Swamp Donkey

Their unique winch, which they have nicknamed Swamp Donkey, pulls them across a waterlogged field at an impressive 25 miles per hour.  When asked what prompted them to come up with such a unique idea the friends stated that they found it difficult to leave the opportunity that the flooded sports pitch presented alone, and it seemed to be screaming out for them to make the most of it.  Unable to ignore such an opportunity Swamp Donkey was brought out to the field and a new extreme sport was created.

This is not the first time the enterprising group have used water as a basis for developing their own style of extreme sports; the guys from South London have also tried their distinctive style of surfing on the River Thames.  Upon being discovered by the police, and the police then being unsure what they had discovered the lads actually doing, they were asked to ‘move along’ as the police were sure that they must have been contravening some law or regulation, though they admitted that they weren’t sure exactly which ones.

Come Rain or Snow

It took only a light dusting of snow during the winter last year for the guys to take to their snow boards out onto Wimbledon common, using their tailor made winch to pull them across the frozen ponds and icy grass.  It seems that there is no opportunity too small to have some extreme fun.  They are the first to admit that they are a group of adrenalin junkies looking for the next adrenalin buzz and will go out of their way to make sure they get it.  They have posted videos of themselves surfing the puddle, during the wettest April on record, onto YouTube for all to see and have received lots of positive feedback for their sense of invention and enterprise.

This is the kind of extreme sports that we love to see!

Photos courtesy of Richard Van Wyk

Before you tackle a river, you need to choose the outfitter and river that you want to go on. In the United States, there are a ton of choices, but very few rivers and places that you can truly get a white water experience. There are 6 Classes of white water, and it takes a special guide to take a group of people through the higher levels. Not only putting yourself on the right river, but getting the right guide can make all of the difference between a great trip and a mediocre one.

I have been rafting for years, and after moving to Colorado, really took my passion to the next level. If you are an adrenaline junkie yourself, follow my instructions to have the time of your life.

Class I Rapids:

If you’re like me, and love to feel the rush of speed, the spray of water, and have that moment of questioning whether you’re going survive the experience; Class 1 rafting is about as far away from that as you can get. These trips are meant more for people to look around, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery.

If you get a coupon on Groupon or LivingSocial, these are the sorts of trips that you will take. They are cheap, long, and easy; bring a well-stocked cooler. There are no specific rivers around the west that cater purely to Class 1 rapids. If you can imagine yourself in an inner tube with a beer in hand on the river, you’re looking at Class 1.

Class II Rapids:

Technically speaking, a Class 2 rapid set is the beginning of what is considered “White Water Rafting.” Honestly speaking, I don’t consider long stretches of calm water interrupted by 6-inch diameter stones rapids. This is traditionally the type of trip that an outfitter would take a family with no experience out on. There are plenty of places to rest between “rapids” and while in the actual obstacles, most of the members of the boat will be sitting enjoying the water.

These sorts of rapids can be completely navigated by an intermediately skilled boatman, and I would be willing to bet that a person with no experience could be put alone on a raft in Class 2 rapids and not have any difficulty. Again, the amount of rivers that contain this class are too numerous to list, and if you’re looking for an adventure, this is the wrong class to be in.

Class III Rapids:

On the Pete Wise scale, this is the first and beginner class of rapid. Technically speaking, there are numerous criteria for deciding what class a rapid falls into, but I trust the collision model more than anything else. What this means is that you rate a rapid based on the statistical probability that you will hit an obstacle while trying to navigate the rapid.

Class 3 rapids are the first category of rapid that you run the chance of hitting or running aground on a rapid. The chance is extremely low, but it does exist. I personally feel that this is the first place that people should start at when getting into rafting. Once you graduate to higher classes you move into the category of calculated crashes much more than trying to perfectly navigate rapids; and becoming accustomed to risking collision is necessary to build the confidence necessary at higher levels. To find class 3 rapids, you need to hit parts of the Colorado River, or any of the tamer rivers in the west.

Class IV Rapids:

Class 4 rapids are the intermediate level of Pete Wise rapids. From a collision perspective, this class of rapids is classified as a greater-than-average chance of hitting an obstacle when navigating rapids. Also starting at this level is the need to really interview the guides at your outfitter. With class 4 rapids, you are usually in a part of the river that varies in water level and pressure at different times of the year, and depending on the flow, can turn into a class 5 rapid easily.

Even though this is the intermediate level, don’t make the mistake of underestimating these rapids. Class 4 rapids have made me feel like I’m going to fall from the raft, and plenty of my team were dumped by a particularly strong hydraulic. The Numbers section of the Arkansas River and the Royal Gorge are great places to find class 4/5 rapids.

Class V Rapids:

Class 5 rapids are no joke, and there’s no other way to categorize them. From a collision standpoint, a class 5 rapid will cause multiple collisions on the way down the rapid, and it requires a bunch of strong willed people on the raft with a good guide to get through them. Even the most headstrong adrenaline junkies respect class 5 rapids, because not only are you colliding with serious obstacles, but the amount of water following your raft is impressive.

The best way I’ve found to describe the feeling of a Class 5 trip is pure effort. Every muscle burns, your concentration is constantly being taxed, and you know that if you go over, you’ll have multiple atmospheres worth of pressure sweeping you down the river. This is the most fun that you’ll have on a raft short of being a raft guide yourself, and if you choose a class 5 trip, tie your shoes tight, get a good set of glasses you don’t mind losing, and prepare for an exhaustive experience.

Class VI Rapids:

Class 6 rapids are pretty close to suicidal to attempt without extensive experience in class 5 rapids, both as a passenger and a guide. An iconic class 6 rapid is a fall drop, which is when you literally ride your kayak off the edge of a waterfall.

To give you an idea of the forces involved here, the terminal velocity of the average human is 120 miles per hour, and is achieved in just over 3 seconds of free fall. Add about 100 pounds more weight for your kayak and gear, and you’re hitting about 150 mph from a serious fall. Then, when you hit the water, you’ll have thousands of square inches worth of pressure falling directly on your head from the water going over the falls. I have personally never attempted a class 6 rapid, because it really is reserved for the elite. If you consider class 6 rapids, then you’ve got no reason to be reading this article; you could probably ride an avalanche on a piece of plywood, and I’ve got nothing to say to you.

Except that you’re awesome.

Pete Wise works for Wilderness Aware Rafting doing Inbound Marketing. Wildernes Aware is the leader in Colorado White Water Rafting and leads the state in guide experience. Check out their Arkansas River Rafting trips as well. If you liked the article, check out Pete’s site for Denver SEO

About the Region

The name of ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ is highly appropriate as there are over 400 glaciers, and 29 out of the incredible 160 volcanoes in the region are still active.  With an average temperature of -25’C during the winter and 12’C in the summer it is not only a haven for the diehard extreme sportsmen, it is also home to the largest bear population in the country.  The best way to get around the region is by snow mobile, and even though the valleys may be covered in snow the hot springs still steam their way through to the surface.  This is a land where winter lasts a total of six long months and draws in freeride skiers and snowboarders all season long. Though for the best slopes and the pristine snow you need to grab a ride on a helicopter and head for the distant mountain peaks.

