When we’re not outdoors, we get our adventure fix by exploring social media and the web. Here are some of the best adventure links we’ve discovered this week.
Paddleboarding 1,900km: Dan Rubinstein spent his summer paddleboarding a marathon roundtrip from Ottawa back to Ottawa via Montreal, New York, and Toronto.
Rubinstein wanted to immerse himself in “blue space” to see how it affected his physical and mental health. He writes about his journey and the people he met along the way.
Fewer Climbers Died on Mount Everest this Year: Nine climbers died or disappeared on Everest this year. That is half the fatalities of 2023.
Some attribute fewer deaths to new safety regulations, others claim it is simply because of better weather. Or could it be that after a record-breaking number of deaths in 2023, outfitters are more cautious?
The Odells on the summit of Taulliraju after making the fourth ascent of the Italian Pillar. Photo: Pedro Navarro
Alpine climbing’s next big thing?
Are These Patagonian Brothers Alpine Climbing’s Next Big Thing?: Pedro and Tom Odell are the first generation of climbers to be brought up in El Chalten, the gateway to Patagonian climbing. They grew up with the Cerro Chalten Massif in their backyard. Their parents are skilled alpinists, and the boys began the sport at age three.
Now 18 and 20, the Odell brothers spend nearly all their time in the mountains. They have recently made the fourth ascent of the Italian Pillar, received the Paul Preuss Advancement Award, and are rubbing shoulders with some of the best climbers in the world.
Why Humans Are Drawn to the Ends of the Earth: A year ago, the Titan submersible imploded on its way down to visit the sunken Titanic. The passengers on board had each paid $250,000. A month ago, another billionaire announced plans to build a submersible to take visitors to the site. You can also take a 10-minute suborbital flight for $1.25 million.
Extreme tourism is growing, but so are the risks and prices. Many question whether we should still venture to the ends of the Earth. If things go wrong, it affects not just the individual but the environment and taxpayers.
Ang Rita. Photo: Ang Rita/Adventure Journal
Ang Rita’s remarkable career
They Called Him Snow Leopard: Ang Rita was the most renowned sherpa after Tenzing Norgay. At 15, he started to work as a low-altitude porter to support his family. It quickly became clear that he was a natural in the mountains, eventually acquiring the nickname Snow Leopard.
During his years as a mountain guide, he summited Everest 10 times, all without supplementary oxygen. He climbed Dhaulagiri four times, Cho Oyu four times, and Kangchenjunga in winter without oxygen.
Pooping on the Moon Is a Messy Business: Pooing on Earth takes little thought, but in space it requires more planning. Without gravity, getting waste out can be tricky.
The Apollo crews have left 96 poo bags on the surface of the moon. The bags raise some questions. How long did the microbial life survive on the moon? How do we justify our environmental impact? And if we ever build a space station on the moon, how will we dispose of our waste?
Photo: Marcus Paladino
Surf photographer battles anxiety
Dark Side of the Lens: Surf photographer Marcus Paladino regards his dream career as both a blessing and a curse.
Diagnosed with anxiety, Paladino still sees himself as inadequate, no matter how hard he works or how illustrious his reputation is. Leaving the waves is not an option; his whole life revolves around surfing. The surfing community was the first place he felt accepted and loved. The only option is to face uncomfortable truths, reassess his relationship with himself, and ask for support from those around him.
Seven International Long Trails You Haven’t Heard Of: As summer arrives, popular trails fill up as everyone heads off on backcountry adventures. For those wanting to head off the beaten track, Backpacker has listed their seven favorite less well-known hiking trails.
Some trails are in countries you wouldn’t necessarily think of for hiking, like the United Arab Emirates. Others are less well-known spots in classic locations like Austria and Switzerland. Each trail offers something different to everyone, from beginners to veterans.
