This book answers the call to action raised by ""The Last Child in the Woods"".The technology boom of recent years has given kids numerous reasons to stay inside and play, while parents' increasing safety concerns make it tempting to keep children close to home. But what is being lost as fewer kids spend their free time outdoors? Deprived of meaningful contact with nature, children often fail to develop a significant relationship with the natural world, much less a sense of reverence and respect for the world outside their doors.""A Natural Sense of Wonder"" is one father's attempt to seek alternatives to the ""flickering waves of TV and the electrifying boing of video games"" and get kids outside and into nature. In the spirit of Rachel Carson's ""The Sense of Wonder"", Rick Van Noy journeys out of his suburban home with his children and describes the pleasures of walking in a creek, digging for salamanders, and learning to appreciate vultures. Through these and other ""walks to school,"" the Van Noys discover what lives nearby, what nature has to teach, and why this matters.From the backyard to the hiking trail, in a tide pool and a tree house, in the wild and in town, these narrative essays explore the terrain of childhood threatened by the lure of computers and television, by fear and the loss of play habitat, showing how kids thrive in their special places. In chronicling one parent's determination (and at times frustration) to get his kids outside, ""A Natural Sense of Wonder"" suggests ways kids both young and old can experience the wonder found only in the natural world.

Essays debate the lasting power of extreme sports and whether or not the benefits of the sports outweigh the risks.

Surfing is poetry. It is pure experience of the moment. Poetry attempts to capture that experience."A pioneering anthology of experiential verse and essays about riding waves first published in 1993 before surf books were in vogue. The second edition is physically enhanced and enriched, still all good stuff, worth the ring on your butt it will cause if you keep it in the bathroom."
--Steve Pezman, Publisher of The Surfer's Journal"From the solitude of being alone on the water at daybreak, to the exhilaration of confronting nature with nothing but a board, the entire surfing experience is captured through poems and short prose pieces."
--Joel Beers, Newport Daily Pilot"The thrill and dangers of surfing and the bonds between those who search out the perfect wave...are not the only issues explored in the new poetry."
--Robert Kinsler, Orange County Register

Welcome to the adventures and misadventures from a quarter century of hang gliding and travel. Huck yourself off cliffs, soar into the Wild Blue, and land where no human has landed before, all from the comfort and safety of your easy chair. Visit exotic lands and foreign skies, experience the thrill of foot-launched human flight and never even risk your neck. Come along with a wild cast of characters, who fly like their lives depend upon it. Realize mankind's most ancient dream, FLY WITH THE BIRDS

Salvage divers work underwater in a blinding darkness. In their cumbersome diving gear, these men have barely enough room to move around, while at the same time fighting the cold temperatures and fast currents. It is a dirty, unromantic and highly dangerous way of earning a living. Yet, these divers would not have traded their jobs for any other profession. From locating sunken boxcars to repairing concrete foundations for bridges, no task is too risky. Any underwater salvage or repair work becomes the job of these elite divers. Salvage divers must be carpenters, masons, riggers, hydraulic mechanics, ironworkers, welders, pile bucks and underwater engineers. They must be able to adapt all blueprints, tools and equipment to the harsh realities of the underwater environment.

I checked my balance and peered apprehensively at the sheer drop below. Once I felt comfortable, I radioed down to Stu. 'I'm just gonna unclip quickly,' I said. My walkie-talkie crackled straight away. Stu sounded pretty stressed. 'Dude, keep the rope on!' I edged forward, my hands and feet scoping out the summit for any loose rock. The ridge pinnacle was still only a meter wide, if that, but I felt pretty stable. 'This bit's fine,' I said. 'The rope makes it harder for me...' Danny MacAskill lives on the edge. The cyclist is legendary for his YouTube viral videos like The Ridge, Cascadia and Imaginate: nerve-racking montages of stunts which scale everything from mountain peaks, rooftops, ghost towns and movie sets. His life is one of thrills, bloody spills and millions of online hits. It hasn't been an easy ride. Doubt, stress and the 'what if?' factor circle every trailblazing trick, which require imagination, fearlessness, groundbreaking techniques and an eye for a good camera angle. He has spent his life pushing the extremes; somehow, he's still around to tell the tale. In this unflinching memoir of mayhem, Danny shares his anarchic childhood on the Isle of Skye and early days as a street trials rider, takes us behind the scenes of his training and videos, shares never-seen-before sketches from his personal notebook, and reveals what it takes to go the next level - both mentally and physically. Join Danny for a nerve-shredding ride. Just be sure to bring a crash helmet.

