Skiing Tips for Beginners

Extreme / By

It is nice to try something new once in a while. It could be something simple or you could go ahead and do something extreme. What is important is to get to try something and who knows, you might enjoy.

There are various sports out there that you can give a try. There are some that are well known and could be done near you. There are also some even if it is well known but cannot be done at your place or exclusive at certain places. One of those is the skiing. Skiing is commonly found at cooler places such as Canada and Vermont. You would see skiing resorts in those places. If you had the chance to go to those places or even in other countries such as Switzerland or even Japan, why not give skiing a try. If you are a beginner, you will definitely be assisted, but here are some tips that will help you:

1. Know about the Place

It could be at the same or another country, but no matter what, you should familiarize yourself with it. If you are a beginner, there will surely be trails that are available for you. But even if that is the case, you should know about the trails and slopes and the difficulty of it for you. Ask questions about them with some staff or even some experienced ones that will help you. 

2. Know the Essential Gear

For skiing, you will have your gear that you would use and also essential for your safety. Here are the essentials that you will need:

  1. Ski Helmet – used for your head’s protection.
  2. Ski Goggles – not everyone wears goggles but it is helpful as a protection from wind and other particles that may distract you.
  3. Ski Socks – you cannot just use any socks when you ski. You should have one that will not only protect you from cold but also stay up and support you.
  4. Ski Boots – should fit snuggly around your leg, but not so tight as to cause pain or damage. The idea is not only to give you some support, but also to keep snow and water out of your boot. It should definitely not be cutting off circulation to your feet.
  5. Ski Poles – used for balance and propulsion. Find ones that are best for you and learn how to handle them correctly.
  6. Skis – a narrow strip of semi-rigid material worn underfoot to glide over snow.

3. Know the Basics

Now it is time for you to ski. The first thing you need to know is properly putting your skis on. Then after that, you should learn about the proper positioning, stance, and how will you flex and gaze your body. When practicing, you should learn about the following:

  1. Warm up
  2. Learn about the different kinds of slopes
  3. Learn how to stop to avoid dangers
  4. Do not go to fast but take it slow
  5. Round off turns and could be good for controlling speed
  6. Slowly progress to parallel
  7. Warm down

In case you fall it is important that you will know how to get up and have your skis once again. As a beginner, you can also have lessons. There are some things we cannot just learn by ourselves and need some guidance.

The Most Dangerous Extreme Sports

Extreme / By

Are you a person who always look for a thrill or adventure? It can be as simple as riding thrilling rides at amusement parks. It could be also going for a hike. Traveling whether abroad or locally is also an adventure for it is seeking something new. There are also activities like paintball, swimming, or riding a motorcycle that pumps up our adrenaline.

But there are also sports that not only gives you a thrill but also very risky. It is those activities where your life may be in line or danger. Are you willing to try them? Here are some of the examples:

1. BASE jumping

BASE stands for building, antenna, span, and earth, and they are places people can jump. People will have their parachutes, but that does not make it less dangerous. Jumping from an immense height is dangerous enough but add that the winds and altitude. BASE jumping is actually more dangerous than sky diving because it involves lower altitude. In addition, parachutes do not guarantee safety for it might fail and the right timing is involved in opening it.

2. Big-Wave Surfing

If we think about it, the ocean has enough dangers of its own. Surfing also requires a lot of skill to be done even on simple waves. Common problems when surfing include riptides, broken surfboards, and sharks. Add to that the risk of drowning. It will be a whole other level if it involves bigger waves. The wave should be 20 feet high in order to consider it as big-wave surfing. Those common problems will be surely a high risk.

3. Bull Riding

It is dubbed as “most dangerous 8 seconds in sport.” Yes, it is only 8 seconds long but remember that bulls are already dangerous as they are and harder to hold onto them while they are tossing you off which if it happens, will cause you a lot of injuries. Worst-case scenario will be paralyzation or even death.

4. Cave Diving

Scuba diving is actually dangerous itself with limited air supply, risk of the bends, and drowning. What more for cave diving? Caves are actually dangerous when you get stuck and do not know the way out. Add to that the low visibility and cramp space underwater. Also, there are no emergency exits in case of difficulties.

