Category: Sports

What type of holiday to take?

With rising prices these days, particularly airfares, forget foreign climes and take advantage of our glorious countryside on a cycling holiday. It’s environmentally friendly, good exercise and an ideal way to see the sights the UK has to offer. Depending on your preference, here are five suggestions of different ways to explore this magnificent country of ours.

Coastal

If you fancy cycling near the coast, maybe making time for a spot of sandcastle creation or a quick dip in the sea, Norfolk may be your answer. It lends itself to cycling in that it is a largely unspoilt county, reasonably flat and has many small country roads and lanes to make travelling around very relaxing and peaceful. There are lots of beautiful beaches along the 100 miles of coastline, including Holkham with 4 miles of white-gold sand and Cromer for incredible cliff-top views, a pier and of course the all important seaside fish and chips. Have a look at this cycle routes website for all sorts of suggestions of where to go in this marvellous county.

Family friendly

If you’re thinking of cycling with children in tow how about taking in Cornwall? There are 180 miles of track known as The Cornish Way which was opened in 2000 by Sustrans. Enjoy the family friendly rides, many of which are on the flat along old railway tracks or rivers, for instance the Camel Trail which follows the bank of the River Camel. This particular trail ends up in Padstow famous as Rick Stein’s base for all his seafood restaurants and cafes. What could be better than freshly cooked fish eaten in the open air overlooking the harbour in this cute little town? Sustrans has a very informative and thorough website about all of the trails so have a look here for ideas and to plan your routes.

Hard-core!

As the Tour de France will become partly a Tour de UK next year, it might be time to try out those punishing peaks in Yorkshire. The Pennines are a wonderful base for sightseeing and will test even the hardiest of cyclists. Have a look at Yorkshire’s Tour website for information on what peaks are included in Le Tour and suggestions of which ones to try if you’re feeling brave enough. There are also spectacular trails through the North Yorkshire Moors National Park as well, taking in heather-strewn moorland and parts of the Heritage Coast.

Countryside

If the idyllic English countryside is more your thing, Suffolk has a wealth of history just begging to be explored. There are museums, castles, nature reserves, almost anything keep the cyclist interested including a rather large number of village pubs to treat yourself after a hard day in the saddle. Whether you enjoy passing through pretty woodland and valleys or quaint villages and the rich architectural beauty of the medieval town of Eye, there are many beautiful areas to cycle through in this eastern county.

Guided holidays

If you’re not used to cycling or feel you’d like a little more support, you could try a guided holiday. There are many companies, for example UK Cycling Holdays, that will take all the problems and worry away. They can transfer your luggage from hotel to hotel, will be on hand in case you have any breakdowns and supply a qualified cycle guide to make it easy to get from breakfast to dinner with no stress in between.

The choice is yours

Whichever of these options you decide to go with, you are guaranteed to have a fascinating and healthy holiday. Just think, no queues at the airport, no missing baggage and everyone speaks your language. I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous time exploring all those as yet undiscovered parts of the UK.

As the winter season approaches, you are probably planning and preparing for your favourite winter sports and adventures. If so, here are some of the best destinations waiting to offer you unforgettable experiences:

1. St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is a picturesque town found in the Egadine Valley, Switzerland. Having hosted the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics, it is regarded as one of the best and most expensive ski resorts in the world. Every winter, it hosts numerous fascinating activities including hiking, ice hockey, skiing, snowboarding, and a captivating horse race known as the White Turf. The area offers luxurious hotels such as the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, Hotel Des Bains, Hotel Soldanella, and Hotel La Margna. It also houses some of Switzerland’s stunning attractions including the Segantini Museum, Leaning Tower, Bronze Bust of Johannes Badrutt, St. Moritz Design Gallery, and the Chesa Futura. You can get more information about St. Moritz by visiting http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/snowandski/switzerland/st-moritz/6753412/Ski-St-Moritz-resort-guide.html

2. Yabuli, China
Yabuli Ski Resort stands out as the most modern and largest ski resort ski resort in China. It is located approximately 180 kilometres south-east of Harbin. The resort is well-known for having hosted 3 international games: the Winter Asian Games in 1996, the National Winter Games in 2008, and the Winter Universaide in 2009. It usually offers freestyle skating, ice hockey, and snowboarding. Famous hotels near Yabuli include the Yabuli International Hotel, Xiang Farm Inn, and Yunding Hotel.

3. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen has a glamorous reputation for being the winter playground of famous movie stars, models, businessmen, and musicians. Its four beautiful mountains: Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, and the Aspen Mountain, are very suitable for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Aspen also offers vibrant nightlife opportunities with clubs such as Belly Up, Casa Tua, Ciga Bar, Caribou Club, Escobar, Creperie du Village, and the Finbarr’s Irish Pub. To know more about Aspen, please visit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/snowandski/usa/aspen/6717967/Ski-Aspen-resort-guide.html

4. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb is an expansive resort located about 126 kilometres north of Vancouver. Sitting on top of Whistler Mountain and covering an area of about 5,000 acres, it is considered the largest and most visited ski resort in North America. It offers 20 chair lifts, 4 on-hill restaurants, and a children’s ski school. Its Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which operates between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, holds records for being the longest and highest unsupported cable car in the world. For more information about Whistler Blackcomb Ski resort, please visit http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/

5. Courchevel 1850, France
Courchevel 1850 defines itself as the highest and most expensive ski resort in Les Trois Vallées (the Three Valleys). This epic winter sport destination offers very white snow and dozens of state-of-the-art sporting facilities. After you are through with skiing, snowboarding, or tobogganing, you can dance the night away at any of its cubs like La Taverne, La Taiga, Les Caves, or Le Remonte Pente. More information about Courchevel 1850 can be found at http://www.igluski.com/france/courchevel-1850_r25808

6. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
San Carlos de Bariloche is located on the foothills of the Andes in province of Rio Negro, Argentina. It lies on the southern shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake and is surrounded by the big and famous Nahuel Huapi National Park. It offers a lot of exciting winter activities including skiing, mountaineering, and trekking. With its luxurious restaurants and hotels such as Altuen Hotel Suites & Spa, Peninsula Petit Hotel, and Restaurant La Trattoria Della Famiglia Bianchi, be sure to enjoy mouth-watering dishes, a wide collection of local and exotic drinks, and comfortable accommodation during your stay.

Abseiling is such a versatile sport, you can abseil down pretty much anything, and anywhere. In this article I want to look at five of the most incredible abseils in the world. No mean trick, but I think the final list is an interesting mix, and may even inspire you to try some of them! Rather than pick one particular country, I went for a more eclectic look across the world.

First, then, Australia, a country that has more than its fair share of abseiling opportunities. This one, though, is the best of them all if you are into an urban abseiling:

7-storey Forward Run – Melbourne, Australia
There is no denying this is a unique experience. Here you have the chance to run down the side of a seven story building, face first. This type of abseil, also known as Rap Jumping, is one of the biggest thrills you are going to experience. This fully-supervised Rap takes place in the centre of Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria in Australia. what better way is there to get a view of this city and have some fun at the same time?

Next, the south Pacific Ocean:

Abseiling down a Waterfall – Republic of Vanuatu, South Pacific
Getting bored of abseiling down mountains and buildings or off another bridge? What about a waterfall? This particular adventure takes place on the island of Vanuatu, the spiritual home of abseiling. The small island nation is famous for its land-diving where participants throw themselves off bamboo platforms with only vines attached to their legs!

Once you have marveled at what the locals can do, why not shimmy off to the Mele-Maat Cascades in the Efate district of the island? This 50m abseil is through some of the most stunning waterfalls and cascades you will find anywhere in the world. One thing is certain, you are going to get wet attempting this one!

Thirdly, South Africa:

Table Mountain – Cape Town, South Africa
We’ve all seen pictures of this iconic mountain. It serves as the perfect backdrop to the beautiful city of Cape Town, south Africa and, at 1,000 metres above sea level, this abseil is a pure adrenalin rush. The highest commercial abseil in the world, you’ll get a chance to see the mountain and Cape Town as very few people have, as there is an overhang half way down the mountain that will leave you swinging free with the best bird’s eye view of the surrounding area you will ever get.

Now back to the South Pacific and New Zealand:

Lost World – Waitamo, New Zealand
Also known as New Zealand’s underground playground, the lost world is a series of caves and underground waterways that is beyond anything you can imagine. Picture a 100m abseil down from the cave mouth, you swing freely through waterfalls lit only by the light from above… This is the sort of rappel you dream about, and after the 30-minute descent you get to explore the magical cave system as well!

