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Essential Guide to Due Diligence: What You Need to Know Pre-Adventurers
Prioritizing health and safety is essential in any endeavor, particularly in adventurous activities where risks abound. Comprehensive risk assessments are mandatory for all such undertakings, particularly in challenging environments like mountainous terrain or during intense activities such as an Atlantic row. Ignoring safety protocols in these scenarios may result in dire consequences. Drawing from personal reflections, poignant events such as the unfortunate loss of a fellow oarsman during the Atlantic row in 2016 and the notable dropout rate in Rugby on Everest 2019 have profoundly shaped my outlook. The tragic incident underscores the importance of ensuring comprehensive safety measures are in place. The Skipper and owner of the vessel faced…
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Mobile Phone: Useful Tips and Best Practices for Maximum Protection
In today’s interconnected world, effective ‘communication’ takes center stage. My colleagues and I have taken our mobile phones to diverse environments and engaged in a wide array of activities. From the icy reaches of the North Pole to the scorching sands of the Sahara Desert, we’ve braved it all. Our phones have accompanied us on water-based adventures such as kayaking and swimming, and they’ve even faced the arduous ascents of Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro. Our mobile phones require robust protection against a range of elements, encompassing water, sand, snow, and shocks, while still maintaining seamless functionality for speaking, listening, and dialing. Kevlar mobile phone cases offer several advantages, one…
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Epic London 2 Paris Rowing Challenge : A Journey to Remember
The London 2 Paris Rowing Challenge in 2010 required extreme physical endurance and considerable mental strength. It’s the perfect example of open water rowing’s most demanding aspects; a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I looked forward to an interesting and equally punishing journey from Big Ben, down along the River Thames, across the English Channel to La Havre and up the Seine to the finish at the Eiffel tower, a distance of 440 nautical miles. We rowed an old-fashioned traditional Thames Waterman Cutter; 34ft long, with a beam of 4ft 6”, in timber (clinker-built). We started from Big Ben, London, rowing our Thames Cutter towards the sea. Rotating six rowers…
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How to Choose Best Gear for Water Activities and Conditions
Wetsuits are specialized garments designed for various water-related activities, such as surfing, diving, snorkeling, and triathlons. They offer several benefits to individuals participating in these activities, primarily by providing thermal insulation and protection. Here are some of the key benefits of wearing a wetsuit: It’s important to choose the right wetsuit for your specific activity and water conditions to maximize these benefits. The fit and thickness of the wetsuit should be selected based on the water temperature, the duration of your activity, and your personal comfort preferences. Picture shows a full latex Turbo Cag / Jacket, my preference. Rash Vest The Rash Vest is a type of clothing that can…
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First Aid Kit Essentials: The Best Items for Your Adventure
Always carry a First Aid Kit on any impromptu or guided outdoor adventure! First Aid Kit / Medical Kit is a collection of supplies and equipment used to give immediate medical treatment, primarily to treat minor injuries, such as cuts, burns, blisters, sprains, and insect bites, as well as provide some relief for pain, fever, diarrhoea, and allergies. A first aid kit can also help you prevent infections and stop bleeding in case of more serious wounds. There are many types of first aid kits available, depending on your needs and preferences; especially if you are travelling to remote areas or engaging in outdoor activities.. Some fundamentals to consider when choosing…
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Signal Mirror: Essential in Lost and Rescues Survival Situations
A Reflective Survival Mirror stands out as your ultimate Emergency Sun Reflective Tool ; it’s a “Mayday Signaling Device.” The Signal Mirror—an often overlooked, despite our reliance on mobile phones, simple and practical tools like this can be lifesavers in unforeseen situations. Crafted from top-tier reflective materials, the signal mirror rescue delivers an exceptionally bright and visible reflection, ensuring optimal effectiveness in signaling rescuers during emergencies. Its durable construction guarantees longevity, making it a reliable tool in critical situations This indispensable tool belongs in every survival kit, boasting an extraordinary capacity to broadcast signals visible at distances of up to 10 miles. In an emergency, it serves as a beacon that captures the…
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Survival Throw Bag / Throw Line are Key for Water Rescues
If someone falls overboard, a rescue throw bag or throw line provides an easily accessible lifeline for them to grab onto and be pulled back to the boat. This would have been an ideal lifesaver when we tragically lost Mike Johnson while rowing across the Atlantic. https://www.livealifetodiefor.co.uk/the-toby-wallace-atlantic-row-januaryfebruary-2016/ Whether you’re a seasoned water sports enthusiast or a beginner, this indispensable piece of gear is a must-have for anyone engaging in water-related activities. It serves as a lifeline, allowing rescuers to quickly and accurately deploy a buoyant rope to someone in distress, whether they’re caught in a current, stranded in the water, or struggling to stay afloat. Especially in situations where swift…
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Discover the Best Outdoor Lunch Boxes for Alfresco Dining
For the more serious outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, climbing or walking in the Wilderness ; Meal Prep Sets have been designed specifically to be robust and multi functional; Ideal for meal prepping, food storage and eating on-the-go. On a long day, during my 650 km trek to the North Pole , I would occasionally dip into my lunch box and treat myself. We stopped every hour for five minutes to drink from our flasks, and that’s when I really attacked the munchies. All the contents had frozen together, you would break a bite-size piece off the goody clump. Pop one in and it slowly thawed in your mouth.…
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How to Select the Best Water Bottle – a Guide
Water is vital for survival….. your Water Bottle is the ideal ‘on the go’ hydration’ solution! During outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, mountaineering or walking in the wilderness the importance of remaining hydrated cannot be overestimated. Carrying a water bottle encourages you to drink more water throughout the day. My preferred Water Bottle is the Explorer, a 650mi vacuum insulated stainless steel bottle.. Two 650mi bottles provide enough water for about 15 miles of hiking; carry one on each side of a pack, provide balance and importantly make sure they are easy to reach. The Polar Race 2009 – Arctic Drinks, on the move! We stopped every hour for…
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The Best Ways to Keep Your Gear – Safe, Dry & Organised
In the world of outdoor adventures, gear protection is paramount. Keeping your essentials dry and safeguarding your valuables is not just a convenience, but a necessity. Here’s how these items can enhance gear protection: with Dry Bags, Stuff Sacks, and Ziplocs Dry Bags: When you’re out in the wild, you need reliable protection from the elements, and that’s where dry bags come in. Crafted from highly durable waterproof materials, these bags are your trusted companions for extreme activities. Whether you’re trekking through rugged terrain, navigating waterways, or braving the elements in snowy landscapes, dry bags are your shield. They are equally indispensable for activities like kayaking, boating, and swimming. With…
