During the course of a year about 11 milion skiers and 4 million snowboarders in the U.S. alone are on the slopes at least once. The average number of visits to the slopes is around 60 million. For every 1000 skier visits, there are around 2.5 serious medical injuries. This comes out to one injury every 430 days of sking and snowboarding.

The death rate of snowboarders is 40 percent lower than alpine skiers, they are more likely to be hit by skiers gone out of control than the other way around.

When skiers fall they slide alot which causes them to be 3 to 4 times more likely to crash into something or someone. A snowboard on the other hand acts more like a seat anchor, preventing sliding. Death usually is caused from hitting something.

The most common injury faced by skiers is anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprains. Those who were injured skied more years, but fewer days per year, were more likely to be female, are older, and fell less often.

Before you begin snowboarding or skiing be sure to take some lessons from a qualified instructor. Plus make certain you have the proper equpment. Ultimately you are responsible for your own safety. The safer you are the more fun you will have on the slopes.

Which is more dangerous skiing or snowboarding is a post from: Sports Blogs | The People's Sports Network | mentalhopeminigolf.org

If you are an experienced kayaker, you probably already know that the eastern United States is one of the best places for whitewater kayaking. The world has many places that are renowned for great kayaking, but the eastern U.S. has several awesome places for professionals and newcomers. Here is a list of excellent destinations for whitewater kayaking. You might want to write them down because they are incredible. Do not miss out!

Hudson River

Acadia National Park

Champlain

Pine Barrens, NJ

Oswegatchie River

Allagash Wilderness Waterway

Adirondack Park

You might have heard of some of these places. Each is famous throughout the world for kayaking adventures. Classes are available if you are not at ease with the whitewater experience. By taking classes before going out, you will discover that kayak success has a lot to do with confidence.

Many people fear whitewater rafting. The same people compare rafting and kayaking, but each sport is totally different. If you are such as person, it is essential to know the major differences between the sports. Many people believe that whitewater kayaking is much more fun than rafting. Take a risk! Find out on your own! It is not dangerous. If you are not confident in yourself, you can simply have an instructor or a professional go into the rapids with you.

Whitewater kayaking can be done in either hot or cold weather. If you have a wetsuit, you can enjoy the kayaking season all year long! Consider these great kayaking destinations and go to one yourself! They will impress you greatly when you arrive.

You will soon be enjoying the incredible thrills and highs of kayaking on the rapids.

Where To Find The Best Destinations For White Water Kayaking is a post from: Sports Blogs | The People's Sports Network | mentalhopeminigolf.org

In mid-December of that year, the mountains received quite a dumping of new snow, and my friends and I decided to make the trip to Vail to enjoy the fresh powder. While carving down one of the resorts legendary bowls, I accidentally caught an edge and ended up sliding face first down the steep incline. By the time I managed to stop myself, a good couple feet of snow had jam-packed my jacket and pants. I was soaked to the bone, freezing cold, and standing in an almost full whiteout blizzard. When I finally reached the lodge, my Wal-Mart thermal underwear was soaked beyond repair, and I had managed to catch quite the nasty cold. Needless to say, I traded the snowboard for a warm bed and a couple gallons of Ny-Quil for the remainder of the weekend.

The following season, I decided that it was time to invest in some quality thermal underwear. Something warm. Something waterproof. At my local sporting goods store, a young salesman recommended the stores featured product, Under Armour cold gear. I must admit I was a little skeptical at first. I was under the impression that Under Armour was created to keep you dry, not necessarily to keep you warm. However, the young man swore by the new cold gear, and claimed that it was the driest and warmest cold weather protection on the market today. Taking his advice, I purchased a crewneck, pants, socks and an outdoor hood. Although the gear came to over $200, I felt it was worth it to keep my body warm and dry during the next ski season.

The first couple weeks of the season were great! The cold weather gear kept me warm and dry in the mountains, and seemed to be serving its purpose perfectly. Then right around the end of December, we made the trip to Vail. Once I reached about 12,000 feet, I could no longer feel any of my appendages due to the bitter cold. The remainder of the season was miserable. The weather got colder and colder, and my new Under Armour cold gear, although doing a great job to keep me dry, was no match for the cold mountain winds. For the rest of the season, I was forced to wear my old Wal-Mart thermals on top of the Under Armour to keep warm. Once again, my thermal underwear had failed me.

This year, I was determined to solve my problem and enjoy what was predicted to be the coldest and snowiest season yet. After running some Internet searches, I found a product known as military thermal polypropylene underwear. Apparently, the military uses unique cold weather technology to develop a special kind of clothing, known as polypropylene, to keep their troops dry and warm in combat situations. According to my research, polypropylene thermal underwear was only recently approved for use outside the military, so I decided to see what the stuff was all about. Again, I purchased a polypropylene crewneck, pants, socks and neck warmer. To my astonishment, my total price was under $70, less than one third what I had paid for my Under Armour cold gear. At this price, I honestly didnt expect it to work very well, but decided to give it a try anyway.

