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Hobby of reading books

Reading Journey


Book Reading- A Best Hobby


Hobby is Essential 

Each and every person is familiar with the word ‘hobby’. It actually means a person doing something very passionately in his free time for fun. Everyone has something or the other as hobby that can be from sleeping to something really creative and useful such as making an electronic item.
CREATIVE and NON-CREATIVE
Hobby depends on the age of the person. It’s quite normal to have or grow a different interest according to one’s age as well as mind.I feel, sleeping, watching T.V., gossiping and many other non-creative activities are just useless time consumption. May be they are fun but the happiness is momentary. It fails to boost up energy for the next important task. Non-creative hobbies make one feel lethargic and they work as addiction. The hobby which pumps energy for the next work makes it more enjoyable.Happiness from creative activity is always long lived. It is actually doing something what one loves to do without getting bored and even enhances knowledge, is in true sense a proper hobby. Time is very valuable then why to waste it, right.
Today, I would like to share something about the age old practice- story book reading. I know it is a very common hobby and an extremely popular choice. Thus, further discussion on this subject without something extra would make it mundane. I assure you, it will definitely have its own x-factor.
A habit of reading books cannot be developed in one day. Parents and teachers have to play a major role in developing this passion from childhood. Narrating bedtime stories to children are very common practice but to develop a love for the books, it is necessary that one should read it himself.
The reading habit can only be formed after a certain age when a kid starts recognizing the alphabets and gradually learns to read. Well, the preparation for the reading habit can easily start during the pre-learning stage.
It is a must that the parents and teachers must read out stories from books with full of colourful pictures which spontaneously draws the child’s attention. This makes the child quite inquisitive and definitely starts going through the book page by page. It enhances the picture observation power and enables the child to understand the described situation.
This benefits the child in three ways:
1) Kid learns situational conversation. Starts using the sentences of the story books in the similar situation.
2) Word power increases.
3) Starts craving for more and more books.
The craving for books is the foundation stone for the hobby of book reading. It develops in many folds with the ability to read and then it further mounts up with the fluency and flawless reading.
Constant flow of books - Here again, the parents and the teachers have a daunting task ahead. The flow of books should not be stopped. There must be a constant supply of books at regular intervals, failing to do so the child will lose interest in the newly grown attraction for books. Non-availability of books will lead to a saturation point and the hunger for books will have an untimely death.
Once the demand of required books gets fulfilled the interest of reading books reaches such a point where any reading material keeps the child engaged. Comics, children’s magazine and children’s story book to start with in the early age and later on with growing age books remain unlimited. According to one’s subject of interest the books are unnumbered due to the great number of authors with their thinking cap on.
Quality reading - One more thing is to be kept in mind by the parents and the teachers at the time when the quest of reading starts rising, the young readers must always come across a quality reading stuff. At this point of time the choice factor should critically be taken care of. Once it is dealt with sincerely and effectively and a proper quality taste for books is developed then the basic guidance gets over. It’s time when the parents and the teachers can easily take a back seat leaving the young ones with a constructive base and them to walk ahead in search of a formidable future.
FUN and KNOWLEDGE
Book reading hobby is genuinely a unique hobby. Once this becomes a hobby there is no scope to get bored. Rather, one gets upset if the book options are missing. This hobby brings forth unparalleled knowledge and creates a healthy environment. It’s a hobby which is a mix of fun, pleasure and deep knowledge. To create this hobby a beginning is to be made by the parents and the teachers with extreme patience. Just experience it.
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Hobby of reading newpapers

My  Hobby
 
My hobby is reading. I read story books, magazines, newspapers and any kind of material that I find interesting. This hobby got started when I was a little boy. I had always wanted my parents to read fairy tales and other stories to me. Soon they got fed up and tired of having to read to me continually. So as soon as I could, I learned to read. I started with simple ABC books. Soon I could read simple fairy tales and other stories. Now I read just about anything that is available.
Reading enables me to learn about so many things that I would otherwise not know. I learned about how people lived in bygone days of magic and mystery. I learned about the wonders of the world, space travel, human achievements, gigantic whales, tiny viruses and other fascinating things of our world.
The wonderful thing about reading is that I do not have to learn things the hard way. For example, I do not have to catch a disease to know that it can kill me. I know the danger so I can avoid it. Also I do not have to go deep into the jungle to learn about the tiger. I can read all about it in a book.
Books provide the reader with so much information and facts. They have certainly helped me in my daily life. I am better equipped to cope with living. Otherwise I would go about ignorantly learning things the hard way.
So I continue to read. Besides being more informed about the world, I also spend my time profitably. It is indeed a good hobby.
     
