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.
All Eyes Are on Tahiti’s Mythic Wave: From now until Aug. 5, 48 surfers from 21 countries are waiting for perfect conditions to compete on the waves at Teahupo’o, Tahiti.
Depending on the day, the waves can be a playful one-meter barrel or a terrifying 10m wall of water, all pouring over the top of a coral reef. Locals were thrilled to find out they would host the Olympics, but as plans progressed, worry crept in.
The Skydiver Who Survived a 4,300m Fall: In June 2013, Emma Carey was skydiving when her tandem instructor tapped her shoulder to let her know the parachute would open. Then, nothing happened.
With their parachute tangled and her instructor unconscious, Carey crashed into the ground. Miraculously, she survived. Paralyzed from the waist down, her life changed forever.
The human side of racing
Tales from the Southern Ocean: The Ocean Globe Race was supposed to revive the era of sailing adventures. Organizers hoped it would be a modern Whitbread Round the World Race, which made global headlines. Though the OGR did not manage that, it provided plenty of stories.
Elaine Bunting examines the human side of the race rather than the race statistics.
The all-female ‘Maiden Factor’ crew won this year’s Ocean Globe Race. Photo: The Maiden Factor
Is the Uberlight Gear Experiment Over?: Fifteen years ago, ultralight gear was cutting edge. Every piece of kit had a makeover to slash weight. Trouble is, the gear was too flimsy. Now, ultralight gear is increasing in size and weight — perhaps at the expense of innovation.
Wildfires gut Jasper
Monster Wildfire in Jasper: Last week, a wildfire tore through the Rockies resort town of Jasper, Canada. The wall of fire reached 100m high and destroyed 30% of the town’s buildings. The fire has merged with another wildfire, and the flames span 36,000 hectares. Al Jasper National Park is itself closed. Parks Canada believes it will take weeks to control the blaze.
Where Are the World’s Most Dangerous Seas?: Naming the world’s most dangerous sea is complicated. Weather, water depth, and currents must all be factored in. The Drake Passage — the most frequently cited stormiest sea — is home to over 800 shipwrecks. As many as 20,000 mariners have died there. But speak to any experienced sailor and they will tell you that the most dangerous sea is the one you underestimate.
Andrew Hamilton and Andrea Sansone. Photo: Andrew Hamilton
The Colorado 14,000’ers in one push
Hiking Couple Set 14,000’er Record: On July 15, Andrew Hamilton and Andrea Sansone set a record by linking every Colorado 14,000’er in one go. There are 58 14,000-foot peaks, and they are not close together.
Each of the couple has a few previous individual records. They started chasing FKTs together a few years ago. This year, they wanted to beat Hamilton’s own solo record on the 14,000’ers. They finished despite mudslides, fatigue, and knee injuries. Now they want to offer their advice on how couples can survive extreme adventures with their relationships intact.
I Thought My Love for Climbing Died with My Husband: Olivia Jordan Cornelius was sorting through her husband’s belongings when she saw his climbing shoes. Their hobby was climbing together. It was a game for two. Cornelius tried to convince herself she no longer wanted to climb. But a year later, she stepped back into a climbing gym.