Over Christmas weekend, my friends and I once again decided to make the trip to Vail to enjoy some of the best snow Colorado has received in years. Again, we dropped back into their legendary back bowls, and again I took a nosedive right down the steep incline. Once again jam-packed with snow, I sadly stood up, waiting for the cold wetness to sink into my skin. I waited. And waited. All day long, I took falls in pile after pile of fluffy powder. And all day long I remained dry and warm.

I was utterly amazed! Not only had a spent a fraction of what I had on Under Armour cold gear, but I also remained warm and dry for the entire snowy weekend. My search for the perfect thermal underwear was over. So next time someone asks you what type of gear they need to stay warm in the cold, windy Rocky Mountains, tell them to check out military issued polypropylene thermal underwear. I guarantee it will be the last pair of thermals you ever buy!

Under Armour vs. Military Thermals: Choosing the Best Ski Gear is a post from: Sports Blogs | The People's Sports Network | mentalhopeminigolf.org

The stone-paved trail, discovered in 1960 and part of the more than 23,000 km of roads built by the Incas across South America, crosses a remarkable range of natural landscapes and eco-systems, from thick tropical jungle to the bear, unwelcoming rocks of the Andean mountains. All in all it’s probably the most beautiful walk in South America.

The Trail takes three to four days of tough hiking, and can be commenced at Chillca (Kilometre 76 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railway) or, most frequently, at Qorihuayrachina, Kilometre 88 of the railway.

The first day is relatively easy, and includes along the route the Inca ruins of Cusichaca, Q’ente, Pulpituyoc, and Llaqtapata, a site used for crop production remained well preserved. The second day is the hardest of all, mainly because the ascent becomes increasingly steep. The trail follows original Inca stonework that climbs uphill, ending just short of the actual Warmiwauska or Dead Woman’s pass, at 4,200 m.a.s.l.

The crossing of the pass opens day three, after camping in the Pacaymayo valley. From here its downhill. The Trail descends into the valley and heads to the restored site of Runkuraqay, a small Inca watch post, and then to Sayaqmarka, perched atop a sheer cliff, from where one can see the start of the massive Amazon rainforest, stretching to Brazil. The final day is another easy day, mostly descending and passing through lush jungles and cloud forests before reaching Machu Picchu, Perus most important tourist site, through the Inti Punku or Gateway of the Sun.

Before going for the trail, you should spend at least 48 hours in Cusco acclimatising, as it features some tough hiking, including several hours above 3,500 m.a.s.l. Otherwise, Acute Mountain sickness (altitude sickness) could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable.

During the high season, from June to August, you should book well in advance -at least 3 months-, as the number of trek permits issued is limited to 500 per day (including tour guides and porters).

Other trekking routes: The Royal or Sacred Path
Just before arriving to Aguas Calientes, at km. 104 of the train rails, this path takes the direction to Phuyupatamarca, climbing up terraces and stone stairs. After 2 hours of hiking you arrive to the recently discovered and beautifully Wiay Wayna ruins.

Located on a steep mountain slope and looking over the Urubamba river, Wiay Wayna is a nice example of Inca terrace architecture. The name means “forever young” in Quechua but experts still disagree upon the meaning: some consider it refers to the colourful orchids that populate the surroundings, while others say the name alludes to the Inca rites and ceremonies celebrated in the complex.

The path then converges in the Inca Trail, arriving to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, Inti Punko. The route takes some 6 hours, and can be done in alternative to the Inca Trail if the latter is deemed to harsh. A permit is needed for this route.

Purification Trail
Part of the Inca Trail system, this route has been recently discovered by archaeologists. It starts at km. 107 of the railway track (3km upstream from Aguas Calientes), near the hydroelectric exit pipe.

After crossing the suspended bridge, it follows to the Choquesuisui gully, and ascends until it meets the Inca Trail near Wiay Wayna. The name, Purification Trail, alludes to the descending pools formed by the stream that runs alongside the path.

Putucusi Hike
This dangerous and demanding 3-hour hike (round trip) involves a great reward: the spectacular view of the Machu Picchu landscape. Putucusi (“happy mountain” in Quechua) is a round-shaped mountain that reaches 2,600 m.a.s.l. at its peak, and is located across the valley from the Inca citadel.

This is a demanding hike (only possible during the dry season, March to November), which involves steep ladder climbs and slippery scrambling. Some ladders, stacked into the wall, even go up for 20 meters in almost a 90 degree inclination.

Recommended for people with a good level of physical fitness only.

