HAPPY NEW YEAR ADVENTURERS... HERE'S TO ANOTHER GREAT YEAR!

Another Year of Adventure...

My fellow Adventurers,

As we bring to close another year in the history of our lives, let us not look back and wonder what could have been... but look forward to what will be. We will have plenty of time for looking back when we are old, gray, and reminiscing with grandchildren.

The Human Spirit of Adventure has always been about moving forward and meeting challenges... from the early days when Columbus sailed the Atlantic in search of a new world, to the first moon landing, to Felix Baumgartner's super-sonic Base-jump from the edge of space, adventurers have always followed the road less traveled.

A wise man once said, "Tomorrow is the first blank page in a 365 page book... Write a good one."

We here at Human Spirit of Adventure plan to write a great one, and we hope that each and every one of you do as well. May all of your dreams come true in 2014, and may all of your adventures be exciting!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

CASTING CALL: REALITY SHOW NEEDING ADVENTURE DUOS

Story House Productions is Casting for Reality Adventure Show...

From time to time, we here at HSA are sent requests to post casting calls. Most times we don't because things sound a little fishy, or the production company can't be researched, or whatever. Well this time it seems like we were sent a legit request so we will post it here... 

Story House Productions is a television production company based out of Washington D.C. and is casting an adventure show--they are searching for a male duo who will compete in international challenges around the world... Read the call below...

 CALLING ALL ADVENTURERS!!!

Are you adventurous? Are you athletic? Do you accept crazy challenges?! If the answer to all three of these questions is, 'HECK YEAH!' then we want to hear from you! 

We're looking for unique male duos that love extreme sports, will try anything once, like to crack jokes all day, and have a “balls to the wall” type personality to engage in insane challenges all over the globe.

...you've got to be ATHLETIC enough to compete in life endangering events, FUNNY enough to be a host personality, and last but not least, you need to be HANDSOME men in your late 20’s to early 40’s. That's right good-looking, I'm talking to you!

Please submit if you’re a good-looking dynamic duo--you can be brothers, cousins, or best friends whose personalities compliment each other (and if one is more outgoing and willing to do absolutely anything while the other is more hesitant...perfect!)

You could end up on our new TV series travelling the globe--and you'll have a few bucks in your pocket too! If you can do all of this while having a great sense of humor and a pint or two of booze, please submit to this call by emailing castingSHP@gmail.com with pictures of you and your duo, video of the two of you doing something crazy (if possible) and a paragraph statement about your relationship, how you met, and the adventures on which you like to embark.

**You must have a duo in mind to apply. No solo submissions will be accepted.

--End of Call--

Thanks for your consideration,

Story House Productions

So there you have it... good luck to those who apply!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM HSA...

Merry Christmas from Human Spirit of Adventure...

We here at Human Spirit of Adventure have had an awesome year of adventure. We consider ourselves fortunate to have been able to share some of our adventures (and misadventures) with all of you. We could not do this without your continued readership and love of adventure.

Tis the season for all of us to count our blessings, share our love, and be thankful for all that we have... I know that for me personally, I am very blessed for the friends that I have, the family that I enjoy and the life that I lead. I am sure you all are too.

HSA wishes each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a very Happy New Year!!!

Adventure is anywhere you find it!!!

VIDEO: IGW 2014 PROMO

IGW 2014 Is Coming...

Time is coming soon for the 3rd annual International GoPro Weekend. Our friends at The Goworld Project are already setting the stage for what is quickly becoming one of the biggest yearly events in adventure sports.

Read this blurb from their website...

What is International GoPro Weekend? IGW is an annual 3-day event in which we ask GoPro fanatics from around the world to film something using their GoPros. We then compile the footage they contribute to make a movie that shares our concurrent experiences from this 72 hour window… International GoPro Weekend! For IGW2012 we had 37 people from 14 countries submit content! For IGW2013 we had 127 people from over 40 countries. IGW2014 promises to be even bigger!

When is International GoPro Weekend? The 3rd annual IGW (aka IGW2014) will be held March 14, 15, and 16. Holding the event over a period of three days gives everyone the flexibility to pick a day to film that’s most convenient for them. However, it is NOT a requirement that your clip be filmed during this period; we just strongly encourage you to film on these three days, so that we can share our concurrent experiences.

How do I participate? To officially sign up, please send an email request to: IGW2014@GoWorldProject.com. We will respond with more details about the event, specifics about the content desired (resolution, fps, subject nature), general guidelines and how to go about submitting your clip(s) once IGW2014 has taken place. DON'T FORGET... we give out a ton of prizes at random for participation. In years past, we've given out: SD cards, GoPro accessories, stickers, posters, a HERO3 Silver and Black Edition!!! (Shouts out to GoPro for hooking up the cameras and gear!)

Check out the Promo Video Below!!!

LAST MINUTE GIFTS FOR THE ADVENTURER

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Adventurer

With Christmas less than 2 weeks away, one question comes to mind... What to get for the adventurer?