Off Piste Adventure

With 10% of the world’s volcano’s in the region, this is a place where the raw power of the Earth is very apparent.  Earthquakes and the resulting avalanches make venturing off piste here one of the most extreme forms of adventure possible.  Such is the appeal that specialist companies have established themselves in the region catering for the extreme sports enthusiast, with fully qualified guides that ride the helicopters and freeride the slopes along with the visitors.  If you are expecting the place to be packed with those looking for the adrenalin buzz of extreme activities you will be surprised to find that the area is relatively free from tourism, with most visitors choosing the safer and more sedate slopes of the Alps, than these majestic and incredible peaks.  But for those who have skied here there is nowhere better on earth.

Total Freedom

Whilst the Alps may have beauty, Kamchatka offers an unbelievable level of freedom.  There are no pre designated routes, no color coded maps you are advised to follow, just the peaks, the slopes and the incredible snow covered landscape.  There are some that come to hike up the volcanoes, taking in the amazing views before freeriding back down to the valley below.  Although they do say that unless you take a dip in the freezing waters of the Northern Pacific Ocean while you are here on your first trip, you will not be coming back for a second.

Specifications

• Mongoose aluminum frame
• 24 gears
• 8 speed chain
• Mongoose alloy platform pedals
• Approximate weight – 14kg (actual weight will depend on the size of the bike)
• Mongoose MTB Trail saddle
• Tektro brakes

For more specifications click here

Pros and Cons of the Mongoose Tyax Sport Mountain Bike

Mongoose builds bicycles for riders, and the Mongoose Tyax Sport Mountain Bike is no exception.  This is a very solid hardtail bike that was designed for intermediate level trail riders.  The Mongoose Tyax Sport Mountain Bike is a beautiful looking bike with solid welds so you know it will be able to take anything you throw at it.  Mongoose has tried to cover the needs of every rider with features such as a Suntour fork that features a travel adjustment to give you an even smoother ride and disk brakes.  On pavement, it will perform just as you expect a mid-range intermediate level bike to perform.  Once you take it on the trail though, that is when the Mongoose Tyax Sport Mountain Bike really shines.  Even going uphill will be a breeze thanks to the light frame and the grip the Kenda tires provide will make climbing easy.  The gears shift smoothly and you get a great, quick reaction time from the bikes

The biggest downside to the Mongoose Tyax Sport Mountain Bike is that the disc brakes can seem a little bit sticky at times, but overall it wasn’t too much of a problem and tended to only rub slightly on one pad.  The quick response time tends to make up for this slight annoyance.  Once adjusted to your liking, they will stay in place even after several rides.

Extreme Sports Final Thoughts

The Mongoose Tyax Sport Mountain Bike is a sturdy, well built, and very cool looking hardtail bike that you will get a lot of enjoyment out of.  It is another fine representation of the continual experimentation that Mongoose puts into each and every one of their bikes to make sure they are among the elite bicycle companies in the world, be it for BMX, mountain bikes, or street bikes.

The price of the Mongoose Tyax Sport Mountain Bike depends on the size chosen but generally ranges from $400 to $500.  Whilst this is one of the more expensive mountain bikes available on the market we think that the bike is well worth the price, especially for intermediate level riders.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/twicepix/5961355086/

Photo by twicepix on Flickr.com. Used under Creative Commons Licence.

Great Accommodation

Ski chalets and alpine lodges, full of charm and character, look just as inviting in the summer months as they do in the middle of winter. And with most properties equipped for extreme weather as standard, you can safely rely on good insulation, heating and air conditioning, keeping your living space climate controlled all year round.

Crowd-Free

Though ski resorts are often overwhelmingly crowded and claustrophobic at the height of the skiing season, in the summer you can usually find the same places peaceful and hassle-free. By no means deserted, many resorts, such as Tignes or Serre Chevalier in the French Alps, offer that right mix of vibrancy and calmness, without the crunching crowds you are more likely to find in the winter. This balance is ideal for having your own space but still having the freedom to meet and mingle with new people.

Beautiful Landscapes

Ski resorts are, by definition, located in stunning mountainous areas that receive a great deal of snow. And in the summer, when it has all melted away, many turn from white winter wonderlands into wonderful green landscapes of jagged peaks, soft rolling hills and incredible canyons. You can mountain bike through pine forests, bathe in mountain streams and hike all the way up to incredible mountain peaks.

Outdoor Activities

After the snow has melted away a wealth of extreme sports opportunities open up in most Alpine resorts, with difficult pistes turned into mountain biking tracks, snow-boarding slopes transformed into high-altitude hiking paths, frozen rivers turned into white-water rafting venues and inaccessible peaks opened up for dare-devil para-gliders.

Anyone interested in extreme sport is well-advised to check out ski resorts, and everything from base and bungee jumping to sheer rock-climbing can be had in locations such as the French Alps or Tyrolean hills. Yet anyone with a love of the outdoors, especially teenagers and young children, is bound to have a memorable summer in such a pristine natural environment. So if you are looking for summer camps with a host of exciting activities, look no further than an off-season ski resort.

Price

Most ski resorts make the bulk of their money during the winter season, trading on superb snowy pistes to ski down. Yet, in order to survive during the lean summer months, they have to work extra hard to entice visitors, which means low prices for consumers. Plenty of resorts in the Alps, and even in the Rockies, will offer substantial room discounts during summer, meaning you can have a great holiday on a low budget. So if you are looking for a summer break surrounded by gorgeous natural surroundings, or are looking for an inexpensive, value for money solution for a summer youth camp, make sure to take a look at out of season ski resorts.

Après-Ski

Even in the coldest winter months you cannot spend all your time skiing or snowboarding outdoors, so most ski resorts offer plenty of Après-Ski activities. Great night-life, superb restaurants, laid-back cafes, cultural diversions, outdoor concerts, weekend festivals and historic architecture mean that you will never be bored when seeking to take it easy. And many locals prefer to take full advantage of the sun, spending more hours outside than most, after being stuck inside for most the year by the bitter cold.

John has authored dozens of articles on topics related to summer camps and extreme sports for adventurers at summer youth camp.

Eager Anticipation

The run took place at Montage Mountain, Pennsylvania US.  All of the runners eagerly awaited the start of the race, all of them running to raise money for charity and all of them running in memory of a friend or family member, and every one of them hoping that the adrenalin that was driving them would see them through to the end of the race.  Ahead of them were hills to climb, eight feet high walls to scale, cargo nets that stretched over two storeys as well as pits filled with cold water, and partly submerged industrial piping, this was not a course for the faint hearted.

