Adventure and Sports

Skiing has fast been the sport you are coming to love. And, you are aching to be out there and take part in the next ski event in your area. But, have you considered finding the right ski gear that you will use then. Do not wait till the last minute to find the perfect Obermeyer ski jacket and ski gear sales for you and your loved ones. With the rush, you could get it wrong as it is easy to miss out on specific material and size specifications for every piece of ski gear that you should use. Besides, mastering the art, getting the right equipment will ensure your safety during skiing. On the latter, you will want to consider the following highly:

Jacket

Any ski gear is incomplete if it lacks a ski jacket. But, how warm is it and how comfortable do you feel when in it? That should be a key factor when choosing your ski jackets. Also, as you would consider the material for your ski pants and shorts, ski layering and shirts and vests, find a ski jacket of a natural material that will keep you warm while still letting out the sweat.

Footwear

Whether you opt for Tecnica Mach 1 130 or any other ski footwear in the Tecnica Mach line, choosing one that is the right size is a factor that you should not ignore. A tight one will have you straining to bend your foot when negotiating bends while skiing. And, that could risk you flipping or tripping on your ski footwear while out skiing. Loose footwear is not any good either. With such, you face the risk of developing foot sores as the footwear will rub against the sole of your foot and your toes as you ski.

Ski socks

Finding the best fit of footwear comes with using the right pair of socks, too. The perfect ski sock to use should, correctly, remove moisture from the sole and the entire foot instead of trapping it. It should allow aeration throughout the time you are skiing. You do not want a pair of socks that would have you divert your focus from the sport to thinking about how uncomfortable you are. And, comfort here also must factor in whether the pair of socks are flexible enough to have a shape that fits your foot perfectly even when in your ski boots. The most appropriate material for such ski socks is wool or a synthetic variant.

Conclusion: Consult right

If you are new to this sport, require the help of reputable ski gear for sale suppliers to find the perfect fit of Obermeyer jackets and Tecnica footwear. That should also include the material and size of the socks, shirts and vests, pants and shorts, layering, and accessories to use in the sport. For veterans in the ski sport, you also could use some help. You haven’t been very comfortable in your ski gear of late. So, right before you order online for a different set, consult on the gear that you will be most comfortable in, and that will ensure your safety when skiing.

 

Photo by Tom Swinnen from Pexels

Imagining going on your first hike can be a little intimidating for first-timers. You can listen to your friends, or loved ones share their experiences and the lessons they’ve learned along the way while hiking. That might help you ease up and find some bits of courage to try it finally. But thinking about something and actually doing it are two very different things.

Having an experienced mountaineer to help you learn the ropes of hiking can give you that much-needed confidence boost that every beginner should have. Hiking can be a fun and safe experience when you have someone to guide you through.

Before you take your first step to the wild side, there are a couple of pre-hiking essentials that you need to know. These hiking tips and tricks are very useful for anyone keen on getting their outdoor game on but can’t quite imagine yet what will happen once they’re there.

This is perfect for anyone who’s been wanting to go out there but doesn’t know where to start. Dive into the details on what kind of gear you need to buy and what you can borrow. The small but important stuff like what you need to wear and what you can do without. How to pack your bag to make everything fit and how to not get anything wet. Start with this checklist and feel free to add on to it later on during your succeeding trips to make your experience even better.

To boots or not to boots

Comfort can make the difference between an enjoyable hike and a painful one. The shoes that you wear should have ample ankle support and heavy-duty grip for different types of terrain. They must fit well and feel worn in. New boots or shoes that you haven’t worn in yet might give you blisters after the hike.

Most importantly, your shoes should have enough room for your toes to move inside when hiking downhill. You don’t want to end up with dead toenails at the end of your trip.

If you want to keep it light, a good pair of shoes will do. Hiking shoes with good soles are best for different kinds of conditions. Since it’s your first time and still feeling your way through the mountains, best not to invest in hiking shoes right away—boots or not boots. You’ll do fine with your regular running shoes for the time being.

Tip: Make sure that you cut your toenails before your hike to reduce rubbing through your in-soles and avoid getting cuts.

To shade or not to shade

Expect to be exposed under the sun when hiking. Don’t go out for an extended period without any kind of protection—ever.

