Paddling Adventure

Camping is a great way to get away from your daily routines of work or school, eat, sleep. It provides the chance to experience nature to an extent that most people just can’t do everyday.

Tips on finding the best location for camping.
You will need to find a great campground before picking the camp site that will be perfect for you. Fortunately, the Internet has made this task a lot easier and many campgrounds now have websites. You can make an educated decision about your campground as most websites allow a virtual tour or at least have pictures of their campsites.
Just remember that much like the pictures in a restaurant’s menu card, the campsites will always look nicer on “film” than they are when you see them in person.

Deciding what type of camping you want to do is the first step in choosing your campsite. When a campground offers “primitive camping”, it sounds intriguing, but what does that actually mean?
At a primitive campground you will have to provide everything that you need yourself. This covers your shelter, any necessary gear, plus additional items you may need as well as the basic items such as a first aid kit. Primitive campsites are usually deep in the wilderness where you will not find electricity, water, showers, or even pit toilets.

At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll come across campgrounds that provide connections for water, sewage, and electricity - all with a glorious natural backdrop. You can even find spas at certain campgrounds!

The characteristics of most campgrounds, camping site amenities, location and cost, usually fall between these two extremes. If you choose to camp in a private park you will probably find all amenities you desire. Many campgrounds welcome long-term guests since they offer laundry facilities, arcades and shops. The majority of private parks will also organize activities like bingo games, or have fun and/or competitive activities for children.

Fees for the Campground
Fees are usually higher at private parks as opposed to those charged at public camping facilities. Some state parks have very minimal, rustic campgrounds while accommodations in others are fairly luxurious. A lot have modern amenities such as electricity, showers, working toilets, swimming pools, tours with guides and playgrounds for children.
State and national forest parks are normally fairly basic. You will probably find fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Thankfully, these campgrounds are very easy to afford. They may be absolutely free, or cost a mere few dollars a day.

Campgrounds do fill up early during nice weather.
The better the weather the quicker people will settle down to enjoy the day. If you want a premium spot you have to come early and get lucky.
Would you prefer a location close to the swimming pool and play area? That will be a wonderful convenience for the children but at the same time it could be a noisy location with a lot of foot traffic to contend with. The same can be said for locations close to restroom and shower facilities. People are likely to be walking by your tent day and night.

Do you want a quiet, isolated setting or do you prefer to be in the midst of the hustle-bustle? With all that camping has to offer there is sure to be something for everyone and you will find a campground that is perfect for you and your family.

For more information on Camping, we highly recommend the beginner’s guide to camping.

Sharks are really fascinating creatures! Feared by mankind for their fierce eating habits and their vicious look, but still are we so intrigued by this majestic creature. Sharks have become a rather popular specie; constantly to be seen in news reports and in Hollywood movies, hunted by some, researched by the shark lovers and with shark cage diving increasing in popularity all around the world, especially in South Africa, people can’t seem to get enough about the king of the ocean. On that note, below are a couple of interesting things about sharks you didn’t know and would probably intrigued when reading it.

• There are more than 360 shark species, but only four of them present a threat to humankind and are known to attack humans: The Great White Shark, Bull Shark, Tiger Shark and the Oceanic Whitetip Shark. Most of the times these attacks are provoked and a lot of the times they are even mistaken. There are other shark species that have attacked, but has hardly ever been the cause of death.
• Sharks don’t always bite, just sometimes. Unlike humans sharks can not eat continuously in a row, so most often they bite to determine if the object is worth their digestive time. If they’ve bitten it and don’t think it is worth their while they will leave it and find something better. It is almost like us people inspecting a menu deciding what to eat. If we aren’t satisfy we’ll just look for something else or find another restaurant. Shark Cage Diving

• According to experiments it has been concluded that sharks may be afraid of dolphins. To top that there have been stories that dolphins have protected humans from sharks before. Mythbusters tested this theory by putting a mechanical, made-up dolphin where a great white shark was feeding near a seal cutout and raw bait. But instead of the shark going for the bait or dolphin he avoided both of them.