There are many, many ideas... from backpacks to ski poles to climbing ropes, but here are a couple of ideas (3 to be exact) that you might not have thought about, with a bit of uniqueness to them.

1. Biolite Camp Stove

The BioLite Wood Burning CampStove combines the benefits of a lightweight backpacking stove and an off-grid power charger so you can cook a meal while charging your gadgets. The Campstove is the perfect solution for both the backcountry campsite and also Emergency Preparedness Kits.

No Fuel to Buy or Carry: Our stoves cook your meals with nothing but the twigs you collect on your journey or in your backyard, eliminating the need for heavy, expensive, polluting petroleum gas. Quick to light, fast to boil and easy to use.

• Charge your Gadgets: By converting heat from the fire into usable electricity, our stoves will recharge your phones, lights and other gadgets while you cook dinner. Unlike solar, BioLite CampStove is a true on-demand source.
• Stay Green: By using renewable resources for fuel instead of petroleum, you're reducing your carbon footprint. You'll also keep fuel canisters out of the landfill.
• Be Prepared: The CampStove isn't just for camping; it's great to have when the power goes out in a storm or other natural disaster. You'll be able to cook and keep electronics charged while power lines are down. No need to worry about your local store being sold out of propane, the CampStove is designed to run on any biomass.
• Support a Better World: We're using the same technology inside the CampStove to bring clean, safe energy to families across the developing world.
• Have Fun: Like a campfire, you can sit around the CampStove and watch the flames dance as you roast marshmallows and tell stories with friends.
• How it Works: Using BioLite's patented thermoelectric technology, the BioLite CampStove converts heat to electricity that powers a fan to make the fire ultra-efficient. Extra electricity can be used to charge small electronics like mobile phones and LED lights.

You can find it HERE

2. Solar Powered Illuminating Bottle

This innovative bottle may be the ultimate travel multitasker. The one-liter, TritanTM, BPA-free plastic bottle is perfect for carrying water, but its wide mouth also makes it an excellent water-tight container for your valuables, and the volume scale printed on the side makes it handy for mixing.

But the real twist is in the lid: sealed inside the cap are four super-bright LEDs and one red LED (for night vision), along with a reflective lens that turns your plastic bottle into a brilliant camp light.

It's powered by a small, high efficiency FastSolarTM panel, so there are no batteries needed - ever! Features adjustable wrist or bag strap. Made in China. Available in red or smoke color.

You can find it HERE

3. MSR Quick 2 Cooking System

COOK LIKE A THREE-STAR CHEF AND EAT LIKE A KING.

You and friend can eat like kings when you pack the MSR Quick 2 Cooking System along on a backpacking trip. A combination of uncoated and nonstick hard-anondized aluminum pots allows you to pick the right tool for your particular cooking style, and the included bowls, plates, and mugs give you the tools to enjoy your feast. Nest all the small components inside the 2.5L pot, throw the lid on, and the whole deal fits nice-and-neat inside your pack.

• Hard-anondized pot is highly durable, lightweight, and big enough to store the entire eating system nested inside
• Hard-anondized non-stick pot combines the benefits of lightweight material with the cooking advantage of a non-stick coating
• Pot lid has a built in strainer to make cooking pasta or veggies even easier
• DeepDish plates keep big meals or soup contained, and the polypropylene material is easy to clean
• Talon pot handle makes it safer and easier to grab the pot while cooking
• Insulated mugs keep hot beverages hot, and include lids have built in sipping spouts
• System includes a single 2.5-liter pot with strainer lid, a single 1.5-liter nonstick pot, two polypropylene plates, one pot handle, and two insulated mugs with lids.

You can find it HERE

Hope fully we gave you a few ideas... now go get something for the adventurer in your family... or for yourself!

RECAP - DESTINATION: COLORADO

Red Rocks - Photo: HSA

Colorado is Adventure Paradise...

In our last post, Destination: Colorado, my girlfriend, my son, and I embarked upon an extremely long road trip from Corpus Christi to Denver CO.

As with any road trip, it had it's pitfalls. We started out early Saturday morning. Since an arctic front had blown into Texas, we had the rare opportunity to drive South Texas roads that were covered in ice. Originally being from Albuquerque, I was fortunate enough to remember how to drive in these conditions. We drove for 10 arduous hours, not making near the headway that we should have. Ice, holiday traffic, and a 40 MPH headwind slowed us considerably. Around 5:00PM we had to settle in at a cheap hotel in Plainview TX for the night. Rooms were full at all of the better hotels due to the road conditions, so CHEAP was all we could find. I spent most of the night sipping on wine and worrying if I would contract lice and bedbugs...

The next morning we awoke early and got back on the road.

MORE STORY AND PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP

DESTINATION: COLORADO

Destination: Colorado... Epic Adventure Awaits

So my girlfriend, my son, and I have decided to take a little road trip for the Thanksgiving holiday. Our destination... Colorado.