5. Heli-Skiing

It is skiing that involves helicopters, and the reason for that is skiing off-trail. The risks include being hit by an avalanche and getting lost. In addition, it is far away from human inhabitation, so it will be harder to get some help.

6. Free Climbing or Soling

Rock climbing is hard enough then imagine doing it without any safety gear and harness. It will definitely dangerous even if it is just a simple mistake such as stepping on loose rock or grabbing a wrong one, it will definitely cause a fall. Records say that only a few injuries have occurred for most are death. Climbers are provided with safety equipment but it is not effective, unfortunately.

Things To Do Before Leaving for Vacation

Traveling / By

Going on vacation is very much anticipated by everyone. It is a great time for you to take a break from work and other stress that is happening. It will be a nice way for you to clear your mind and relax. If you are going with someone whether It with your friends or family, it will be a great way for you to bond with them.

But it is also important for you to plan your travel. There are many essentials needed. Before you leave for a vacation, you might need to do this.

1. Prepare the documents needed

Whether you are traveling abroad or not, there will be a lot of documents involve with your trip. When you are traveling abroad, of course, you would need your passport, visa, and plane tickets. Be sure to have confirmations about your flight and lodging. But even if you are just traveling locally, you will still need confirmations about your board and lodging and transportations such as train, bus, and plane. Another thing to confirm are places of entertainment that needed reservation such as stage plays. Documents also include ones at your home that needed to be settled before leaving such as bills. Be sure to update your travel documents and travel insurance too. If you are leaving the country, be sure to inform your credit card company or bank to avoid fraud and so you can also use it if it is applicable. Also, another important thing is that you know and set up your budget that will be needed for your vacation.

2. Prepare a list of emergency numbers

Being on vacation is unpredictable. In case something happens, you should have a list to contact like close friends and relatives. Keep track of other emergency numbers too such as hospitals and conduct research about the local numbers too.

3. Inform a trusted family or friend

When you are leaving, be sure to have a trusted person to know where are you going and how long. They could be the ones you can contact in case of emergency. They are also ones you will entrust with your home especially if you have pets that needed to be fed. 

4. Pack up 

Be sure to pack up the essentials. It will definitely depend on the place where you are going. But no matter where you go, do not overdo it and pack light. Like the clothes for example, just pack enough including the extras. Be sure to have one in your hand luggage too in case of an emergency like canceled flights. To know which one should be packed, it will be handy to have a list needed for your trip.

5. Check the weather

Know if the weather is applicable for you to leave. In case a plane trip is required, you might want to know about the flight being canceled that needed to be rescheduled or even refunded. This is also applicable when you are going home.

6. Secure home

Being on vacation means leaving home for a while, so make sure to check if it will be secured enough. Have a trusted family or friend, maybe a neighbor, to watch out for your home. Be sure that no unnecessary electronics are plugged especially those that might cause to start a fire. Also, be sure to have your trash empty and check your refrigerator if something needed to be disposed of. This will save you from food that might get rotten and the smell it will emit.

Must-Have​ Travel Items

Traveling / By

With our lives being busy, it is good to have a break at times. Traveling exposes us to a new environment, so it is a nice way to clear our mind. Whether you are traveling abroad or locally, by land or by air, it is nice to be somewhere different. You may have gone to that place before or perhaps it is somewhere new to you but being in a different place takes you away from the busyness of your life.

Traveling will involve a lot of planning though. There are essentials that you need have. What are they?

1. Clothing

Clothing will depend on where you will go. If it is in a cooler place or even cold enough for snow, you might need to bring thicker clothes and accessories for it like a scarf, gloves, and cap. If you plan to go to a warmer place, you may need less. But no matter where you will go, it is important to pack light. Bring clothes, a few extras included, but just enough for your trip. Many times you get so excited when packing and in the end, you aren’t really able to wear them all. Also, since the weather is unpredictable at times, bring clothes that are essential when the rain comes.

2. Toiletries

Sometimes you would ask if it is even necessary to bring toiletries especially if there will be complimentary items in the hotel you will stay in or perhaps you just plan to buy in nearby stores you will go to. Toiletries are more than just the shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps, and even towels. You can skip bringing those if you want to but sometimes they will be handy if you need extras. Apart from those, there are some items that are not given in hotels like sunscreens which are a necessity on a hot day or if you are planning to go for a swim.

