LiveOutSocialNetwork

The Outdoor Social Network

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My hometown in Montana [4160x3120] http://bit.ly/1xc31RX

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Ten Places to Rock Climb in the United States

For many, there are few thrills greater than using some rope to scale a large rock formation and finally reach the top. In addition to being mentally and physically taxing, rock climbing can be one of the most rewarding experiences ever. Here we’ve put together a list of some of the best places to rock climb in the United States.

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park This magnificent block of granite is widely recognized for the steep hike up the mountain. In a strange cross between hiking and rock climbing, visitors can make their way up the steep surface of the mountain while clinging to the cables that lead to the top. While seasoned rock climbers might not view this as the best climbing experience, it can be a great way for first-timers to become accustomed to the experience of scaling a large slab of rock. More experienced climbers can make their way up the vertical face of the mountain.

Moab, Utah Not only does the Moab area contain some excellent climbing opportunities, but it also hosts some spectacular views of the desert environment. In Moab, there are a wide variety of locations for you to get out your gear and scale up the magnificent sandstone blocks. This is one location that climbers won’t want to miss if they’re passing through the Utah area.

El Capitan, California El Capitan is an enormous slab of granite with two faces. El Capitan has several spots that are considered to be extremely difficult, so amateurs probably won’t want to try this as a first experience with rock climbing. The top of the structure offers a stunning vista that experienced climbers will love.

Joshua Tree National Park, California The exotic landscape in Joshua Tree National Park is somewhat reminiscent of a Dali painting, and with the many boulders that are strewn around the site, there are literally thousands of climbing routes. There are several popular routes throughout the park, which visitors can access from the main roads.

Acadia National Park, Maine Located on the coastline of Maine, Acadia National Park hosts some of the most breathtaking views in the entire country. Here you can get out your equipment and make your way up the seaside cliffs of pink granite. These seaside routes provide you with stunning landscapes of the ocean below, and professional climbers won’t want to miss out on this area.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming offers a wide array of climbing areas that climbers can try. People from all around the world are drawn to this location to use their equipment and scale their way up one of the popular climbing routes. It also offers many stunning vistas that climbers will not want to miss.

Rifle Mountain Park, Colorado Rifle Mountain Parks sits in the mountains of Colorado and is world renowned for its rock climbing. People from all across the world come to experience the climbing at Rifle Mountain Park. Here you can find over 250 climbing routes that have been bolted and secured. Many regard Rifle Mountain Park as one of the best places in the world for limestone climbing.

Devil’s Tower, Wyoming Devil’s Tower is an enormous formation that resembles a giant tree trunk. Hundreds of cracks in this structure provide climbers with some of the best crack climbing anywhere. Potential visitors should note that the area is sometimes closed to climbers to protect nesting birds. Otherwise, if you can climb the structure, it is an experience that you won’t want to miss.

Stone Mountain, North Carolina Stone Mountain is an enormous 600-foot slab of granite that visitors can climb—this area provides some of the best friction climbing anywhere in the country. If you come here, be sure that you bring a 60-meter rope to help you get to the top.

Red River Gorge, Kentucky Another beautiful spot to get out your gear and scale the rock is at Red River Gorge. It contains hundreds of climbs spread out across individual cliffs. There are several different guidebooks that have been published about the area, and climbers can get great views of the surrounding Kentucky landscape when they reach the top.

These are just a few of the places that are good for climbing in the United States. With some exploration, you are sure to find many more. Be sure to always follow proper safety measures when climbing any rock formation.

Author: Andrew McClure

Original Article: http://www.liveout.org/blog/ten-places-to-rock-climb-in-the-united-states/

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If you don't take risks, you'll have a wasted soul.