Ideally, your hat of choice should provide shade to your entire face and preferably protects your neck too. You can start simply by choosing something that works both for cold and hot climates like ponytail beanie hat or a visor.

The glare of the sun can give you a headache, most especially if there’s a body of water nearby, like the sea, along your chosen hiking trail. Choose sunglasses that have polarised lenses to give you the extra shade you need.

Too long or not too long

For day hikes, a long-sleeved polypropylene shirt is lighter and packs smaller in your bag than bulky cotton-based clothing.

Merino is one of the favored brands for hikers. The material used in their shirts can transition easily from hiking gear to daily wear, which makes them very versatile. But what gives it more bang to your bucks when you buy one is the way it keeps away moisture away from your skin. The fabric can help your heated body breathe well—plus it is odor resistant.

It doesn’t matter if you go for long or the short sleeved shirts they have. Same goes for pants. Both long and short can regulate your body temperature, especially during hot weather. Most, if not all, hikers actually live in the same shirt or pants for days during long treks—even weeks at times.

Tip: Consider fabric weights when buying Merinos or other thermal-based shirts or pants. The rule is that the thicker they come, the warmer they get. Don’t forget to check the labels and remember that 120 gsm fabric weight and below are best for warm conditions while 380 gsm and above grade are for cold conditions. Lastly, note to self—absolutely no denim.

To bring gadgets and not to bring gadgets

Electronics are essential in the mountains as they are in the city. Navigation and safety rely on them. You can bring your phone, camera, or other gadgets that you think you might need during the hike for your own convenience. What you need to be wary of is keeping them dry at all costs.

Days before your scheduled hike, make sure to check the weather and adjust your packing list, if necessary, accordingly. Even when you expect a sunny climate, always water-proof your electronics regardless of conditions, especially your camera or camera phones.

Tip: It’s crucial that you document your first journey to help you plan and prepare better for the next one. Make sure you don’t leave without it.

 

 Experience they say is the best teacher. While this statement has been dissected and found not to be totally true (since what you learn depends on the kind of experience you had), the place of experience can still not be undervalued.

If you love fishing and you are not really good at it or you are just about to try it out, there are certain important things you need to know. The success of your fishing expedition will depend on how much of the right information you have.

One of the most important things you need is an understanding of your fishing tackle. This can determine how successful or not your fishing time will be. Since you are not very experienced in this activity, you can choose to learn over time through trial and error, or you can rely on expert advice from professional fishing experts.

There’s no doubt that getting advice from an expert will accelerate your journey to fishing success. Since you may not have direct access to fishing professionals, you can visit Pro Fishing Gear Reviews site to get expert advice to help you choose the right fishing tackle as well as fine tune important fishing techniques.

What You Can Learn from Fishing Review Sites

Since we are focusing on fishing tackle, we will look at a few things you need to look out for when looking at fishing tackle reviews. First, you need to understand that fishing tackle does not refer to a single item used for fishing but to the different gear that anglers use while fishing.

These include fishing rods, hooks, lines, rods, lines, hooks, sinkers, floats, baits, reels, lures, traps, spears, gaffs, nets, waders, and of course tackle boxes. You will need to learn as much as you can about these different gear.

Let’s look at some of these items individually.

Tackle Box

As an angler, you need to take your tackle box very seriously. This is where all your fishing equipment will be stored. It can be the difference between an efficiently organized fishing system and a chaotic, unproductive fishing expedition.

There are two types of tackle boxes you can choose from. One is a box usually made of really durable plastic and the other is in the form of a bag.

If you will be fishing in very demanding and tough conditions, then your best bet will be a tackle box as it will withstand such kinds of use better than its bag counterpart. If however you are going on a fishing expedition that will require a lot of movement and carrying of your gear, you may need to go for the tackle bag as it will offer you more convenience than the box which may be more difficult to lug around.

Most tackle bags can also provide extra storage compartments for items like cell phones, wallets etc. From all of the above, it should be pretty clear that the choice you make here should be determined by the type of fishing conditions you will be exposed to.

Items in the Tackle Box

When you are done choosing your tackle box or bag, the next thing to do is fill it up with the right gear. Let’s now look at some of the items you should have in your tackle box or bag. We’ve already mentioned some of these above. You can check out some expert recommendations for must-have tools here.