3. Medicine

Sometimes, you just cannot predict what will happen. You might get a headache from walking all day or eat food that is bad. You or some of your companions might not be good with vehicles and get sick on the trip. That is why it important to have medicines around in case of emergency. This also includes vitamins and maintenance medication. Keep in mind if you or your companions are prone to allergy or asthmatic. You will need an Epipen or inhaler on hand.

4. Documents

You will need to check to make sure you have your documents because they are the most important thing for getting to your destination. Without them, you might not get to travel at all. When you are traveling by plane, train, ship, or bus, you will definitely need your ticket, so be sure to have them in a safe place. If you are going to travel to another country, your passport and visa (if needed) should be secured. Other essential documents including your ID and money (both cash and credit cards). You will also need information on where you are staying to assure confirmations and avoid problems like canceling without your permission. If you have one, medical prescriptions are also needed in case of emergency.

Rock Climbing Techniques for Beginners

Extreme / By

Sometimes, life gets too boring that we just want to try to do new things. It could be as simple as learning how to cook or play an instrument. It could be traveling to another place, either in another country or just somewhere near. It could also be some exciting sports or even more challenging ones.

One of the activities you could try is rock climbing. You could either do it indoors with artificially made climbing walls. If you want more challenge, there are also a lot of spots outdoors that you could try. No matter where you want to first try, you will surely be guided as a beginner. There are techniques that you could try, and here are some:

1. Footwork

The problem for beginners is that they tend to focus upwards and what to grab. One of the important aspects of rock climbing is what you will step on. There are techniques for footwork that you could work on:

  1. Smearing – If you’re facing an ambiguous surface with not much to stand on, you want to expose as much of your foot’s surface area to the rock as possible. Think of it as making the sole of your foot one with the rock. You want your feet to stick like a suction cup (not really, but you get the idea).
  2. Edging – Sometimes there is an edge to stand on, but it’s very small. In this case, you want to basically wedge the edge of your shoe sole into the edge, as square as possible. This will allow you to maximize your grip to the edge, allowing you to propel forward and upward.
  3. Hooking – In some instances you can use one of your feet as an additional hand, rather than using it as a base like you normally would with your feet. Make sure you are in a good position to do so, as you are temporarily sacrificing one of your two most stable limbs.

2. Use Your Legs

Since your legs are much stronger, make use of them instead of relying too much on your arms which easily tires. 

3. Grip

Gripping the rocks is very essential for this activity. It is not about just for balancing but also for pulling yourself up. Some rocks you will climb on are of different shapes and sizes and tend to get tricky. You should know what to do if you get there. Here are the techniques for your gripping that will help you:

  1. Crimp – Use your thumb to give your index finger a bit of extra support when it needs it.
  2. Open Grip – When you have large holds at your disposal, open your hands and wrap your fingers around it as much as possible.
  3. Pinch – Use your thumb and fingers to pinch the hold like a lobster.
  4. Pockets – When you have a smaller hold you may need to use less fingers but you still want to make as much contact with the surface as possible.

4. Body Movement

The way you will move your body is also essential. You should not be stiff but also not frantic. Eventually, you will develop your own style and dynamic that you are most comfortable with. In the meantime, you can also learn some of the techniques you can begin with and can use or practice on:

  1. Sidepull – Sometimes you simply can’t get a good grip to make upward progress. Consider instead making movements to the side.
  2. Gaston – Another option instead of making upward progress is to make outward progress, potentially making other opportunities for you to grab next.
  3. Palming and Stemming – When palming, you’re relying on your palm rather than your fingers. It’s usually combined in conjunction with stemming, or basically spreading as discussed earlier.
  4. Underclings – This happens when you simultaneously push up with your feet and cling with your fingers.
  5. Dynamic Moves – also called as “dynos.” It is a way of utilizing your body’s momentum to make a movement to a grip that is a bit out of reach.
  6. Core Strength – Not only is it good for a six pack, core strength helps ensure you are strong from the center.

5. Relax

In climbing, be sure you would have resting points to catch a break. It is also important to relax and do not let fear overcome you. Sometimes, it is what will trouble you and might cause you to fall.

