Just when you think there’s nothing new under the sun in extreme sports, the next big trend appears, and it’s always the next step up in intensity. Wingsuit skydiving has become increasingly popular in the last couple years, and all signs point to this trend continuing for the foreseeable future.

What is Wingsuit Skydiving?

Wingsuit flying, also called wingsuit skydiving, is an extension of skydiving and BASE jumping. The flier, also called a pilot, wears a jumpsuit that incorporates sheets of fabric between the arms and legs, similar to a flying squirrel’s webbing. A flight can be started from any point at sufficient altitude and space to achieve a stable glide, such as a plane or BASE jump platform.The concept first appeared in the 1930s, but were only used by stunt performers until the 1990s. In 1999, Bird-Man International Ltd. released the first commercial suit, but mainly focused on spreading the sport by offering training experienced skydivers. By the mid-2000s the sport had gained popularity, and now boasts professional teams and competitions.

How it Works
A jump can be broken down into three stages. Stage one is the launch. A pilot’s jump point will vastly change the technique used to enter into a stable glide. Stage two is the glide, wherein the pilot controls his descent by changing his body shape to adjust the air lift ratio. When the pilot has reached a predetermined altitude they deploy their parachute, and land using the same technique a BASE jumper or skydiver who had used the same launch point would.

The Art of Flight

Wingsuit skydiving has to be seen to be believed. Whether you plan to try this sport or not, it’s amazing to watch jumpers live what most of us have only experienced in dreams. Truly, it is the most elegant of all extreme sports, and these videos can take you with them.

So, You Want to Try It?
Make no mistake; this is a dangerous activity, and should only be attempted by highly experienced jumpers. Because of the complex techniques required for a successful flight, the United States Parachute Association recommends that only those who have made a minimum of 200 free-fall skydive jumps within the last 18 months, and a personal training session from a certified instructor, before attempting a flight. Suit manufacturers can point you toward a reputable instructor in your area.

Choosing the best Wingsuit for You

If you’ve made up your mind, and gotten the training, your final step is finding the right suit for you. Not all are made equal, and when your life is on the line, bargain hunting isn’t a great strategy. Enthusiasts always have their own personal preference, whatever the sport, and as you gain experience you will likely figure out what suit design best fits your flight style. But, there are industry favorites, and the following suits are all quality products, and are a good place to start when shopping for equipment.

• Best Wingsuit for Beginners: Prodigy 2 by Phoenix-Fly. This suit was designed for novice pilots and it’s simple design makes for easy assembly. Performance is stable, with predicatle maneuverability, which is ideal for learning refined control. The Prodigy also rates the longest potential wide distance of any beginner’s suit.
• Good Wingsuit: Phantom 2 by Phoenix-Fly. This suit is excellent for intermediate pilots who are ready to work on progressing their skills. It’s designed as a well-balanced suit that performs well in both BASE and skydiving jumps, and is equally comfortable for slow gliding and speed runs.
• Better Wingsuit: X-Bird by TonySuit. This high performance suit is meant for veteran pilots and caters to their needs. It’s arm and leg zips allow variable pressurization for adjusting the suit’s performance, and includes optional features designed to extend flight time and length.
• Best Wingsuit: Firebird-R by Bird-man. Designed by the company that started it all, this custom-built suit features the latest wingsuit technology, such as semi-rigged Mylar ribbing, which lets pilots push their limits against high G-forces. Intended for only the most skilled pilots, this is the suit for adrenalin junkies who can never get enough speed.

Featured Images By: By pictcorrect
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Some of the larger snowboarding contests include: the Air & Style, the X-Trail Jam, Burton Global Open Series, Shakedown, and the X Games.

The Ticket to Ride (World Snowboard Tour) is the largest culmination of independent freestyle events acting under one common Tour Flag. Officially recognized as the TTR World Snowboard Tour or simply ‘The TTR’, this culmination of Independent Freestyle Snowboard events has grown substantially over the last four years. Now in its seventh year, the TTR has a 10-month competition season including snowboarding events over four geographical zones. The Tour includes events like the TTR 6Star Air & Style, The Arctic Challenge and the US Open of Snowboarding.

Snowboarder Magazine’s Superparkevent was created in 1996. Over 150 of the World’s top pros are invited to advance freestyle snowboarding on the most progressive terrain parks.