More than 11 million women run regularly, a number that's growing every year. They tend to be educated and affluent-the perfect audience for "Sole Sisters."
Half of all runners are women, and they are changing the face of the sport. It's a social outlet, a healthful way to improve mental well-being, and an opportunity to form bonds with like-minded women.
"Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running" is a gripping collection of stories that captures the inspirational heart of the women's running. Authors Jennifer Lin and Susan Warner have interviewed women of all ages from all walks of life and all parts of the country. All of their subjects have one thing in common: Running has transformed them. There are both heartrending stories of grief and survival and lighthearted tales of friendship. Among them are:
* Sisters who competed in a 5K race to honor a sister who survived breast cancer.
* A 9/11 widow who ran her first marathon to honor the memory of her husband.
* A 65-year-old woman who overcame obesity and alcoholism to finish the grueling Ironman triathlon.
* An unknown runner from Norway named Grete Waitz who decided to run a marathon-and changed the face of the sport.
"Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running" is not just for women who run. It appeals to all women who know what it means to have the support of others who share their trials and triumphs. "Sole Sisters: Stories of Women and Running" is sometimes touching, sometimes funny, and always inspiring.

The definitive guide to the Laser.

"The Complete Book of Laser Sailing" is the most comprehensive book about successfully sailing and racing this popular and challenging high-performance dinghy. Dick Tillman tells you everything you need to know about the boat and how to set it up and sail it, including: Rigging and sailing the boat Trailering and cartopping Maintenance and storage Training and physical conditioning Upwind and offwind racing techniques Clothing and equipment Interviews with such champion racers as Hans Fogh, Ed Baird, Ed Adams, and Danielle Myrdal

Plus this updated and expanded edition gives you: The latest sail control and rig modifications Updated listings of major competition results New interviews with champion racers, including Olympian Mark Mendelblatt and Paige Railey on Radials

"A fine-tuned guide to everything anyone could ever need or want to know about the Laser."--"Sailing"

"This book will most certainly make you a better sailor and could help you become a champion."--"Soundings"

"This book is a must."--"The Little Ship"

"When we can't see what God is doing in us, it is usually because we can't see past what we are trying to do for ourselves."

Tormented by a childhood of which he has almost no memories, author W. R. Bennett strives toward a meaningful purpose in his life by attempting to align his strong will with God's will.

By supplementing his poor memory with years of writing poetry and exploring detailed notes from his running records, Bennett is finally able to decipher the reason for his insatiable hunger and addictive nature. He first recognizes his own behavior in the actions of his youngest grandson, but is clueless to its meaning until he begins a two-year writing odyssey. Slowly, he sees beyond the foolishness of his ways, hidden during fifty years as an addict in the prayer closet. When he finally steps into the light, Bennett can see the remarkable treasures from God previously obscured by his own shadow.

BASE 66 is the true, nerve-wracking account of three young skydivers and their quest for membership in the most select extreme sports club on earth: The BASE club. In order to become a full-fledged member, Jevto Dedijer, Bernard Poirier, and Scott Elder had to parachute from the top of a building, an antenna tower, a bridge and a cliff, and survive to tell the story--a feat only some 800 adrenaline addicted people have succeeded in doing. adrenaline rush. He and his companions shared several near death experiences while traveling across Europe with their parachutes and beer in Bernard's dented Renault 4. jumpers died in action. intimate friendship. It is an account of extraordinary people taking a step beyond the edge. fascinating BASE odyssey and his discovery of a way of life that surpasses artificial boundaries and provides lifelong inspiration.

How to Become a Successful Racer and Adventure Athlete
Why should you take a pair of sandals, a dollar bill, and a car antenna to your next adventure race? You'll find the answer to that question and many others in "Runner's World Guide to Adventure Racing." In this authoritative guide, Ian Adamson shares his insider secrets for training, racing, team building, conflict management, injury prevention, equipment repair, sleep management, and much more. Often referred to as the Michael Jordan of adventure racing, Adamson helps you navigate any type of adventure race, from short sprint race to full-length expedition.
In this guide, you'll find . . .
- Detailed training plans for recreational and competitive athletes
- Tips for running, hiking, biking, paddling, navigating, and climbing more efficiently
- A no-nonsense guide for what you need from the sporting goods store-- and what you don't
- Insider secrets for mending equipment and injuries while in the wilderness
- Adamson's nine favorite foods to pack in your race bag
You'll also read Adamson's humorous, touching, and downright chilling stories of life on the adventure trail. From sprint races to full-length expeditions, Adamson's expert advice will get you and your equipment to the finish line in one piece.