Things To Do While Camping At Night

Outdoors / By

If there is an activity that requires a lot of planning ahead and preparation, it would be camping. It sure is a great thing to do with your family or friends but no matter, you should be prepared and know possibilities.

But of course, camping is not about all of that. Its purpose is to relax, have fun, and not only to connect with nature but also with your family and friends. So that is why, during the camping trip, activities are important. It is not only to have fun and just to do something, it is also about getting to know how everyone is doing. Camping will surely take days or maybe just an overnight, but it is important to have fun activities held for it.

1. Go for a walk

Camping is about discovering and connecting with nature, so how else are you going to do that without exploring a little bit. You can have a companion or even your kids and take awe of the beauty around. It might be better to do this in the morning but sometimes, it is different at night. There are some animals and sights that only come out at that time, one example is the fireflies.

2. Explore the campsite’s activities

Campsites actually offer activities that you can do. Usually, they will have lakes that are good for swimming or boat riding. Some actually have pools in them and even hot tubs. If that is the case, you can take a swim at night. 

3. Stargazing

Nature is not only what you find around. You can also look up and see its beauty. If you live in a city, this will be your chance to see the stars brightly for city lights cover them at times. You can point out different constellations with your companions. But if you do not have a knowledge about them, it is not a problem. Just point out different kinds of shapes with them, and it will be good enough to encourage bonding and fun.

4. Set up a camp fire

Campfires can also be used for cooking and there are a lot of recipes that you can try. But the most common are the smores and hotdogs. And while you are doing this, you can exchange stories and just have some fun.

Of course, a camping will not be complete without a campfire. With it, there are many possible activities you can do, and here are some:

a. Cook with the fire

b. Play and sing songs

You or one of your companions can bring a guitar or even a harmonica or tambourine and have some jamming session and sing some of your favorite songs.

c. Play a game

There are a variety of games you can choose from. You can bring some materials like for a card game. One of the most popular games is the truth or dare it will likely involve a bottle. But many times, you just need to keep it simple and can play without involving anything and just have some fun. 

d. Exchange stories

Telling stories is a great way to not only have fun but also get to know each other and what is happening with each others’ lives. It could be fun with funny stories or ghost stories or it could be sentimental.

Fun Things to Bring On Vacation

Traveling / By

Vacation is a good way for you to relax and take a break from stress. It is a good way for you to spend time and bond with your family and friends. It will clear your mind and also give you a new perspective on other cultures whether you are traveling abroad or locally.

But you will also need to bring some things that can be helpful for your trip. There are the necessities but there are also some things for preserving memories and also entertainment when you are at your hotel to rest.

1. Gadgets

There are a lot of possible gadgets to bring. Smartphones would be an obvious one since it will be used for contacting friends and relatives especially in need of emergency. Smartphones are also used as a camera for documenting though you can still have a camera if you want to. And because of social media, you will be able to share them on the spot. Smartphones can also have games, music, and movies installed in them in case you need an added entertainment at your hotel room.

2. Portable Speakers and Headphones

Taking a break is done even on a vacation. Sometimes we just get tired of walking around and seeing sights. You can watch movies with your laptop with your companions and have portable speakers for enhancing the sound. If you would want it by yourself or listen to music without disturbing anyone, a good pair of headphones will be handy. You could also use it when you want to relax at a park and taking in the scenery with music.

3. Playing Cards

Another thing handy while resting in a hotel room with your companions and bond with them at the same time. There are endless possibilities to do with playing cards even if you are playing with kids. You could also bring alternative playing cards like the Uno cards.

4. Journaling Items

At times we want to document our travels and photos are not enough. Journaling is the best way to do that. You will just need to bring a notebook with you. This will be best if you love to write and could describe the places you have seen and what happened that day.  If you are not into writing, you could just save your trinkets like tickets, stubs, food wrappers, brochures, and anything memorable for you and stick it in your notebook. You could also do both or even have some pictures with them too. Some do their journaling mixed with scrapbooking, so if you are into that, why not do it with your vacation? It is a fun way to preserve memories for some.