By bobaliciouslondon

Tailgate Alaska is one of the sports most recognized and popular events. It is a backcountry gathering in Valdez, Alaska where riders challenge themselves in the worlds best mountains and snow conditions. It is a two week festival held every March–April. The legendary King of the Hill was also brought back by Tailgate Alaska founder Mark Sullivan and is considered the top free riding event in the world.

A wave of Anti Contests have taken over snowboarding including The Holy Oly Revival at The Summit at Snoqualmie, The Nate Chute Hawaiian Classic at Whitefish, the original anti-contest, the World Quarterpipe Championships and the Grenade Games.

One of the more unique and legendary contests is the Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom. Since 1985 it has been won by some of the biggest names in the history of the sport and continues to be an event that attracts the top riders from around the world. Terje Haakonsen and Karleen Jeffery are the riders that have won the most in the race with six wins each.

The North Face Masters of Snowboarding Brought a return to competitive big mountain snowboarding in 2008. This contest has included such notable competitors as Travis Rice, and Rob Kingwill with three stops throughout the western United States. The North Face Masters also has such luminaries as Tom Burt, Temple Cummins, and Andy Hetzel acting as judges for the event.

By nicobilou

USASA Snowboarding events

The United States of America Snowboarding Association (USASA) features three different divisions which include alpine, freestyle, and boarder cross. Alpine consists of giant slalom and slalom which is a competition in which the agility and ability to make sharp turns of the snowboarders are tested. Freestyle consists of slope style and half pipe. In boarder cross, the idea is to be the first snowboarder down the mountain where everyone is racing each other through an obstacle course of harsh turns and wipeout potential is very likely. The USASA has 36 regional snowboard series in which anyone can compete.

Featured Image By pincusvt

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FIM Motocross World Championship

The Grand Prix (or Motocross World Championship) is predominantly held in Europe with some “flyaway” rounds, recently in Chile, South Africa, Japan and the United States, but over its history it has visited numerous countries including; Indonesia, Australia and countries on both American continents. There are three classes: MX1, MX2 and MX3 (analogous to “450cc” and “250cc”, and “open”, respectively). Race day consists of two motos with a duration of 35 minutes plus two laps, while the series is longer, generally incorporating over 16 rounds.

AMA Motocross Championship

By pQbon

The AMA Motocross Championship (the “outdoor series”) season begins in early May and continues until mid-September, and consists of twelve rounds at twelve major tracks all over the continental United States. There are two classes: the 250 Motocross Class for 0–125 cc 2-stroke or 150–250 cc 4-stroke machines; and the 450 Motocross Class for 150–250 cc 2-stroke or 251–450 cc 4-stroke machines.

The AMA Motocross champions in 2010 were 250 – Trey Canard (USA), Christophe Pourcel(FRA) and Dean Wilson (GBR) 450 – Ryan Dungey (USA), Brett Metcalfe (AUS) and Andrew Short (USA)

Motocross des Nations

The annual Motocross des Nations (now called Motocross of Nations) is usually held at the end of the year when National and World Championship series have ended. The format involves teams of three riders representing their nations. Each rider competes in a different class (MX1, MX2 and “Open”). There are three motos with two classes competing per moto. The location of the event changes from year to year. The United States, Belgium and Great Britain have had the greatest success.

British Motocross Championship

The Maxxis British Motocross Championship is the main UK off road competition and organised into classes of MX1 and MX2. MX1 for is for 251cc to 450cc (fourstroke) and MX2 for 175cc to 250cc fourstroke motorcycles. In 2007 an additional youth class, the MXY2 class, was added to the programme at selected rounds.

A ‘Veterans’ series was introduced in 2009 with just two rounds but the demand for places was so high that from 2011 the Veterans series will have three rounds, held over six races.

Featured image By cole24_

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Water skiing is a sport where an individual is pulled behind a boat or a cable ski installation on a body of water, skimming the surface.

