattern, and what the wind is like in terms of both strength and direction. Here in the UK winter surf tends to be far bigger, so it calls for a smaller board (and a better surfer). The summers are relatively flat. It’s the perfect time for newbies to get started and for hardcore surfers to break out their long boards.

Keep it Simple…

Don’t worry too much about complicated shape concepts like rocker, rails, and tail design. The only way to learn what your real preferences are is to surf. Get to know your own board and borrow different ones from friends whenever you can. Reading about surfboard design just won’t help you understand it the way getting out there will, because each surfer likes different characteristics in their board.

Trying to buy a single perfect board to make your experience and your location won’t work. It isn’t really possible and at the end of the summer you’ll probably be skilled enough and keen enough to buy a short board capable of dealing with winter conditions, not to mention a warmer wetsuit, gloves, booties, and a neoprene hood. Your old beginner board can stay in storage until the waves shrink again towards summertime.

The first board you buy will teach you the skills needed to handle a shorter, faster one, but don’t sell it on or throw it away. Avoid the temptation to buy something cheap to learn on, too. Even the most experienced surfers keep at least one mini mal or funboard in their arsenal for when conditions are right.

Author Bio: Jess Spate lives and surfs in South Wales. When not in the water she works as a sustainable business consultant for companies like Fountain Spirit. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page

STREET

Image Credit: flickr.com/photos/louistan3/

One very popular style of skateboarding is called street skateboarding. This type of skating is done by most teenagers, because it is strictly done on the streets. In most cases people who skateboard on streets use minute wheels, because it allows for them to skate faster. Furthermore, people who skate on the streets tend to grind on poles, benches etc. Although street skateboarding is not fully focused on jumps, they still tend to do air tricks such as Ollie’s with their skateboards. (see pic).

VERT

Image Credit: flickr.com/photos/erinohara73/

The next very popular type of skateboarding is called vertical skateboarding. This type of skateboarding consists of riding on ramps. Additionally it is very commonly used in the X Games. There are many different tricks you can perform, most of them based off of catching air. The idea of vert skateboarding was actually thought up whem using a pool that was drained. Although now professionally at least the sport takes place inside of a wooden looking pool, known as a half-pipe. Furthermore, vert skating may be one of the most dangerous types. The reason being many people come crashing down when they are doing big tricks. So it’s very important to wear a good skateboard helmet.

REALISTIC

Image Credit: arborcollective.com

The third type of skateboarding I’m going to talk about is what I like to call realistic skating. This type of skateboarding is for people who use a skateboard as a form of transportation. In addition I believe it is for people who may not have a lot of skill, but enjoy the sport.

Lastly I am going to go over a few famous skateboarders who use the styles above. One of the most famous skateboarders of all time Tony Hawk is known to be a vert skater. Tony Hawk states the trick he enjoys doing the most is the 540. Another famous skateboarder most you will know is Erick Koston he has competed inside of the X Games. The move Erick enjoys doing the most is the crooked grind. In addition to this he has been known to be a very diverse skater. The reason being he has actually created some of his own moves, which people still use to this day.

Author Bio: Sean Gray represents Cool Cash for cars, which has been helping people sell cars for over twenty years. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page

Image Credit: newspore.com

New Zealand’s North Island

Auckland is where most international visitors first touch down in New Zealand, but don’t think you have to leave the city for your first adrenalin rush. Head into the CBD and bungy jump off the 328 metre Sky Tower. A fantastic introduction to extreme New Zealand! Just a few hours south of Auckland is the beautiful city of Rotorua, otherwise known as Sulphur City thanks to occasional sulphurous whiffs caused by the geothermal activity in the region. If New Zealand is the extreme sports capital of the world, Rotorua could well be the extreme sports capital of New Zealand. White water rafting and sledging, jet boating, zorbing, bungy jumping, skydiving or Freefall Extreme in a skydive simulator, climbing, mountain biking or just going downhill big time on the luge. You can do all that in Rotorua and still have a long list of things to do. Just down the road, the Lake Taupo region is the place for some awesome mountain bike runs, including heli-biking. The rugged and mountainous terrain of the central North island lends itself to a whole host of extreme sports and even in the capital city of Wellington, you can sign up for activities as diverse as scuba diving and wind surfing.