5. Books

Another way to relax while resting is to read a good book. Not only is this handy for hotel room stays, but it could also be done in a hammock on a beach or a cabin or even at a park. Sometimes,  walking around may be overwhelming, so it will be nice to have your mind elsewhere by reading a book. 

How To Make Your Life Simpler

Lifestyle / By

A quote of Confucius said, “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” There are many things in this world that are already complicated but our lives do not need to be. The beauty of it will help us not only financially and mentally but also to other aspects such as our emotions and physical health. It is not hard and you could try it every time you want.

1. Track your expenses

No matter what, we will always have something to spend our money with. But what we could do is to know if it is really necessary. Water and electricity bills are surely one of those and so is food. But if you start to track what you are spending on, you will find out if some of them are necessities or just for your own luxury. It is not bad to have something that is of luxury like gadgets or going on vacations as long as it makes you happy and not stressful about the expense surrounding it. Tracking will also help you see if your purchases those you really need or just have it on impulse because of want. This will make you think about your future expenses if you would really need it or not.

2. Track your time

There is this saying that “time is gold,” and it is indeed for life is also short. So we have to spend our time wisely. By tracking your time, you would know if you spend either too much time with your work or the opposite, slacking off. It is important to have it balanced. Once you know about it, why not have a schedule and have plans that will not be a waste of time. It will be surely helpful for your growth as a person.

3. Declutter your home

It is said that decluttering your home would also lead to decluttering your life, and that is why it became a trend. Clutter indeed adds stress to our lives, so why not look upon your supplies and utensils and see what you always use and what you think is needed. Sometimes, we tend to purchase something on impulse or have old things lying around that can still be used but not needed anymore. You can either dispose of them, donate them, or even sell them and that way, what you will have are just the essentials. If you still have more stuff but you think they are necessary, have them stored instead of having them lying around. This way, not only your home will look clean, but it may also lengthen its life.

4. Find joy in simple things

With technology today, we can easily find entertainment. You can watch movies or listen to music as long as you have an internet connection and gadgets. But oftentimes, that’s just it, having us entertained but did not bring us joy. Why not spend some time discovering your real joy. Go write or read. Spend time with your friends and family. Have a hobby like sports or DIY. The beauty of it is that you do not really need to spend a ton for them and find yourself realizing that you could enjoy life without being complex.

How To Become a Minimalist At Home

Lifestyle / By

The world is already complicated. But the problem is we made it more complicated through our lifestyles and choices. But we can make simple though and to do that is to get only what you need. The home will be a nice way to start that. You would think it is about the decorations, but it is not. It also includes our attitudes that will be used outside of the home. Here are some of them:

1. Declutter

Why is it important to declutter? Not only it will improve your home, but it will also improve your well being. There is a trend nowadays about decluttering and that if we declutter our house, we will be also decluttering our lives. It means that with all the stressors we have in our lives, the clutter at our home will just add to it. You do not need to wait for spring to have a general cleaning. Just look around you: countertops, tables, and even your bed. Also, check out your utensils and supplies. Maybe you have something in double or not used. If you have some things that you do not need lying around, you should get rid of it as soon as possible. You can throw it out or have it on sale. If you do have a lot of stuff and do use them, the organization is the key. If you have a lot of stuff that is on your table or countertops, you can have them stored in your drawers, cabinets, or organizers. You can also have them stored at storage containers to keep them in place.

2. Be simple with your design and furniture

You would know a minimalist by looking to one’s home. We would think that it will all white and traditional with fewer decorations. But that is not the case. You can keep it simple but still be colorful as long as it relaxes you and makes you happy. What is most important will be the usage and importance. Just stick with the basics like sofa and table for living room, bed for bedroom, table and chairs for the dining area, and so forth. Just have enough space for you to breathe and move around, and you can do this even if you have a smaller space. The secret to that is to have only the necessary items and do not take too much space like having few chairs in your living room. In case you need to have more because of visitors, why not get some that you will able to store when not in use. Being a minimalist does not also mean you will not decorate your home. You can but as said before, keep it simple. You can have simple framed paintings or pictures here and there and some bookshelves. Just remember to not overdo it for it might look like a mess than pleasing.