Water Skiing History

Water skiing began in 1922 when Ralph Samuelson used two boards as skis and a clothesline as a tow rope on Lake Pepin in Lake City, Minnesota. The sport remained a little-known activity for several years. Samuelson took stunts on the road, performing shows from Michigan to Florida. In 1966 the American Water Ski Association formally acknowledged Samuelson as the first on record. Samuelson was also the first ski racer, first to go over a jump ramp, first to slalom ski, and the first to put on a water ski show. He experimented with different positions on the skis for several days until July 2, 1922. Finally, Ralph discovered that leaning backwards in the water with ski tips up and poking out of the water at the tip led to successful water skiing. He was towed by his brother Ben and they reached a speed of 20 miles per hour. Samuelson also achieved the first ski jump on July 8, 1925. He used a greased 4’ by 16’ ramp. This made him the first ever water ski jumper. He then showed his new found sport to the United States for 15 years. He did this by shows and by teaching lessons. Then Samuelson went even farther and hooked up behind a WWI flying boat with 200 horsepower. He reached a speed of 80 miles per hour. That made him the first speed skier. Samuelson’s first equipment consisted of barrel staves for skis. He then tried snow skis and finally made his own design out of lumber he had bought. They were the first skis fashioned specially for water skiing. Samuelson made his bindings from strips of leather and the ski rope was a long window sash. The first patent for water skis was by Fred Waller. They were called Dolphin Akwa-Skees. Samuelson never patented any of his skiing equipment. The first trick ski was patented in 1940 by Jack Andresen. It was a shorter, finless water ski. In 1983 it officially became the traditional sport of Eruthempathy, a small village in India. Water Skiing became part of several tournaments and many water ski competitions were put together. As an exhibition sport, water skiing was included in the 1972 Olympics. The first National Show Ski Tournament was held in 1974. The first ever National Intercollegiate Water Ski Championships was held in 1979. The first competition for people with disabilities was organized ten years later, and called Home CARE US National Water Ski Challenge.

Water Skiing Technique

Water skiing usually begins with a deep water start, with the skier crouching down in the water. When the skier is ready, the driver accelerates the boat to pull the skier out of the water. A third person must be present in addition to the driver and the skier.  The third person’s job is to watch the skier and inform the driver if the skier falls. Communication between the skier and the people on the boat is done with hand signals. Speeds vary from 14 mph-36 mph for slalom water skiing; up to approximately 45 mph for barefoot skiing, and approaching 120 mph in water ski racing. The length of the rope will also vary widely dependent on sport discipline and skill level.

By Evil Erin

Water Skiing Types

Show skiing

Show skiing is a type of water skiing where skiers try to perform tricks somewhat similar to those of gymnasts while being pulled along by the boat. There are several different types of events that show skiing involves such as pyramids, ski doubles, jump, straps and swivel skiing. Show skiing is normally performed in water ski shows, with elaborate costumes and announcers. Water Ski Show teams may compete regionally or nationally. In the USA, each team member must be a member of USA Water Ski to compete. Show skiing has been around for over 60 years. The first show organized occurred in 1928.

Slalom skiing

In the context of water skiing, slalom means to use only one ski. A special slalom ski is used which has two plates, a front boot and either a toe plate, open binding, or another binding (similar to the front binding) behind the main one. The bindings are oriented so that both feet point forward, with one behind the other. Slalom skiing dramatically increases the speed, up to 58 kilometers per hour, and agility of the water skier.

Different techniques of tournament slalom skiing:

Carving

Leaning through wakes

Rounding buoys

Tournament slalom skiing

In tournament slalom skiing, a course is set up with buoys and water skiers are expected to navigate through and around six buoys using only one ski. Sanctioned competitions require official drivers and approved boats. A skier’s score is based upon the number of successful buoys cleared, the speed of the boat, and the length of the rope. The faster the speed and the shorter the rope adds difficulty to the task.

Trick Water skiing

Trick skiing is based on using a smaller, oval-shaped waterski that is smooth on the bottom in order for it to be able to turn over the surface of the water. This ski gives the skier a lot more freedom to perform tricks. Trick skiers can use either one or two skis.

Tournament trick skiing

In trick skiing tournaments, skiers complete either one or two 20-second runs during which they perform a series of their chosen tricks. The tricks are assessed and scored by judges, and the skier with the most points wins the tournament. The tricks are scored based on the difficulty of the trick and the way it is executed. They are also scored based on if they use one or two skis.

Water Ski Jump

The ski jump is performed on two long skis and skiers are towed behind a boat at fixed speed, using a ramp. This technique is used in competition skiing. In this category the skier must ski up and over a wooden ramp. The ramp can be a height of 5 or 6 feet tall. The speed of the boat varies but the maximum speed is 58 kilometers per hour. Professional ski jumpers can travel up to 250 feet (76 m) and hit the ramp at speeds up to 70 mph.