Finally, back home to Wales:

The Devil’s Gorge – Llanarmon-yn-lal, Wales
Closer to home, maybe, but exciting never-the-less. The Clwydian Range in north-east Wales is a mixture of heather clad summits overlooking limestone cliffs and gorges. The whole area is dotted with ancient hill forts and the beautiful towns of Llangollen and Corwen are close by. The Range offers hundreds of dramatic abseils, but the 35 metre abseil down into the Devil’s Gorge is the most exciting. Abseil down sheer cliffs into the dark recesses below where you can explore old lead-mining caves that stretch deep into the sides of the gorge.

The Olympic Winter Games 2014 are kicking off in Sochi, Russia, in Febuary and with the IOC announcing 12 fantastic new events are being added to the schedule, fans around the globe can barely contain their excitement. So what are these new event?

Freeskiing Halfpipe (men and women)

Using skis rather than a snowboard, competitors will be performing a daring routine of twists, flips and jumps on the halfpipe. To qualify for the final, athletes must complete two preliminary runs. The 12 athletes with the highest score for one run make it through, where once again there are two runs. The gold medal will be awarded to the athlete with the highest score for one run.

Freeskiing Slopestyle (men and women)

Combining the raw speed of downhill skiing with the liftoff skills of skateboarders is a foolproof method of attracting spectators and that’s exactly what the IOC have done in this event. Expect this to be one of the most popular events at the games.

Snowboard Slopestyle (men and women)

One of the most eagerly anticipated of the new events, the goal of athletes here is to perform a range of audacious tricks while getting the highest jump they can. Lots of the tricks comprise of spins, grabs and flips and are guaranteed to keep lucky spectators on the edge of their seats.

Snowboard Parallel Special Slalom (men and women)

In this slopestyle event two athletes compete against each other by racing down an identical course with obstacles. The gold medal is given to the athlete who can get to the bottom of the course in the fastest time.

Biathlon Mixed Relay

This is a wonderful ski team event where teams of two men and two women must race against each other and shoot one prone and one standing shot during their lap. The lap distances for women is 6km and for men it’s 7.5km, however, a penalty lap of 150m must be completed for every shot that is missed. The team with the lowest overall time at the end will be on the summit of the podium.

Women’s Ski Jumping

There was vociferous backing for this event to be included in the Winter Games and now it’s here. It’s an individual event for women with points awarded for distance and style of the jump. The winner will have the highest combined score from two jumps.

Figure Skating Team Event

This event takes place before the opening ceremony of the games with six skaters on each team; one male skater; one female skater; one skating pair and one ice dance couple. Points are awarded for each performance and the team with the highest combined score will be declared the winner.

Luge Team Relay

The luge team relay is expected to be one of the highlights of the Winter Games. Teams are comprised of one male luger, one female luger and one doubles team. What’s sure to spike the interest of the crowd is when the first luger makes it to the finish line they must hit a pad which opens a gate on the start line so the next team member can begin their lap.

All in all, the Olympic Winter Games 2014 are shaping up to be one of the most memorable and closely watched games in the competition’s history. If you want to be there to witness all the action, now is the time to get your tickets. It’s definitely an experience that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Abseiling is one of the most challenging and potentially dangerous activities that you can ever participate in. You have to do everything possible to mitigate the effects of gravity and falling as you strive to climb steep rock walls. In order for you to abseil safely and successfully, try the following smart techniques:

1. Get the Right Abseiling Gear

Buy all the necessary abseiling gear such as helmet, belay plate, gloves, defenders, ascenders, knee and elbow pads, a chalk bag, a rope, climbing shoes, and other protective clothing and learn how to use them. Do not go for the cheapest solutions even if you want to save money because you might end up regretting later. Visit a reputable local rock climbing store and ask for high-quality equipment. Make sure each equipment is a perfect fit; neither too loose nor too tight for you.

2. Warm Up and Stretch

Prior to climbing, it is very important for you to warm up and stretch your body for about thirty minutes. This will not only improve your flexibility and blood circulation, but will also make your ligaments, tendons, and muscles less susceptible to injuries during the climbing session. With increased blood flow to your muscles, you will also have enough strength to climb the rocks to the best of your ability. If you would like to know more about how to warm up, please visit http://climber.co.nz/79/feature/warming-rock-climbing

3. Preview and Read the Route

Climbing routes vary dramatically in complexity and once you settle on a particular ascent, it can be very hard for you to stop or return. Therefore, before you start climbing, take your time to visualise the sequences through the route from the ground to the top. Anticipate weight, grips, balance, and every move through the route. This will help you know where to hold and step and avoid dangerous spots as you go up.