Part of a Trend

The Dirty Girl Mud Run is just the latest in a long line of charity endurance races aimed at raising money for worthy causes.  All of these races started with the original mud run, designed and created by Paul Courtaway an ex marine, and have progressed over time through to Warrior Run and The Spartan Race amongst many others, all of which include plenty of opportunities to get mud in places you didn’t know you could get mud into, and all of them varying in length and difficulty.  Yet all of them draw competitors determined to beat the course and raise funds for the charity being supported.

Every year new competitions are created and every year the sign up rate for the events increases.  These races are not just a test of physical stamina they are also testament to the mental endurance of the competitors.  Yet for those who complete the courses the sense of achievement and accomplishment is overwhelming.

Increasing the Challenge

One of the theories as to why this type of race is becoming increasingly popular is that runners are getting bored with flat racing and are looking for more of a challenge, something that offers a greater feeling of success and something that allows you to get dirty in the process, in fact the dirtier you get during the events the greater the sense of achievement at the end of it.  Part of the human condition seems to be to push ourselves harder and for longer and the mud runs have just the right amount of difficulty, and fill you with the right amount of trepidation and fear that they provide a unique adrenalin kick all on their own.

Surfing to Wakeboarding

Surfing has been a very popular sport for hundreds of years (you can read about the history of surfing here) and it was during this time that historians recall surfers holding onto a rope and surfing behind either a truck or a boat.  As this started to take off smaller boards were fashioned to make surfing behind a boat a little bit easier.

The Skurfer

By the 1980’s surfing behind a boat had become increasingly popular which led to Tony Finn, a San Diego Surfer to develop what was then known as the Skurfer.  The Skurfer was a cross between a surfboard and a water ski and it enabled the first carving moves to be made on the water.  The riding style was almost like a cross between skateboarding and snowboarding and as there were no straps or bindings to keep riders on they could stand anywhere on the board (and often fall off pretty fast).

The Mid 1980’s

The mid 1980’s saw the first real progression being made when bindings were drilled onto the boards to help make the sport much easier for participants.  Oddly enough the bindings were designed by two people at exactly the same time – Tony Finn and Jimmy Redmon -and neither knew that the other was inventing them.  The significance of this development cannot be underestimated as it allowed surfers to perfect some amazing skills including some air jumps that were previously not possible.  The sport was edging away from surfing behind a boat now to becoming closer to water skiing.

Skiboarding

Throughout the rest of the 1980’s Tony Finn continued to promote his Skurfer complete now with foot bindings and this led to what was called skiboarding.  The first Skurfer championships were announced in 1990 and even though they were televised by ESPN the sport still struggled to gain any real following and it is thought that the lack of technology and innovative designs are what held it back due to only experienced riders truly being able to do any of the tricks that were a part of the sport.

Innovation Led to Wakeboarding

With the sport still lacking much popularity, owner of H.O sports Herb O’Brien started designing more innovative boards that would make the sport much easier to those who weren’t truly experienced.  This led to the innovative design of the first ever wakeboard which he called the Hyperlite.  Although many still called the sport skiboarding, within a few years it was generally regarded as wakeboarding and this soon became the official name for the sport.

In 1989 Jimmy Redmon established the World Wakeboarding Association (WWA) which helped to develop the integrity and rules of wakeboarding which are still in place to this day.  This association is now thought to be the guru of wakeboarding and it continues to this day.

The Late 1990’s Onwards

Jimmy Redmon who had earlier designed the bindings for previous boards took the design of the Hyperlite and further changed the design.  The ‘twin-tip’ design that he created improved the performance of the board and it was so successful that this is the same design that is still used to this day.

Professional wakeboard events began in 1992 and the first wakeboarding publication was produced in 1993.  Both of these still continue to this day.

Breathtaking Stunts

First to take to the imposing 14ft ramp was Eito Yasukoto, world champion three times over. This Japanese star performed an amazing 1080 California Roll, flying a full 3ft above the arena, completing two full rotations before landing safely to rapturous applause.  Performing a handstand at the top edge of the vert stand was American extreme sports star Andy McDonald, who along with gold medal winner of the 2012 X Games Sandro Dias, five times skating world champion Tkeshi Yasukoto, and Tarbron, the winner of eight Bicycle medals in the X Games made for an incredible line up at this extreme sports spectacular.

A First for India

This was the first time that these amazing extreme sports professionals had performed in India, and it was hoped that the hype and excitement of the event, along with the skills on display would encourage the Indian youngsters to get more active and try new sports. It was hoped that if the interest in these exciting extreme sports grew that they would be able to come back to the country and work in a professional capacity at training camps, to enable the young enthusiasts to develop their extreme sports skills, so that at some point there would be an Indian Extreme Sports professional joining the ranks of the elite.

Although there are currently very few facilities in India for extreme sports it is hoped that tours such as this one will improve the future outlook for extreme sports in the country.  Only time will tell but if the success of last weekend’s events are anything to go by, the future looks good.

Picture courtesy of Caters News

No Sight, No Obstacle

Dean has described the experience and thrill he gets from extreme sports as being better than any other kind of high, and he is constantly on the search for bigger and better challenges with which he can test himself.  He is the first one to admit that he is a total adrenalin junkie.  From the moment that his feet came back into contact with the ground after that first charity sky dive, he was smitten with the thrill of pushing his body to the limit.  Since then his feet have hardly been on the ground, rock climbing, white water rafting and even being sent skywards from a human catapult have not deterred him from finding his next adrenalin buzz.

Record Holder

All of Dean’s adventures are detailed on his website, including the current status of the world records he has under his belt.  He is recorded as being the very first blind individual to perform a bungee jump out of a helicopter, as well as the first blind person to participate in the gruelling Hebridean Challenge and the first blind person ever to white water sledge his way along the River Tay.  At the moment Dean is currently training for a cross channel swim, he is aiming to raise funds for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association as well as for the Perth & Kinross Society for the Blind.

Challenging Times

Dean first started having vision problems as a child and investigations showed that he was suffering from rod and cone dystrophy, with the prognosis showing eventual blindness in his future.  He admits that he could have let the loss of his sight turn him into a home bound recluse, but he was determined not to let that happen.  Because of the risk involved in some of the extreme sports activities that he enjoys, when event organisers have found out about his disability they have not allowed his participation, but despite these minor setbacks he has enjoyed activities like sand boarding and canyoning.

There looks to be nothing that Dean won’t try his hand at.  He spends a lot of time in his home gym in order to keep himself in peak physical shape and while there have been injuries and accidents along the way Dean sees them as being par for the course when you throw yourself around in extreme situations.  He is well aware of the risks he takes in all of the sports that he tries and claims that he regrets nothing in his quest for the next adrenalin buzz.

He is a true inspiration for extreme sports fans around the world!

1. Algarve Skydiving

The ultimate extreme sport, no adrenaline high can match the thrill of jumping from a plane thousands of feet above the ground! The Algarve’s gorgeous weather makes it the perfect place to hit the skies. Not only will you have the sensation of the wind rushing past you but you’ll have a fantastic view of the ocean and coastline too. You can take a tandem jump or even a course to earn your solo jump licence.

