-
Mar 15 2019 
Spring Break Adventure Safety – Have Fun!
For those who are looking forward to spring break, it’s a time to be free from the confines of the classroom and the face of the computer. Weather your Skiing in the Alps or exploring the beaches, it is always wise to assess the situation before making decisions. Before you adventure away though, it’s always important to keep safety in mind. Spring Break safety is important when setting off on your adventure… get wild, but be smart. Time for an exciting week ahead.
We ourselves like to be spontaneous with our adventures, but while adventure does often involve risk, make sure your choices are well-planned. Jumping from balcony to balcony on spring break often makes the news. Unfortunately though, this is usually to note a fatality, and we don’t want that to be you! Even the best of adventurers use safety equipment. Ropes and harnesses are purposeful–to keep you safe and alive. Use them on the slabs, but hold off from those balcony jumps.
Looking to dive into unknown waters? That sure will be fun, and what a photo opp! Please first consider though the underwater dangers that can bite you. Are there rocks or even crocs? Read signs and pay attention.
Speaking of taking pictures…beware of selfie dangers. Don’t get too close to the edge of that cliff or the mouth of that snake. Be aware of what’s around. No selfie is worth your life.
Many sites offer safety information while traveling, but perhaps one of the most important is to maintain the buddy system wherever you go. Stay accounted for and travel with a buddy. From hotel reservations to outdoor locations, always let a friend or family member know where you are going. Save social media updates for once you’re home…(You’re there to enjoy the moment after all). Keep your cell phones charged and carry a portable charger.
In terms of hotels, ask for a business card with the hotel address and number. When traveling abroad where language may be a barrier, you can hand the taxi driver the card with the address.
Emergency services such as 911 are not available in all countries. Plan ahead. Before you travel, research your destination for similar services and store them in your phone.
With Spring Break around the corner and fun-filled adventures planned, keep safety a priority, so that you can live to tell the crazy adventure experiences you had. We advise all of our adventure clients to purchase travel insurance. You never think it will happen until it happens. Be prepared.
Be smart. Be aware. Be safe. And most importantly, be adventurous! Enjoy Spring Break.
-
Mar 07 2019 
North Carolina’s U.S. National Whitewater Center
USNWC
Dreaming of whitewater rafting, rock climbing or other adventure sport but don’t know where to start? Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the USNWC has created an environment where you can safely learn and practice skills in outdoor recreation before actually going into the wilds.
Dedicated to promoting an outdoor lifestyle, with 1,300 acres, the US National Whitewater Center has artistically designed the land to meet the needs of a range of enthusiasts. Along with whitewater rafting, guests may enjoy kayaking, flatwater kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing, ropes courses, canopy tours, team building activities and mountain biking. Mountain bikers have an option of 40+ wooded trails to explore, while other sports are contained to a carefully maintained and organized setting where safety is always a priority.
The USNWC not only offers a wide range of outdoor sports, but also provides opportunities to learn and practice skills. Along with techniques, leadership and communication skills are also encouraged and implemented with specialized adventure instruction for all ages and levels. The Whitewater Race Series held at the USNWC also encourages competition for many sports from mountain biking, kayaking to triathlons.
A family-oriented environment wouldn’t be complete without relaxation and play. Outdoor festivals are held throughout the year with music, food and vendors. Also the Whitewater Race Series holds competition for many sports from mountain biking, kayaking to triathlons.
A great place to learn a new skill or to spend the day, the USNWC is a terrific destination in Charlotte, North Carolina. As they say on their site, “ the USNWC empowers the guests to play, relax and learn outside.” Highly recommended, this is a must-do experience. Visit HERE for some inside details of one of the events held last season.
Photo Credits @USNWC
-
Feb 27 2019 
How To Start Rock Climbing For Beginners!
How To Start Rock Climbing For Beginners…
If you are wondering how to start rock climbing and “Go Outside And Play,” as Blue Ridge Outdoors would say, then this could be a great starting point for you.
Rock climbing involves mental and physical fitness, trust in your climbing partners, natural adrenaline, and most importantly FUN! If you love the outdoors and are looking to pick up a new hobby this season, this could be the one for you. Not sure where or how to start? Let us tell you!
From the early 1900s, rock climbing was seen as a necessity to reach the summit of a mountain. Today though, we see it as a recreational sport…Sport Climbing.
If you are looking to get into sport climbing, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your journey there is safe and fun.
How To Get Started Rock Climbing?
- Try an indoor climbing gym to make sure you like it before emptying out your wallet on the equipment.
- Make sure when you do buy equipment that it is QUALITY.
- Hire an experienced coach or go with an experienced partner.
Where Do I Start?
When taking on a new sport, especially rock climbing, it is important to learn the basics before jumping right into something that could be potentially dangerous. DO YOUR RESEARCH! Make sure you know exactly what you are getting yourself, and whoever you take with you into. Make sure to never climb alone. Climbing buddies are a total essential to this sport.
If you don’t have any climbing buddies yet, that is A-Okay! With this sport growing at such high volumes, more and more climbing gyms are opening every day. Find one near you to start practicing, and there you can meet your potential climbing buddies.
How Do I Know What Equipment To Buy?
When you are on the hunt for your climbing gear, you want to make sure what you are buying will last you. You know that old saying, “you get what you pay for”? That basically sums it up. If you are serious about this sport you may want to spend the extra couple of bucks to make sure it will serve you when you most need it. The last thing you want is an equipment failure when you are hanging off the edge of a cliff.
Support your economy and do your shopping local. You can check out your local outdoor stores and speak with one of the sales reps on the topic of starting your climbing journey. Just ask how to start rock climbing. He or she should be able to point you in the right direction of where to start and what to buy. They may even be able to give you tips and tricks to the local climbing areas.
How Do I Find A Climbing Buddy?
This is one of the most critical pieces to your climbing journey. Rule number one: always climb with a buddy. If your friends are more of the TV watcher and less of the adventurous type, try starting your search in your local climbing gym. Here you will find other newbies who are on the same mission as you… (to learn how to climb and find a climbing buddy.) Make new friends, and experience this journey with other people who have the same interest as you.
Remember, the best views come after the toughest climbs.
Your Question of “how to start rock climbing” should go a long way. Keep an open mind and always ask for advice. You will get there!
Learn more about Adventure Travel HERE!