New Zealand’s South Island

Cross Cook Strait – an adventure in itself if you take the ferry on a windy day – and you’re in the South Island. This is alpine country with the beautiful Southern Alps running nearly the full length of the island. It is the place for snow-based extreme sports, especially around Queenstown. Staggeringly beautiful in winter, it’s a top spot to base yourself for a bit of snowboard fun, amazing skiing, rafting, jet boating and the Shotover Canyon Swing, the world’s highest cliff jump. The West Coast’s wild rivers make for some pretty amazing white water and black water rafting, with heli-rafting taking you to some sky-high start points. You can also have a go at sea kayaking in several South Island destinations including Milford Sound, one of the natural wonders of the world.

Image Credit: snowrev.com

To go through every extreme sports activity and every place to do it would take forever. The adventure scene in New Zealand really is that diverse and crammed into a relatively small and incredibly scenic space. You’re never too far away from your next adventure, the roads are good, the food and wine even better and the people are friendly. Friendlier still, in most cases, the exchange rate! And, with increased interest in New Zealand as an extreme sports destination, there are lots of professional and safety-conscious companies offering to take you to the very best adventure hot-spots. Do you need any more reasons to make New Zealand the next stop in your extreme life?

Author Bio: Dani Bellamy is a professional writer, who loves experiencing fascinating places. She is currently exploring the world of collectable Japanese erasers at this uber Cool Pencil Case site www.coolpencilcase.com. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

Okay. I admit these are somewhat leading questions clearly meant to guide you (by the nose, if necessary) to an inevitable conclusion. With a little extra planning, you can start the adventure before you even make it down to the river.

Cataract Canyon and White Rim Trail

I had been planning a trip down the Cataract Canyon rapids for a while, and normally this kind of river expedition would be enough to keep me excited. This time, though, I just felt like there was something missing. I realized as I was planning our trip and looking at all the pictures on the tour company’s site that I was going to miss a lot of things if I confined my trip to the canyon.

It turns out there was another option. I could add a mountain bike trip on the White Rim Trail to my itinerary and really see what the Canyonlands had to offer. I figured I was in pretty good shape, and I enjoyed biking, so this would be the perfect addition to my vacation.

While I still claim that this was, in fact, the perfect addition, it does have to be said that what it added was a lot of work. By the time we came into our campsite that first night, most of us were more than ready to fall over and just sleep wherever we landed. And this was just day one. It wasn’t until day two that we hit the first of the serious uphill battles.

I admit, I wasn’t quite prepared for the arduous nature of this leg of the journey. You think you’re in shape, but all you have to do is get out in the sun and realize that the only thing that is going to get you to the next campsite is your slightly numb legs, and you really understand how rough the wilderness can be.

And I wouldn’t have had it any other way. We may have been ready to fall over every time we rode into the next campsite, but we were laughing at ourselves and each other when we did it. While we were out there we got to see Monument Basin, Candlestick Tower, Mussleman Arch, and we even rested a while on a lookout spot 1,000 feet above the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers. You don’t get this from the back of a van.

And just when we thought there was nothing left to see, we met up with the rafts for another couple days on the river. If you have never been down Cataract Canyon before, just look it up on YouTube. You’ll be met with a wide range of videos that, strangely, all involve some pretty serious wipeouts.

Image Credit:justinbailie.com

There’s a good reason for this. The rapids on this river rank right up there with the ones in the Grand Canyon, and at one point there is a fall of 80 feet in less than four miles – which is apparently one of the steepest descents on the Colorado. It was nice that I could balance out the strain I felt in my legs from the bike ride with the strain in my arms as I held on for dear life, screaming at the waves to do their worst and swallowing at least 18 ounces of sand for my trouble.

I admit, we did give in and allowed the tour company to take us home in a van. Naturally I would have liked to step up and do some more biking back along some other trails, but I naturally had to be considerate of others who may or may not have pushed their energy level to the very limit.

Naturally.