2. Blokarting

Think of a cross between a tricycle, a go-kart and a windsurf and you’re probably imagining a blokart – or at least something very similar! Blokarting in the Algarve is a great way to see some of the amazing coast near Sagres, and the area’s strong winds make it the perfect place to try the sport out. Each session includes practice time, as well as the chance to pit yourself against your friends and family in a half hour race. It’s fun, easy to learn and definitely gets the blood pumping.

3. Floatplane Flights

If you fancy yourself a modern-day Indiana Jones then you can’t holiday without taking advantage of the floatplane flights in the Algarve! You might not be fighting Nazis or escaping from booby-trapped tombs, but you too can take off in style from the sea in one of these incredible amphibious craft. Flights are available for one hour or thirty minutes and you can even have a go at piloting yourself – under instruction of course!

4. Microlight Flights

A microlight is somewhere in between an aeroplane and a hang glider, and when you take microlight flights in the Algarve you get the security of the former and the excitement of the latter. It’s a pretty breathtaking way to view the Atlantic coast and beautiful Portuguese countryside. There are a whole range of flights you can take too, from a 10 minute jaunt over Lagos to an hour trip along the coast and back.

5. Hot Air Ballooning

If you’ve done the skydiving, blokarting and the rest already and want something just that bit more sedate, then hot air balloon rides are definitely for you. The balloon will take you over the mountains and hills of the Algarve and give you a chance to see the landscape in a way that you never have before. They’re perfect for the family, so even little thrill-seekers can join in.

Of course, there are loads of other great ways to raise your heart-rate in the Algarve, from scuba diving to quad biking to rock climbing. It’s perfect for adrenaline junkies of all ages – there’s loads more than just beaches and golf courses on Algarve holidays!

Flash forward 19 years, and Sector 9 has grown into one of the most influential skateboard companies around in the world of longboarding.  This is because of their constant commitment to quality.  The Sector 9 Aperture Sidewinder Complete continues this tradition of their quality.

Specifications

• Specs: 36.0″ L x 9.0″ W x 26.375″ WB
• Deck: 7 Ply Maple
• Trucks: 9.0″ Gullwing Sidewinder Trucks
• Wheels: 69mm-78a Nineball Slalom Wheels
• Bearings: ABEC 5 PDP Bearings

Click here for more specifications

Pros and Cons of the Sector 9 Aperture Sidewinder Complete

The Sector 9 Aperture Sidewinder Complete longboard is 36” long, which is not the longest deck Sector 9 offers, but still long enough to keep you stable when you are going downhill at high speeds.  It has an interesting shape to it, with a very tapered nose and tail.  From a looks perspective, I don’t find the shape very attractive, but there is a definite benefit to it.  More on that later.  Before we get into that, I should mention the graphics on this deck, since this can often times matter a lot more than the board itself to people.  It is an abstract pattern, and not really my cup of tea, but it looks really nice and is quite well done.  Now, onto the actual shape of the board.

When I first saw it I thought, “no sir, I don’t like it.”  I prefer my skateboards to have a proper tail and a proper nose.  There is a very good reason for this shape though, and that is because of the Sector 9 Gullwing Sidewinder trucks.

The biggest selling point and the best thing about this board has got to be the Sidewinder trucks.  Only available on certain Sector 9 boards that are appropriately shaped, like the Sector 9 Aperture Sidewinder Complete, the Sidewinder trucks have a double pivot that allow them to turn a lot sharper and a lot faster than standard trucks.  You can generate a lot of speed with these using only your turning momentum.  It is pretty amazing what a difference these trucks make.

Extreme Sports Final Thoughts

The Sector 9 Aperture Sidewinder Complete is an amazing longboard, all thanks to the Gullwing Sidewinder trucks.  The shape of them necessitates the odd shape of the board, and it works quite well.  It remains incredibly stable even at high speeds, which are nice and easy to achieve.  If you are looking for the ultimate sidewalk surfing experience, look no further.  This board is currently priced at just under $190 on Amazon.

Photo courtesy of Naztrida

There are two reasons that wrecks make great dives. The first is that they are colonised by marine plants and animals very quickly. A sunken ship provides a fresh surface for molluscs and sponges to bind to and all kinds of nooks and crannies that make excellent shelter for eels and other fish. Often a ship lying on empty sand looks just like the underwater version of a dessert oasis.

The second factor is the atmosphere. Some wrecks are haunted by tragedy and others simply provide a snapshot of a moment in the past. A sunken warship from the 1940s tells a very different story to remains of an 18^th century frigate but plenty have a lot to say. It’s not just about ships either. In some places it’s possible to dive the wrecks of submarines, airplanes, and even helicopters.

Wreck Diving Safety

Wreck divers have several hazards to contend with. The first is depth. Under normal circumstances recreational divers are limited to 30m or about 100ft and most wrecks lie well deeper than that limit. There are also the very serious safety issues that come with diving in a confined space. Getting stuck is a real possibility, and fine muddy sediments often collect inside wrecks. Stir the silt up with your fins and visibility will drop to zero.

PADI (the Professional Association of Dive Instructors) does offer wreck diving courses, and with special training and equipment, recreational divers can push down deeper, but the easiest and safest solution for most divers is to stick to wrecks that lie in shallow water and confine your exploration to the outside. There are plenty of fantastic choices. Here are just a few possibilities to whet your appetite:

Photo courtesy of Nick Lucey

The SS Thistlegorm

The Thistlegorm was sunk in 1941 and was first dived by Jacques Cousteau just 15 years later. It’s a massive container ship, more than 400ft from end to end, and most of it is in reasonably shallow water. There is not only the ship itself to explore, but also the cargo- trucks, motorcycles, tanks, and even old rubber boots. To cap it all off, the wreck lies in the Red Sea close to Sharm el Sheik, easily a world class dive destination in its own right. There is plenty of marine life in the area, up to and including manta rays, grouper, tuna, and barracuda.

The USS Spiegel Grove

Unlike the Thistlegorm, the Spiegel Grove was sunk quite deliberately, with the express aim of creating an artificial reef. It’s 510ft long and up to 84ft wide, and although the wreck lies at a maximum depth of more than 130ft, it’s a very big structure and some of it sits about 60ft of water, well within normal dive depth limits.

As you’d expect from a deliberate wreck, it lies in the perfect location just off Key Largo in Florida. More than 120 different species of fish have been counted in the immediate area and although this is a relatively young wreck, it has still been thoroughly colonised by marine plants and animals. Expect groupers, wrasse, surgeonfish, damsels, and a wide variety of small, bright fish.

SS Thistlegorm

Photo courtesy of Andurinha

The SS Markgraf

First, a word of warning- the Markgraf lies in Scottish waters and the temperatures aren’t for the faint of heart. If you’re willing to brave some very chilly waters indeed, the wrecks of Scapa Flow are quite the reward. The Markgraf is just one of three massive Konig-class battleships sunk in these waters. It’s 575ft long and impressively armed with 12 inch guns. It’s easy to see why she sank, as there is a massive tear in the side. Divers can peer into the torpedo room through the rip.