• It is possible for female sharks to reproduce and give birth without having any physical contact with a male shark. Not always, but sometimes. One particular case has been documented of a female shark not having had contact with a male shark in three years, but has given birth to a baby shark without any parental DNA present; resulting in the newborn almost being an exact replica of his mother. Shark cage diving

• In some cultures sharks are worshipped as gods. At some islands like Hawaii where there is a vast amount of sharks, it is no surprise that they model a shark as a god. The story has it that some of these models can transform from human to shark. Some stories even tell of the sharks first being of human nature. One particular story tells the fable that the shark in human form warned beach-goers about the sharks in the water. But the people on the beach ignored the human-shark, and was later eaten up by the same shark that originally warned them about the sharks.
• Sharks are said to have been living on earth for 400 million years. When a shark dies its cartilage dissolves and its teeth drop to the bottom of the ocean where it is covered with sandy sediment which prevents oxygen and destructive bacteria from reaching the tooth and that is why when you find a shark tooth fossil it is grey, black or brown and not white of colour.

Now whether you are fascinated by the shark specie, fear them or are just intrigued with them; above facts can certainly make us admire this incredible creature. Shark Cage Diving

Tips to finding bass

Bass fish have favorite spots. Knowing the favorite spots will help you to discover the small and large bass. A few tips on lures, lines, rods, etc, will not hurt either. To help you get started we can consider bass fishing and hot spots. Bass type is an important detail for this issue. In view of the fact, we can discuss bass type, and how to find them.

How to find bass. Kissimmee great adventure bass fishing. Each year hundreds of anglers travel to Florida to enjoy sports, trophy fishing, fly-fishing, and so on. Kissimmee connects with some of the greatest areas for bass fishing, including Lake Toho, Butler Chains, Lakewells, Harris Chains, and so on. Butler and Harris Chains will travel you through the bionetwork of Florida Everglades that surround many bass fishing areas.

Kissimmee lake is located in the spectacle region of Orlando. Online you will find guides, which take you on bass fishing adventures, such as bass hunting, trophy fishing, and so on. Guides will show you where the trophy bass swim, including the black bass, largemouth, and others.

Orlando surrounding waters, including Kissimmee is the prominent region for bass fishing. Each year anglers enjoy sporting, hobby, trophy fishing, fly-fishing and more. Anglers often enjoy bass fishing in various parts of the United States, which their favorite fish include the redeye, spotted bass, white bass, yellow bass, etc.

Spotted bass is one of the anglers’ favorite catch. The spotted bass are often found in medium to small streams. Spotted bass enjoy clear, and sluggish-moving waters, as well as deep clear reservoirs. Spotted bass swim in water temperature at 70 degrees, and sometimes these fish will swim at a depth of 100 feet. You will rarely find spotted bass in organic lakes. The largest spotted bass was caught in Lake Perris located in California and weighed 9 pounds and 4 ounces.

TIP: spotted fish enjoy crayfish, small fish, larval and mature insects.

Big bass fishing often takes place around freshwater streams. The striped bass is often found in areas where it can fulfill its anadromous needs. Striped bass are often found in extensive reservoirs around the southern areas. The largest striped bass was caught in the Colorado River, located in Arizona and weighed 59 pounds and 12 ounces. (Freshwater) The largest striped bass caught in Atlantic City, New Jersey weighed 78 pounds and 8 ounces. (Saltwater striped bass)

Fishing for smallmouth bass: smallmouth bass swim clear, clean waters. The fish are also found in synthetic or natural lakes. You will find smallmouth in common waters, such as the Mesotrophic lakes, or throughout the center depth reservoirs. Smallmouth also swims in streams or rivers whereas the current moves moderately, upstream. The largest smallmouth bass was caught in Dale Hollow Lake located in Kentucky, which the fish weighed 11 pounds and 15 ounces.