Author Bio: Tiffany Miller is a freelance blogger from Salt Lake City, UT. She loves the outdoors and blogging about her experiences. Her most recent trip was a combine mountain bike tour hosted by Holiday Expeditions. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

Why California?

If you’re looking to participate in extreme sports, California is a great place to do it. It doesn’t matter what season of the year it is – any time of the year offers many extreme sport opportunities. To experience the full range of extreme sports available in California, consider taking an extreme sports road trip. For example, California is known to have some amazing surfing beaches. One such beach is Malibu, which has a 21 mile strip of coastline and many beaches, including Zuma Beach, Malibu State Beach and Topanga State Beach. People have been surfing in Malibu for decades – it’s the place where Los Angeles surfing culture was born. Zuma Beach and Topanga Beach are great for beginner surfers, but if you’re more experienced check out Surfrider Beach. Other places you can go surfing include Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.

Sports For All Seasons

What’s especially great about California is that it has every kind of climate. In the winter, it could be warm enough to surf in Malibu. A day later, you can head up to Mammoth or Big Bear with your snowboard. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is a very well known ski resort built on the side of Mammoth Mountain. Extreme sports you can participate in at Mammoth include snowboarding, snowmobiling and speed skiing. Big Bear Lake is also an incredibly popular extreme sport destination for both winter, land and water sports such as jet skiing and outdoor climbing.

Get Out On The River

If whitewater rafting or kayaking is your thing, then drive on over to the Kern River, a very popular whitewater destination. One reason why the Kern River is a popular destination is because in the summer, the water sits for a while in a dam and gets warm, so there’s no need to wear a wetsuit. The portion of the Kern River located near Bakersfield is an especially noteworthy place for whitewater sports and riverboarding. However, the Kern River is as dangerous as it is popular – over 251 people have died in the river since 1968. Most of these people died because they were not wearing proper life vests, so make sure that you get a good vest before going into the water.

Author Bio: This is a guest post from the website CRX. They provide cheap car rentals in cities all across California and the rest of the United States. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page

1. Kirra, Australia

Image Credit: kirrasurfriders.com

With an area called Surfers’ Paradise, it only makes sense that Australia would come in with the number one option. The Gold Coast is famous for its expansive beaches and excellent nightlife; it is even more famous for swelling waves that never seem to end.

2. Puerto Chicama, Peru

Image Credit: whtours.com

This is a bit more of a rural destination, without all the night clubs and resorts that Australia can provide; at the same time, the surfing is what you go for. This place can claim to give you the longest ride in the world, clocking in at around a half a mile.

3. Canary Islands, Spain

Image Credit: stayecochic.com

You can visit Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, though you may find a large number of tourists from Europe. You should instead head out to Lobos. The surfing here can be for beginners and professionals, part of what makes it so popular.

4. South Pacific

Image Credit: surf.transworld.net

There are just so many ideal places to go in the South Pacific that they cannot all be named. Give yourself a lot of time and try to hit up as many islands as you can while you are there. Board shorts and a rash vest are all you’ll need here most of the time…and a surfboard of course.

5. Hossegor, Cote D’Argent, France

France is not a country that is synonymous with surfing, so this is a pleasant surprise. You will find great places to surf no matter how experienced you are, though they can be crowded during competitions.

6. Thurso, Scotland

Image Credit: seaviewfarmhouse.co.uk

This is a little dangerous, with cold water surfing and rocks along the shoreline. That is, perhaps, what draws so many great surfers to the country’s shore.

7. Sunset Beach, USA

This is a place for professionals. The Pipe Masters competition is held here every year because the surfing is so ideal.

8. Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

Image Credit: surf.transworld.net

They say that this is the best right hand point break in the world. When you surf it, you will find that they are not wrong.

9. Mundaka, Spain

This is for cold surfing in fast waters. It is great, but make sure you have a wetsuit.

10. Uluwatu, Bali

Image Credit: surfmusic.blogsome.com

The coral reefs and tropical coastline make this look like somewhere off of a postcard. Goofy riders will excel here.