3. Be mindful on what you buy

Sometimes, we do not realize that we tend to horde. At times, you buy things you think you might need but after a while, it remains unused. Next time you go shopping, remember to think about things you will buy and to not get it on impulse. Not only it will save space in your home, but it will also save you money. 

Essential Equipment To Get Started Recording Audio

Music / By

Are you planning to build your own home recording studio? There are plenty of reasons that you might want to get started down this path. It could be to start your own small business, or it could be that you simply love creating your own music and you want to be able to record your ideas when the inspiration hits. Maybe you just want professional recordings for when you’re making your next Vimeo production. No matter what the reason is, having your own studio at home takes a little bit of forethought. Make no mistake – this endeavor is certainly not going to be cheap. Just like any other project you jump into, it is essential to research the basics and get a clear understanding of what your specific needs will be.

Computer

With the technological age in full swing, computers are just about everywhere. Whether you’re at school or in the office computers have clearly become a necessity, and almost everyone with a half-decent wage has one. Music studios now are also pretty much entirely digital, so you’re definitely going to need a computer that can handle the workload. If you are just getting started it’s totally fine to use whatever computer you have on hand. As you build out your studio and your projects start to demand more processing power though, it’s likely that you’ll need a computer that’s built for more intense workloads.

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

A DAW is a piece of software that is used for recording, editing, and mixing your audio on a computer. When you’re looking into buying a DAW, don’t overthink it. Many people get hung up on deciding which DAW is the absolute best, but the reality of it is that they pretty much all do the same thing. Find one that fits your budget and has the basic features you need, then go ahead and get started.

Audio Interface

An audio interface is the hardware component used to connect your computer with the rest of the gear in your studio. It’s a good idea to learn the basics of how to use them before you make your purchase so that you’re familiar with the number of inputs and preamps you’ll need, the types of connections for your instruments and computer, and the overall sound fidelity that you’re looking for. An audio interface is an essential component for a digital studio because it is responsible for capturing an analog signal and converting it to a digital signal. You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg, but you should also make sure to avoid going with cheap products as your sound will suffer later on in the process.

Microphones

Even today, microphones are essential components in recording studios. If you are just starting out you can certainly get away with using one multifunctional microphone. If you’re recording a lot of instruments though, over time you might find that you need a small arsenal. This is because microphones have different uses depending on the sounds, instruments, and rooms you are trying to capture. Start slowly though, because it’s easy to rack up a huge bill with microphones that you might not truly need in the long run.

Headphones

Headphones are used in the studio for monitoring your inputs as you record and also for mixing once you start putting all of the tracks together. They come in two predominant designs. Closed-back headphones, which are generally used for tracking, offer optimal isolation for when you’re trying to focus on the sound of your instrument as you’re playing. On the other hand, open-back headphones are more often used for mixing as they allow for a higher sound quality upon playback at the expense of inferior isolation.

Studio Monitors

At first glance, studio monitors look similar to a conventional bookshelf speaker. However, their purpose in the studio is very different than what you’d typically expect from a stereo speaker. Instead of enhancing the sound, studio monitors produce audio with a flat frequency response. This allows you to hear the true sound of your mix so that you can accurately make any of your required adjustments accordingly.

Cables

Cables are one of the most basic components for piecing your home recording studio together. You need to to make sure you have the right styles on hand, but unless you have an unlimited budget you can pretty much get away with anything offered on Amazon these days. The most common types are tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) and XLR. The TRS style cable is essentially a standard 1/4″ audio jack carries a stereo signal. You can also get simply a tip-sleeve (TS) which is basically the same but only carries a mono signal. XLR cables are a bit of a different design and are typically used on microphones as opposed to instruments. The main difference is that they can carry phantom voltage required for some types of microphones to function properly.

Microphone Stand

Microphone stands are almost a necessity when using a microphone, and as you build out your studio you might find that you need more of them for complex recording sessions. Depending on where you use your microphones you may be able to get away with more budget-friendly stands, but certain situations will require something that is a bit more sturdy.

Pop Filters

A pop filter is the mesh-screen that goes between the microphone and the vocalist. It is a basic physical filter for the low-frequency blast of air called “popping” that can occur whenever strong consonant sounds such as a “p” or “b” are pronounced. It is not really a requirement per se, but it is cheap and can be quite helpful in making a high-quality recording.