My girlfriend has family there and badly wants to see them, and being adventurers as we are, we decided it would be great to take a little road trip. Little is an ambiguous term as it is about 1100 miles one way.

Aside from seeing her family, we look forward to hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, as well as other potential adventures in and around the Denver area. Not to mention, the adventure of the road trip itself. I am particularly looking forward to hiking and/or biking the Red Rocks/Dakota Ridge area. Living in Corpus Christi at sea level, there is no real way to prepare for the possibility of altitude sickness, so all safety precautions will be in place and we will save the strenuous stuff toward the end of the trip.

We depart Corpus Christi on Saturday November 23 and plan to return on Sunday December 1... I will try to provide updates as we go, but will definitely have a recap of the adventure when we are done.

Happy Turkey Day Everyone!!!

VIDEO - HIGHWAY IN THE SKY - PT. 2

BASE Jumping Video - Highway in the Sky Pt. 2

Professional skydiver Rob Pelon and our friends at Negative 4 Productions have just released another video, Highway in the Sky Pt. 2

These guys are doing some amazing things. Check out the wonder, the beauty, and the adrenaline as you soar with Rob in this video!

EXPEDITION: LAGUNA MADRE - UPDATE

Expedition: Laguna Madre - Update

In our previous post we gave a few more details about the upcoming kayaking expedition in which HSA could be involved. We now have a few more (See flyer below).

This event is in dire need of a "Title Sponsor" as well as other sponsors if it is to get off the ground. As previously mentioned, it is a paddle for charity. 

That charity is the Volunteer Services Council for the Corpus Christi State Supported Living Center. This charity is in support of people with intellectual disabilities such as autism, Downs Syndrome, and other mental health issues. For over 40 years, the VSC has been improving the lives of those who reside at the Living Center (formerly known as Corpus Christi State School). 

The monies from this charity go to various things for those with the disabilities like purchasing Christmas presents, trips to the local fishing pier, and trips to the movies... as well as countless other things.

For more details or to sponsor/donate contact:

Judy LaPointe - Community Relations Director

361-443-5184

Jalapointe76@gmail.co

Check out the flyer below, and please pass it along to anyone who may be interested in donating or sponsoring... it is for a great cause.

 

VIDEO: WINGSUIT PILOT JEB CORLISS LANDS "FLYING DAGGER" STUNT

Wingsuit Pilot Jeb Corliss Lands Flying Dagger Stunt

Jeb Corliss, the 37 year old adventurer piloted a wingsuit today through the crack in Langshan Mountain, in Zhejiang Province, China, to complete the "flying dagger" jump.

The fissure is only about 25 feet across between a 900-foot-tall column of rock.

After the jump, Corliss stated, "This is the greatest thing I've ever done up to this point. I am just so, so happy that we were able to do it," 

"I was really worried that it wasn't going to happen. I was sure it wasn't going to happen. I've no idea. I just didn't want to disappoint everyone."

"The Chinese have been so nice to me. The Chinese government has been so wonderful. I just didn't want to disappoint everyone."

We at HSA have followed Jeb for quite awhile and we encourage you all to watch this video and be inspired to go out and do something adventurous.

VIDEO: TERRAFUGIA TRANSITION FLYING CAR

Car of the Future - Terrafugia Transition

When I was growing up, we were promised a future with flying cars. We all imagined the skies would be full of flying cars before the year 2000.

Almost a decade-and-a-half later, we wonder, "Where are the flying cars?"

Not to worry, they are on the way.

Aviation/transportation company, Terrafugia, has finally created a fully functional flying car. It can drive at highway speeds, be kept in a one-car garage, and fly at speeds of 100MPH. The car has all the safety features of a modern autombile such as airbags, crumple zones, and the works.

Don't just take our word for it... check out the video below for details and see this thing in action.

EXPEDITION: LAGUNA MADRE

Image courtesy of Leftray.com

Expedition - Laguna Madre

In our last post, "Expedition: Preliminary Talks", we hinted at an upcoming kayaking expedition in which HSA could be involved. The time has come for a few more details.

The concept of this yet-to-be-named expedition is a 120 mile kayak trip through the Laguna Madre in South Texas (see map below). HSA Founder, Joe Vulgamore, will paddle the three-day trip on a SOT touring kayak, camping at certain points along the way.

Still in the very early preliminary talk/planning stages this expedition is a paddle for charity event. The early concept is to raise funds for persons with intellectual disabilities. Until certain legal aspects are taken care of, we are not allowed to use the name of the charity in this post.

Basically though, the idea is for people to donate money for each mile paddled. The charity's Community Relation Director is working out the details on that, as well as trying to line up sponsors for equipment and gear, as well as a Title Sponsor for the adventure.

Plans are also in the works to obtain media partners. Everything from planning meetings and pre-expedition training to resupply points and POV video, will be video documented along the way and eventually put together as a full-length documentary.

