Whitewater Rafting In Arizona

Although there are several ways to experience the Grand Canyon, one of the wonders of the world, seeing it from a raft on the Colorado River is an unforgettable whitewater rafting in Arizona experience. Trip lengths can vary, and the weather conditions also vary during the year, making it important to do some research.

Trips lasting between three and 13 days are offered by several local operators, although many of these begin from Page, AZ or from the floor of the canyon, after a memorable hike down. Lake Mead or Diamond Creek are the popular ending points for the longer whitewater rafting trips, and many trips include the added excitement of a helicopter ride out of the canyon. You can choose a trip where oars are used to propel the boat, or a motorized boat trip.

Weather conditions in and around the Grand Canyon should also be taken into account, and temperatures of around 110F during July are not uncommon. Whitewater rafting trips in Arizona’s Grand Canyon typically take place during May to October, but be prepared for changes in the weather and the canyon’s dry and hot climate. Regardless of when you go rafting, a trip on the Colorado can be the trip of a lifetime and the unique chance to see the fantastic colors of the canyon up close.

A lesser known option for whitewater rafting in Arizona is the Salt River, located just over two hours drive from Phoenix. There are actually more rapids on the Salt River, according to experienced rafting guide James Wilkes, who has been guiding rafters here for over 16 years. Wilkes also points out the advantages of the river being more accessible, and that rafting trips on the Salt River commence during late morning, eliminating an early start.

Trips vary in length from a half day to five days and include a delicious lunch, as well as the opportunity to experience over a dozen class 3 rapids. The best time of year to experience the power and beauty of the Salt River is during march or April.

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Learn The Basics Of Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a popular water sport that is a cross between sailing and surfing. Windsurfers stand on a board and use their hands to manipulate a large sail so it catches the wind for forward propulsion. Maintaining the proper position for the hips and feet is crucial for beginners interested in learning windsurfing basics.

The key to windsurfing is to stay balanced even while the wind fluctuates. An improper stance will pull the windsurfer over every time he or she experiences a lull in the wind or a sudden gust. If the wind tries to pull the sail out of the hands, the windsurfer’s body weight shifts to the back of the feet and the board bounces instead of gliding smoothly over the water’s surface.

The ideal standing position on the board is with the hips pointing slightly forward. Twisting the body forward at the hips and looking upwind gives the windsurfer better control over the sail. Beginners quickly discover that twisting makes it easier to move in and out of the board’s footstraps.

Windsurfers must start with the feet in the proper position to master the twist. The most important thing to remember is to keep the front foot pointing toward the nose of the sailboard at all times. This requires moving the heel toward the center of the board. It is much more difficult to twist the hips into the proper position if the front foot is not pointing forward. This is true whether the windsurfer is using the footstraps or not. The back foot should be in a position perpendicular to the board.

In addition to keeping the body in the proper stance, learning to look upwind is critical for analyzing ripples on the water to determine wind strength. If the wind dies down, the windsurfer should shift body weight slightly towards the front of the board. When the wind gusts, it becomes necessary to shift more weight to the back leg to avoid being pulled down.

With the proper gear and knowledge, windsurfing is a fun and rewarding outdoor activity for people of all ages. Using a harness attached to the sail gives beginners more control while they are learning the basics of the sport.

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Schedule a Park City Rafting and Kayaking Trip Today

If you are looking for some of the best Park City Utah rafting, look no further than the scenic Weber River. Exciting half day rafting trips are offered by All Seasons Adventures, who have been offering trips since 2001.

One of the advantages of rafting on the Weber is its convenience – the company’s launch site is just under an hour’s drive from Park City. Another advantage is that the 8 mile stretch of river offers views of some of the area’s most stunning scenery, including an area of the river known as the Rock Garden. Here, centuries of weathering has produced a series of balanced rocks, arches and caves, all formed out of the distinctive orange and red sandstone. Other attractions along the river, which was once the bottom of an ancient inland sea, include one of the state’s most unusual rock formations, the Devil’s Slide.