Diving in Scapa Flow might not be pleasantly warm but the waters are remarkably clear. Visibility is often 60ft or more, and the top of the wreck lies around 75ft below the surface. There’s plenty to see- so much so that most divers visit at least twice to take it all in.

Jess Spate is a recreational diver living in the UK. She writes for an underwater camera retailer.

What are Basking Sharks?

Surpassed only by the whale shark, basking sharks are the second largest living fish in the world.  They are found in temperate waters worldwide and may appear both alone or in small shoals.  Like whale sharks, basking sharks are harmless and are exciting to watch by both scuba divers and snorkelers however due to overfishing, many basking shark shoals have been eliminated altogether and others are so endangered that they are under protection – hence why they are protected under UK and European laws.

Report Sightings to the National Marine Aquarium in Portsmouth

Managing director of the National Marine Aquarium in Portsmouth, David Gibson is asking anyone in the UK who sees a basking shark to report it to the aquarium.  The sharks should be in UK waters for much of the summer and can grow to around seven metres long when fully grown.  If possible the aquarium is also asking people to take photographs of the sharks so that they can try to identify whether they return to UK waters again.  The photographs can also be used to help identify any health problems or injuries that are apparent on the sharks which may indicate whether they have come into contact with fishing fleets.

Specific Locations

Researchers believe that the basking sharks will be in the waters on the west coast of England as well as Ireland.  Hotspots include the south west of England, Firth of Clyde in Scotland, the Isle of Man and the south and west coasts of Ireland.  The warm waters here are perfect for zooplankton and tiny marine animals and this is what is thought to attract the sharks.  Although it is difficult to predict when the basking sharks will arrive researchers believe that it will be during the main summer months of June to September.

Code of Conduct

In order for people to witness the sharks without dangering, threatening or disturbing them, the Shark Trust has established a code of conduct which they are asking people to abide by.  This includes:

• Keeping a distance of at least four metres between you and the shark so as not to scare it.
• Don’t invite others over to have a look.
• If you have a camera with you take photos of the shark in particular the dorsal fin and any other features which could distinguish the shark from others.
• If you are in a boat ask the captain to turn off the engine as this is one of the main causes of injury to basking sharks.
• Swim away from the shark quietly and gently and report your findings including any photographs to the Shark Trust.

Although basking sharks are not aggressive creatures they can weigh up to four tonnes so they are large enough to cause serious injury even if it is not on purpose.  By understanding more about basking sharks, the Shark Trust and the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth can help to protect them when they are in UK waters.  With climate change occurring throughout the world, it is no surprise that the UK waters have become a hotspot for these magnificent creatures.

Specifications

• Deck: 40.5” L x 9.125” W
• Trucks: Gullwing Charger Trucks
• Wheels: Sector 9 Nineball Wheels 70mm
• Bearings: Sector 9 PDP Bearings – Abec 5
• Fully Assembled with Sector 9 Grip-tape, Sector 9 Risers and Sector 9 Hardware

Click here for more specifications

Pros and Cons of the Sector 9 Revolution Complete

The Sector 9 Revolution Complete is part of as well as the largest deck in the Bob Marley line of longboards they have made.  Despite the fact that the Sector 9 Revolution Complete is the largest in this line, it is not the largest longboard Sector 9 makes.  That is not to say it is short, however, measuring in at a hefty 40.5” long.  This is plenty of length to give you some really nice, deep carves, as well as a fast and smooth ride. The Nineball 70mm wheels, also made by Sector 9 are well made, big and thick, and not so soft that before you know it you are down to 30mm wheels.  It is a marked difference from a lot of other complete skateboard decks where you typically get the cheapest, softest “starter” wheels.

The biggest downside to this board is the fact that it is a Bob Marley board.  It’s great if you really love the music of Bob Marley, which there is nothing wrong with because he was great – but there is something incredibly trite about a skateboard with Bob Marley all over it.  Like the suburban kid who has never smoked pot, works at Cold Stone Creamery and has his room covered in Bob Marley posters that he recently purchased to replace his Yo Gabba Gabba posters that he outgrew.

Attaching stereotypes aside, truly the worst part of the graphics is how uninspired they are.  The bottom is acceptable enough.  A nice collage of pictures of Bob Marley, with a few bits of spot color.  The top is simply plain wood, with Sector 9 grip tape and a singular strip across the board very near to the tail with the colors of the Jamaican flag.

Extreme Sports Final Thoughts

The uninspired graphics of this longboard makes the entire Sector 9 Revolution Complete look like a cynical marketing attempt to cash in on the name of such a legend rather than a fitting, inspired tribute to a musician who deserves to be immortalized with a fantastic design to complement the music that has inspired millions.  Sector 9 makes high quality longboards, and the Sector 9 Revolution Complete, from a pure skating perspective, is no different.  However, unless Bob Marley is your absolute favorite musician of all time, there are other boards better suited.  This board is currently priced at $169.99 on Amazon.com.

Underground Alabama

Native Alabamians know a lot about caving and when you see what their caving systems are like you will understand why.  Firstly they have a lot of caves – not just one or two, a lot!  The Alabama Cave Survey which records and charts the caves in the state recently estimated there to be at least 4,000 of them.  Along with Georgia and southern Tennessee, Alabama is said to be one of the three states that can be called the caving capitals of the United States – this is a real hotspot for cavers and an amazing place to visit.

Commercial vs. Wild Caves

Most people who visit Alabama to go caving are inexperienced and hence opt to visit the more commercial caves such as the Sequoyah Caverns or the DeSoto Caverns, or one of the state parks such as the Cathedral Caverns or the Rickwood Caverns.  However these areas have lots of walking passages and are full of large, dry chambers which isn’t really what caving is all about.  With the headquarters of the National Speleological Society being held in Huntsville, Alabama there are a whole hand of training groups in the state that can take you on more wild cave explorations provided you undertake the necessary training first.

The wild caves in Alabama really are a sight to behold but they’re not as easily accessible and you won’t catch any spelunkers down there either – unless one has wandered off course and got lost so there is a rescue party going on.  These caves are in their natural state so you can expect them to be wet, muddy and full of passages that will require you to crawl through them.  Doing so as an inexperienced spelunker can get you killed hence the need for training and to go caving in Alabama with someone who has experience with the area.

Flowstone Formations and Weird Creatures

Most of the caves in Alabama are formed from limestone and this has led to many holes and even lakes being formed when the rainfall gets inside.  This is what leads to flowstone formations.  In both the commercial and wild caves you will see a number of flowstone formations including stalagmites, stalactites, draperies and columns.  When you go on a commercial tour your guides will tell you all about what they believe the formations look like – this could be anything from sharks to US presidents however when you go in the wild caves you can let your imagination run wild and decide for yourself what the formations resemble.