This comprehensive trail guide describes hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing routes on more than 200 miles of trails in New York State's legendary Shawangunk Mountain Range. The 50-mile-long Shawangunk Ridge features some of the most interesting and spectacular scenery in the Northeast. This well-known landform is located less than 90 miles from New York City and less than a day's drive from more than 40 million people. Much of the ridge is open to the public as preserve land and state park. The combination of beauty, countless recreational possibilities, and easy access make this one of the Northeast region's most popular weekend and vacation destinations. It is estimated that nearly half a million people visit the Shawangunks every year. Many come to hike, mountain bike, or cross-country ski the more than 200 miles of trails that crisscross the ridge. Now Jeffrey Perls has created this comprehensive handbook and guide, detailing how to get there and what to do on nearly every mile of trail. The Shawangunks Trail Companion is the first and only book to provide both a thorough description of the landform as well as a complete guide to its trails.

Of America's 680 designated wilderness areas, 200 are "pocket" wildernesses of fewer than 12,000 acres. These small wonders are wilder than most parks and forests, yet their size makes them more intimate and approachable than their larger counterparts. They are small enough to be thoroughly explored over a long weekend, but large enough to offer varied terrain and activities. And these pocket wildernesses are free from vehicular distractions, making the outdoor experience more pristine than that of a forest or park. This comprehensive guide provides complete recreational information for 20 pocket wildernesses in California, Oregon, and Washington. Each chapter has detailed trail information and descriptions of wilderness geology, flora, and fauna, as well as signature outdoor activities that surround the wildland, such as mountain biking, paddling, rock hounding, even whale watching Each chapter will include an activity table with information on what is available, as well as recommending family activities, nearby attractions, and lodging options. 50 black & white photographs, 20 maps, index.

Discover the joys of desert camping, hiking, and travel

Harsh, yet hauntingly beautiful; arid, yet teeming with life; inhospitable, yet profoundly peaceful--the earths deserts beckon the poet and the backpacker, the artist and the adventurer. If youre heading into the desert, however, you should know what to expect, what to look for, and how to withstand extreme desert conditions.

Richly illustrated with photographs and drawings, The Ultimate Desert Handbook is your complete guide to hiking, exploration, and survival in fascinating but unforgiving desert terrain. It gives you the crucial information you need to make the most of any desert sojourn, including detailed descriptions of North American deserts, their plants and wildlife, and their distinctive geological features. Youll also find the most comprehensive tutorial on desert navigation ever published and expert advice on equipment, safety, and first-aid techniques. Youll learn how to:

• Select the perfect desert campsite
  
• Manage your water supply
  
• Share the landscape with desert wildlife
  
• Maintain vehicles in desert conditions
  
• Protect yourself with the right clothing and equipment
  
• Be at home in a vast and elemental terrain
  

New in the Ragged Mountain Press Pocket Guides

A practical, packable source of clear, reassuring first aid advice, Wilderness First Aid is the only such guide written by a board-certified emergency medicine specialist.Wilderness First Aid presents 125 outdoor medical emergencies and succinct, step-by-step treatment advice. Arranged by symptom for easy access, treatments cover everything from blisters to broken bones, heat stroke to hypothermia, snake bites to poison ivy. Direct and to the point, Wilderness First Aids spread-by-spread design gets readers where they need to be quickly­­making calm, informed treatment decisions.

Craig Nelson has experienced places most people only dream about. He has walked the Great Wall of China; taught New Guinea cannibals how to dance; communed with a sign-language-speaking orangutan in Borneo; gotten into an altercation with the People's Liberation Army in Tiananmen Square; and taken psychoactive pharmaceuticals with a male witch in the depths of the Amazon jungle. In this vastly entertaining, often hilarious, and sometimes poignant book, he shares his global jaunts and haunts with armchair travelers everywhere.