Even if you aren’t an expert, this Park City Utah rafting trip is ideal, as it includes some more difficult passages mixed with slower stretches, which allow you to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. Of course, safety is the main concern of All Seasons Adventures, and all rafting participants are given a safety talk and demonstration, and fitted with a personal flotation device. Children aged over 4 who are able to swim are welcome on one of these rafting adventures.

The company offers two Park City rafting trips each day, one in the morning and one departing in the afternoon, making it easy to fit in with your schedule. You can drive yourself to the raft launch site, or the company will pick you up and take you there. Rafting trips typically last between 4 to 5 hours, with about half of that time actually spent rafting on the river. All that exercise and fresh air may make you hungry, and All Seasons provides a healthy lunch at the end of the trip. While not as well known as other Southwest rivers, the Weber offers some spectacular rafting, with scenery to match.

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Tips For Successful Turkey Hunting Trip

If you are going on a turkey hunting trip and you want to emerge victorious then you need to educate yourself on how to hunt turkeys like a pro. To be able to hunt turkeys successfully one should be able to mimic wild turkeys perfectly, in terms of tone, cadence and pitch. Moreover, it is also important to know one’s way around the woods.

Using multiple calls when you’re calling out to turkeys is a proven way of getting their attention and getting them to come near you. You should aim to call like a whole flock, which means you need to make multiple calls at the same time. It is also helpful to make slower gobbler yelps by dropping your jaw more when you’re making the call. Trying out the kee-kees may also prove to be beneficial for you. The kee-kee is the lost call of young birds.

For a successful turkey hunting trip you must use the terrain to your advantage, especially in case of turkeys that simply refuse to move from their place. Using the right friction call really does the job well, so you should observe the turkey and read its mood well in order to figure out how much you need to call. Also, keep your ears perked up for sounds of crunching leaves because it will tell you where you should aim your gun at.

Gobbling is not the only reaction turkeys make to the sounds they hear. If you were to observe these birds closely then you will notice that some of them may just strut or crane their necks instead of gobbling. If you spot a turkey then you should give it a few calls and maybe make wing-flapping sounds with the help of a turkey wing to trick it into believing that there is a fly-down. Sometimes, in case of difficult turkeys it also makes sense to form a ‘tag-team’ of sorts and to have a partner. This is particularly useful for birds that are difficult to call out to.

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Tips For Choosing Trekking Poles

Trekking poles can be a hiker’s best friend out there in the wilderness. These are multi-purpose instruments that everyone should consider. They can reduce the stress on joints, help out when hiking up steep inclines, provide balance on gnarly terrain, prop up a tent, shoo dangerous animals, and many more. Here are some tips if you are buying poles for the first time:

Always Buy a Pair of Poles

They are usually sold individually so you can get a single piece to try out on a hike. However, it really is best to purchase a pair since you can never be sure when stocks will run out. It would be difficult to use non-matching poles in the future due to lack of foresight. The feel will be different and it would be hard to get a good balance. You will need to use two on longer hikes anyway so better get a pair while you can.

Mind the Weight for Long Hikes

The thing about poles is that although they make the journey easier on your legs, they transfer the load to your arms. You need to have a pretty solid upper body so that you will not ache after constantly carrying these pieces all day. They may seem light but the repetitive motion does take its toll. Find the lightest ones you can afford. Those made of carbon fiber and similar materials are worth their price.

Find Out the Range of Lengths

Most poles are height-adjustable. The majority of hikers will have no trouble setting things up to a comfortable length. Those who are on the opposite extremes when it comes to height might want to check out the specifications just to make sure that they are buying the right poles. This is even more critical when getting collapsible pole which are non-adjustable.

Get a Suitable Basket

The attachment near the end of the poles is there to keep them from submerging deep into mud and snow. Winter hiking will require a basket of larger diameter.

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Tips For Choosing A Camping Tent

Choosing a camping tent can be a hard task given the large number of tents on the market. To make this task easier, here are tips for choosing a camping tent:

Sleeping Capacity

Choose a tent that can accommodate the number of people you would be willing to accommodate while on a camping trip. The sleeping capacity of tents varies from one to as many as eight people. Check the manufacturer’s label for information on number of people a tent can accommodate.