bygone   happening in a past time
     
cope with   to deal successfully with a difficult situation
     
informed
having a lot of knowledge
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Horseback riding: Sport vs. hobby

Kent Farrington. Picture Credit: NoelleFloyd.com
A few months ago, before teaching a lesson, I heard a a six year old boy teasing his sister, “Riding isn’t a sport- the horse does all the work!”  I very calmly corrected him, in defense of his sister and myself.  His mother responded, “He’s only teasing his sister.”
For over 20 years, I have been defending my SPORT.  I have been teased, not only by my own brothers, but by gym teachers and other “sports” or “athletic” people.  Many people classify riding as a hobby, where the horse does “all of the work” and the rider is “just along for the ride.”
I guess, for some people riding can be a hobby.  I have never looked at my sport that way, but for argument’s sake, I will try.  There are plenty of people in the horse world that are much more casual than I am.  (A nice way of saying that I am incredibly intense.)  Even at show barns, there are people that breeze in once or twice a month, putter around grooming, and perhaps take a lesson if the weather is nice.  For those people, riding is just one of the many things that they do.  I have met many people that just want to enjoy time with their horse, do some work in their lesson or on the trail, and get a little better each time they ride.  (I would like to be very clear- if this is the type of rider that you are, the more power to you.  I know you truly enjoy your rides and your horses and I do love seeing you around the barn.  As a super intense person, I need to learn from you and remember that I am in the horse world because I enjoy it and it is fun- sometimes, I forget that.)
Georgina Bloomberg.
Some people prefer horsemanship to riding.  (I cannot stress the importance of horsemanship!) They prefer to come see their horse everyday, groom, care for, and pamper their animal.  I do know people who LOVE and prefer ground work with their horses.  There are also people that prefer to be spectators; they love to audit clinics, watch horse shows, or even hang around the barn and watch lessons.
Okay, so for some people, this might just be a hobby. (Maybe.)
On the other hand, there are many people that treat riding as a sport.  I am one of those people.  The horse, for me, certainly does not “do all the work” – quite the opposite, in fact.  I am an athlete.  At 1/10 (or less) of the weight of the horse, it is up to my body to control this animal that will eventually become my partner, my teammate.
Lillie Keenan. Picture Credit: The Chronicle of The Horse.
For those that don’t think riding is a sport, I ask: how does a horse know what to do when you ride it? Magic?  As some one who has been the first person on a few horses, I can tell you, it is not magic.  It’s strength and skill.  It is knowing where exactly to put you left calf muscle, while knowing what to do with your right pinky.  It is having control over every single muscle in your body and knowing what to without watching your body work.  (We all know what happens if you look down!)
The statement I often hear is, “Okay, well riding is a physical activity, but what about competition?  You can’t have a sport without competition!”  I am no stranger to “typical” sports.  My family boasts college and semi pro athletes in baseball and football, my grandfather is even a Major League Baseball Scout.  I have been involved in “typical” competition from a young age.  Horse shows are more competitive than any other sport I have played or watched.  Our athletes put tremendous mental pressure on themselves and their competitors.  Riders and horses push themselves to their physical limits.  Blood, sweat and tears?  You will certainly find all of those at a horse show.  Under a seemingly cool and calm demeanor, you find men and women that expect nothing less than a perfect performance from their horse and rider team.
So, what is left to prove?  Riding’s physical difficulty?  Take a lesson with me, and of course your upper thigh will hurt, but your abs will hurt for days.  Try to lift up a horse, set him on his haunch, keep him straight – only using your legs, and then squeeze the dickens out of him to try to get him over a jump.  Ask professional equestrians about their injuries; the list will be too long for most people to remember.So if riding is not your hobby, if riding is your sport and some one makes fun of you: Smile.  Remember, you are an athlete.  You have a coach.  You have a teammate.  You sweat, you work, and you have a game day strategy.  You wear a helmet for a reason.  Then, ask them if you can have a piggy back ride… and try not to break their ribs.
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Hobbies of becoming new friends