4. Get the Right Grip

For you to have a perfect grip when climbing, you have to relax your mind and body. Getting anxious and over-gripping will only wear out your arms and make you weak. The greater the grip tension, the more the fluidity and smoothness in your climbing movement will get affected, which will in turn interfere with your climbing performance. Get into the habit of mentally checking your grip every now and then. This will allow you to calm yourself and re-check the basics so that you can think properly and remain conscious as continue climbing. For more tips on how to maintain a good grip, visit http://www.rockclimbtips.com/rock-climbing-how-to-climbing-training-on-gripping-technique/

5. Stay Close to the Wall

Keeping your body close to the wall not only increases the effectiveness of your footholds and minimises the amount force your arms need to grip the walls, but also decreases the distance you have to move in order to reach the next hold. This is the type of climbing technique used by professional abseilers such as the employees of Sussex Rope Access. Visit http://sussexropeaccess.co.uk/ to know more about expert abseiling from the company.

6. Find Rest Spots

Talking a rest once in a while allows you to gather enough strength and courage to cover the remaining distance. The best time to identify a rest spot is while you are still on the ground or as you ascend the route. A rest spot can be an edge to lean against or an overhang where you can place your knee.

7. Take a Good Fall

Whether you are a professional or novice abseiler, you will have to fall at some point as it is part of the game. Whenever you are about to fall, look down for a safe spot and then push yourself away from the wall. For more tips on how to fall safely, visit http://www.climbing.com/skill/how-to-fall/

Rock climbing and abseiling are two of the most popular pastimes that countless enthusiasts enjoy year-round. This adrenaline-packed sport requires skill, strength, endurance and nerves of steel. While this may cause some to shudder, others simply cannot wait to begin their next climb. Specialists such as the ones found on this website can attest to the excitement found, although their natural settings are replaced by the sheer facades of man-made buildings. Nonetheless, the rewards are plentiful; unforgettable vistas and the ability to partake in the beauty of nature from high above are only two of the reasons that so many are attracted by this adventure. In fact, the United Kingdom offers some spectacular regions of its own, and it is a good idea to take a look at a handful of the top locations.

The Peak District

This well-known location has more than ten thousand climbs currently recorded, and for good reason. There are two main types of rock here, and both vary in difficulty. Gritstone is the main feature of the northern area of the park. The nature of this stone allows it to possess many crags and footholds, thus it is ideal for novice climbers. The southern area and in particular White Peak is comprised mostly of limestone. This will prove more challenging, as there are less hand and footholds. This park presents unique opportunities for climbers of all skill levels and is a must-see for the abseiling enthusiast. More information can be found here.

The Lake District

This region actually contains the highest concentration of peaks and valleys in England. One of the key attractions here is that the Lakes of Cumbria add an extra measure of natural beauty and serenity while simultaneously allowing easy access to most of the best abseiling spots. As with the Peak District, the Lake District provides a variety of technical challenges that range from easy to difficult, as this website can help explain. Specific areas within this park such as Wasdale offer such iconic climbs as Pillar Rock and Scafell Crag that are both perfect for abseiling. In fact, one of the additional amenities that the Lake District offers are indoor climbing arenas should the weather prohibit outdoor activities.

Snowdonia

Located in northwestern Wales, Snowdonia is one of the most frequented climbing locations in all of the British Isles. What attracts so many climbers is the fact that this region is quite varied. Situated both on the coastline as well as inland, there are often times when it may be inclement in the mountainous areas and yet dry near the cliffs embracing the shore. Additionally, there are pre-bolted areas for abseiling and
sport climbing while locations such as the Ogwen Valley are perfectly suited for climbers that may wish to gain experience before attempting some of the more technically challenging areas as the Cenotaph Corner or the Llanberis Pass.

Glencoe

If we broaden our horizons a bit and journey over to Scotland, no abseiling trip wold be complete without experiencing these gorgeous valleys in the western Scottish highlands. This beauty is superseded only by the technical challenges that some areas offer. Although the rocks are mainly composed of porhpyry and thus provide a good deal of friction, Glencoe is said to be much trickier than it looks and even the most experienced climbers and abseiling aficionados find many locations quite challenging. A more detailed overview of this location can be found here.