Design

Design is an important factor one should consider when buying a tent. Design touches on aspects such as floor space, doors, storage options, and height. For instance, floor space dimensions allow one to determine how many people can fit inside a tent as well as available space for storing personal effects. If you are planning to go camping in winter or during a rainy season, go for a tent with enough space to stand and turn without bumping into another person or the roof.

Waterproof Capability

A tent should keep you and any other person sleeping inside dry. To keep the inside of a tent dry, manufacturers use waterproof coatings like silicone, polyurethane, or a mixture of both. In addition, they use numerical figures, which range anywhere from 1200mm to 3000mm, to show the capability of a tent to keep inhabitants dry. In general, the higher this figure, the better a tent is in terms of waterproof capability. For instance, 2000mm means your tent’s fabric can prevent a water column 2000mm tall from seeping through.

Material

Most tents are made of synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon. In fact, the upper part of a tent, the canopy, is usually made of tough, nylon material. Before buying a tent, check the denier value of its nylon fabric. In essence, a higher denier value denotes a heavier and stronger the nylon fabric and vice versa. Polyester fabrics are usually reserved for the rainfly or floor. Nevertheless, you will come across tents with polyester fabric canopies and nylon fabric floors or various combinations of synthetic materials.

Some of the important factors to consider when choosing a camping tent include the sleeping capacity, material, waterproof capability, and design.

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Road Rules For Bicyclists To Keep You Safe

Cycling on the road is always a tricky proposition. It can be intimidating to pedal along beside larger 4-wheel vehicles that are whizzing by. Yet many are able to do it on a regular basis without incident. You too can ride around with confidence as long as you follow a few bicyclist safety precautions.

Check Your Bike

Before you go out, see whether the vital parts are functioning well. The brakes are particularly important so test them a bit and make adjustments if necessary. Look for wheel punctures and other potential issues. Tighten all the loose parts and fix the things that might be causing noise to lessen distractions while riding.

Assume Invisibility

Bikes are slim and silent. These characteristics make it hard for car drivers to notice that a bike is approaching them. Cyclists have to assume that they are invisible and work from this viewpoint. They have to take it upon themselves to enhance their visibility through light-colored clothing, safety vests, reflectors, and blinking lights. Stay out of blind spots and use a reasonably loud horn when needed.

Follow the Road Rules

Everyone on the roads must follow the rules. Cyclists are not exempt from this. Stop when the light goes red and go when it’s green. Abide by the signs and don’t go over the speed limit. Most people assume that bikes are slow but they can actually go very fast if the rider is fit and the slope is going down. Wear a helmet if it is prescribed by state law. Even if it isn’t, it’s probably best to wear one anyway. Studies have repeatedly shown how proper headgear can save lives.

Stay Predictable

Commit to one lane and avoid swerving too much or speeding up just to get ahead. Do not make sudden turns. Do not sprint at intersections. Make a clear signal using hand gestures for turns and stops so that drivers will know what you plan to do. Be as predictable as possible in your movements to give others the time to react accordingly.

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Tips For Choosing The Best Hiking Boots

Hiking is a popular activity that allows one to enjoy outdoors scenery alone or with others. However, one must wear the right hiking footwear to avoid developing painful blisters. With that in mind, here are tips for choosing the best hiking boots:

Quality of Hiking Boots

Hiking terrain varies widely from dusty to snowy or muddy. With this in mind, go for quality boots that can withstand walking over uneven surface without developing serious wear and tear. In addition, they should not leak in water when crossing streams or walking on wet ground. However, they should allow in fresh air to prevent bad odors developing if you have sweaty feet.

Type of Hiking Boots

Choose hiking boots that will allow you to move over hiking terrain with ease. Sturdy hiking boots that reach well above the ankles are the right choice if you are planning to tackle a steep or muddy trail. They should also be waterproof. Such boots will give your feet and ankles much needed support as well as keep them dry. A pair of boots with stiff soles will also come in handy when climbing a mountain.

Fit of Hiking Boots

It is advisable to try on the pair of boots you are eyeing to ensure they fit well. The rule of thumb is to try these boots wearing the pair of socks you plan to wear while hiking. You should also do so towards the end of the day when the feet tend to have swollen a bit. The right pair of boots should feel comfortable and leave space for the toes to wiggle. If you can, walk down an incline wearing them. Your feet should not slide forward. If they do, you are likely wearing boots that are too wide.