The preliminary date for this expedition is early April 2014.

At this point, we can't say any more about the trip other than we, as well as our founder, are stoked and honored to be asked to be a participant in this event!

 Below is a map of the Laguna Madre with the tentative start and stop points, as well as the route through the Lower Laguna, the Intercoastal Waterway land cut (Saltillo Flats), and into the Upper Laguna.

Stay tuned for more info my friends!!!

EXPEDITION: PRELIMINARY TALKS

Expedition - Preliminary Talks Underway

Human Spirit of Adventure was lucky enough today for our founder to be involved in preliminary talks of a major expedition...

We cant release any details at the moment, but it is safe to say that with the proper funding and sponsorship, this will be an off the chain journey.

At this point in time, all we can say is that the expedition involves one of these***. 

More Details to come as time goes by... Stoked!

Image courtesy of Malibu Kayaks

*** Brand of kayak to be decided

WINGSUIT VIDEO: LUCID DREAMS 3

Amazing Wingsuit Video - Lucid Dreams 3

The long awaited, much anticipated wingsuit video, Lucid Dreams 3 dropped today, completing an amazing trilogy of skydiving videos.

Luke Hively, wingsuit BASE jumper and part of the Dallas Base Crew, stars in this spectacular adventure sport video that truly captures the human spirit of adventure.

Words cannot describe what you will see here... just watch the video and try not to drool on your laptop. Make sure to watch in HD... you'll be glad you did.

TIME WARP TUESDAY - ANOTHER FREAKIN VIDEO

Video from the Vault - Another Freakin Video

Good Morning!

Time for another Time Warp Tuesday...

Once again we feature another Texas surf video. This one is appropriately titled "Another Freakin Video"

Enjoy!!!

Another Freakin Video from Sirfur Productions on Vimeo.

TIME WARP TUESDAY - TEXAS SURF 9-3-10

Video From The Vault - Bob Hall Pier 9-3-10

Welcome to another Time Warp Tuesday!

Today's video was shot EXACTLY three years ago today in Texas at the infamous Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi.

Enjoy!!!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND - END OF A SEASON

Photo - HSA

The End of Summer is Here

Labor Day Weekend is upon us; the traditional North American weekend that, for all intents and purposes, signifies the end of summer.

While the calendar may say otherwise, for most school children, parents, and vacationers the season is done.

The long weekend is the last opportunity for many to enjoy one last day at the beach, one last weekend camping, or some other adventure before the fall season will be upon us.

While Fall and Winter have their own grandiose adventure opportunities such as skiing, snowboarding, winter hikes and such, it is Summer that has always allowed many of us the most joy.

So as we say goodbye to a spectacular season, HSA asks everyone to do something fun this weekend... do something challenging... give yourself a reason to say that you enjoyed the summer...

In fact, it could be a perfect opportunity to take us up on the HSA Challenge... either way, leave a reply to this post, or hit us up on our Facebook page and tell us what you did with your Labor Day Weekend.

As we here at Human Spirit of Adventure are quite fond of saying, "What Will You Do???"

 

WARRIOR WOUNDS...

Photo: HSA

Warrior Wounds - Post your Pics

Warrior wounds... we all get them. To an adventurer, its just part of the lifestyle. Cuts, bruises, blisters, and broken bones, while painful at the time, eventually remind us of the things we've done and the places we've been. Scars serve as a trophy for pushing ourselves to go farther and higher.

I got this one while sending a little boulder in one of the city parks on Padre Island. It seems someone had fun breaking beer bottles at the top of the boulder...

HSA would love to see pics of your warrior wounds!

Post pics of your wounds on our Facebook Page and tell us how you got them... It's not adventure without a little blood!

www.facebook.com/Humanspiritofadventure

What Will You Do???

TIME WARP TUESDAY - HURRICANE IKE

Video From The Vault: Aftermath (Hurricane Ike 2008)

Today's Time warp Tuesday takes us back to 2008 and Hurricane Ike.

This video from HSA predecessor Texas Surf TV, shows some Texas waves and the destruction left along the coast by that massive storm.

Watch and Enjoy!!!

Aftermath from Sirfur Productions on Vimeo.

TIPS AND TRICKS: FOOT CARE FOR ADVENTURERS

Photo Courtesy: takealonghike.com

Take Care of Your Feet

There is no tool or equipment more essential to an adventurer than their feet. If your feet are not healthy, it rips the fun out of any adventure.

No matter the sport, if you hike, ski, swim, bike, surf, or anything else, your feet are essential to achieving your goals. 

When I was going through Army basic training at Ft. Benning GA and the first 20 mile road march was coming up, the Drill Sergeants gave us all plenty of good advice about preventing and managing blisters. They suggested keeping our feet clean and dry, wearing two pairs of socks, using mole skin on the hot spots, changing socks during the march, and finally (believe it or not) wear pantie hose. Yes, pantie hose.