What's the worth of a life with no fun, joy or sense of fulfilment? Sometimes the daily routine can start to drag, leading to feelings of boredom and unhappiness. When we get lost in work, money, family and relationship issues, we can very easily forget about the other things in life that make us happy.
A 'hobby' is any activity a person chooses to do for fun in their spare time, away from their usual commitments. Unlike pastimes like watching TV or browsing the Internet, a hobby usually involves learning new skills and working towards a goal.
Hobbies can add excitement, diversity and enjoyment to daily life. Through hobbies, people often meet friends and partners, discover things about themselves, develop new skills and find themselves in new situations. Without hobbies, it can become very easy to slip into a routine with no room for fun, adventure, or personal development.
While some people manage to balance their hobbies with their daily routines, some struggle to find the time or energy to have a hobby, and others simply lack the confidence or motivation to start something new.
If you're getting a little bored of life, or you're looking to build new skills, meet new people or simply change the way things are going for you, then getting in touch with a life coach could be the first step on the road to improvement. Whether you need help finding your feet, making time to get out and do things, or building the confidence to fight any anxieties you have about starting a new hobby, life coaching could provide the support and guidance needed to get you there.

Do I need a hobby?

The phrase 'I need a hobby' is searched over 8,000 times on Google every month. While some people are lucky enough to already have a natural interest, most of us continue to search for that ideal hobby well into adulthood.
Some of the most common reasons people feel they need a hobby include:
  • Boredom - The everyday routine can get monotonous if you fail to make time for fun and diversity. Often, people decide they need a hobby because they're simply bored of life and want something new to open doors and spice things up.
  • Inadequacy - It's not unusual to feel inadequate when you see other people fill their lives with extra-curricular activities.
  • Personal development - It's good to feel like you're progressing towards something in life. Many people take up hobbies to learn new skills and build on their strengths.
  • Meet new people - Moving to a new place, experiencing a massive break-up/loss, or simply wanting to make new friends are all reasons people feel they should start a hobby. 

Benefits of having a hobby

Hobbies are limitless in their ability to enrich lives and create opportunities. Anyone can start a hobby. Even if you've never considered yourself to be particularly talented, how will you ever know the true extent of your ability unless you try things? For all you know, you could be a whizz at surfing, or a professional flamenco dancer in the making!
The more you try things the better you'll get to know yourself, and the closer you'll get to finding fulfilment.
If you're in two minds about starting a hobby, then it might be worth considering some of the potential benefits...

Life skills

Every kind of hobby requires a certain amount of skill. From footwork in tango dancing to muscle strength in weight lifting, from concentration in woodwork and creativity in writing - it takes practice to hone a craft. However, the sense of achievement you gain from progressing week by week is unrivalled.
As well as learning skills specific to the hobby you choose, you will also learn other, more general life skills. These include:
  • Communication skills - If there is a social element to your hobby, then you will no doubt have to interact with other people from a range of different backgrounds, ages and personalities. It's not often that we have the opportunity to get to know people outside of our families, social groups and work-lives.
  • Persistence - Doing something you really enjoy makes it easier to keep going when things get tough. Having this experience will help you realise that achieving goals takes patience and persistence - qualities you can take with you into other areas of your life.
  • Self-discipline - Sometimes it's difficult to get up and do things. The temptation to procrastinate can mean many of us let our creative energies sap away in front of the TV or Internet. You can't get good at something if you keep missing sessions, or taking short cuts. Having a hobby is a commitment and it takes a high level of self-discipline to keep it up.  

Employability

Employers look to the 'hobby' section of potential candidates' CVs to get a better idea of who they are and where their interests and skills lie. It's true - our hobbies do say a lot about us. For example, you might expect someone who puts 'reading and writing' to be more introspective and quiet than someone who puts an active, group activity like 'synchronised swimming', or 'volunteer work'. If you're trying to increase your employability then starting a new hobby is a great place to start. Even choosing something free and simple like running can demonstrate you have will-power and self-discipline.

Mental wellbeing

According to mental health charity Mind, "Good mental health isn't something you have, but something you do." Reserving time for yourself to do the things you enjoy doing is an important part of mental wellbeing. Work and relationships are equally important parts of life, but they should not dominate it. Having personal interests, goals and pastimes are also very important. Hobbies will keep your mind occupied, build your self-confidence and give you a sense of purpose and achievement necessary for mental well-being.

Physical health

Of course, not all hobbies are good for your physical health. Hotdog eating contests, for example, are not very healthy. It goes without saying that active hobbies like rock climbing, sports, athletics and weight lifting are all fantastic for boosting physical health - but even non-active hobbies can be good for your physical health. For instance, even standing in a studio for band practice, or sitting in a classroom learning French, uses up energy and stimulates your body more than going home and doing nothing.