Drew Barrymore

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Four Ideas for Camping in Western North Carolina

There are few better places to camp than western North Carolina. With vast wildernesses, clear streams, and rolling mountains, the area offers some of the most peaceful and idyllic locations for camping in the country. Before going out to search for a camping spot, it’s essential that you make sure you aren’t trespassing on private land. You should also be sure that you’ve packed enough food, water, and survival gear, especially if you’re going deep into the woods. Once you’ve found a proper hiking spot and set up camp, there are many things that you can do to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Look for Wildlife The western region of North Carolina is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Not only can you find all sorts of mammals such as deer, foxes, possums, and squirrels, but there are also several native fish species. In addition to these, you can find many strange and beautiful insects by searching through leaves on the trees or rummaging around in the soil. This is a particularly fun activity if you have young kids. Riverbeds are an excellent place to search for small animals, but be wary of snakes and snapping turtles. With most wildlife, you should only observe. Large animals should be left alone.

Go Fishing If you are going anywhere near water on your expedition, be sure to take fishing equipment. Many rivers and ponds in western North Carolina are teeming with fish, and it can be a fun and rewarding experience to cast your pole out into the waters and see what kinds of fish you can reel in. You can also cook whatever you catch over the campfire.

Visit a Local Farm This may seem a bit out of place, but when you’re out camping, it can be nice to have some fresh local produce for meals. For instance, you could get some fresh vegetables or meat and cook it over the campfire. This can be a more desirable option than bringing processed and prepackaged food, and it will help you to appreciate the types of foods that are produced in the area.

Tell Stories around the Campfire There are tons of legends and stories about the area, and once night falls and you have your campfire roaring, it can be fun to retell these tales. Although there’s one story about the area that I’ll include here, the internet is abuzz with all sorts of scary tales, so be sure to check these out before you camp.

There is one phenomenon called the Brown Mountain Lights, but they are not just limited to the Brown Mountain area; similar sightings have been reported all over the world. These lights appear in the night as spherical blobs, sometimes on mountainsides or wooded areas. Nobody is completely sure what causes these lights. Explanations range from spirits to extraterrestrials. The most likely explanation is that it’s some sort of gas being ignited, or else some undiscovered natural phenomenon that is at work.

When you camp in the mountains of North Carolina, you can immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the area. It’s an experience that you really should have if you are ever passing through the area.

What are your favorite camping activities?

Author: Andrew McClure

Original Article: http://www.liveout.org/blog/four-ideas-for-camping-in-western-north-carolina/

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No, no! The adventures first, explanations take such a dreadful time.

Lewis Carroll

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Action Sports Giving Back

Extreme, or action sports have often been rejected by society for being too reckless or for representing rebellion. However many people are now recognizing action sports as extremely creative outlets for people who otherwise may struggle to communicate, or for those with disabilities. One of the best things about action sports is that each kid can express himself at his own level, without needing top skills just to stay in a game, as is the case with many traditional sports. There is a rising number of companies who are starting to use action or extreme sports in a therapeutic way for adaptive athletes or those in need of help. The extremely creative nature of many of these sports really lends itself to this type of work. Below you will find a list of some of the companies leading the way in the field I encourage you all to look into these companies and volunteer where you can, they are doing some fantastic work!

STOKED STOKED promotes change in today’s youth through the use of action sports, namely surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding. STOKED believe that action sports are pivotal in providing the young athletes with a sense of courage and liberation. Unlike traditional sports there are no set rules and action sports thus provide a great platform for self-expression, innovation, self-control, and social skills, and a number of other skills necessary to thrive in their everyday life. “Our mission is to inspire teens who are the most vulnerable, to believe in themselves through action sports. We believe that riding a wave, building a skateboard, and gliding down snowy mountains can show teens that they are capable of greatness, despite the odds against them.” STOKED mentors use action sports as both a way of captivating the youth and releasing their creativity, this ultimately leads to a change in their outlook. The young athletes finally start believing in themselves, and this belief serves as a huge catalyst for change.  Follow STOKED and check out their fantastic programming including a 4-year action packed high school curriculum called “Stoked for Success” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SURFERS FOR AUTISM Surfers For Autism is a nonprofit organization that introduces surfing to children with special needs. The sport of surfing and being in the water can be an incredibly healing experience for children and young adults within the autism spectrum. Surfers For Autism hold a number of events where each participant is teamed up with a professional surf instructor and two to three volunteers, who gently and carefully lead them into the water and teach them the basics of surfing. The Surfers For Autism events are fantastic days out for all involved; surfers and their families can enjoy live music, face painting, games, fire engine tours, helicopter tours and much more. The main focus at Surfers for Autism is “to eliminate stigma through public awareness and education and to unite communities through volunteerism. Surfers For Autism events are examples of inclusion at the highest level.” Look for an event near you and check out the amazing work that Surfers For Autism are doing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

