Sports Then and Now

The rush that comes with whitewater rafting is palpable, even through photos and videos you’ve seen. Now, you want to get your adrenaline pumping by suiting up and taking to the rapids yourself.

Of course, before you embark on your first whitewater rafting trip, you want to know a little bit more about what you’re getting yourself into — pictures can only say so much, after all. The following are five examples of what you can expect.

1. The Rapids Won’t Be Too Intense

Your rafting guide won’t take newbies through the strongest rapids on their first ride. Instead, they’ll choose a path with rapids that are low to moderate on the classification scale. You certainly won’t be bored on your trip, but you won’t be flying out of the raft in the middle of rough, swirling waters, either. Read the rest of this entry →

Some die hard football fans will visit the stadium without even having a ticket to get in. That’s because it can be just as fun, if not more fun, to tailgate and watch the game from the comforts of your own car. In fact, 42 percent of tailgaters spend over $500 a season making sure everything is just right. When the NFL season kicks off, more and more fans will be busy all Sunday long packing, prepping, and enjoying tailgate parties. If you’re going to be hosting your own tailgate party in your special stall, here are some tips to prepare your car:

Cargo Carrier Complete With Hitch

You might be able to fit some of the key items that you’ll need for the big day in your trunk, but you’ll probably need a cargo carrier if you’re throwing a sizable party. When you have the portable sun shades, seating, a smoker, a barbecue, tables, and all of the fine linen that you need to set the mood, you’ll need space. Make sure you have a cargo carrier that’s compatible with the hitch on your vehicle. Check out sizes, weights, and designs to see which one will have the right capacity.

Air Compressors for Inflation

Flat tires can flatten the mood. If you have an air compressor with you, you don’t have to deflate the fun just because you have a flat. These tools are also handy when you need to inflate balls, seats, and anything else. Simply plug into the AC adapter, and you’ll have air in seconds. You can go to a place like U Pull & Pay if you need other car parts for the big day.

A Toolbox BBQ Kit

If you want to get a little creative, you can make your very own toolbox BBQ kit so that you have everything you need while you’re slathering the best meats with BBQ sauce. Include everything you have to have from a spatula and lighter to matches and tongs, and you won’t have to turn around on your way to your lucky parking spot. Read the rest of this entry →

Rock climbing is one of those activities that’s all at once athletic, complex, and exhilarating. It’s not the type of sport that should be approached lightly. There is always danger associated with each adventure, but you can alleviate those concerns with the proper equipment. Explore some of the safety equipment you shouldn’t skip the next time you’re ready to climb a mile.

Harnesses

One of the most recognized and important pieces of climbing equipment is the harness. These specialized loops wrap around your legs and waist so your center of gravity is supported. Ropes connect through the harness, which gives you support on any climbing surface. Ideally, you want to pick a harness that feels comfortable around your hips. Every brand has a slightly different shape to their product. Find that perfect one for your body and wear it during each adventure.

Chalk

Accidents happen in an instant. Without the proper gear, falls from great heights, serious injuries on rock surfaces, and broken bones can be the result. A simple yet effective way to stay adhered to any rock surface is by adding chalk to your hands. Chalk soaks up sweat while allowing you to grab perfectly onto any crevices. Keep extra chalk in a small bag tied around your waist. Use ample amounts as you go. This inexpensive item can save a life. Read the rest of this entry →

You and your friends gather in the parking lot before the big concert or the game and you want to make the tailgate experience as memorable as possible. The problem is, you don’t know where to start to make your tailgate great. There are plenty of things you can do that will help you to put together a tailgate party that everyone will remember and talk about long after the event is over. Here are some great ideas for your next parking lot smash.

Have Music Everywhere

When you plan your party, be sure music is part of your planning process. Along with your vehicle stereo, you should plan on bringing extra speakers to make sure everyone hears the music. Don’t forget to bring an equipment case for your extra speakers to protect them from the potential dangers of a really good tailgate party. You can find hard protective cases that offer protection from the elements as well as travel.

Go Crazy with Themed Food

If you are tailgating before a football game, go for the classic football food. Chips, soda, veggies, and hotdogs are staples that never go out of style. You can also theme your food with the event and get creative with football cupcakes, microphone kebabs and more. Food that is shaped to match the party theme is going to add plenty of character to your event. Ask everyone coming to bring along a dish so you can share in the fun. Read the rest of this entry →

Being a sports fan comes with passion, dedication, heartbreak, and ecstasy. It is a lifestyle littered with the unpredictable. But no matter who you support or what sport you play, there is one thing all sports fans can agree on; live events always offer up the best experiences you’ll ever be apart of. That’s why we have compiled a list of some absolutely must-have experiences every sports nut should soak up in person, with your own eyes; your heart beating so hard you can see it through your shirt.

The Kentucky Derby

Being in the infield at the Kentucky Derby is one of those rare experiences that you are likely to never forget, and yet may not remember either. The atmosphere, the booze, the suave suits and crazy hats and the big bucks get thrown down. It is electric. Yes, there is something nice and fancy about being in a suite, but nothing beats being in the middle of drunken horse-racing fans, cheering and jeering their horse with the dreams of leaving a little richer. Read the rest of this entry →

Do you fear that you are too old to learn how to downhill ski? Are you afraid that one fall down the hill will leave you bumped and bruised for good? Even if you have a few skiing fails under your belt, learning to ski the right way can turn everything around for you. If you have never skied before or need some refreshers, start right with these five tips for beginner skiers that will have you enjoying the wind in your face and the mountain sun in your eyes in no time.

Get the Right Clothes

Before you start, make sure that you have the right apparel to make your day a success. While you may think that only the skis make the skier, this is simply not true. Wearing incorrect clothing can leave you hot or cold, wind-burned or wet. Skiing requires layers of clothing to keep you warm and dry. Your base layer should wick moisture away from your skin, the middle layer should keep you warm, and the top layer should keep wind and water away from you. Consider renting clothes and equipment unless you ski frequently.

Learn from a Pro

Because learning to ski as an adult can be difficult both physically and mentally, you should turn to a pro to teach you the basics. A pro can help you keep your confidence level up by treating you with patience. A pro will also be able to teach you proper form and techniques. These individuals know exactly what slopes will be best for you and will help you master the sport in the quickest possible time. The money spent on lessons will certainly be well worth it. Read the rest of this entry →