As you can see, these beaches all have their own unique feel. They are scattered all across the globe. You will find surfers there who come from all different walks of life, from all different countries. While there are a lot of beaches that you can surf in the world, these are the ones that you cannot afford to miss. If you start with number ten and begin working your way up, you could plan out the best road trip — with considerable time spent in the air — that has ever been done.

Author Bio: Nicole Rodgers has been an athlete her whole life; she is currently a contributing blogger at an Insurance Blog and looks for the best hotel deals when finding surf destinations.If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

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The concept is simple. Take one climbing route that goes above water. Remove your harness and leave the rope at home. Climb, and either get to the top or get wet.

DANGERS….

There are dangers, of course. Concealed rocks are the most obvious and as anyone who has ever jumped into a lake or the sea from a great height knows, water can hurt. Falling well and being prepared for landing are key. Even the most hardcore deep water soloists rarely climb alone and having either a rescue boat or a mate standing by is common practice. Thought also has to be given to getting out of the water.

Before setting hand or foot on a DWS climb it’s worth considering the tide and the wave action. What’s safe at high tide on a flat day may not be safe at low tide or in a heavy swell. Good climbers evaluate the path of the route and look at where the danger points may be. It’s important to understand where (if anywhere) it’s safe to fall and whether or not you need to push off and away from the cliff as you start to go.

DWS routes are graded in their own system. Opportunities to place protection are ignored so the difficulty of the climb is usually given a French or sports grade (eg 5, 6a, 8b+…) and the danger is expressed with an S rating. S0 climbs, no matter who technically hard they might be, are regarded as safe falls into good deep water, at least when conditions are right. Routes given an S3 rating are intrinsically dangerous. Don’t fall off.

WHY DO IT?…

Although there is a lot to think about before committing to a DWS route (once you’re on you either finish or fall) it’s also very liberating. You don’t have to worry about rope drag and there is no need to stop and clip bolts or place nuts and cams. It’s not bouldering, a couple of moves and then it’s over, but a full-length, full-strength route anything up to 100ft high, or more. It’s pure climbing and the whole mental and physical experience of climbing. No complications and no compromise either.

All climbers should try it at least once. Get some friends together and head for Lulworth Cove or Lydstep this summer. Take as many spare pairs of dry shoes as you can and a couple of extra chalkbags. Start with a safe traverse or two and move on to easy vertical routes well within your grade, then move on. Be careful but don’t sell yourself short.

Author Bio: Jess Spate lives and climbs in South Wales and works for Appalachian Outdoors, one of America’s finest climbing gear retailers. Climbing and deep water soloing are dangerous activities, and anyone undertaking them is doing so at their own risk and should take appropriate precautions. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

5. Red Ridge Outdoor Pursuit Centre

Located in Mid Wales, the Red Ridge Outdoor Pursuit Centre gives extreme sports hobbyists and enthusiasts a cost affordable and user friendly experience. Unlike other activity centres on this list, Red Ridge accommodates the physically handicapped and other special needs groups in addition to the average adventurer. The zip line course starts at a height of more than 12m and extends 80m to completion. Special equipment also enables a “start from the bottom” experience.

Image Credit: arbourvale.slough.sch.uk

4. Llain Activity Centre

The Llain Activity Centre, also located in Mid Wales (like No. 5), is a multi-purpose adventure course that offers zip wires to go along with the high- and low-ropes courses that coax many out each year for a taste of extreme adventure. Llain’s Sky Tower course, established in 2007, allows one to start 10m above the ground and zip across the chasm on a steel wire 70m in length. The “roller coaster rush” Llain’s website promises you is one you will remember for years to come as your body slices through the swirling winds around you.

Image Credit: llain.co.uk

3. Heatherton Activity Park

At Tenby, Pembrokeshire, there are numerous adventures to engage in, whether you are a young extreme sports enthusiast or part of an office team-building activity. The Sky Tower Adventure, in particular allows you to enjoy both 100m and 165m zip wires depending on just how much you want to dig in to the zip-lining experience. The Heatherton Activity Park also features a number of ropes courses in the treetops 40 feet above the earth to test your will and stamina.