Naturally, a bunch of testosterone-filled, infantry trainees were going to have no part of wearing pantie hose... till the second road march came along. As it turned out, pantie hose help considerably in preventing blisters and also improve circulation to the legs.

These days however, technology has much improved socks, boots, and other things that will help prevent blisters on your feet, but certain needs still must be addressed... like proper fitting footwear and keeping your feet clean and dry.

BMC out of the UK has a great article on their website about help with foot care on the trail. 

Their article explains some of the painful details about friction blisters, risk factors, prevention, treatment, complications, and more...

Check it out at the link HERE... Warning: Graphic pics ahead

Take care of your feet adventurers... they are an essential resource!

ROAD TRIP: SOUTH PADRE WRAP UP

Photo: HSA

Road Trip Wrap Up: South Padre Island

As mentioned in our earlier post, we found ourselves on a road trip to South Padre Island for a little fun and adventure. It was a nice getaway.

We set out on Friday around noon on the 3 hour drive to our destination. When we arrived we were greeted by the beautiful blue water of SPI's end of the Laguna Madre. Traffic wasn't too bad as we crossed the Queen Isabella Causeway and ventured into town to check in at the hotel.

The room was not quite ready when we arrived so we stopped in at a local B&G for a cocktail and chips with salsa while we waited. The weather was hot and breezy with the taste of excitement in the air.

After checking in, we cruised around town seeing the sights and eventually made our way to Isla Blanca Park for a little beach time and a healthy swim. Afterward we returned to the hotel for showers and proceeded to dinner at Louie's Backyard. We were seated at a perfect table to view the regular Friday night fireworks display, which was fairly impressive. We enjoyed the outdoor dining atmosphere and ate our fill on the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet.
I highly recommend Louie's if you are ever in South Padre.

After dinner and a few more drinks, we went back to the hotel to rest up for the next day.

On Saturday we awoke ready for breakfast. We ate a nice little breakfast at a quaint little outdoor spot with a beach view and a total island vibe.
Afterward we made our way back to Isla Blanca for a day at the beach. The original plan had called for surfing, but the tropical disturbance that had been brewing in the Yucatan had fizzled by Saturday morning and the waves were not to be had. So we made up for it with a day of relaxing on the beach, drinking Sangria, and enjoying the beautiful blue waters of the southern Gulf of Mexico.

Sunday morning called for us to pack our bags for it was the last day there. But not all adventure was lost. After breakfast we boarded a catamaran and set off into Laguna Bay for a snorkeling adventure.
The bay had amazing clarity and we were able to enjoy the abundance of sea life. See a couple of screen grabs below...


It was a great trip for a weekend getaway. I lead an island lifestyle regularly, but it was great to get away from my regular beaches for a bit. Adventure is around every corner... all you have to do is look!

Photo: HSA

ROAD TRIP: SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

Courtesy - Mexicotime.net

Time to Hit the Road...

I love a good road trip! Hitting the road to a destination that will bring fun and adventure is a part of the human spirit. 

The road calls us. It beckons us. Indeed it is etched in our spirit just as it is etched into the landscape.

This weekend a road trip will lead me to South Padre Island for a weekend of fun and adventure on the white sandy beaches of South Texas. Adventure awaits with a decent surf forecast, blue waters for snorkeling, and maybe even parasailing if the opportunity presents itself.

Will update later with pics and a wrap up of the trip...

Mahalo!

TIME WARP TUESDAY: VIDEO FROM THE VAULT - Liners 2010

Video From The Vault: Liners - 2010

It is time for Time Warp Tuesday... this is where we at HSA do a throwback kind of thing and post up something from past adventures.

Never heard of it?

That's because this is our first time...

Today we are posting a video from HSA's forerunner, Texas Surf TV. This video is appropriately titled "Liners".  It features a fun little bit of surf... Texas style! Filmed at Packery Channel in Corpus Christi TX during the Spring of 2010.

ENJOY!

Liners from Sirfur Productions on Vimeo.

TAKE THE HSA CHALLENGE: What Will You Do???

Take the HSA Challenge!!!

What is the HSA Challenge you ask? Well, simply put, We here at Human Spirit of Adventure challenge our blog readers, our Facebook followers, and indeed the world, to put a little adventure into your lives. All too often people are bound to their desks, chained to their cell phones, or glued to the TV. Many of those people say to themselves, "If I only had the time I would do ______." Yet, for some reason, they never do.

In comes the HSA Challenge...

We challenge you, our readers and fans, to add some adventure to your lives and document it for the world to see. Here is the concept...

• Pick at least one day each week to do something adventurous
• Document the adventure with photos or video
• Share the adventure with us on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Humanspiritofadventure)
• And (most important of all)... HAVE FUN

That all there is to it...

Pics do not have to be professional quality... they can be shot with a cell phone in the crappiest conditions. Vids don't have to be professionally shot or edited... this is NOT an editing contest.