These four locations are some of the most popular and respected regions in the United Kingdom for abseiling and climbing. Nonetheless, there are many other regions that are perfectly suited for climbers of all ages and skill levels. Offering unbeatable views and exciting climbs, it is no surprise that countless visitors frequent such areas throughout the United Kingdom year-round.

Abseiling is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with more and more accredited instructors becoming available each year. It seems throwing yourself from a high place with just a rope and harness for protection is the height of fashion: pun intended! Really though, it’s a fun activity and it will keep you fit. So, if you want to try it out, or you already abseil and want to see what it’s like doing it somewhere different, then this guide will tell you where to go for some really good abseiling action.

ENGLAND – THE PEAK DISTRICT

You can abseil down a building, which tends to be an activity carried out by individuals who want to make money for charities, or you can abseil from natural points, either to lower ground from a cliff, for example, or into a cavern underground. In England, an excellent place for abseiling is the Peak District, given that it gets its name from having so many peaks. With the right supervision and equipment, even a complete beginner can enjoy abseiling and, as it’s a suitable activity for wet weather, the English climate is no barrier to having fun. You can find out more from the website of one of the Peak District’s foremost activities companies.

WALES – SNOWDONIA

If you want to abseil in Wales, you know it makes sense to head for the range containing the highest mountain in Wales, Snowdonia, home of Mount Snowdon. Llanberis has a long history of climbing and abseiling, so you can drop from as high as 100 feet, whilst enjoying the breathtaking views. Children can have a go, under parental supervision, but no matter how experienced, or otherwise you are, Llanberis has locations of a range of difficulties, so it’s just as good for James Bond as it is for Mr Bean. If you’re new to the sport, there is plenty of advice about what to bring.

NORTHERN IRELAND – CASTLEWELLAN

Abseiling is a very activity popular in Northern Ireland, at least in part, due to the beautiful mountain scenery in the country. One of those mountainous areas is in County Down where, at Castlewellan, you can abseil from inland peaks or sea-cliffs, under the guidance of very professional and friendly trained instructors. For those who are looking for an adrenaline rush, there are jumps assessed to be at an eight out of ten level for the thrill-factor. Details of this and other locations in Northern Ireland are available online.

SCOTLAND – FORTH RAILWAY BRIDGE

As mentioned earlier, it is possible to abseil from man-made structures, such as tall buildings, as well as geological features and, in Scotland, where better to jump from than the 95 feet tall Forth Bridge in Edinburgh. Open to those over the age of eight, Scottish abseiling is a very well-run affair with highly professional trainers who will ensure everybody takes their safety precautions seriously so they can enjoy the experience without unnecessary worry. Charity abseils from the Forth Bridge take place regularly, with the proceeds going to the Chest, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Scotland.

One thing that all professional abseiling companies, and serious abseiling enthusiasts, have in common is training, experience and excellent equipment. For certain tasks, such as window-cleaning in a high-rise facility or for building-surveying, a professional rope access company, like Sussex Rope Access can supply operatives or teams to take on the jobs that can’t be done properly via a ladder or cherry-picker. Visit their website for more information and contact details.

Abseiling is the art of descending down a rock face using a rope. It is also known as rappelling and it truly is an art form. It requires dexterity and courage, and it requires good health and determination. Abseiling is not a sport for the faint-hearted, but once anyone begins it, it becomes a life-long addiction and can give many hours of pleasure and joy. It is also a technique used by climbers to access rocky facades of mountains. Crews can make use of abseiling strategies in their maintenance and repair work, or even to build rooms and roads in difficult terrains.

It is important to buy only the best gear while abseiling. Apart from the climber’s skills, it is his gear that will keep him safe and make it easier for him to go up the rocks. A lot of training is needed before one can be deemed ready to enjoy the sport in its full flair. At the same time, it is just as important to make sure that the gear is of the highest quality and is certified to be safe.

Ropes

People often use their climbing ropes during an abseiling session. It is, therefore, important to choose a rope, whether dynamic or static, based upon its degree of elasticity and other safety features. The ropes are generally covered with a protective layer and are multi-coloured. For anchor extensions and harnessing, a type of flat rope known as webbing is used. [http://www.outdoor-sport-leisure.net/climbing/abseiling.htm]

Carabiners

These are metal loops that act as connectors between the ropes. They have a screwed opening and some loops, which can also be used to join the webbing loops. They are also used as anchors once they are attached to the climbing ropes. It is also known as a biner and is normally made of aluminium. There are many different types of carabiners available in the market, and it is important to choose the ones built specifically for abseiling. [ http://www.abc-of-rockclimbing.com/info/carabiners.asp] Even for rock-climbing activities, different kinds of biners are needed for various scenarios. This, as a result, makes it quite important to seek some advice and suggestions from an experienced abseiling enthusiast before choosing the carabiner.