Image credit: grimroper.com

2. Extreeme Adventure Ltd. Zip Wires

If you are located near the Weasenham, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, area then you may want to consider taking a chance on the Extreeme Adventure Ltd. course, which features a 1000-ft. long zip wire and a high ropes course with more than 20 elements of adventure to navigate. This course features an 80-ft. fan descender and platform, located on a massive 150-ft. tall Grand Fir tree. The experience is similar to what the military uses for training with parachutes, according to the Extreeme Adventure website. On a side note, you may also want to try out the 3G swing with a couple of your best mates. Located 45 feet in the air, you release your own harness into a G-Force-inducing swing much more extreme than anything you experienced on the playground in school.

Image Credit: extreemadventure.co.uk

1. Go Ape Zip Line Courses

The team at Go Ape goes beyond the standard zip line experience with a full-fledged tree-top obstacle course that is designed to thrust participants far from their comfort zones and into a world of adventure unlike any other. The company hosts 26 courses across the world with 22 being located in the U.K., from Aberdeenshire to Exeter and all points in between. While you will need a certain degree of physical fitness to complete the 2-3-hour courses, Go Ape promises that “if you can climb a rope ladder,” you can successfully finish the adventure.

Image credit: lomondmrt.org.uk

Author Bio: Aric Mitchell writes for St Bernard Sports, a retailer of high quality KJUS jackets. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

Hawaii
Hawaii is world-renowned as a top adventure holiday destination. As the birthplace of surfing, you’ll be able to catch some amazing waves on the beaches here. It’s also gaining an excellent reputation for kite boarding due to the consistently strong winds blowing around the islands. Hawaii is a great place to explore cave diving or drift diving, where you’re likely to come face-to-face with many of the friendly Hawaiian Monk Seals that sleep the caves. How about some cliff diving? Maui hosted the 2010 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series at Kawainui Falls, which offers divers a 40-foot drop into the water. Whether this is your first adventure trip or you’re an experienced veteran, Hawaii won’t disappoint! The best time to visit is between May and August.

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Utah
While you won’t be doing any surfing, there are plenty of extreme sports to throw yourself into in southern Utah. National Geographic Magazine named Westwater Canyon as the “West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip.” You’ll have an exhilarating experience winding through the beautiful cliffs. You can explore rugged territory few will ever see on an off-road Hummer Safari. Or you can climb the cliffs yourself, rappel into hidden chasms, or join a canyoneering tour to leap from a 120-foot high rock arch. Utah is also perfect for mountain biking, with many established trails that will reward you with amazing views. All of these extreme sports are available year-round in Utah.

Zimbabwe
The Victoria Falls region of Zimbabwe offers many sports similar to those in Utah, but with completely different scenery. These are the largest falls in the world – more than one mile wide. The Zambezi River offers the longest commercially run whitewater rafting experience in the world, so you can raft for one day or book a whole week-long adventure. For a different view of the falls, bungee jumping is a popular attraction. And if you’re up for an unusual yet thrilling type of adventure, take a Walk with the Lions: a unique opportunity to touch and photograph these magnificent animals up close. These attractions are all available year-round.

Image Credit: africatamed.co.za

Nepal
With the world’s tallest peak, you’re thinking Nepal is all about mountain climbing, but you might be surprised by the variety of extreme sports available here. In addition to rock climbing and canyoneering, you can enjoy snowboarding, paragliding, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, canyon swings and mountain biking. The best time to visit Nepal depends on the sport you’re most interested in. The rainy season (June through August) will put a damper on your dreams of paragliding and bungee jumping, but that’s the best time of year for whitewater rafting and canyoneering. The ideal time for rock climbing would be between September and May.

Author Bio: Heather Johnson is a writer for Honeymoon Destinations, the leading online honeymoon planning resource. If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

Though they come in different styles, most rock climbing shoes look relatively the same. Be sure to try several to see if there is one that you prefer. To get started, here are five different pairs of rock shoes that meet the needs of most, if not all, beginners.

LA Sportivas’s Nago rock shoes offer a great fit with full length lacing that keeps your foot securely in place even after some stretching has occurred. They are well built with great soles made from Vibram XA, a rubber that is sticky and durable. The perforated synthetic leather assists the great fit by molding to your foot while allowing air to flow through. Crafted at their factory in Italy, this Sportiva is a high quality rock shoe with the potential to take you to the next level of your rock climbing experience.