Largemouth bass migrate in eutrophic waters, or natural Mesotrophic lakes. You will find largemouth in waters that provide them a surplus of coverage, i.e. weeds, vegetation, etc. Largemouth swim in reservoirs as well, especially where a surplus of timber, brush, weeds, etc, reside. Slow-moving pits, ponds, streams, and rivers also attract the largemouth. The largest largemouth bass was apprehended in Montgomery Lake located in Georgia. The largemouth weighed in at 22 pounds and 4 ounces.

Redeye bass are found in Alabama, cool water, smaller streams, etc. You will rarely find redeye bass in ponds, organic lakes, or reservoirs. The largest redeye bass was caught in Flint River located in Georgia.

By the way, you can make all the things fit into one pot and have a fishing together with the family having other kind of rest. Even vacation rentals on beach can sometimes be a perfect option for everyone to get the own type of pleasure.

Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town – truly an adventure

Cage diving with sharks and surface viewing has become an ever increasing popular activity in the tourism industry. People travel the globe just to witness these incredible species, and to meet them eye-to-eye. And what a remarkable experience isn’t it to get in the water along with the ocean’s greatest predator? People apprehend this adrenalin filled adventure with great anticipation and excitement and return with the greatest passion and respect for these fascinating creatures. Shark Cage Diving

Shark cage diving is a strictly regulated industry and there are only a few operators that have been good enough to be awarded a license to take people out to the ocean to view the sharks. Great care and effort are taken not to interfere with the shark’s natural behaviour patterns. The feeding of sharks are also prohibited so the sharks don’t misinterpret the boat as its delicious next meal. Passengers on the boat are most likely to see the Great White Shark as other sharks tend to keep a low profile in their territory. The Cape Coast is one of the most popular locations, in the world, to find Great White Sharks, and a lot of them. Shark Cage Diving

But it is important not to choose just any shark cage diver operator; first do your research and consider the following few things:

• Find out how long the shark diving operator has been in business. The longer they have been taking people out to shark cage diving, the more you can be assured that they are equipped to handle any type of emergency that might occur out on the ocean.
• Research what the company’s reputation is like. The best way to go around this is Google the company and find out what their Internet presence is like as well as the content they provide about shark cage diving. Do they have a habit of cancelling appointments or has there even been reported a mishap event?
• Where are they located and if something might happen, find out if they are close to help. Luckily, what makes shark cage diving in Cape Town so popular all round the world is because of its accessibility and close proximity to land. Most of the shark cage diving operators in Cape Town are situated close and amongst a lot of activity.

• Enquire what kind of equipment they use. Most of the operators will have a boat and a cage, but you need to find how big the cages are, how old they are and what kind of amenities they offer on board of the boat. Are their wetsuits in good quality and do they offer enough wet suits for your size party?
•

Find out what are the terms and conditions concerning photography on board. Some shark diving operators will handle the photography, on behalf of the passengers, whereas other operators provide a spot where you can take photos. Enquire if you are allowed to take your own underwater camera with you when going into the cage.

• Research the rates of shark cage diving operators, that way you can determine if they are affordable and competitive in relation to the rest of the industry. Most shark cage diving trips averagely cost R1300 per person.

Once you have taken the above into account, done your research and selected a shark cage diving operator, you are ready to read the below.

Shark Cage Diving

Some Tips On How To Wakeboard

The sport of wakeboarding is sure to bedazzle anyone watching and certainly also those that take part in this very exciting sport, which is why there are many hot spots spread all across the world where you can wakeboard and also enjoy a pleasant holiday. So, if you really want to wakeboard and get the best locations look to Costa Rica which is a veritable paradise for water skiing and also for wakeboarding where there are many likeminded folks eager to get on to their wakeboards and enjoy the adventure.

Simple Techniques

Also, if you are new to wakeboarding and wish to learn how to wakeboard, you should get someone to show you the simple techniques and also give you basic tips that, once you get the hang of, will provide a real adrenalin rush. Of course, you need to have the proper equipment, though having a desire to wakeboard is equally important, and a first step in learning how to wakeboard would of course mean learning how to point the wakeboard in the proper direction and also be sure to use a rope that is of the proper length.