This is about human beings breaking away from self-imposed bondage and servitude by injecting fun and adventure into their lives. It's about rekindling that spark down deep within all of us. It's about showing the world that the human spirit is still alive.

I hope that you will all join us in this endeavor...

VIDEO: "LIFE RECLAIMED" Trailer 1

Here it is! The first trailer from the HSA Documentary "Life Reclaimed". "Life Reclaimed" is an inspirational adventure documentary based on the premise that "Nature is Greater than Therapy". It covers the story of a man who lost everything he worked a lifetime to aquire and his fight to reclaim his life from depression, devestation, and lonliness by getting back to his roots in adventure sports.






 
HSA Trailer1B from Sirfur Productions on Vimeo.

GET EARLY PREVIEW OF "LIFE RECLAIMED" TRAILER

GET EARLY PREVIEW OF "LIFE RECLAIMED" TRAILER

The first trailer for the HSA adventure documentary "Life Reclaimed" drops on August 1, 2013.

HSA is offering an early preview of the trailer and it's easy to get.

All you have to do is go to our Facebook Page, "Like" us, and send a message requesting to see it... we will send you a link to view it. 

That's all there is to it folks. So hit us up and we'll hook you up!

Mahalo!

HSA DOCUMENTARY TRAILER TO BE RELEASED...

HSA Documentary Trailer to be released August 1...

HSA is happy to announce that we will be releasing the first trailer of our adventure documentary on August 1, 2013.

Although filming is still ongoing, we thought we would release a little teaser for you soon.

No plot spoilers though...

Stay tuned to our blog and Facebook page for chances to get an early viewing.

FOUR DAYS TILL THE IGW2013 RELEASE - An Early Look

Graphic Courtesy of GoWorld GoPro Project

IGW2013 - An Early Look

With 4 days remaining till the release of the IGW2013 movie, we here at HSA were lucky enough to get a sneak peak of the completed project.

All I can say is WOW!

This is a great piece of work from Adventurer/Filmmaker Mike Cook and Negative4 Productions.

This film features GoPro video from approximately 127 contributors from around 30 countries all shot on the same weekend. It has everything from biking, to wingsuit flying, to rollercoasters... and much, much more.

The GoWorld GoPro Project is doing a limited number of early viewings for the fans... send an email to GoProWeekend2013@gmail.com to be included in a drawing for an early viewing... You won't regret it!

Watch it, and then get ON it!

INTERVIEW: 10 QUESTIONS WITH IGW FOUNDER MIKE COOK

International GoPro Weekend Founder Mike Cook

Interview - IGW Founder Mike Cook

Today marks the release of Trailer #2 of the upcoming IGW2013 movie. International GoPro Weekend movies have become a great benchmark in adventure films and we here at Human Spirit of Adventure are fortunate enough to score an interview with IGW's founder Mike Cook.

Mike is an adventurer/filmmaker out of Colorado who we at HSA consider ourselves lucky enough to have developed a friendship with over the last several months... Read the interview and see the new trailer below...

1. Tell us, what is the IGW? In a nutshell, IGW is an annual 3-day event where GoPro fanatics from around the world capture something with their camera during this 72 hour window. They then submit their footage and I make a movie that shares our concurrent experiences from this one weekend… International GoPro Weekend. IGW is the most central event of our community, the GoWorld GoPro Project. Our community is here to have fun together, all while sharing our stories with the world using GoPro cameras. IGW is one of those avenues.

2. What inspired the IGW? In 1986 David Elliot Cohen made a book called “A Day in the Life of America.” The theme: photographers, professional and amateur, all take a photograph on the same day. He then complied the photos and made a book showing what was going on in America on this one day. It was a really simple premise, but it always struck me as powerful. That, and well, I’m actually in one of the pictures. My older sister submitted a photo that made the final cut. I decided to borrow this theme, only using GoPro cameras. As for this theme of sharing concurrent experiences during a specified duration of time, it has gone on for a while. In 2011 Ridley Scott, YouTube, and National Geographic made an online movie called, “Life in a Day”, that had this same theme, but using video. “Life in a Day”, hmmmmm, I wonder where they got that name and idea?

3. When is the IGW2013 film set to debut? July 15, 2103

 READ MORE AND SEE THE TRAILER AFTER THE JUMP

DESTINATION: ADVENTURE - Recap

Photo: HSA

HSA Expedition Recap

Our adventure to the Oklahoma outback was exciting, fun, beautiful, and at times, quite grueling.
We started off leaving our home in Corpus Christi at about 2:00PM on Friday June 14 and drove straight on through to our destination in the Arbuckle Mountains.

We arrived at approximately 1:00AM and slept for a few hours in the jeep waiting for first light to set up our camp. As the first signs of light began to glow, just before the yellow ball peeked it's head above the horizon, we sat up our base camp and prepared for a long hike to the waterfall.

After several hours of hiking we reached our destination. There we found a beautiful 77' waterfall with an inviting natural swimming hole. As it was extremely hot out, I took a dip in the hole while 2 of my companions waded in the shallow stream created by the overflow.