For those who want shoes that can be worn all day as they trek through the hills, the Boreal Joker Lace-Up climbing shoe may be a better choice. This shoe has been designed to perform well for all climbing styles and includes a half length stiffener to offer support even on small edges. The suede uppers are lined with a padded mesh that keeps your foot comfortable and the shoe well-ventilated.

The Five Ten Spire climbing shoe offers a slightly different fit than the previous two with its top to tip lacing system and unlined leather uppers. Though that may sound less comfortable, comfort has not been sacrificed and characteristics like an asymmetrical toe and tensioned heel increase performance while keeping your feet happy. The lacing system helps you customize the flexibility of your shoe and the rubber sole is the famed Stealth C4, making this shoe a top performer and a great buy.

Evolv’s Quest-AF rock climbing shoe has been designed with you, the beginner, in mind. These shoes have been built to resist stretching with synthetic leather to extend the life and fit of the shoe. The sole is stiffer than most and is enforced by a full length stiffener to make standing on small holds easier. The heel on this shoe uses a low tension rand that keeps your foot in place, without ramming your toes forward.

Tried all of those, but still haven’t found the right fit for your foot? The La Sportiva Mythos climbing shoe offers a completely different fit that might be right with a soft sole and suede uppers that make you feel like you’re climbing in your favorite slippers. This shoe can be comfortably worn all day and if you decide to take on a tougher route than you initially planned, the lacing system on the Mythos allows you to get a really tight fit so you can tackle the challenge with full confidence.

Starting a new sport is exciting. You get to learn new things and increase the level of your challenge every time. Getting into rock climbing can be overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to picking your first pair of shoes. If you’re feeling unsure, there’s no harm in asking the store associate or a fellow rock climber with a few more notches in their climbing belt.

Author Bio: Katie Campbell is an avid extreme sports enthusiast and a content writer for Bestcovery.com where she seeks to help discover the best of everything. She believes that when it comes to putting your best foot forward in rock climbing, it should be laced safely in one of the best rock climbing shoes available.

If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

Extreme sports glasses are not something you should take lightly – they’re designed to help you enjoy your sport more fully. They are made from higher-quality, lightweight materials that can withstand higher degrees of wind, water and snow than typical glasses. They also offer protection if you should fall – with shatterproof lenses and impact resistant frames. Extreme sports glasses also protect your eyes from the glare of the sun, reducing the chances that you’ll have an accident. Other features include flexible hinges that custom fit your face and rubber non-slip nose grips, ensuring the glasses will stay on and fit comfortably even when you’re exercising vigorously. Participating in extreme sports can be a rush – having to keep adjusting your glasses will definitely put a dampener on your enjoyment!

Image Credit:extremesportsvideos.org

No matter the extreme sport, polarized lenses yield huge benefits. Polarized lenses contain special filters that absorb about 98 percent of the sun’s glare. Glare can be difficult to deal with, whether it’s off the water, snow or paved surfaces. With polarized lenses, your eyes will undergo less strain and you’ll also be able to see what’s in front of you more clearly. When moving at fast speeds, this is vitally important.

There are extreme sports glasses available for all types of adventure sports. Here are some examples of the benefits these specialty glasses provide.

• Cycling: Designed to provide an unobstructed peripheral view. They are also aerodynamic to reduce wind resistance.

• Skiing / Snowboarding: Brown-tinted lenses can improve depth perception and visibility in the snow. Many have foam liners that allow them to fit snugly on your face and keep snow out. Some snowboard goggles even have double lenses and controllable vents which prevent them from fogging up on you halfway down the pike.

• Surfing / Kite Boarding: Grey lenses for visibility around the water, and frames fit snugly on the face to keep water out. Many have an adjustable wrap-around strap so they don’t fall off in high wind or if you fall into the water.