As a newbie, you must ensure that whenever you head for your next wakeboarding experience to ensure that you make a slow start because there is more resistance felt when you first start to move the wakeboard. Thus, you should inform the boat driver to take it easy after which you can proceed further having already learnt how to position you on the wakeboard, especially the position of your lead foot whether it is your right foot or the left.

Another important aspect to wakeboarding that you must take into account is the binding, which for beginners requires that they must especially ensure stability and so you must have the bindings at just the right angle, and also ensures that your feet are comfortably placed on the wakeboard.

Once you get these simple tips sorted out and have learnt the basics you can then make a stab at wakeboarding and it would be good idea to use a buoyancy vest to keep you from drowning. Also, make sure that the rope for towing you is not one that stretches which is not conducive to good wakeboarding, and in fact, you should opt for ropes that are stiff and also ensure that they are not so long as to cause slack.

After you have sorted out the proper equipment and are confident about getting behind the boat and are ready to wakeboard, you should take a trial run and proceed slowly, and after a little bit of practice you will have become quite used to what it takes to have a great snowboarding adventure and can then make further attempts at learning to do better.

Go here for more info on How To Wakeboard

Are you looking for a fun and cheap vacation? Then camping maybe the solution for you. Camping is a great way for the whole family to chip in and participate. The kids can go catch fish for dinner, or help set up a tent. Camping only costs about $400 if you have camping gear, but if you need camping gear, then plan on spending at least $600 dollars more. But in any case you will save a lot and pay for a family of 4 for under $1,000 dollars.

There is so much to do when camping, like hiking, fishing, etc. Some camping grounds even offer swimming and show movies at night. Another great camping perk is watching the sunset or start glazing. Since most camp grounds are away from city lights, the stars will be amazing.

Beyond any doubt you need to plan a camping trip, like all other vacations. You firstly have to decide on shelter. Are you using a tent, a RV or a cabin? A tent would be the best for first time or light campers. Tents only cost between $60-$200 dollars. They provide protect against bugs and rain. A sleeping bag would be the next thing, you need to keep warm at night. Plus, taje care of a pad. Pads are soft and bring comfort to any camping trip.

Food is also a very important even vital camping item. Depending on what your planning to eat, you can bring a variety of things. The most basic is a cooler and a bag of charcoal. Cooler for drinks and charcoal for a grill. You can make basic camping food such as steaks, ribs, hot dogs and hamburgers. If you plan on making dishes then you can bring a propane stove and a skillet. With it you can make a lot of stove-top meals.

It is good to plan a few months ahead to make your camping trip run smoother. It may not seem like that much goes into a camping trip, but after just figuring out what to bring, it begins to be over welling.

Figure out everything you’re going to need and write it down. There’s nothing worse then getting to the camping ground and realize you forgot to pack a tent.

Camping inventory

1. The most important things you will need is a tent. You can find tents in various sizes.

2. Sleeping bags and an air mattress.

3. Flashlights with extra batteries.

4. Matches

5. Some old cookware. You can also purchase camping cookware sets.

6. Firewood.

7. First aid kit.

8. Drinking water

9. Trash bags. Regardless of where you decide to go camping one of the most important things is that you leave the area just as he found it. Pick up your trash and take everything with you that you brought. Don’t ruin the experience for the next person.

You can also look for an example of the inventory on a Coleman camp gear package. This is not an ultimate guide, but very helpful to understand what you need.

Camping can be a wonderful activity for the whole family. By taking a little time to prepare for the unexpected you will ensure a great time for your family.

Great White Sharks breaching! Don’t you mean whales breaching? Nope it’s true, and you have to see it with your eyes to believe that great white sharks can fly.
False Bay, Cape Town is home to the “flying” great white sharks. This is a term used for the great white sharks unique ability to breach out of the water. This behaviour can be seen nowhere else on earth on such a regular basis. This unique hunting behaviour has become world renowned and put False Bay on the map for any shark lover.
The breaching behaviour is seen mainly when hunting seals. The shark comes from the deep sea, aims it sights at its prey and then like a torpedo, it propels itself out the water, at the seal. The seal literally has no idea what has hit it. Then, with a big splash it’s gone. If the shark misses the seal, then the chase is on. And boy, what an exciting chase. It is a game of cat and mouse of epic proportions. Watching nature at it’s best, gets your heart pumping, and the adrenalin flowing.