LIFE ROLLS ON Life Rolls On is a nonprofit organization that establishes “freedom beyond paralysis”. Founded by quadriplegic surfer Jesse Billauer, Life Rolls On serves to open the doors and minds of people who have stopped believing. Jesse Billauer has learnt through experience the transformative power of surfing and has created an organization so others affected by spinal cord injury can experience this freedom, which in turn serves as a huge inspiration, allowing them to see a plethora of possibilities despite paralysis. Life Rolls On’s adaptive surfing program has become a vehicle of inspiration for many people. “Life Rolls On, holds events on both coasts and improves quality of life for thousands. All can participate – all ages, all abilities. You don’t have to know the difference between an ironing board and a surfboard. Just summon up the courage to come to an event. You’ll leave transformed – and so will your family and friends.” Follow Life Rolls On , and join an event on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SHECKLER FOUNDATION Professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler launched the Sheckler Foundation in 2008 as a way for his family, friends and colleagues to give back to the community and to action sports. “Our mission is to support great causes that directly benefit and enrich the lives of children and injured action sports athletes, inspiring them to “Be the Change”!” The Sheckler Foundation works to improve the lives of both children and injured action sports athletes. They hold a number of events such as The Ryan Sheckler Celebrity Golf Tournament and Skate For A Cause, and started a web based initiative called “Be the Change” that encourages the involvement of supporters. Follow and support the Sheckler Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ADAPTIVE ACTION SPORTS Adaptive Action Sports was founded in 2005 as a vehicle for people with physical disabilities to get involved in action sports, namely skateboarding and snowboarding. Adaptive Action Sports runs adaptive skateboard and snowboard camps, events and programs for children, young adults and wounded veterans who are living with physical disabilities, traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.  “Our intention is to break down attitudinal barriers that promote exclusion. Skate and snowboarding – sports with which a majority of today’s young people identify — are our primary tools.” Follow Adaptive Action Sports on Facebook and Twitter.

ABOVE THE WAKE Above the Wake is a nonprofit organization that works with children diagnosed with Autism and cognitive delays. The main mission at Above the Wake is to focus on the child and not the disability. Above the Wake offers a number of water sports and activities, such as wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, kayaking or paddleboarding. Spending time out on the water, having fun and feeling part of a group allows for stigmas to be broken down and creatives a very inclusive atmosphere. “Above the wake is dedicated to looking past the diagnosis and treating kids like kids. We are not going to allow anyone to say that a disability will keep them from participating in some part of water sport. All kids have value and talents it’s our job to bring the best out of them.” Tom Hart Executive Director/Above The Wake. Follow Above the Wake on Facebook. Many people perceive action sports athletes as adrenaline junkies and fail to see that instead of shunning them we should commend them for their differences and support them in their efforts to climb higher, run faster, and push the limits. By pushing these limits we give people belief. As T.S. Elliot once said “only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” Extreme athletes can expand our boundaries and contribute to our diverse and evolving society. This is only a small selection of a number of companies nationwide who are exploring the benefits of using extreme sports in giving people belief. All of the above companies run fantastic programs and have a number of volunteer opportunities. Check their websites, follow them on social media and get involved!!!!

Author: Stephanie Contomichalos

Original Article:http://www.liveout.org/blog/action-sports-giving-back/

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The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.

