Guest Post: What Keeps You Hooked On The Extremes

Extreme sports pose some very real risks and dangers. Despite this fact, some people are undeterred and continue to play these sports and take part in these games anyway. So why is that the case? Why are people hooked on the extremes when they are well aware of what bad things might happen to them? There are lots of reasons why people continue to live on the edge despite the risks. Here are some of the most common reasons why people love these games despite all of the known associated risks.

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.

Guest Post – The Right Gear For The Best Ride

Mountain and dirt biking are amazing passions for people who love speed, adventure and extreme excitement. Having great gear to go along with your love of the sport will ensure your ride is exciting, safe, and extremely comfortable. There are some essential pieces you will need for both of these adrenalin-giving sports. And now, thanks to new technology and creative minds you have tons of choices when finding the perfect gear. Of course, each sport has its own twist and may require its own speciality.

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.

Guest Post: Extreme Sports in India

India is definitely known as more of a destination for yoga lovers and those seeking spiritual enlightenment. However, for those seeking pure adrenalin fuelled thrills, India is the place to be.

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.

Guest Post: Adrenaline – A Legal High!

For centuries, the human race has pursued highs of one form or another. From ancient tribes chewing coca leaves, to the discovery of alcohol and Nature’s drugs, to modern day equivalents. What is it about an ‘altered state’ that we crave?

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.

Guest Post: Skydiving Survival: 6 Stories of Extreme Fall Survivors

Skydiving is one of the most dangerous extreme sports there is, though for some on this list it was not a sport but an actual matter of life and death. In peacetime and wartime, people are always jumping out of planes. Few are as lucky as the individuals in this Skydiving Survival Guide. Here are 6 stories of extreme fall survivors, who should have never made it through their experiences alive.

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.

Guest Post: Top Six Must-Surf East Coast Spots in America

As the weather starts to turn, you feel the pull of the tide upon you and imagine the sun baking in to your shoulders. There has never been an activity quite like surfing to keep you physically fit while also allowing you to enjoy the sand, surf and fun, albeit in a more extreme fashion than those sunbathers lazing on the shore. Following are the top 6 East Coast surf spots, where you can catch a wave in between chowing down on shrimp and working on your summer bronze.

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.

Guest Post: Choosing Your First Surfboard

Surfing is one of the most addictive pastimes on the planet. Hire a board. Try it once. Take the board back to the rental shop and you’ll almost certainly find yourself eyeing up all the beautiful new ones and wondering which would fit into your car. A surfboard is a thing of beauty and it enables you do get out there on the waves and do your thing. They are naturally desirable, even to beginners.

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

Most Popular Skateboarding Riding Styles

Skateboarding has become a very popular sport around the world. This has occurred for many reasons, although one significant factor is the idea of different styles. If you are a skateboarder you skate in a certain way, which reflects your skills and strengths. In addition skateboarding is very versatile as you can attempt an array of moves.

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

New Zealand – Extreme Sports Capital of the World?

For a small country, New Zealand packs an extreme punch. No other country offers so many adrenalin-charged activities in such a small space. From sand boarding in the North Island to snowboarding in the South Island, New Zealand has your extreme sport covered.

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.

Mountain Biking and River Rafting Combination Trips

If you were about to go on a white water rafting trip down through some of the most incredible scenery in the western United States, would you be satisfied to let a day go by in the back of a van riding to the boat launching area? Are you really going to waste your time away from work watching the world pass you by through a window?

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.