The great white shark also breaches for the seal decoy. Rob and his crew tow a decoy, shaped like a seal from the back of his boat, to encourage the sharks to breach. This technique has become so popular, as it is allows the idea opportunity for photographers to try catch the flying sharks on film/camera and to find what areas are good sharks spots around the island.
As part of a larger study instigated by Rob Lawrence of African Shark Eco-Charters and Chris Fallows Apex Predators, predator-prey interactions between Great White Sharks and Cape Fur Seals at Seal Island, False Bay, South Africa, were investigated by direct observations of ad libidem encounters between these two species at the surface during August and September 2000. Shark Cage Diving

Observations were made from the platform of an 8-metre Butt-Cat boat equipped with paired Johnson 150 HP outboard engines, Garmin GPSMAP 235 with chronometer and sounder; a [brand an model?] ‘fish finder’, and a [brand and model?] VHS marine radio. Water temperature was measured with a [brand and model] electronic thermometer and water clarity was measured using a standard Secci disc. Shark Cage Diving

Predatory events were usually first detected at the surface by one or more of the following indicators;
1. Incoming seals abruptly changing course,
2. Seals suddenly switching from porpoising to rapid zig-zag leaping,
3. A group of travelling seals suddenly exploding from the water in multiple directions,
4. A Great White Shark breaching, with or without a seal in its mouth,
5. A bloody splash, often accompanied by a spreading oily slick, or
6. Kelp Gulls or other seabirds wheeling over or plunging repeatedly toward a discrete region of sea surface.
Upon detection, the research vessel was piloted toward the one or more indicator(s), approaching as closely as possible without manifestly altering the behaviour of either shark or seals. During a predatory event, every effort was made to avoid blocking a seal’s escape path to the Island.
To facilitate analysis, the waters surrounding Seal Island were divided into Inshore (within 100 metres of the island) and Offshore (beyond 100 metres of the island) regions. The Inshore waters of Seal Island were further subdivided into six sectors. For purposes of codification, Cape Fur Seals were divided into four broad categories:

1. pup (neonates with black fur),
2. first year (young of the year up to 1 metre in length),
3. cow and immature bulls (brown-furred individuals 1 to 1.5 metres in length), and
4. adult bulls (mature males with prominent sagital crest and greater than 1.5 metres in length).
Shark length was estimated by reference to the width of the research vessel, which measures 2.5 metres from gunnel to gunnel. Outcome of each attack was categorized as either an unsuccessful Attempted Predation (AP), in which the seal escaped, or a Kill (K), in which the seal did not.

To the extent that direct observation permitted, date, time of attack, seal category, region, island sector, water depth, estimated shark length, and attack outcome were recorded for each predator-prey interaction. Shark Cage Diving

When you get stuck in a bad situation, whether during a backpacking hiking trip or a simple day hike, it is important to have the right backpacking gear. When shopping around for equipment, make sure you bring your trip plans with you so the store clerks can assist you better in finding quality gear for your expedition. It may mean spending more money than you had planned, but in the end that expensive gear could be your saving grace when you find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere.

For short hikes you don’t need as much equipment as you would for a longer hiking trip, such as backpacking your way across Europe. The chance of getting lost during any hike anywhere does exist though, so you should go out prepared no matter what. Of course, you will want a sturdy backpack to carry all the other backpacking equipment in. backpacking gear that is a must includes a water bottle, extra clothing and food a compass, matches, sunscreen, a flashlight, first-aid kit and a knife. These are the essentials for any trip into the great outdoors.

For longer trips, such as backpacking through Europe and even weekend travel to a campsite, the list gets a little longer. All the items for a short hike are needed, but add to that sleeping supplies and eating supplies and your backpacking gear list gets longer. A map, or some sort of GPS (Global Positioning System) device, is essential to help you keep your bearings. You need to get a tent and sleeping bag that can be used in the kind of climate you’ll be hiking in, along with fire starter material and pots and/or pans to help cook any food you find on the trail or bring along.