Here are a few of what we consider as must-have tools:

Hooks

You surely cannot head for your fishing exercise without hooks if you are an angler. The important thing is not just having a hook but ensuring you have enough extras in your tackle box or bag. Some catches have been known to cut a line through and swim away with the hook. Should your time fishing come to an end when this happens? Of course not!

With enough extra hooks, you can continue fishing even if by some strange stroke of luck or bad luck, you encounter a number of these hook eating fishes.

Lines

Just as with the hook, you can find your line getting shorter and shorter either from multiple snaps or entanglement in the water. There are also times when you just have to cut the line to save the rod or even yourself. When this happens, you want to have enough extra line to continue your fishing.

Basic Tools

There are basic tools that you will find very important when you go fishing. Remember how we talked about cutting the line when you encounter some difficulty or even distress? Guess what! You should not cut the line with your teeth.

Tools like small knives and nail cutters can come in handy when you need to quickly cut the line. You may also find that a needle plier can be handy should you need to get a hook out of a fish or even out of your body (in case of such an accident). These are just a few simple tools that will come in handy.

First Aid Kit

Nobody hopes to get hurt, but despite our best efforts, we sometimes find ourselves or others around us getting hurt. At such times, a first aid kit can come in very handy. First aid kits have actually been known to save lives as it provides that all-important first treatment that can help manage a seriously injured person’s condition until real help can be gotten. You don’t want to be without this.

Other items you should look at include baits (different kinds), sinkers, bobbers, sunscreen, insect repellents and more. By carefully studying reviews given by experts, you will find yourself understanding more and more about fishing and of course you will begin to get better results.

To read more on topics like this, check out the adventure and sports category.

Do you love to travel?

You’re not alone! Recent U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office reports have indicated that Americans are traveling more today than they have in years past. In 2016 alone, more than 80 million Americans took a trip with many of them traveling to places like Europe, South America, and Asia.

Traveling can obviously be a lot of fun. But do you know what’s not fun? Dealing with an illness when you’re a long way from home.

It’s why you should learn about how to stay healthy while traveling before you take your next trip. It could very well prevent you from feeling under the weather when you’re sightseeing in another country.

Here are 9 useful tips that will help you stay healthy while you travel.

1. See a Doctor Before You Begin Traveling

If you’re going to be traveling outside of the country or if you’re going to be traveling around for an extended period of time, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment first.

There are certain vaccinations that your doctor might recommend to you based on where you’re going to be traveling. Your doctor might also let you know about a health condition that you’ll want to keep a close eye on as you travel.

Getting access to medical care in other countries can be tricky in some instances. So it’s best to play it safe and go through a health evaluation before you set sail or take flight.

There are health insurance and Medigap plans that will cover the costs of seeing a doctor and help you get a clean bill of health prior to the start of your travel schedule.

2. Prepare Your Body For Traveling

Staying healthy while traveling starts long before you leave your house. In the days leading up to your next trip, you should take the time to prepare your body for your travels.

It’s not necessarily going to be easy to do it when you have a million and one things going on, but you should try to get plenty of sleep. You should also eat lots of healthy foods and, maybe most importantly, stay hydrated.

Additionally, you should try to keep your stress levels down. By doing all this, you’ll give your immune system a boost and prepare it for what’s to come.

3. Book Your Travel Plans Wisely

In an effort to save a few bucks, many people will book flights at odd hours of the day and agree to long layovers on their way to their final destination.

If you can avoid doing this, you should do it at all costs. It’ll throw your sleep schedule off and confuse your body. It’ll also get your trip off to a stressful start as you scramble around to catch flights while trying to stave off the boredom that often comes along with layovers.

You want to try to make your travels go as smoothly as possible. It’ll put you in a much better position when you finally arrive at your destination.

4. Take Your Time While Exploring the City You’re Visiting

There are many travelers who do a poor job when it comes to pacing themselves on trips. They try to pack as much as they possibly can into their schedules and attempt to see entire cities in a single day.

Slow down! While you want to make the most of every trip you take, you shouldn’t do it at the expense of your health. If you do too much at once, you’re going to run yourself ragged and make it impossible for your body to keep up.

5. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet Each and Every Day

No matter how disciplined you are about eating healthy at home, it’s easy to give in to temptation and eat like crap when you’re traveling. It’s so much easier to grab fast food and go than it is to sit down and eat a well-balanced meal, especially when you’re in a hurry to see the next sight.

Try not to fall into this dangerous pattern. You should do your best to eat healthily and to incorporate as many fruits and vegetables into your diet as you can.

You should also make sure you’re eating all three meals each and every day. If you start skipping meals, you’re going to rob your body of the nutrients it needs.

6. Pack Vitamins in Your Travel Bag

Are you concerned about not getting enough nutrients every day?

If so, slip vitamins into your travel bag and get into the habit of taking them throughout your trip. They’ll provide you with many of the essential vitamins and minerals.

7. Drink Water Early and Often Throughout Your Travels

Staying hydrated is, as we mentioned earlier, something you should do in the days leading up to a trip. But you shouldn’t stop drinking water as soon as you leave home!

You should bring a water bottle along with you as you travel and drink from it early and often. You can never drink too much water when you travel as traveling has a way of dehydrating your body if you let it.

8. Find Ways to Workout Whenever Possible

There’s a good chance that you’re going to be walking around a lot when you travel. That alone will provide your body with plenty of exercise.

But you should also take things to the next level and workout whenever you can find the time to do it. Exercise has been shown to fight off everything from the common cold to more serious illnesses.

Even something as simple as a 20-minute jog on the beach can work wonders for your physical and mental health while you travel.

9. Sleep as Much as You Can as You Travel

We get it. You don’t want to spend your whole vacation sleeping and miss out on all that a new city has to offer!

But if you don’t sleep enough while you travel, you’re going to pay the price for it eventually. A lack of sleep can zap you of the energy you’ll need to walk around, and it’ll also weaken your immune system and leave you open to illness.

Sleep, sleep, and then sleep some more so that your body is well rested throughout your trip.

You’ll Be Glad You Learned How to Stay Healthy While Traveling

There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in bed with an illness when you want to be out exploring a new city.

Learn how to stay healthy while traveling before you take your next trip and you can avoid getting sick. You can also steer clear of getting sick when you return from your trip, which is another problem that many people face.

Now that you know how to stay healthy as you travel, would you like to learn more about planning a great outdoor adventure? Read our blog to find some tips that will help you out.

Have a passion for scuba diving? You’ve only scratched the surface. Don’t miss these amazing underwater adventures for fearless travelers like yourself.

 

You know who’s got things all figured out?

Sebastian. Yes, that awesome crab from The Little Mermaid.

He knew that under the sea is better, unlike up on the shore where people work all day and slave away in the sun. If only Ariel listened to him, she wouldn’t have gotten into all that trouble. But that’s another story for another time.

The main point here is: under the sea is good. And underwater adventures, well, they’re even better. Here, we’ll do Sebastian proud by naming some of the best underwater destinations for adventure seekers like yourself.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the Maldives

If you’re looking for cool things to do underwater that don’t involve getting your feet wet, Ithaa’s the place for you. The world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa seats 14 people, who get to see countless colorful fish and sometimes sharks, turtles, and stingrays.

But that’s not all. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Ithaa’s fusion Maldivian cuisine with dishes like charcoaled reef lobster and coconut crusted légine.

And of course, when you’ve had your once in a lifetime Ithaa culinary experience, you can take advantage of Maldives’ wide-ranging facilities which offer everything from windsurfing to snorkeling to scuba diving and fishing.

The Great Blue Hole, Belize

One of the best places to go scuba diving, Belize’s Great Blue Hole is the largest sinkhole in the world. It’s also one of the most intriguing mysteries of the ocean. Despite its discovery in 1971, no one has mapped out its exact features.

This should tell you that the Great Blue Hole is for expert divers only.

But if you’re not one, it’s okay. You can see it from above – there are local companies who offer plane tours. Or you can book a boat tour and do some snorkeling instead.

The Azores, Portugal

Unlike the Cayman Islands and other scuba hotspots with dive shops aplenty, the Azores doesn’t allow for year-round diving. Its geography and latitude are better suited for other activities, such as watching and swimming with whales and dolphins.