After the swim, we ate lunch and began the trek back to base camp... all the while capturing footage for the HSA documentary. The hike back to camp was equally grueling. Once we were back, we sparked the fire and began cooking our dinner before laying our weary heads to rest.

The following morning, I sat out on an extreme hike to find the source of the creek that eventually lead to the waterfall. It was an arduous journey, full of rugged and steep cliffs, rocky ledges, and thick overgrowth that I had to climb and bushwhack my way through. The end result was worth the 3 day round trip as I was left with a sense of accomplishment, blessed with beautiful scenery, and the euphoria that can only come with being at one with nature.

On the 5th day, it was time to restock supplies and recharge the electronics. Shooting footage for a documentary deep in the middle of nowhere poses certain challenges, like hiking certain areas 2 or 3 times in order to place cameras, get the proper footage and angles. Afterward a break was much needed With my Dad living in Oklahoma, it was a natural choice to rest at his house before embarking upon the second part of the adventure.

READ MORE (and see photos) AFTER THE JUMP...

DESTINATION: ADVENTURE - Update

Photo: Human Spirit of Adventure

After 4 long days in the rugged backcountry, we are back to civilization for a day. We need to restock supplies and recharge all of the electronics... shooting footage for a documentary deep in the middle of nowhere poses certain challenges. It has been a great experience so far and looking forward to the rest of the journey.

Thus far we have hiked miles and miles of rugged terrain, done 4 river crossings, and been bitten by every bug known to mankind. Tomorrow we should reach our final destination and enjoy the serenity and watersport action of Lake Eufaula.
We will have a full journey update upon our return, so stay tuned...

DESTINATION: ADVENTURE... 5 DAYS AWAY

5 Days and Counting...

In five days, we here at HSA will set of on a week long adventure. An adventure that will encompass multiple adventure sports.

On the agenda is miles and miles of rugged backpacking,  hiking, climbing, cave exploration, and freshwater snorkeling... topped off with rivers, waterfalls and spectacular views.

This adventure will be filmed on GoPro cameras as part of HSA's upcoming documentary tentatively titled "Life: Reclaimed"

We are gearing up and beginning the final week of preparation for this adventure. We will try to post some photo's along the way on our Facebook page and have a full blown recap right here on the blog upon our return.

See you then!

DOUBLE DISAPPOINTMENT... BRITAIN'S OMM CANCELED

Photo: prlog.org

Original Mountain Marathon A NoGo...

STORY BY: MICK LORD

Last weekend I was all packed, tent, rucksacks packed with the lightest gear I could find, car ready to go bed early on Friday evening for a very early start Saturday to arrive at the Original Mountain Marathon Lite early on Sat morning ready to go.

Checked the website for any last min stuff as I got up on the Saturday to find the following message posted on the site:-

Dear Friends

It is with great regret we announce the cancellation of this weekend's OMM Lite and OMM Bike.

We will provide a full refund to all participants, however, for those of you who wish to join us the camping is free for the weekend and the meal for Sunday is also free. Hopefully you can then enjoy this beautiful part of the country as individuals rather than as an organised event.

All of us at OMM are incredibly disappointed that this has happened and wish to extend our sincerest apologies to all of you who have been inconvenienced.

We are in he process of personally calling all entrants to fully inform them of the situation. If you have any questions then please place a comment and we will answer as soon as possible.

Thank you for all your support

The OMM family,

Andy, Tom, Matt, Stu, Iain and Giles


We were really disappointed, but know that cancelling any event is not an easy decision, so we were left with a free weekend at the last moment.

On the Sunday we went to participate in a 3hr navigation trail race in the South Yorkshire Hills so all was not lost, we covered a very hilly 22k and would have been a bit more had it not been for a big dog that didn't want to let us through his field. Our course for the 3hr event http://connect.garmin.com/activity/314915831.

I had also arranged during the week to take a flight in a hot air balloon but this was also cancelled due to the high winds :(

Myself and Jack have another 2 day mountain marathon coming up in early July in the beautiful Lakedistrict area of the UK, we will let you know (hopefully) how we progress on that one. http://www.slmm.org.uk/ We will be doing the BEDAFELL CLASS for parents and their children.

OUTLOOK: 2013 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON

NOAA Predicts Active Hurricane Season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an "Active to Extremely Active" Hurricane Season for 2013.

As a surfer on the Texas Coast, hurricane season is a chance for world class waves. As an Emergency Manager (my day job), hurricane season is a nightmare. So I'm torn between two worlds here. Nonetheless, with warm water temps, no El Nino, and the African monsoon, it could get interesting one way or the other.

NOAA is giving a wide prediction of 13 to 20 named storms, 7 to 11 of which could become hurricanes, with 3 to 6 becoming major storms rated Category 3 or bigger.