Trekking Machu Picchu: the Inca Trail and other trek routes is a post from: Sports Blogs | The People's Sports Network | mentalhopeminigolf.org

Myth 1: During free fall you can’t breathe
Fact: Breathing during free fall is possible, contrary to the way people tend to think. If breathing wouldn’t be possible the skydiver wouldn’t be able to open the parachute because they would be unconscious.

Myth 2:A conversation can be held during free fall.
Fact: This might be doable in movies but it is strictly Hollywood. The reality is that while free falling you can’t hear anything because the wind screaming through your ears is too loud. Trying to have a conversation in that conditions is impossible.

Myth 3: Holding on to someone that has a parachute is possible, if you don’t have one yourself.
Fact: This is indeed a movie miracle and is 99% likely not to happen. This kind of stunts have been pulled off but again that is almost impossible and that is because of the forces that are at work when the parachute opens.

Myth 4: You can free fall for five minutes
Fact: The cruise height of an airplane is at about 10,000 – 12,000 feet and that means about 40 seconds of free fall before opening the parachute. A five minutes fall requires a height of about 60,000 feet and you would need extra oxygen.

Myth 5: My parachute will not open
Fact: There are a lot of natural fears about your parachute failing to open but this has been take care of with all modern parachutes because they are now fitted with a device that will deploy the parachute automatically in case you fail to do that yourself. The device is called Automatic Activation Device, or AAD.

The most common reasons for skydiving deaths and injuries, and that is 92%, are mistakes in judgement and procedure. This means that if you are well prepared for the jump and do everything right for the time it takes to get to the ground then you’ll enjoy 60 seconds of exhilarating free fall and live to tell the tale.

Top 5 Skydiving Safety Myths is a post from: Sports Blogs | The People's Sports Network | mentalhopeminigolf.org

Skydiving courses, in most cases, work the same way. A certified instructor will get you trained and he’ll try to scare you and make you not jump. That’s because the only thing he doesn’t want is a student that panics while free falling. You’ll then have to fill a lot of papers that you must go through if you want to jump. These documents make sure that if you get hurt the company will not be responsible. These are very scary but you’ll have to sign them if you want to jump.

When choosing the method you’ll first skydive you have to consider how much time you have and how much cash you’ve got. Off course, how brave you are is another factor and depending on these factors you’ll have to choose one of three methods for your first jump. The methods are tandem, static line and accelerated free fall. If what you want is to fly freely you have to go for accelerated free fall. Just want a nice ride, tandem might be the best choice. If you just want a quick ride you can go for static line.

A good thing to take into consideration is videotaping your first jump, that costs from $50 to $100. You’ll love looking back at how scared you were when jumping out of an air plane. If you choose to vide tape your jump another skydiver will jump before you do from the airplane and fly near you with a camera mounter the helmet.

Tips To Choose a Method Of Skydiving For You is a post from: Sports Blogs | The People's Sports Network | mentalhopeminigolf.org

If you are going out for one day, it is important to bring some cash on the boat for tipping. If you are diving with the same DiveMaster and Captain for an entire week, it is acceptable to offer a tip at the end of the week.

If you are arranging a variety of dives through a dive shop, you may not have the same Captain or DiveMaster on each dive, so daily tipping is a better idea unless you are certain that your crew will be consistent for the entire duration of your stay.

One perspective is to compare the roles of Captain and DiveMaster to other industries where tipping is expected. Your Captain is analogous to a taxi driver, transporting you safely to and from your scuba destination.

An acceptable tip for a taxi driver is 10% to 15% of the fare; a similar rate for the Captain is appropriate. On a single-tank dive for $65, your tip to the Captain should be between $6 and $9 USD.

Your DiveMaster should be more generously tipped with 15% – or more, if the service was exceptional. On a $65 single-tank dive, tip your DiveMaster between $8 and $12 USD.

Do not skimp your tip due to variations in the local currency. If you are traveling in an area with an embarrassingly favorable exchange rate, do not lower your tip just because the local economy is cheap. To a boat Captain in Florida, $15USD is an acceptable token of gratitude for a nice trip.

To a Captain in rural Honduras, $15USD is a generous gift. Give your generous gifts where they are most needed to DiveMasters offering good service in economically challenged regions. Keep in mind that some crews derive much, and sometimes nearly all, of their income from gratuities. Stay cool, and keep on diving!

Tipping Etiquette for your Scuba Crew is a post from: Sports Blogs | The People's Sports Network | mentalhopeminigolf.org

Your airsoft pistol is capable of firing a 6mm plastic bb at speeds of up to 300 feet per second which while not dangerous to exposed arms or legs could definitely cause damage to unprotected eyes. Always, always use safety glasses when firing an airsoft gun indoors or outdoors. A ricochet can happen quite easily and the results can be horrific. The actual power of your handgun will depend on the firing mechanism used. Your choices are spring, gas and electric. Spring and gas offer the highest power range but the newer AEG blowback handguns look pretty neat too.