If that’s right up your alley, you’ll be amazed to know that you could encounter up to five dolphin species in the Azores. These include striped dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and Atlantic spotted dolphins.

Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California, USA

What’s an underwater travel itinerary without a visit to an aquarium? If you’re bringing your kids with you, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers something for the whole family.

There’s the Kelp Forest, one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world. And of course, the lovely Open Sea, where you get to see almost all types of marine creatures including stingrays, turtles, sunfish, jellyfish, and more.

Looking for More Underwater Adventures?

If you’re set on having more underwater adventures before the year ends, don’t forget to check out our travel posts. We’ve featured beach destinations as well as must-see underwater vacations.

Keep checking back for more travel-related articles, life tips, and more. Or contact us if you want to connect with our team about business or travel.

 

 

 

Are you ready to experience the trip of a lifetime? Here’s how to plan the ultimate bucket list adventure that includes viewing the 7 New Wonders of the World

The seven wonders of the world have gone down in history as the ultimate bucket list items for travelers around the globe. It’s claimed that the Great Pyramid of Giza, Petra, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, The Great Wall of China, Chichen Itza and the Colosseum were actually chosen by Greek writer Antipater of Sidon to represent the seven most remarkable sites in the world.

The good news is, if you’re looking to check this achievement off of your bucket list it may not be as difficult as you may think. A number of tours have come up with the aim to knock out all seven locations in the time period of a month. Seeing the

Seven Wonders of the World on a Budget

First, if you don’t plan on hitting the seven wonders through a tour dedicated to the task, that doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself. Since the seven wonders are spread out around the globe, no matter where you are located things is bound to get a little pricey.

Try the following travel tips to save some money on the adventure:

• Use affordable flight search engines like Skyscanner, momondo, or kiwi to find cheap flights
• Find connecting flights for yourself instead of leaving
• Buy flights in bulk for cheaper prices, the more you buy at the same time the better the rates.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are often the first image that comes to mind when thinking of the seven wonders of the world. That because this location is so iconic that it’s often the first stop for many travelers.

Not only is the pyramid of Giza massive, but the construction of it still leaves many historians scratching their head. For this check mark, you’ll need to make a trip to Egypt. If you’re looking for a great tour to go on while you’re there, check out the King Tutankhamun tour for the full story.

Petra

Petra has been referred to by many as the lost city, thanks to it’s disappearing civilization in Jordan’s Rose City. For many travelers, however, it’s the cities intricate architecture and rock cut outs that lands Petra a coveted spot on the list of Seven Wonders.

Many have been unable to explain what happened to the great civilization that once dwelled here, or even how their remarkable buildings of clay and stone came to be. You can choose to explore the lost city on your own or take a more historical approach by doing the Totally Jordan tour.

The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is by far the most iconic landmark in India, and even in the world. Built as a gift for a kings wife the towering palace stands as a symbol of love with a stunning architectural shape and site.

In fact, the full construction of the Taj Majal in Agra took over 20 years from start to finish. Its luxurious details found at every corner is what makes this spot such a bucket list item. If you choose to take a tour to the Taj Mahal we suggest signing up with the Taj Express as a tour option.

Machu Picchu

Llamas, trains, and some of the most stunning indigenous architecture in the world. There really are a number of things to love about Machu Picchu. The Inca trail to Machu Pichu can offer rich historic value and lush green scenery that can rarely beat by anywhere else in the world.

While it is entirely possible to arrange to explore Machu Picchu on your own, the best way to fully embrace the experience is by experiencing the Inca trail to Machu Picchu by train.

The Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is arguably one of the greatest architectural achievements by mankind. While it may not be true that you can see the Great Wall from space, that doesn’t mean it’s vast span isn’t incredibly impressive. Which explains why travelers from all over the world come here just to walk a small portion of it.

If you are looking for more than just a good photo opts and are hoping to take in some history of the wall during your visit, we recommend signing up for the Great Wall and Warrior tour.

Chichen Itza

Quite like the Great Pyramid of Giza, there are some major mysteries surrounding Chichen Itza, one of the greatest remains of Mayan Civilisation. Just visiting this magical location in Mexico gives us a glimpse at what vast knowledge the Mayan’s had and how technologically advanced they were in all areas of their life.