Oprah Winfrey

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“The World Below” by HougaardMalan (http://bit.ly/1yf2tKI)

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En Garde! A Quick Guide to Fencing

“My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die,” he says, stepping towards his father’s murderer, fingers tight around the sword in hand. The fight begins.

Whether it’s The Princess Bride, The Three Musketeers, or The Mask of Zorro, you have to admit fencing is pretty satisfying to watch; heroes and villains alike wielding beautifully crafted blades, fighting to the death. Athletes in our world today competitively fence in tournaments, keeping sport and spirit alive.

To some, fencing is too much, too fancy, something only for gifted athletes or movie stars, but fencing is a lot more common nowadays, with clubs established on college campuses across the country and lesson centers much like dance studios.

You’ll need quite the outfit before you can fence. Fencers wear masks, jackets, gloves, breeches, high socks, and special shoes, all meant for protection and easy movement. And you can’t forget the weapon of course! Fencers use three weapons: the foil, epee, and sabre. They are similar, but each weapon also has its own unique traits, like wider tips, larger guards, and a heavier weight. There are also slight variations in a person’s uniform depending on their weapon of choice. To keep score in competitions, competitors wear jackets with wires that are pulled out through the glove and connected to the the sword while the other end is connected to a reel and the machine. Colored lights flash depending if they hit on or off target.

Like anything else, fencing has its pros and cons. It can get a little pricey. Lessons, equipment, and travel add up. And time isn’t cheap either; however, you get a lot out of fencing. You learn a new and impressive sport. You get in shape and improve your coordination, which is a lot harder than you think. You appreciate the sport as a whole and work towards a goal, whether that’s winning a competition or even just qualifying. Fencing can be rough and very competitive, but it isn’t always about winning. You can fence for fun, learn the ropes with a few friends and try it out for the summer. Live Out, is a great way to find others near you who are interested in giving it a shot. So grab your foil and your breeches, and who knows, you could be the next Inigo Montoya.

Author: Beesan Odeh

Original Article: http://www.liveout.org/blog/en-garde-a-quick-guide-to-fencing/

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The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.

Eleanor Roosevelt

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Nature Blog

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Cutting a Wake: Robbie Maddison Pioneers the Sport of Motorcycle Surfing

Ever heard of motorcycle surfing? We hadn’t either. Until now, we had never seen or heard of anyone attempting to ride their bike on the surf. When you are an avid biker, you probably spend your days looking for local motorcycle events to attend to find others near you with the same passion for the ride. Check out Robbie Maddison’s motorcycle escapades for inspiration for your next trip.

Even if you haven’t heard of Robbie Maddison, you’ve probably seen him. Enter the stunt double for Daniel Craig in James Bond’s infamous thrilling feats. As if that awesome title isn’t enough, Maddison doesn’t just perform stunts in acting gigs, he also performs stunts just for the heck of it on a daily basis.

So it comes as no surprise that Robbie Maddison added motorcycle surfing to his bucket list. The thought stemmed from his 26 plus years of experience surfing combined with his love for motorcycling. He was also fueled by his wife’s wakeboarding champion skills. Once he thought of attaching skis or a board to his motorcycle, he couldn’t shake the idea.  After tediously coming up with the perfect structure and plan, he went to Tahiti for a test run. Check out the incredible stunt here:

Maddison didn’t just ride a small wave either, he took on the biggest ones he could find. As effortless as it appears in the video, Maddison expended loads of physical effort in both riding the waves and in preparation. He also experienced a little emotional anxiety concerning safety. Of course, this sort of anxiety is understandable, but Maddison took all the proper precautions. He stresses the importance of expertise and training when attempting stunts like this one.

If you’ve got a bucket list with big dreams, it’s important to take a leaf from his book. Prepare, and then go big or go home. In the end, it is worth the preparation and fear that you may experience. Imagine accomplishing an exploit as thrilling and fun as this one. Life is for the taking. Live it to the fullest.