Heres what reviewers said about the first edition of The Essential Outdoor Gear Manual

The trouble with outdoor equipment is that everyone has an opinion--one usually based on advertising hype, personal bias, or hearsay. Finally, heres a book that gives you all the information necessary to make objective buying decisions. This book, with its sound advice, will save you money and make you a better backcountry traveler.--Nancy Prichard, outdoor adventure journalist

Think about something that we all need, yet wed all hate to have to write a book about. After mouthwash, wed probably settle on gear repair and maintenance. Thank goodness Annie Getchell came along with her artists sensitivity for detail, a flair for language, and best of all, her wit. From repairing zippers to selecting green adhesives, she nails it and keeps us smiling the entire distance.--John Viehman, Publisher of Backpacker and Executive Producer and Series Host of Anyplace Wild

The Essential Outdoor Gear Manual has set a new standard for books about gear.--Backcountry

All of us should be grateful to Annie Getchell for creating what is the best book I have ever seen on caring for and repairing your outdoor gear. If you want to know how to make your gear last longer, you need this book. . . . This is the complete word on care and repair.--Adventure West

The big challenge with this sort of book is to make what is essentially an instruction manual into something thats pleasant to read, functional, and authoritative. Annie Getchell pulls it off.--Alan Kesselheim, writer and noted long-distance paddler

In Finding Their Stride, Sally Pont, a runner, teacher, and second-generation coach, tells of her first year coaching a co-ed cross country team to victory, both on and off the course. A surprising story of triumph, as well as an endearing tale of driven athletes, Pont shares the highlights and heartbreak of her young runners at Moravian Academy, a small, independent school near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Every page is infused with Pont's affection and respect for her runners, and as the season unfolds, we see the team beginning to find a new stride. While the boys struggle, the girls soar to new heights, going from last place to first. "Uplifting and engaging, Finding Their Stride is "about attaining and teaching excellence, whose metaphor happens to be a high school running team" (Kirkus Reviews).

Jim Dean, longtime editor of Wildlife in North Carolina , offers his personal observations on the pleasures and frustrations of hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor pursuits. Dogs That Point, Fish That Bite draws together fifty of the best columns that Dean has written for the magazine over the last seventeen years. The witty, sometimes poignant pieces are arranged into a loose chronicle of the sporting year, with a generous allowance for digression: the first is set in April, on the opening day of trout season, and the last tells of a New Year's Day spent alone in a mountain cabin. At first glance, hunting and fishing are the focus of most of the columns. Often, however, Dean is after bigger game. A crab that escapes the pot leads him to reflect on the capricious nature of life. The restoration of a cabin at the old family farm evokes memories of family and simpler times. And a May panfishing trip takes on the quality of ritual, performed by two old friends. The consistent theme uniting all the essays is the celebration of wild places and rural traditions that have become endangered in our modern world. |Fifty outdoor essays by Jim Dean, the longtime editor of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine and a noted outdoor writer and photographer. Here Dean shares his personal observations on the pleasures and frustrations of hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor pursuits.

This handbook on scuba-diving covers everything from what equipment to buy and which training courses to attend to basic health and safety measures. Specialty diving options such as underwater photography, wreck diving and ice diving are also covered. In addition, the marine environment is examined in detail in order to help divers gain a better understanding of the sea and the creatures which inhabit it.

Alaska is like no other state and few countries; men experience greater risk in her arms. This one-of-a-kind anthology captures the spine tingling adventures of daring men and women who venture into Alaska's vast wilderness and look death in the eye. "Danger Stalks the Land" relates gripping episodes of animal attacks, avalanches, aircraft disasters, fishing, hunting, and skiing accidents, and chronicles risky climbs and reckless mountaineering amid Alaska's fantastic peaks. Through exhaustive research and interviews, author Larry Kaniut has captured in one volume, the terror and beauty of man's attempt to explore a vast and unforgiving land.

Every year, the 9 million RV owners in the U.S. look for new and exciting vacation destinations. RV owners who arent content staying put will be inspired by journeys, such as: Southeastern Californias enigmatic deserts; Spectacular mountains on the Lewis and Clark route and a dozen more. Detailed trip maps, and insiders tips complete
information on campgrounds.

This book belongs in the backpack of any outdoor enthusiast because identifying rocks and minerals has never been more interesting or easy. Author Sid Wayland examines common minerals and elements, discussing their visible properties and chemical makeups as well as how to identify specimens through a number of tests that can be performed at home or in the field. Tests range from those as simple as scratching an unknown sample with a fingernail to those more complex in which platinum wire, charcoal blocks, a flame and chemicals are required. This book also describes how to make much more of the equipment needed for testing. Anyone with an interest in rocks, whether for pleasure or profit, will love this book.

This is the manual endorsed by professional guides, instructors, and recreational river runners everywhere. With comprehensive step-by-step coverage starting with the first run, it includes tips from top guides, outfitters, and instructors, plus the most complete guide to Class V rafting techniques ever assembled. This is the completely revised and updated successor to Bennetts best-selling manual, Rafting!.