Load Support of Hiking Boots

If you will be carrying a heavy backpack, choose boots that can support such weight. It is worth noting that this does not necessarily mean that the boots must be heavy. Manufacturers use light but sturdy materials that can last years.

In summary, the key factors to consider when choosing hiking boots include load support, fit, type, and quality. Equally important, you should take one or two short hikes to break in a new pair of hiking boots.

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Best Trails For Hiking In Salt Lake City

Hiking on weekends is a great way to unplug yourself from the bells and whistles of modern life. If you live in Salt Lake City, you have more than ten hiking trails to escape to. All of these are short and not too steep. Each one comes with a sweet surprise of its own: a cave, a lake, or a spring.

Hiking Trails from Little Cottonwood Canyon

Salt City City has three main canyons: Little Cottonwood Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and the American Fork. Hundreds of trails lead up from each of these canyons. From the Little Cottonwood, two trails lead up to the Bell Canyon, a circular structure carved by a glacier thousands of years ago. Beginners and children can easily hike to Bell Canyon’s lower reserve whereas the higher reservoir and its set of waterfalls command a full-day of hike, suitable only for more seasoned hikers.

Trails from American Fork Canyon

If you are starting at the American Fork Canyon hiking to Cascade Springs is your best bet.  It is half a mile’s interpretive trail and leads up to shallow waterfalls and springs with beautiful waters inhabited by fish.  The springs are beautiful and the main highlight of the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. The trail is open only between May and October.

Hiking for 3 miles in the Timpanooke trail whose head is 7 miles up the Fork Canyon will lead you to the beautiful Scout Falls. If you looking for the shortest trail with the best payoff, take the Timpanoogos Cave trail. It is only 1.5 miles long and ends at three beautiful caves with a one-hour guided tour that can arranged by calling 801-756-5283.

Trails from Big Cottonwood Canyon

Donut Falls, named because of a donut-shaped rock through which the Big Cottonwood Creek flows, is the most marvelous of the trails possible from the Big Cottonwood. The falls are nine miles from the canyon but the hike is only 2.5 miles if you take the Mill D trailhead and 1.5 miles if you follow the Donut Falls trail. There is a secret cave behind the falls.

Salt Lake City has an abundance of beautiful hiking trails, but most residents go years without discovering hiking; don’t wait another weekend to get a look at these great Utah hiking trails, get out and hike today!

 

Essential Gear For A Hiking Trip

Camping and hiking are perfect outlets to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. To ensure a safe and enjoyable Hiking Trip, it is crucial that you carry along the necessary essentials, along with emergency gear. Knowledge of hiking, common sense, and emergency gear will help keep you safe.

Hiking is an exhilarating sport, but it can be very dangerous in certain terrain and weather conditions. Hikers should always be prepared for anything, including emergencies. One of the top ten things you must bring along is a detailed map of the area you will be hiking in.

The 7.5 minute USGS maps are great for those who are blazing new trails because they are very detailed. When hiking on trails the 15 minute Green Trails map, along with others, will keep you on course. Remember, it is crucial to know how to use a map properly, regardless of where you hike.

The next item you will need to carry along and know how to use is a compass. It is wise to have a compass that is liquid filled, and offers a base plate, an adjustable declination to discern between the Magnetic North and True North, a mirror that folds out, and a clinometer to measure slope steepness. Two other essentials are waterproof flashlights and headlamps.

It is important to carry along extra food and clothing to help you in the event of an emergency. Taking along a waterproofed tube tent and a mylar Space Bag are also great to have in a pinch. You should always carry an appropriate pair of glasses that have lenses that will protect your eyes from natural elements such as snow and sunlight. Another important thing to carry along is a First-Aid Kit that is packed with first aid essentials that are commonly needed on hiking trips.

Packing a pocket knife such as a Swiss Army Knife will provide you with most of the tools needed during an emergency. Waterproof matches and fire starting equipment are also important to carry along. Using common sense and packing other lightweight emergency essentials and Hiking Gear will also help to ensure your safety. Please check back often for new and helpful hiking articles.