To learn more about Robbie and his thrill-seeking nature, check out his website: http://www.robbiemaddison.com.

Will this brave motorcycle stunt take your local motorcycle outing to the next level? Check out Live Out: The Outdoor Social Network to learn more about events near you and to meet people with common interest to Live Out your bucket list with.

Featured Image Credit: DC Shoes

Author: Syd Kingrea

Original Article: http://www.liveout.org/blog/robbie-maddison-pioneers-motorcycle-surfing/

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Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.

J.K. Rowling

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Algeria at 33,000 Feet [2000x3000] [OC] http://bit.ly/1xc31RX

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Fun Outdoor Things to Do in Missouri

When most people think of Missouri, they think barbeque. Barbeque is nothing compared to what else Missouri has for fun, especially vacations with summer right around the corner. Most people don’t realize it, but Missouri has so many adrenaline filled activities to offer! If you can do it outdoors, you can do it in Missouri.

Missouri River Valley Skydivers (Henrietta, MO) Do you like to feel the wind in your face? Do you want to feel an adrenaline rush all through your body? Well, if jumping out of an airplane at almost 13,000 feet sounds like fun, then you’ve found the place: River Valley Skydiving Center. River Valley Skydiving Center is where all the crazed adrenaline junkies go. If you’re feeling uneasy, don’t hesitate to take a rain check; they’re open all year round!

Float trips: Canoeing, Kayak, Rafts…etc… While planning a fun in the sun summer trip, why not try a fun filled float trip? A river trip in a canoe, kayak, raft or inner tube is a great experience to have with your family, or friends, group, or on a couples retreat. Float trips are one of the most relaxing trips on one of Missouri’s many cool, spring-fed streams. You can float down a river or ski behind a boat. Don’t let the landlocked geography fool you, water sports are huge in Missouri!

Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun (Kansas City, MO) Unlike the mediocre other amusement parks that are offered in numerous states, Worlds of Fun is WORLDS of fun and it is only offered in Missouri. Worlds of Fun is an old-fashioned amusement park themed around Jules Verne’s adventure book, Around the World in Eighty Days. The park offers its guests more than 235-acres of rides and attractions, including seven world-class roller coasters, thrill rides, and award-winning live entertainment.

As for Oceans of Fun, it is one of the largest water parks in the Midwest. The park offers an extensive variety of fascinations for guests of all ages, including a four-story interactive water playhouse, a giant wave pool, a large water slide raft ride, several children’s activity areas, and more. Admission to Oceans of Fun is included with all tickets and is open seasonally from May to September.

Fun Fact: Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun make up the number one tourist attraction in the Kansas City area!

City Museum (St. Louis, MO) City Museum has a little something for everyone to enjoy; it’s known for its eclectic mix of circus-like attractions including children’s playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and exclusive art along with spectacular architecture.  City Museum is housed in the 600,000 square-foot former International Shoe Company. The main brains behind this maze of a museum is internationally acclaimed artist Bob Cassilly, a classically trained sculptor and serial entrepreneur. The museum opened for visitors in 1997. City Museum claims features such as old chimneys, recovered bridges, manufacture cranes, miles of tile, and even two abandoned planes! This is a mini vacation spot that you could spend hours at, and still not see all the adventure!

State & National Parks The real beauty of the country life of Missouri is on display at the many State Parks, Nature and Wildlife Preserves and Conservation Areas. Missouri contains hundreds of conservation and natural areas, 52 state parks, the massive Mark Twain National Forest, the Ozark National Scenic River ways, the 240-mile Katy Trail, which is America’s longest rail-to-trail hiking/biking trail, and thousands of hunting and fishing spots to catch any type of wildlife. Missouri is “the place” for the outdoor enthusiast.

What are your favorite places for outdoor activities in Missouri?

Author: Morgan Mitchell

Original Article: http://www.liveout.org/blog/fun-outdoor-things-to-do-in-missouri/

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Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

Confucius