In addition to the formations that you will see you may also encounter some weird and rare creatures during your caving expedition.  Bats and salamanders are just two of the creatures you may come across which is another reason why caving with an experienced Alabamian is such a good idea – you don’t want to do yourself any injury or worse, affect a habitat or an endangered species.

Caving in Alabama can be an exciting extreme sport though be sensible and go with an experienced guide.  And don’t even think about spelunking – it’s not cool in Alabama and true cavers won’t be impressed.

1. Relax and dive slowly – You want to appear non threatening to the marine life around you and by panicking and blowing lots of bubbles you may find that you scare most fish away.

2. You may think that the sea is a location for anyone to enjoy and it is to an extent but don’t let ignore the fact that is the natural home of almost all the marine life you will encounter.  Respect their home and try not to disturb their natural surroundings.  Don’t harm the coral and try not to kick up sand when you dive.  It’s a good idea to also stay at least 1metre away from all marine life to lower the risk of them being scared.

3. Following on from tip number 2, try and give the marine life a clear exit path.  If you corner them from all angles the fish will feel threatened and you will not be able to enjoy the experience as much as you may otherwise.

4. Don’t feed the fish – a lot of divers unfortunately do this and it is a bad idea for many reasons.  For more information about this check out our article on should scuba divers feed fish?

5. Don’t poke, stroke or touch the fish in any way.  Not only is this seen as threatening behavior but you could actually be damaging their health too.  Some fish will harm you if you try to touch them so it’s best to just watch them from afar.

6. Don’t be afraid to explore rocks and caverns a little bit more than you usually would.  Large rocks and hideaways are popular sanctuaries for amazing species such as manta rays.  You may also find starfish and crabs here.  Again try and practice your buoyancy so that you don’t kick up the sand and disturb them.

7. Four eyes are better than two so speak to your buddy before you dive and let them know what marine life you are specifically looking out for.  By agreeing on the specific things that you are interested in you can cater your dive accordingly.

8. Make sure you are comfortable with your equipment – if you are uncomfortable with it you are going to spend the whole dive worrying about it and you will use your air supply a lot faster than normal.  This will leave you with less time to explore the dive sites and even when you do have air you will struggle to focus on anything other than your equipment.

9. Pay attention to the seascape – sometimes frightened fish will disappear as soon as they hear divers coming and will take another peek after you have gone.  By paying attention to everything around you you may just get a glance of some elusive fish which can really make your dive.

10. Understand more about the fish in your dive site before you dive – stone fish and nudibranches etc. may not be easily visible on first site but this doesn’t mean they are not there.  By understanding more about the dive site you will know what to look out for and where which will increase your chances of spotting rare fish.

Most of all however just try and have fun.  The more nervous you are the less you will see so take your time and enjoy.

Entering the competition is easy:

1. Make sure you have liked our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExtremeSportsX – this is where the winner will be announced.

2. Share this page with your friends on Facebook (the social media buttons are at the bottom)

3. Leave a comment at the bottom of this post.  We want you to tell us what your favourite extreme sport is and why in 50 words or less.

4. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on our Facebook page on 25th May.

Rules and Regulations

• This competition is unfortunately only open to residents of the US, UK, Ireland and Canada
• Only one entry per person will be accepted
• Should the winner not have a mailing address in the US, UK, Ireland or Canada the prize will be void and another entry will be drawn at random
• The winner can choose which platform they would like to receive the game on – Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3
• Entries posted after 5pm EST on the 23rd May will not be included in the prize draw

Want to know more about SSX?  Click here for the lowdown via Amazon.

You have until 5pm EST on the 23rd May to enter the competition

GOOD LUCK!

Specifications

• Available in three frame sizes – 16”, 18” and 20”
• Full suspension
• 26 inch wheels
• Tektro brakes
• Shimano derailleurs
• Titanium Recoil frame
• Tuff Shock Coil rear shocks

Click here for more specifications

Pros and Cons of the Diamondback 2012 Recoil Full Suspension Mountain Bike

The Diamondback 2012 Recoil Full Suspension Mountain Bike is a great entry level bike for those cyclists looking to get into mountain biking or those cyclists looking to try out a full suspension rig. The bike comes in three sizes for small (16 inches), medium (18 inches), and large (20 inches). All three bikes come in a Titanium color.

The bike’s suspensions system allows the product to bounce back from whatever mountain trail or dirt road you throw at it. It truly lives up to the name of “recoil” as it springs back into action with every twist or turn. The bike is built on the foundation of an aluminum frame with a Tuff Shock Coil rear shock. It has 8-speed rapidfire shifters and provides up to 24 gears, which will allow any mountain biker to confidently ride up or down any mountain at any speed.

The Tektro Novela disc brakes, which have 6″ rotors, provide cyclists with more than enough breaking power for any mountain climb, descent, or trail. The DB MX260D Doublewall wheelset gives the cyclists a reliable platform to ride without any concerns or worries.

The one drawback about this bike is it can be heavy at roughly 25 – 35 pounds. However, it’s built to be tough and take a serious pounding on the rough terrains. Therefore, the weight is only a byproduct of the bike’s necessary components. There’s no fluff or unnecessary parts with this bike.

Extreme Sports Final Thoughts

Diamondback has produced another high quality bike with the 2012 Recoil Full Suspension Mountain Bike. The incredible craftsmanship, and superior technology, make this bike a must have for anyone who is entering into the sport for the first time. Despite being an entry level bike it’s a high performance machine that will allow any mountain biker to ride up and down any mountain trail or pass at an elite level. The price is also a welcoming sight to those looking not to spend a lot of money and Amazon.com is currently offering a discount on the bike, bringing the total price down to $650.

Create a Good Sense of Balance

Creating a good sense of balance is the first important tip you’ll want to remember. Different types of surfboards float on water in distinctive ways. A surfboard won’t change its position on water surfaces when resting in relation to the water underneath. Lay on your surfboard in the water to test your balance. Lying on your board will test its buoyancy against the water. It should dip enough to know you’re being supported by the board’s strength. Find a spot to lie against on your board and memorize it. This keeps your board at the same level when resetting your surfing position on flat water.

Posture

Posture isn’t just for formal occasions. It’s an important keyword in surfing too. Poor posture equals instant first aid or a trip to the emergency room. Three even more important posture related keywords to remember are paddling, sitting and standing. Paddling propels you and your surfboard through the water. Sitting lets you distribute your weight across your surfboard while moving it. Standing is the most important—it tests your center of balance as you slowly force your body to distribute its weight on your moving board. Knowing all three is necessary and all three work in relation to each other: paddling gets you out there, sitting keeps you on your board, standing naturally happens after sitting once the waves start approaching.