So what are some of the most popular brands of extreme sports glasses? Here are a few to get you started:

• Wiley X: This Company is one of the most established manufacturers because they’ve been providing extreme sport glasses for athletes and special force military troops for over 25 years. Their catalog has an extensive variety of products for all adventure sports.

• 7eye: This company focuses on cutting-edge color technology on their lenses, which provide adventure sports enthusiasts with high visual clarity. They have also patented an Airlock technology that is ideal for high-speed activities.

• Sea Specs: This Company manufactures glasses specifically for extreme water sport enthusiasts, including surfing and kite boarding. Many professional athletes competing in a wide variety of water adventure sports endorse them.

Image Credit: seaspecs.com

Author Bio:Sara Roberts is a content contributor for Just Eyewear, an eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses retailer.
If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

The big highlight of the 2011 summer in the UK for surfers is going to be the Relentless Boardmasters Festival that will be held between August 10th and 14th, 2011. The five-day event, which is sponsored by Vans, features first-rate surf competitions as well as other boarding activities such as skateboard and even BMX events; separately, there will also be a lot of excellent live music going on throughout the festival, making it a truly worthwhile affair. While most of the surfing will take place at the Fistral Beach and Newquaysites, most of the music and other activities will go down at the Watergate Bay location. While “early bird” tickets have already been sold out, general tickets are going on sale by March 7th, 2011.

Image Credit: sas.org.uk

Another source of excitement this summer for surf-nuts in the UK—especially for those that enjoy watching the development of the sport’s upcoming talents—will be the Quiksilver Pro Junior Qualifying Event, which will take place in Newquay on the summer Bank Holiday weekend, between the 27th and the 29th of August. The event includes a $20,000 cash prize that will surely get the contestants into a frenzy, so there is guaranteed to be plenty of nice moves and daring feats—weather and surf conditions permitting, of course.

Real surf-lovers are equally interested in opportunities to surf themselves, not just watch the pros and others do their thing out on the water, and in the summer of 2011 there are going to be many chances to improve surfing skills for such folks. The English Surfing Federation’s Surf School is going to be organising many training camps and other events that will undoubtedly draw a great number of spectators and participators alike. To start the summer out, there is the Russ Winter Coaching Weekend Event—a perfect opportunity for people with some skills that want to get better that will take place in Newquay between June 25th and 26th, and then again between July 9th and 10th. Another major crowd-attracter will be the Rip Curl and Hawaiian Tropic Girls Tour 2011 (dates and location yet to be confirmed, but sometime in July), for which there will be incredible discounts on lessons for girls, lots of free music, surf clothing, and other good stuff, and plenty of awesome surfing of course. With all these goings on, it’s no wonder that the UK is growing in reputation within the surfer subculture year after year.

Author Bio: Victoria Crowdell works for SportsEquip.co.uk, leading suppliers of ‘capital’ sports equipment such as tennis and football nets.
If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

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Hiking
A fun way to pass time and without much cost laid on you. You can go hiking and trekking and add it to your outdoor activities. Most men do this for fun and for leisure and it mainly consist of walking on a foot path whether on the streets, along rivers, or trail to mountain ridge. All you’ve got to do is to wear comfortable shoes and socks, be cautious, and use proper body mechanics. You get to enjoy beautiful spots in the country, take memorable photos and enjoy the experience.

Speed biking
If you want to have speed and enjoy sceneries at the same time then speed biking is for you. Go along challenging trails and terrains. You can ride a bike to your camping site or have biking trips along with friends. Of course what you’ll need is a good bike and some protective gears. Biking is a fun and rewarding activity that most people enjoy.

Health benefits
So if you are figuring on how to lose fat, but you’re not into less adventurous stuff (like gym activities), then you better go hiking and speed biking to feed your needs and also lose those fats. Weight loss would just be part of it. You won’t have to worry on losing weight if you indulge yourself in these kinds of activities. You can burn 350 calories per hour with hiking, while for speed-biking you can have up to 700 calories burned per hour.  Other health benefits with hiking and biking include decrease in blood pressure, help prevent osteoporosis by improving bone density and relieve back pain.