Remember to always bring good quality backpacking equipment whenever you head out for the open trail, including a survival guide. A cell phone is also handy if you get lost, as it can produce a signal to help rescue workers find you. There have been people who were rescued solely because of the signal their cell phone put out. And don’t forget to shop at an outdoors store for all the quality backpacking gear you’ll need for your upcoming trip.

If you’re planning a float fishing trip, Alaska is likely the best place on earth. You can relax and enjoy the views alongside some of the best fishing of your life.

The state is teeming with fish, incredible spots and experienced guides. So, keep reading for some hints that will help make your Alaskan fishing adventure a success.

Book With a Trip Planning Service

Instead of tethering yourself to one lodge or a specific charter company, you can opt to use a trip planning service. Most Alaskan vacation planners will work within your budget, booking your trip according to when you’re coming, your fishing skill level and where you can find the best fishing.

One company, recommended and listed by Fodor’s Alaska are Sport Fishing Alaska (Phone: 907-344-8674), who can plan everything from self-guided adventure expeditions to upscale and luxury lodges.

Be Informed

Fish in Alaska will travel, which is why you have to be informed not only of the fishing seasons, but also where they’ll be and when. Otherwise, you could be wasting your money on a week of slow fishing and minimal opportunities.

Your primary source of facts should either be your local guide or the state’s Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish Division. The division is online at sf.adfg.state.ak.us and has one of the most comprehensive websites in the country. Check it weekly for updates on great fishing spots, run data, tips and educational articles.

The site also offers heavily localized information that’s specific to each region and area. You can find publications and data on run times, seasons and also the best lures and flies for fish in the region. For tour operator or charter recommendations, try also calling the department’s local offices.

Reserve Ahead

For a peak-season float fishing trip, Alaska residents and travel veterans recommend reserving your place early. The best lodges at the peak fishing times tend to book up quickly, meaning you need to be prepared and ready to reserve your place. You’ll also find that port cities and airport hubs can become overcrowded with tourists, so commit to your hotel and rental car well ahead of time.

Packing List for Alaska Fishing

The basic rule of thumb for any Alaska adventure is to prepare to dress in layers. Daytime temperatures can reach the high 70s while cool nights or pouring rain can instantly drop the temperature to a chilly 40 degrees.

Also, invest your money in a high-quality, waterproof and wind-resistant rainwear suit that’s designed for fishing vacations. To ensure a comfortable and safe float fishing trip, Alaska residents know you have to pack the right clothes and be prepared.

If you want to fish for bass or trout, then fly fishing is a great way to go. It is also a great reason to get outdoors and get some fresh air. There are several places in the United States that are considered hot spots. Where you go depends on what you want catch. Wherever you go, research it first and make sure you will be able to catch what you want. You might even find a place close to home.

Striped, Largemouth and smallmouth bass are the game of the fly fisherman. Some of them can be challenging, especially because they are a fairly aggressive fish that are large in size. As a matter of fact, many fly fishing old timers will tell you that their feisty nature is one of the main reasons why they like bass fishing in the first place. It’s what makes all that times spent making fly fishing flies very worthwhile. Its one of the great pleasures of the great outdoors.

Having a quality fly fishing rod will help to make your overall fishing experience much more enjoyable. You need to purchase a strong one; one that can stand up to the stress that an aggressive bass is capable of putting on it. You don’t want the rod to break, or take off into the water because it wasn’t strong enough, or you did not have the right grip on it. Do lots of research before you actually make a purchase. Your local tackle store is a good place to look at rods and try them out. Doing so will ensure that you have the right rod for your fishing excursions.

Once you find a fly fishing rod that is suitable for you, also ask the experts about flies and which ones are best. Some flies are meant to be used when smallmouth bass fishing. Others are used when for largemouth bass fishing. Before you leave on your fishing trip, consult the local store to make sure you have not forgotten anything.