READ ABOUT IT HERE

Who knows what will happen... but one thing is sure, we will put a "Hurricane Tracker" on the blog when the season starts so you can keep up to date and stay prepared... for either surf or evacuation.

Peace Out!

PRAYERS GO OUT TO OKLAHOMA...

Photo Courtesy AOL Weather

Prayers Go Out To Oklahoma Tornado Victims

HSA would like to extend our prayers to the victims and survivors of, what is being touted as "The most destructive tornado in human history", that ripped through Oklahoma on Monday.

Oklahoma holds a very personal sentiment for me as my father and several other family members reside there... fortunately none were in the path.

As a kid I grew up fishing, camping, and hunting with my cousins in the blackjack oak groves and rolling hills of Oklahoma. Swimming in the cold waters of Turner Falls and Sulphur. Later, I was stationed for a time at Ft. Sill and learned to water ski on Lake Latonka.

This summer, Oklahoma is one of the filming locations of the upcoming HSA adventure documentary.

So, to all Oklahoman's... Our prayers are with you. Stand strong. We will see you this summer.

MICK LORD AND SON TO RUN BRITAIN'S MOUNTAIN MARATHON...

Mick Lord and son Jack

HSA Blogger Mick Lord and Son Jack to Run Britain's Original Mountain Marathon

Featured Guest Blogger Mick Lord returns... this time Mick and his son Jack will take on England's Original Mountain Marathon.

Here is Mick's take...

"This weekend 18th-19th May will see myself and my son Jack taking part in the 2 day Mountain Marathon in the Peak District National Park in the heart of England.
This is (by us) being looked at as an entry level multi-day Mountain Marathon as Jack who is 15 (nearly 16) has never run one, it is seen as an entry level because we don't have to carry all our gear with us there will be a static over night camp, we just have to carry the essentials, water, food, spare clothes and waterproofs.
We have entered the short course, this is 5 hrs Saturday and 4 hrs Sunday to visit as many check points as possible during that time, this is a step up for Jack as the longest race he has taken part in before has been 3 hrs so we will need to conserve some energy, and get our eating and drinking right.
I will send a short write up after the event to let you know how we get on."

The OMM Lite is a 2 day pairs event that will provide a good season opener for experienced competitors and more accessible entry to Mountain Marathon running for newcomers to the sport. Sharing an event center with the OMM Bike,competitors returning to camp will only need to carry navigation and safety equipment.

Here is a link to the OMM... http://theomm.com/event-series/omm-lite

Get ON it Mick... We look forward to your write up after the event!

VIDEO: GRYLLS INTERVIEW WITH FREE-CLIMBER KEVIN JORGESON...

Video: Bear Grylls Interview with Free-Climber Kevin Jorgeson

The Discovery Channel's "Adrenaline Lab" hosted by Bear Grylls interviewed free-climber Kevin Jorgeson about taking on El Capitan.

Check it out below...

POLL: BEAR vs LES... YOU DECIDE

Image courtesy: thelulznews

Poll: Bear Grylls or Les Stroud

For several years now, there has been an ongoing, sometimes heated debate about televisions ultimate survivalist. Is it Bear, or is it Les? This debate is not without merits on both sides, and will go on as long as either of them has any significance in today's modern TV era.

The only way to truly end the debate would be to drop them both, buck-naked, together into an extreme situation, with no cameras, no water, nor anything else, and see who makes it back alive. Even still, if either is the survivalist we all think them to be, they would quite likely band together and return with both alive.

You've all heard the arguments... you've all heard the rhetoric... You all have your opinions. So for the sake of doing it one more time, who do YOU think is better?

Vote in the poll below, then leave your comments, but please keep them clean.

VIDEO: FREE-DIVING IN THE CAVES OF OAHU...

Free-diving in Oahu's North Shore

Cave diving has always produced amazing imagery in photo's and video.

The light plays beautiful games with the shadows and colors to create something that always feels surreal... maybe even alien... to the eyes of the viewer.

Below is a video shot by Makai Creative that definitely gives us a wonder view of the underwater world of Hawaii's North Shore.

You've seen the North Shore is many a surf video, now experience it's splendor and beauty from below... 

The Ocean Is My Playground: Cave Diving from Makai Creative on Vimeo.

HSA's FACEBOOK GRAB BAG GIVE AWAY...

Help Us Reach 250 Likes on Facebook...

Did you know that Human Spirit of Adventure has a Facebook page?

HSA is trying to reach a goal of 250 "Likes" by August 1.

If we reach this milestone, HSA will give away a grab bag of goodies to one of the 250 fans. The fan will be chosen at random.

"What's in the grab bag..." you ask?

We keep adding things to it all of the time, but currently we have included such things as a surfboard key-chain  a couple of bars of surf wax, a bunch of different stickers, a koozie, and a flashlight... there will be much more accumulated before the August 1 deadline.

Will you be the lucky winner? The only way to have a chance is to "Like" our Facebook page.

Get ON it!