Paddling, Sitting and Standing

You start paddling by lying down on your board and moving your arms one at a time like a crawl stroke. Moving both arms at the same time causes your board to become unstable against the water. Shift from a laying position into a sitting one. You’re going to want to keep calm and balance your weight the best you can. Don’t get frustrated because it takes good practice to sit right in the beginning.  Standing comes after sitting. Beginning surfers should not rush into it! Shift back into a laying position with your head looking straight to the front. Take on a push-up position and bring your body upward while you shift your feet underneath. Center your weight at the middle of the board. When you come up, stay in a crouched position. Grip the board with your feet and keep your arms and head held up.

Practice

Beginner surfers need to practice paddling, sitting and standing on their surfboards before they can surf like the pros. It’s best to have someone with you while practicing. Always have someone demonstrate for you if you don’t understand. Surfing can be fun if you take the time to learn. Rushing into advanced surfing tricks won’t be as fun. And quite frankly, you’ll risk injury if you rush too soon.

There are many small details to using a surfboard out on the waves. But, the good news is that with patience and practice you will be out there feeling the awesome power of the ocean beneath you and the warmth of the sun on your head.

Photos courtesy of Nathan Rupert

If you’re looking to get kitted out for your new hobby then check out Surfdome’s selection of surfboards and don’t forget, if you need help finding the perfect board just ask.

His Beginnings

Marcus started practicing parkour at the age of 13 in his home town of Beccles, Suffolk, and now says that he practices it for around eight hours a day.  The video that he made was completed with his best friend, 19 year old Ryan Lovejoy, and Marcus says the two of them had been filming it for two years in order to get it just perfect.

Luckily for Marcus his parents are 100% behind him even though they do still urge him to be careful.  Marcus claims that he does only do the risky jumps when he is in the right frame of mind however he does struggle to stay away from the rooftops in Beccles – he was even still practicing on them when his arm was in plaster a few years ago!

Stunt Job

In the four minute video (below) Marcus can be seen spinning off the pier in Great Yarmouth and clambering across the roof of the Chapelfield Shopping Centre in Norwich.  The WFPF were so impressed with his routine that he has been offered sponsorship to fly from the UK to Los Angeles in order to teach parkour moves and stunts to others.  Marcus has clearly jumped at the opportunity and says that he would love to work as a stunt man himself, when he is 18 and is legally allowed to be filmed.  Speaking to the Daily Mail, Marcus said “I would love to make a living out of parkour – it would be a fun job”.

Safety

All extreme sports come with some kind of risks however due to the heights jumped in parkour and the lack of safety equipment this is one of the more dangerous sports to participate in.  If you are thinking about following in Marcus’s footsteps it’s a good idea to work alongside a parkour teacher who can gradually break you in to new moves and show you how to perform them safely.  When practiced safely the sport teaches discipline and responsibility and there is no signs of its popularity slowing down.

Specifications

• Vertically Laminated Bamboo Deck
• Gullwing 9″ Trucks
• 42” Long, 9.25” Wide, 31.5” Wheelbase
• Nineball 70mm Wheels
• ABEC5 PDP Bearings

Click here for more specifications

Pros and Cons of the Sector 9 Green Bush Longboard

The Sector 9 Green Bush Longboard is a very nice bamboo longboard that is part of the Sector 9 “Bamboo Series.”  The ride is very fast and smooth, and the board is absolutely gorgeous.  Unlike other bamboo longboard decks I have seen, this one actually looks like a lot of thought and craft was put into the design rather than just “hey, let’s make a deck out of bamboo that will help us shift a few more units.”  All you have to do for an example of this is to take a look at the Sector 9 Green Bush Longboard and then look at one of the longboard offerings in bamboo from Santa Cruz Skateboards.  Santa Cruz also makes a fine deck to be sure, but the worksmanship on the Sector 9 Green Bush Longboard makes their offerings look incredibly cynical by comparison.

The board has a nice concave curve to it, and at 42” long, some very nice length that will give you great, deep carves.  The Nineball 70mm wheels are also quality.  Big and thick so sticks, cracks and pebbles will not slow you down, and a lot more solid than I am used to seeing come with complete skateboard sets.  Be aware though that the wheels you get may vary as far as color selection goes.  There have been reports of people getting clear wheels with it and others receiving yellow Nineball wheels.  Aside from the personal color preference, the quality of the wheels remains the same.

The Gullwing trucks and ABEC5 PDP bearings worked really well, and the ride was fast and smooth, and provided no problems at all getting some really deep carves.  With most complete skateboards, usually there is at least one thing you will want to change on it, be it the trucks, wheels or at least the bearings, but on the Sector 9 Green Bush Longboard, there were no such issues.  It was ready to ride right out of the box, which was a very pleasant surprise.

Extreme Sports Final Thoughts

Sector 9 has once again proven why they are such an influential company in the world of longboard skateboarding with the Sector 9 Green Bush Longboard.  Currently priced at $162.98 on Amazon this board is in the higher price range of longboards however the quality more than justifies the price in my opinion.

Speaking to over 11,000 Twitter followers on Sunday, Slater said the problem was the worst he had ever seen and urged people to #DoSomething.  When asked to further elaborate on the state of the beaches and the surf Slater said that he had seen needles, medical waste, and plastic all of which are hazardous to both humans and marine life.

Bali based surf operator Lee Walsh said that pollution has been a problem on Bali for a long time.  He claims that the worst areas at present are on the western side of the island which includes everything from Kuta Bay up to Canggu.  Mass overbuilding has been happening in these two places to try and cater to higher levels of tourists however all of the waste from the building projects is being returned to the sea which is ruining the once extremely popular surf destination.

A spokesman for the South East Asia branch of Quiksilver, Holly Monkman, has also blamed the pollution on Bali’s tourism boom however she claims that the situation is not as bad as it is being made out to be.  She claims the Quiksilver company is running education programs for locals as well as actively helping to clean the beaches on a daily basis and that “Bali is still the best island for fun and surf”.  We can’t help but wonder what she sees that nobody else does?

What we do know is that Bali’s tourism figures have quadrupled in the last five years and if something isn’t soon done about the problem, the devastation that is unleashed may be horrific.  Have you visited Bali recently or do you live there?  Please let us know what you think about the pollution situation in the comments below.

Hitting the Trails

Berkshire’s Swinley Forest offers a beautiful, well-maintained assortment of trails; many are appropriate for beginners who aren’t yet ready to tackle major hills. For a rougher, more technical challenge, many mountain bikers turn to the North Face Trail at Grizedale, in Cumbria. There are over 16 kilometres of trails that offer majestic views; many of the trails offer moderate technical challenges and for this reason are popular with mountain bikers of intermediate skill.

Glentress

The most beloved and highly regarded mountain biking destination in the entire United Kingdom is Glentress, Scotland. Glentress is packed with over 80 kilometres of mountain biking routes appropriate for riders at all skill levels. The “green routes” are simple and short. More experienced bikers, however, can test their skills on the elite “black routes” that should only be attempted by serious, experienced and well-trained athletes. Adrenaline junkies also frequent the Glentress Freeride Park, which features three “orange routes”. These are the most extreme routes in the Glentress Complex and are rife with jumps, steep inclines, step-ups and tabletops.