Bear in mind too that a spring airsoft gun will need to be cocked for every single shot whereas the gas and AEG models offer fully automatic fire rates. The spring pistols will be cheaper but are a little bit more clumsy to use. The gas blowback models really mimic the real thing – especially when the topslide flies backwards after each shot.

One thing you won’t need to worry about when buying an airsoft handgun is finding your favourite weapon. The choice is truly staggering with all the popular brands making an appearance – Glock,Beretta and the Desert Eagle being amongst the most popular. For the true airsoft nut you can even get the Robocop M93R handgun – although these are getting tough to find nowadays.

Just like the real thing your airsoft handgun needs to be loaded before firing so you’ll need to fill the clip with bbs before you can start target practice. The bbs themselves are available in a variety of colors and styles – including paintball and glow-in-the-dark; so there’s a bb to suit everyones taste.

Indoor or outdoor airsoft handguns offer a fun and entertaining hobby that can be enjoyed safely by just about the entire family. As always these guns are not really toys and should not be used by children unattended.

Also please do check local laws in relation to owning an airsoft handgun – they are banned in some countries. Check your local, state and national laws to ensure that possessing an airsoft pistol isn’t against the law. There have been several cases of airosft guns being mistaken for real weapons by police forces worldwide – sometimes with tragic consequences.

Thinking About Buying An Airsoft Handgun? is a post from: Sports Blogs | The People's Sports Network | mentalhopeminigolf.org

Tandem is one of the most popular ways of experiencing jumping for first time skydivers. Students are subjected to about thirty minutes of instruction. During those thirty minutes, they meet the instructors they will be jumping with. They also view instructional videos about the jump, go over safety procedures, and get fitted to the equipment they’ll be using. Additionally, students learn how to leave the aircraft, how to free fall, and what to do in terms of body position during the landing cycle.

Welcome Aboard

After the training session, tandem students and instructors board the plane for the fifteen to twenty minute flight to the drop zone. While waiting to approach the area where exiting will take place, instructors make final reviews about procedures with students. When the time comes, instructors and students leave the plane at about fourteen thousand feet. Free fall lasts only a few minutes. Once the chute finally opens, the gentle glide back to earth lasts anywhere from five to ten minutes.

Occasionally, instructors will allow students to help steer the chute to the landing zone. This helps students get the feel of the chute. It also helps students who wish to continue their skydiving training and become certified divers themselves. Skydiving is a fairly dangerous sport. However, tandem skydiving is a great way for novices to experience the sport without the worry and danger.

The Feeling Of Tandem Skydiving is a post from: Sports Blogs | The People's Sports Network | mentalhopeminigolf.org

When man first started racing automobiles, one thing was certain: race car drivers were held in high regard and idolized by spectators. People would dream of being race car drivers themselves one day. The problem was, commercial vehicles back then were just not fast enough. As time went on, new race cars were developed and the ability to reach speeds that were unheard of in the beginning is now realized. Likewise, commercial automobiles increased in top speed as well. Now, because of this, racing fans have taken matters into their own hands and into the streets.

Vehicles used for street racing are normally commercial vehicles that are souped up to racing performance levels. Engine and power enhancements, complex exhaust systems and fuel intake are just some of the items on a racers shopping list. These people are willing to spend thousands of dollars in turning their regular city car into a wild, speed-hungry racing machine. Exterior design and artwork is also spent on in order to match the inner robustness of the vehicle. In addition to the value of the experience, street racing has become an arena to showcase new car set up designs and the latest innovations in automobile racing technology. Here, looks definitely have to be as good as the performance.

Street racing usually takes place at night or before dawn, in a long, clean stretch of road pitting two cars (and drivers) against each other. However, there are some instances when an entire block (or series of blocks) is turned into a racing circuit. The number of participants in a race may also vary. Sometimes, even 3 or 4 cars race at the same time. This is precisely the reason why street racing is illegal. Thousands of deaths have been the result of street racing accidents all over the world.

So how do you control the need for speed? Take it to the strip. Many municipalities in various countries all over the world have recognized the enjoyment and excitement of car racing and have now developed car racing programs for the youth. Racing strips have been built and organizations have been formed for legal and controlled racing for speed enthusiasts. The goal is to enjoy street racing in a safe environment while interacting with other racers in a more positive manner. Theres definitely a racing association in your area where you can learn new racing and automobile info, share your experiences, and of course race to your hearts content. Look it up and hook up now!

The Buzz of Street Racing is a post from: Sports Blogs | The People's Sports Network | mentalhopeminigolf.org