Belay Devices

The belayer controls the fall of a climber and also the movement of the ropes while climbing. The Belay device is used in unforeseen situations, such as the rock climber losing control and falling. In such situations, the Belay device applies friction to the rope of a climber and holds it in place during the fall. The right belay device is an important gear for all abseiling people and it should be used by the most experienced members of the group.

Harnesses

A climbing harness should be purchased once you are sure about the type of climbing you are going to get involved in or be a part of. Try it on before you buy it; it should feel comfortable and should function as a chair in thin air. It should not pinch into your body and it should not feel heavy and cumbersome, as that could restrict movements. Comfort and safety should be the first criteria while choosing a harness for rappelling.http://www.abc-of-rockclimbing.com/buying-guide/buyingguideclimbingharness.asp

Among the many other gears needed for abseiling are helmets – which once again should be well-fitted and should feel comfortable and firm; gloves, knee pads and elbow pads, and extra anchors for back-up. Preparing carefully and buying the right equipment will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable abseiling experience.

For anyone who is looking for extreme adventure, abseiling is an absolute must. This includes an adrenaline pumping activity where you descend down with a special rope. Traditionally, this involved only descending a rock face, but more and more commercial abseils exist today. Now, even buildings and skyscrapers are used to satisfy the thirst for thrilling recreation. Other choices for abseiling are waterfalls and caves.

Why Abseiling

Abseiling is not just a kind of sport that you can indulge in. It is also a unique way of interacting with the landscape. One of the reasons why abseiling is exceptionally popular is because it is easy to learn since there are no special skills required. With just a few lessons, a beginner can slide down the rope as if he or she is a master. Some helpful safety techniques can be found here: http://www.climbingtechniques.org/rappellingabseiling.html. If you are ready, here are the highest abseils you can try:

Arenal Volcano National Park

The trip starts from the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos in Costa Rica. After 30 minutes of driving, you will enter a flourishing tropical rainforest that surrounds the Arenal Volcano. Walk for a few minutes and you will see the first waterfall where you can start your abseil adventure. From the waterfall, you will descend into a striking canyon. This is one of the highest abseils where you will make five descents – four alongside the waterfall and one along a rock face.

St. George, Utah

If you are around St. George in the US state of Utah, you have a number of good spots to do your favourite sport. These include Zion National Park, Virgin River Gorge, Dixie Rock, and the Kolob Plateau. St. George features many sandstone rocks, which make the city a great place for descending. Most of the locations allow the climbers to access the very peak of the formations. You have two options here: you can either go down the rock formations or you can walk and climb to another peak where you can descend on another abseil.

Kaaterskill Creek and Falls

The creek known as the Kaaterskill Creek is located in Catskill, New York. This gorgeous creek is almost 26 miles long, but what makes it really interesting is the Kaaterskill Falls. The waterfall is renowned all over the world for being the highest abseiling location with two-tiered falls. It is also one of the oldest attractions in the United States since it has been featured in many books as early as the 19th century. This abseiling spot is definitely not for the weak-hearted as it features a 260-foot descent. You can learn more about Kaaterskill Falls here: http://gonewengland.about.com/od/nyattractions/ss/aakaaterskill.htm.

Egmont National Park

For those eager to travel around the world for some crazy abseiling, here is another location to try: the Egmont National Park in New Zealand. The national park is famous as it serves as the home of Taranaki Volcano, which is also known as Mount Egmont. Taranaki is considered as the most beautiful volcano in NZ simply because it bears a faultless shape. It last showed activity in 1775, but many of the NZ volcanologists believe that it is dormant and not extinct yet. Taranaki is almost 8,300 feet high, but it has a much shorter side on the south with almost 6,500 feet.

There are many tours that provide abseiling among other activities. These tours have professionals that will guide you if you are a newbie. You may have to make a reservation first and register. Do not forget to bring all the essentials such as gloves, ropes, and knee-pads. A complete list of abseiling gears can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abseiling#Equipment.