Off the Beaten Path

Mountain bikers who want to avoid large crowds and busy trails often head to Kirroughtree in Southern Scotland. Like Glentress, Kirroughtree offers a selection of trails for riders of all skill levels. It is most famous for its 31-kilometre “black route” known as “Black Craigs Trail,” which presents intricate technical challenges and is quite dangerous for inexperienced bikers.

Up, Up and Away!

One of the most unique mountain biking offerings in the United Kingdom is heli-biking which, as the name suggests, involves helicopters. Bikers board a helicopter and fly to the top of steep, precipitous trails, where they disembark and ride back down with the help of gravity. Heli-biking is a more expensive pursuit than other types of mountain biking; an excursion for six people usually costs around $550 per person.

Stacking the Deck

Experience, proper physical conditioning, safety gear and quality equipment all help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, but nothing provides an absolute guarantee of safety. The most common injuries suffered by mountain bikers include superficial cuts and scrapes, twisted ankles and sprained wrists. Accidents on steeper trails may result in broken fingers, toes, limbs or ribs. It’s prudent to purchase mountain-biking insurance, which covers expenses related to these injuries. Mountain-biking insurance is a particularly wise investment for bikers who enjoy challenging, remote trails, because in the event of serious injury they may require helicopter evacuation.

Mountain Biking For Families

Although mountain biking can be a dangerous, extreme sport, it can also be an enjoyable family activity. The most important factor is choosing the right trail; family trails are generally wider and flatter than many others, and are usually shorter also. One of the best trails for families is the Tissington Trail in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, which was formed from an abandoned railway. The Tissington Trail is about 20 kilometres long and is completely free of traffic, which is an important consideration for families biking with younger riders.

Citations:

• Photo by Phil and Pam

Article by X1 Sports Insurance, Offering Mountain Biking Insurance

Specifications

• Toy Machine Deck 8.0 X 32
• Black Jacket Wheels 53mm
• Frontage Pro Trucks (Black)
• Shorty’s Hardware
• SL Abec 3 Bearings, Randel Grip Tape

Click here for more specifications

Pros and Cons of the Toy Machine Monster Face Red Complete Skateboard

The first thing you notice about the Toy Machine Monster Face Red Complete Skateboard is the amazing design on it.  The Toy Machine Monster Face Red Complete Skateboard is one of a series of four different monster face skateboards, which feature the faces of monsters that appear in other Toy Machine Skateboards deck graphics but up close.  The Toy Machine Monster Face Red Complete Skateboard might be my favorite of the bunch.  It is simple, but carries with it a 50s sci-fi feel that the others don’t have, along with a feeling of a Scooby Doo monster, which is just fun.  It is a minimal graphic, since the face is in the middle of the deck, so there are no problems with it being hidden by the trucks like so many decks with full sized graphics can run into.

The board itself is solid, and you can tell it is quality.  It has a very nice weight to it without being too heavy.  My first thought was “wow, this deck is much better built than a World Industries” skateboard, which feels like it will snap in two the minute you do a slide or just land from a big ollie.  Probably my favorite thing about the Toy Machine Monster Face Red Complete Skateboard is that the hardware is from Shorty’s, which may not seem that important, but it is a nice touch that can often go overlooked when purchasing a new skateboard.  The rest of the hardware included with the Toy Machine Monster Face Red Complete Skateboard Deck is good, but you will certainly notice a chance in quality when you upgrade the trucks and the wheels.  Especially the trucks.

Extreme Sports Final Thoughts

Toy Machine Skateboards has once again done a great job with the Toy Machine Monster Face Red Complete Skateboard, and continue to be one of the best skateboard companies around.  The price, typically just under $100, is a very reasonable price for such a quality complete skateboard.  Especially if you are new to skateboarding and would like to get started with a quality skateboard that will give you a lot of room to grow without breaking the bank.

5) Chess Boxing

Chess Boxing is certainly unusual but you can’t deny the logic behind its origins. It was created by the Dutch Artist Lepe Rubingh who wanted to create the ultimate test of brains and brawn. Each match is made up of 11 rounds that alternate between the two sports. As you’d expect the rules are a little confusing, and there are a number of ways for a competitor to win. The most clear-cut is by a knockout in the ring or a checkmate on the board.

4) Catfish Grabbling

Catfish Grabbling, often referred to as Noodling, is similar to competitive fishing but with one main difference, the fisherman must use their hands. And if you’ve ever seen the size of a catfish you’ll appreciate how difficult this must be. The sport of Noodling can be very dangerous. It’s not uncommon for competitors to lose their fingers and a few have even drowned after injuries sustained way below the surface of the water prevented them from swimming to safety.

3) Extreme Ironing

The sport of extreme ironing owes a lot to the internet. Adrenaline junkies around the world love to outdo each other by posting crazy photos of their stunts online, and that’s what extreme ironing is all about. Basically the winner is the person who manages to iron in the craziest place. And extreme ironers certainly go to some crazy places, including mountains, cliff faces and the bottom of the ocean. The latest craze is to iron on the move, but we’re not talking about whilst walking round the house. It needs to be more extreme, like on top of a moving car or whilst jumping out of a plane!

2) Tar Barrels

Every year on the 5th of November the sleepy English town of Ottery St Mary is transformed into a fiery scene that wouldn’t look out of place in Lord of the Rings. Thousands of locals and visitors from across the country cram into the narrow streets and frantically try and get out of the way when a man carrying a flaming barrel of tar charges towards them.

Hundreds of years ago Ottery was just one of a number of English towns that would roll flaming barrels around the streets on bonfire night. Someone obviously decided that this was a bit boring and picked one up and ran with it on his back. It wasn’t long before a new tradition was born. Although it’s extremely dangerous injuries to participants and spectators are rare, and when they do occur they’re usually classed as minor. Ottery is a tough old town that’s for sure.

1) Land Diving

Land Diving takes the number one spot because in addition to being unusual it’s utterly stupid and without doubt the most dangerous on this list. It’s more of a ritual than a sport, but as it’s the inspiration behind bungee jumping its inclusion is definitely legitimate in my book.

The art is practiced on Pentecost Island which is part of Vanuatu, a country in the South Pacific. It sees men jump from wooden towers that can be as tall as 100 feet with vines tied to their ankles, just like you’d do with a bungee cord. But with Land Diving there’s no bouncing back up. For a jump to be considered perfect a man must get so close to the ground that he is able to touch it with his head!

Hurtling head first towards the ground at 45 mph with a couple of vines wrapped around your feet is, as you’d imagine, very dangerous. Misjudge the distance and the vines won’t stop you. Even if you do measure everything perfectly the vines can still snap. It definitely deserves the title of world’s most unusual sport on the grounds of danger alone.

About the Author:

When he’s not wrestling with catfish and running around with flaming barrels of tar on his back Mike H works for Find Me A Gift, the Unusual gifts retailer from the United Kingdom.