One of the most famous sits in Chichen Itza is the famous El Castillo period, known for its perfect construction and detail. It’s said that the pyramids stand at an exact degree to the center of the earth. To really grasp the greatness of this iconic spot, we suggest the Best of Yucatan tour.

The Colosseum

Just one visit to the vast Roman-era stadium is enough to make anyone feel like a gladiator. This impressive piece of historic architecture dates all the way back to AD 72 and still holds the record as the largest amphitheater in the world.

While you’ll find a number of tour guides willing to offer your services when you arrive at the Colosseum, it’s best to book your tour in advance to avoid being taken advantage of. We suggest booking the Renaissance & Riviera tour before your trip to ensure a memorable experience.

Squeezing the Best Out of Life

When it comes to major bucket list items like visiting the seven wonders of the world or even road tripping across the country, all that’s really needed is some forward planning and knowing the right tricks.

Remember, even a budget traveler can be a world traveler with the right tips and a little guidance. Be willing to do your homework ahead of time to ensure an unforgettable getaway.

 

If you’re on vacation in a tropical location with one of the new water resistant phones, take advantage of it! Your Instagram feed will love underwater pictures

Underwater adventures in photography really took off when the original GoPro camera launched in 2002. Their cameras are built to withstand depths of at least 131 feet. The average underwater photographer may not ever travel that deep, but it’s cool knowing the possibilities.

Taking underwater pictures is a whole new world. A lot of photography skills don’t translate the same when surrounded by water. Light plays differently, your foundation is replaced with floating, and focus is shifting.

To help you get your feet wet, we’ve put together this short guide. It will help you prepare, refine, and perfect your underwater skills. Let’s jump in!

Underwater Equipment

Shooting underwater on a budget is difficult. This is especially true if you’re traveling on a budget. You have to have either a GoPro or proper underwater housing for your camera. Housing is going to depend on your model camera, but they can rival the price of the camera itself.

Housing will require a lens port, which will come in a bunch of sizes and either flat or domed. Flat is for macro shots, while dome is for wide angle. Water alone will decrease your angle by a quarter of a lens’ capability. There’s a lot more more about flat and curved lenses to learn, which we recommend reading later.

Preparing for the Elements

Jumping in a body of water with a camera is not for the faint of heart. You will be tested physically and mentally by the elements. Even a clear day, you will need to make adjustments on the fly. Here are just a few examples.

Focusing Underwater

For those that spend very little time in the water, the clearest water is found in calm bodies of salt water. Freshwater needs to be running to get the best clarity, which introduces other problems, of course. Swimming pools also rank below calm salt water.

It can be really difficult to focus underwater when you have free-floating particles. Unfortunately, you can’t really discern the water quality until you start taking pictures.

Rocky Beds, Sandy Floors

One of the most important keys to getting consistent results underwater is a steady anchor point. If you can’t stand still to take photos or avoid kicking up dirt/sand, you’re going to have a lonnnng day. Sandy sea floors are ideal because 1) they’re easier to walk on and 2) they reflect more light than other surfaces.

Safety and Security

If you’re planning on venturing out into the ocean with your camera, be aware of potential dangers. From the excruciating pain of a jellyfish or stingray to the annoying sea urchins and aggressive sharks. Also, make note of any surrounding coral. Disturbing coral reefs can result in a hefty fine.

Right Place, Right Time

Getting the most natural light possible is hard to do underwater, even if it’s a clear day. You want to aim for high-noon when the sun is directly above. The sun’s rays go the deepest when it’s straight down.

The positioning of the subject and the sun is also going to be important. You have to think about the background, shadows being cast, and the sun’s glare.

Setting Up Your Equipment

Do all your camera assembly before you arrive. Make sure your camera housing is tight and secure. Do this in a well-lit room, not your car. If you’re an experienced photographer who is used to cramming a tight schedule, make an exception.

Check your o-rings, the lubrication, clean the port and your lens. One mistake could destroy your equipment and there’s no warranty out there that will cover your own negligence.

Try stuffing some desiccant pads into the housing. This will keep your lens from fogging up. Usually, one on each side of the camera is enough to do the job. Double-check your camera’s lens cap, memory card, and battery.

Take your time doing all of these obvious checks to avoid wasting time drying, opening, and resealing.

