Short and sweet: Micro adventures for kids
Australian Geographic » How To
by Justin Walker
1w ago
Fireworks blast from somewhere up the beach. I wait to hear cries from my six-month-old son sleeping in our tent, nestled in dunes. There’s not a sound. I continue ringing in the New Year with friends, one ear on our increasingly raucous conversations, and the other on my firstborn. I had been certain that our son wouldn’t sleep in a tent, on sand, surrounded by festivities, and nervous we wouldn’t make it to nightfall, given we had to use a four-wheel drive (4WD) to reach our campsite. And yet he proved me wrong, and I learnt very quickly how adaptable kids are. Since then, family life has re ..read more
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Paddle Pulse: The science of kayak design
Australian Geographic » How To
by Justin Walker
2w ago
Once you’ve spent some time navigating waterways by sea kayak, you’ll quickly realise how crucial your gear is to your paddling experience. Delving into the science and engineering behind the perfect kayak isn’t just for curiosity’s sake; it’s vital practical knowledge that will help you choose the right kayak, matching the style of your paddling adventures. Choose your kayak style First let’s explore the two primary types: sit-on-top and sit-in kayaks. Sit-ons are fantastically user-friendly, ideal for leisurely paddling and warm conditions, offering easy re-entry from the water. Sit-in kayak ..read more
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Paddle Pulse: 7 top tips for efficient paddling technique
Australian Geographic » How To
by Justin Walker
2w ago
As we’ve said in previous Paddle Pulse instalments, there’s nothing quite like kayaking to get you outdoors, exercising and up close and personal with nature and wildlife. But before you dip your paddle for the first time, familiarity with some basic concepts and techniques can help you save energy, prevent injury, and ensure your time on the water is memorable for the right reasons. For seasoned kayakers, the ins-and-outs of paddling technique can become quite a science, but for those new to the sport, these essentials will be plenty to get you started.  1. Paddle orientation Yes, your p ..read more
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Paddle Pulse: 7 top tips for efficient paddling technique
Australian Geographic » How To
by Justin Walker
1M ago
As we’ve said in previous Paddle Pulse instalments, there’s nothing quite like kayaking to get you outdoors, exercising and up close and personal with nature and wildlife. But before you dip your paddle for the first time, familiarity with some basic concepts and techniques can help you save energy, prevent injury, and ensure your time on the water is memorable for the right reasons. For seasoned kayakers, the ins-and-outs of paddling technique can become quite a science, but for those new to the sport, these essentials will be plenty to get you started.  1. Paddle orientation Yes, your p ..read more
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Into the deep: The ultimate guide to freediving
Australian Geographic » How To
by Justin Walker
2M ago
For some, the idea of submersing themselves below the surface of the ocean for minutes on end, on just one breath, is enough to scare them out of the water altogether. But for others, it is an act that’s a peaceful and joyous meditation on life itself. Welcome to the world of freediving.  Such is the latter for Dylan Boag and Lara Hindmarsh. This dynamic duo run Woebegone Freedive in Jervis Bay, on the New South Wales Shoalhaven Coast (read about our big Shoalhaven adventure here). Both are dedicated to sharing their passion for the underwater world there – an ocean of dolphins and fur se ..read more
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Wheels of power: All you need to know about e-mountain bikes
Australian Geographic » How To
by Justin Walker
2M ago
The reason for the e-xplosion is clear: E-mountain biking (eMTB) is incredible fun. These bikes completely redefine the horizons of what you can do on a mountain bike and who can do it. An eMTB lets you ride further, explore more, fit more trails into the same ride time, spend more time descending not climbing, and take on terrain that would be near impossible on a conventional bike. Importantly, by lowering the fitness barriers to entry, these bikes open the sport to people who otherwise would not have considered mountain biking.  But is it mountain biking? The presence of e-bikes on the ..read more
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Find your way: Outdoor navigation with a map and compass
Australian Geographic » How To
by Justin Walker
2M ago
Little magnetic needles have been pointing the way for explorers and adventurers for centuries. Despite the constant advance of technology, and many premature predictions about the demise of the classic compass, this brilliantly simple instrument, which harnesses one of the universe’s fundamental forces to ensure accurate navigation, is still the weapon of choice for outdoors people who want to know where they’re going. Oriental orienteering and Bjorn again genius The Chinese invented the technology that underpins the magnetic compass as long ago as 200 BC, although back then it was used as a ..read more
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Paddle Pulse: Sea kayaking and wildlife encounters
Australian Geographic » How To
by Justin Walker
3M ago
It’s hard to describe the mood or sensation that comes over a group of kayakers when we experience a wildlife encounter on one of our expeditions. While putting ourselves on the water and kayaking in these wild places obviously increases our chances of these encounters, they are still by nature unpredictable, and that serendipity never fails to delight – even for me after decades of paddling all over the world. There are usually a few whoops or gasps in the group, before the moment takes over and a quiet awe descends as we become spectators and guests in this beautiful, wild moment. It might b ..read more
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Get the drift: The ultimate guide to canoeing
Australian Geographic » How To
by Justin Walker
4M ago
Canoeing has been around for thousands of years and, other than the materials they’re made from, modern boats are not all that dissimilar in design to the vessels originally used by indigenous populations the world over. These days, a traditional canoe is called a C-boat, or a Canadian, and it has an open-top design, unlike a K-boat (a kayak) which has a covered top. Most canoes are around five metres (17 feet) in length and are paddled by one or two canoeists, each with a single-blade paddle. There are various canoe designs and boats are made from a wide range of materials. The style of canoe ..read more
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Gimme shelter: A guide to the family tent
Australian Geographic » How To
by Justin Walker
5M ago
The humble tent is still the most popular accommodation choice for road-tripping families, offering plenty of shelter bang for your bucks, whether for a weekend escape or that epic around-Oz adventure. The wide variety – large and tough canvas tourers; multi-room family palaces – adds credence to that cliché of the buyer being spoiled for (nearly too much) choice. Nothing beats getting away for a few nights (or preferably longer) camping with the family. It is a brilliant way to relax – made even more so when you know your accommodation setup for those nights away is reliable and well-proved ..read more
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