Adventure and escape
Sometimes you need to escape all the stress of life. A good adventure would be good to keep you away from that kind of life. And if you plan to use hiking and biking for weight loss benefits then you have to do it regularly, a weekend schedule would be great. Tag a friend along and have a good time. Enjoy life and stay healthy!

Author Bio:Chris is writing about healthy ways on how to lose belly fat. Sports that require physical activity are great for losing fat and weight.

If you would like to guest post for Extreme Sports Trader, please take a look at our guest post page.

Image Credit:skiingthedream.com

Ranking System
Each entry is granted a ranking of 0 to 5 for each skill level, beginner through expert. If a resort has a reasonable amount of good slopes for each skill level, the resort would earn availability and quality points in each skill level. However, on the positive side, two bonus points are awarded if a resort has hosted a significant professional or Winter Olympic events in recent history. Up to three points can be awarded if skiers have noted favorable comments, because the skiers are the ones who ultimately count.

Point Notations
The resorts are listed from highest to lowest in ranking, and each separate score is noted as B for beginner, I for intermediate, and E for expert. H is for event host, and R is for favorable user reviews and reflects one point each for enthusiasm, amenities and activities. The aggregate total determines the placement awarded.

Top 20 US Ski Resorts
Below are the top 20 ski and snowboard resorts in the U.S. More than a hundred resorts and lodges were evaluated, and the whole number results are rounded up from the fractional figures derived from averages. Many resorts were tenths of a point apart. The results may surprise many.

1. Squaw Valley: Scores: B: 4; I: 5; E: 5; H: 2; R: 3; Total: 19.
2. Buttermilk: Scores: B: 5; I: 5; E: 5; R: 3; Total: 18.
3. Salt Lake City: Scores: B: 4; I: 4; E: 5; H: 2; R: 3; Total: 18.
4. Lake Placid: Scores: B: 4: I: 4; E: 5; H: 2; R: 3; Total: 18.
5. The Canyons: Scores: B: 5; I: 4; E: 5; R: 3; Total: 17.
6. Steamboat: Scores: B: 4; I: 5; E: 5; R: 3; Total: 17.
7. Snow King: Scores: B: 5; I: 5; E: 4; R: 3; Total: 17.
8. Jackson Hole: Scores: B: 5; I:4 ; E: 5; R: 3; Total: 17.
9. Tenney Mountain: Scores: B: 4; I: 4; E: 5; R: 3; Total: 16.
10. Park City: Scores: B: 4; I: 5; E: 4; R: 3; Total: 16.
11. Vail: Scores: B: 4; I: 4; E: 5; R: 3; Total: 16.
12. Whitefish Mountain Resort: Scores: B: 4; I: 5; E: 4; R: 3; Total: 16.
13. Moonlight Basin: Scores: B: 4; I: 5; E: 4; R: 3; Total: 16.
14. Hyland Ski: Scores: B: 4; I: 5; E: 4; R: 3; Total: 16.
15. Durango Mountain Resort: Scores: B: 4; I: 5; E: 4; R: 3; Total: 16.
16. Wolf Creek: Scores: B: 4; I: 5; E: 4; R: 3; Total: 16.
17. Bretton Woods: Scores: B: 4; I:5 ; E: 4; R: 3; Total: 16.
18. Arizona Snowboard: Scores: B: 4; I: 5; E: 4; R: 3; Total: 16.
19. Breckenridge: Scores: B: 5; I: 4; E: 4; R: 3; Total: 16.
20. Sunday River: Scores: B: 5; I: 4; E: 4; R: 3; Total: 16.

Notes
The Buttermilk runs in Colorado would have taken the number one spot with no debate if Squaw Valley hadn’t hosted a Winter Olympics. The differences between their scoring was in fractions, but the hosting bonus put Squaw Valley solidly in the top spot.

Lake Placid has hosted two Winter Olympics, but there were no repeat awards. The entry of two is both the bonus points for hosting and the average of the bonuses for two events, so only one bonus was awarded.

Summary
Regardless of where you head for some powder and relaxation, enjoy this invigorating winter sport, have fun and above all, be safe!

Author Bio: JC Ryan is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them and helps them understand which online colleges and online courses they can choose from to reach their goals.

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