Settings for Underwater Pictures

There’s no perfect setting for shooting underwater. You can start your aperture size at f8 to compensate for the blurry environment. This is especially true for over/under scenes.

Keep your shutter speed over 1/200s, unless both you and your subject are grounded and the water is very still. Get used to using burst mode, too, even still shots can have an unusual amount of variance.

If your camera has additional focus settings, like Continuous-Servo or AI Servo, use them underwater. They’ll help you get great shots of aquatic life. If your shoots will deal mainly with stationary poses, switch to Single-Servo mode.

If you hold the shutter button down halfway, you can also get tracking focus on-the-fly. This makes it much easier to swap between settings if you can’t access manual focus controls underwater.

We recommend an ISO of 100 or 200 to keep things as clean as possible. Oh, and always shoot in raw, in case you were wondering. Colors and filters are always going to look a bit off underwater, so you should expect to be doing a lot of manual tweaking in Photoshop.

Ready to Conquer the Waters?

We hope this guide has provided some level of confidence for those wanting to try underwater pictures for the first time. As you can see, a great underwater camera is important, but there’s a lot of stuff to account for, too. Bringing stuff to keep everyone cool and comfortable definitely helps, too.

Before jumping into big bodies of water or places with fast currents, practice swimming there. Get used to swimming and diving for long periods. Buy a good snorkel that won’t fog up or hurt to wear.

Being aware of your surroundings is also a priority, so familiarize yourself with the location. You wouldn’t want to be zoned-in on your subject and float into a sharp rock or far enough to introduce water into your lungs.

Once you get a knack for underwater photography, you should start planning for exotic locations. Check out Beek Man Beer Garden’s adventure sports posts for inspiration.

 

Would you rather hit the slopes than hit the beach? If you’re looking for a ski vacation, here are the 3 best ski resorts in the United States.

Not everyone likes the winter weather of snow, cold, and ice. However, there is an upside to those things: cruising down a mountain slope on your skis or your snowboard.

There’s nothing quite like shredding down a mountain of fresh powder with the wind biting at your face and snow getting in your boots. If you’re looking for an awesome ski vacation you won’t soon forget, check out these three ski resorts.

These 3 resorts are some of the best ski resorts in the US.

1. Beaver Creek Ski Resort

Beaver Creek is located in one of the ski capitals of the world: Colorado’s Deer Valley. Modeled after Switzerland’s famous St Moritz resort, Beaver Creek offers up a range of trails from beginner to expert. In fact, there are a whopping 150 runs for you to choose from; you’ll never have to do the same run twice!

The location of this resort promising amazing snow quality: powder, not too much ice, and impeccable grooming will ensure an awesome day on the mountain every day you go.

This resort is also settled in an amazing ski village that offers up great dining experiences, theater, and luxurious ways to pamper yourself after a long day of skiing.

2. Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge is another famous resort found in Colorado. The high altitude of Breck means that you’ll definitely be facing harsh winds and temperature, but the skiing is worth it.

You’ll experience the highest ski lift in North America, top-rated terrain parks for doing insane tricks, and well-maintained runs that will suit everyone from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. You can also find passes, hotels, and restaurants to fit any budget.

Breck is a ski town through and through with awesome shops like Carvers Ski and Bike to get you well equipped for your ski vacation. Breck is also a true resort town in that the nightlife and atmosphere will keep the vacation rocking way past your last run on the mountain.

3. Sugarbush Resort

Now that we’ve given you a couple west coast options, let’s go back east, shall we? East coast skiing has the reputation of being not as good as the West coast, but Sugarbush resort will break this stereotype for you.

Located in Vermont, this resort spreads over 100 runs over 2 mountains to give you variety. The huge area you have to explore also means that you won’t have to deal with huge overcrowding like at other popular ski resorts.

You’ll also have half the trails ungroomed, meaning you can explore true backcountry terrain, find fresh powder, and really see what East coast skiing has to offer.

3 of the Best Ski Resorts in the US: Wrapping Up

The United States offers up some of the best vacations spots in the world. If you’re looking for a ski adventure vacation in the US, these are 3 of the best ski resorts you can find.

Whether you’re a die-hard West coast skier or you want to go out East, one of these resorts will work for you. If you want more info on planning an awesome adventure trip, check out our blog.