Water Ski racing

Water ski racing consists of a number of water skiers who race around a set course.

A team consists of a boat driver, an observer and one to two skiers, depending on the race. The driver will tow the skier behind a powerboat, varying the speed as different conditions are encountered, according to the driver’s knowledge of the skier, the observer’s ability to read the skier and the signals which the skier gives to the driver.

Barefoot Water Skiing

It is recommended to use a barefoot waterskiing suit instead of a lifejacket because the lifejacket can be bulky at high speeds. Barefoot skiers usually start out on a wakeboard and then drop the wakeboard once they get up. More advanced skiers use padded shorts instead of a wakeboard. Barefoot skiing requires faster speeds than regular skiing. Beginning barefoot skiers may start out using shoe skis rather than just starting without anything on their feet.

Safety Measures

There are many safety measures involved in water skiing because it is a dangerous sport. There should be a 200 foot wide skiing space and the water should be at least five or six feet deep. It is a good recommendation to know how to swim if you are going to ski, but even if you can swim you should wear a life jacket for safety. There are three important people when skiing: the skier, the boat driver, and the observer.

World record

The most skiers towed behind one boat is 114 by the Horsehead Water Ski Club in Strahan, Tasmania, Australia on 28 March 2010. Water skiing are popular extreme sports!

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Extreme Sports: Quad Bikes: Development

Three-wheelers

Honda made the first three-wheeled ATVs in 1970, which were famously portrayed in the James Bond movie, Diamonds Are Forever and other TV shows such as Magnum, P.I. and Hart to Hart. Dubbed the US90 and later—when Honda acquired the trademark on the term—the ATC90 (All Terrain Cycle), it was designed purely for recreational use. Clearly influenced by earlier ATVs, it featured large balloon tires instead of a mechanical suspension.

By the early 1980s, suspension and lower-profile tires were introduced. The 1982 Honda ATC200E Big Red was a landmark model. It featured both suspension and racks, making it the first utility three-wheeled ATV. The ability to go anywhere on terrain that most other vehicles could not cross soon made them popular with US and Canadian hunters, and those just looking for a good trail ride. Soon other manufacturers introduced their own models.

Production of three wheelers ceased in 1987 due to safety concerns: three wheelers were more unstable than quad bikes (although accidents are equally severe in both classes). A ban on sales of new or used three wheelers and a recall of all remaining three wheelers has been proposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Quad Bikes

Suzuki was a leader in the development of 4-wheeled quad bikes. It sold the first ATV, the 1982 QuadRunner LT125, which was a recreational machine for beginners.

Suzuki sold the first 4-wheeled mini ATV, the LT50, from 1984 to 1987. After the LT50, Suzuki sold the first ATV with a CVT transmission, the LT80, from 1987 to 2006.

In 1985 Suzuki introduced to the industry the first high-performance 4-wheel quad bikes, the Suzuki LT250R QuadRacer. During its production run it underwent three major engineering makeovers. However, the core features were retained. These were: a sophisticated long-travel suspension, a liquid-cooled two-stroke motor and a fully manual 5-speed transmission for 85–86 models and a 6-speed transmission for the 87–92 models. It was a machine exclusively designed for racing by highly skilled riders.

Honda responded a year later with the FourTrax TRX250R—a machine that has not been replicated until recently. It currently remains a trophy winner and competitor to big-bore quad bikes. Kawasaki Heavy Industries responded with its Tecate-4 250.

In 1987, Yamaha Motor Company introduced a different type of high-performance machine, the Banshee 350, which featured a twin-cylinder liquid-cooled two-stroke motor from the RD350LC street motorcycle. Heavier and more difficult to ride in the dirt than the 250s, the Banshee became a popular machine with sand dune riders thanks to its unique power delivery. The Banshee remains popular, but 2006 is the last year it was available in the U.S. (due to EPA emissions regulations); it is still available in Canada, however.

By erickespinosa

At the same time, development of utility quad bikes was rapidly escalating. The 1986 Honda FourTrax TRX350 4×4 ushered in the era of four-wheel drive ATVs. Other manufacturers quickly followed suit, and 4x4s have remained the most popular type of ATV ever since. These machines are popular with hunters, farmers, ranchers and workers at construction sites.

Safety issues with 3-wheel ATVs caused all ATV manufacturers to upgrade to 4-wheel models in the late 1980s, and 3-wheel models ended production in 1987, due to consent decrees between the major manufacturers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission—the result of legal battles over safety issues among consumer groups, the manufacturers and CPSC. Recently the CPSC has succeeded in finally banning three wheeled ATV’s.

Models continue, today, to be divided into the sport and utility markets. Sport models are generally small, light, two-wheel drive vehicles that accelerate quickly, have a manual transmission and run at speeds up to approximately 80 miles per hour (128.75 km/h). Utility models are generally bigger four-wheel drive vehicles with a maximum speed of up to approximately 72.5 miles per hour (116.37 km/h). They have the ability to haul small loads on attached racks or small dump beds. They may also tow small trailers. Due to the different weights, each has advantages on different types of terrain.

Six-wheel models often have a small dump bed, with an extra set of wheels at the back to increase the payload capacity. They can be either 4-wheel drive (back wheels driving only), or 6-wheel drive.

Racing Model Quad Bikes

Sport models are built with performance, rather than utility, in mind. To be successful at fast trail riding, quad bikes must have light weight, high power, good suspension and a low center of gravity. These machines can be modified for such racing disciplines as motocross, woods racing (also known as cross country), desert racing (also known as Hare Scrambles), hill climbing, ice racing, speedway, Tourist Trophy (TT), flat track, drag racing and others.

Quad Bikes: Land Usage

In some countries where fencing is not common, such as the US, Canada and Australia, a huge percentage of quad bikes riders knowingly cross privately owned property in rural areas and travel over public/private properties, where their use is explicitly limited to trails. Subsequently, environmentalists criticize ATV riding as a sport for excessive use in areas biologists consider to be sensitive, especially wetlands and sand dunes and in much of inland Australia.

While the deep treads on some ATV tires are effective for navigating rocky, muddy and root covered terrain, these treads are also capable of digging channels that may drain bogs, increases edimentation in streams at crossings and damage groomed snowmobile trails. Proper trail construction techniques can mitigate these effects. Studies have also shown that quad bikes may help in the spread of invasive species. Because both scientific studies and U.S. National Forest Service personnel have identified unregulated Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) as the source of major detrimental impacts on national forests, the U.S. Forest Service is currently engaged in the Travel Management Process, wherein individual forests are restricting all off-road motorized travel to approved trails and roads.

Quad Bikes: Sport Competition

Throughout the United States and the United Kingdom there are many quad racing clubs with enduro and quadcross sections. GNCC Racing began around 1980 and includes hare scramble and enduro type races. To date, events are mainly held in the eastern part of the United States. GNCC racing features many types of obstacles such as, hill climbing, creek and log crossings, dirt roads and wooded trails.

ATV National Motocross Championship was formed around 1985. ATVMX events are hosted at premiere motocross racetracks throughout the United States. ATVMX consists of several groups, including the Pro (AMA Pro) and Amateur (ATVA) series. Friday involves amateur practicing and racing on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday also involves racing for the Pro Am Women and Pro Am Unlimited classes. Sunday involves racing for the Pro and Pro Am production ATVs, but are scored separately. On average weekend over 500 racers will compete.

Championship Mud Racing/CMR saw its infancy in 2006 as leaders of the ATV industry recognized a need for uniformity of classes and rules of various local mud bog events. Providing standardized rules created the need for a governing body that both racers and event promoters could turn to and CMR was born. Once unified, a true points series was established and lead to a national championship for what was once nothing more than a hobby for most. In 2007 the finalized board of directors was established and the first races were held in 2008. Currently, the CMR schedule includes eight competition dates spanning from March to November. Points are awarded throughout the season in several different competition classes of ATV and SxS Mud Racing. The 2008 year included Mud Bog and Mudda-Cross competitions, but the 2009 and future seasons will only have Mudda-Cross competitions. Classes range from 0–499 cc to a Super-Modified class which will allow any size ATV in competition. The ultimate goal of The CMR is “to see the growth of ATV Mud Racing as a competitive sport and give competitors a pedestal upon which they can receive the recognition from national media and industry sponsors that they have long deserved.”

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