Self-esteem and confidence

Low self-esteem is the feeling of not being good enough. If you ever start to doubt your abilities, or lose sight of your own worth, then starting a new activity could help you build the confidence to enjoy being you.
Often, people with low self-esteem are just as capable of doing things as people with high self-esteem; however, in believing they can't do something, people with low self-esteem massively limit themselves.
Part of personal development in life coaching is about realising your virtues. If you never take the time to explore your abilities, then how are you ever going to reach your full potential?
Starting a hobby in something you find interesting could help you identify your strengths and finally break out of destructive thought patterns.

Meet new people

One of the greatest things about starting a hobby is that you get to open up your social life and meet new people. Even if your hobby is something solo like knitting, or reading - simply having the hobby connects you in some way to all the other people out there who also like knitting and reading. You can join Internet forums, book groups, wool conventions - the possibilities are endless.
Many life-long friendships start with a mutual hobby or interest, and joining a group is a great way to meet potential love interests.

Change your life

Although the main purpose of having a hobby is pleasure and recreation, having one often leads to more significant things. For example - many technological developments are made not by professionals, but by individuals playing around with equipment at home. Take the modern phenomenon of Facebook - what started out as a hobby in a student's dorm soon became a multi-billion pound website with the power to change the way humans communicate forever.
Who knows, your quiet interest might just be the beginning of something much bigger. If you don't explore that hobby and hone your talent - how will you ever know?

Downsides of having a hobby

There are some people in life who seem so multi-talented and busy that it's exhausting just being around them. These people seem able to juggle parenting duties with global travel, high-powered careers with exercise, charity work with socialising and so on. But just how do they do it?
Not all of us possess the energy, motivation or inclination to try our hand at every single hobby going, while others don't feel happy until they're immersed in something that challenges them.
While it's beneficial to have hobbies, getting stressed and feeling inadequate for not having one is not good. If you feel happy with the way your life is then don't feel pressured to spend money and time doing things just because you think you should. Hobbies are fantastic for people who have a particular interest they'd like to pursue, or for those who feel like their lives aren't quite satisfying them - but for people who are perfectly content spending time with friends, relaxing and enjoying their current routine, there may be no reward in starting a new hobby.
The downsides of having a hobby include...
  • Time commitments - Most hobbies require you to set aside time every week to do them. Once the novelty of starting something new wears off, your hobby might feel more like a chore - especially if it takes a great deal of training and commitment.
  • Money - Some hobbies are free, while some - usually ones that require specialist equipment, like scuba diving and rock climbing, cost a significant amount of money. It's worth considering whether you can afford to continue your hobby once you start.
  • Energy - Again, the amount of energy you need for your hobby will depend on what kind of hobby it is. If you have an active job, you might feel too tired at the end of the day to do your active hobby. Likewise - if you spend your whole day sitting down at work, you might not feel like sitting down to paint, write, or sew when you get home.
  • Frustration - Starting hobbies only to realise they're not as enjoyable or fulfilling as you hoped can become quite frustrating. Even if you do enjoy your hobby, there often comes a plateau-point. This is the point at which you stop progressing and often have to put even more time, energy and effort into edging forwards. Failure can be frustrating and it is important to think about what impact this might have on other areas of your life. 

How could life coaching help me?

Starting a new hobby takes confidence, there's no doubt about it. People can be put off by thoughts such as:
  • What if I fail?
  • What if no-one likes me?
  • What if I make a fool of myself?
In some cases, you might even be afraid of coming to harm. Extreme sports are addictive and fun, but they are also dangerous.
Whatever you anxieties are, a life coach will be able to help you sort them into a rational order so one by one, you can look at what they mean and learn to overcome them.
During your session, you might be asked the following questions:
  • Why do you want a hobby?
  • Where do you think your strengths lie?
  • What skills do you hope to build on by starting a hobby?
  • Do you have any concerns about starting a new hobby?
By considering your motives for wanting to start a hobby, and looking at the obstacles standing in your way, you could put yourself in a better position to make a decision.
A life coach will help you:
  • build the confidence to try something new
  • understand your need for a hobby
  • make time in a busy schedule
  • believe you can succeed
  • decide which hobby is best for you.
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Hobby of Jumping


Track My Hobbies
BASE jumping is a sport where the user straps on a parachute and jumps off of a fixed object (ie not a airplane). BASE is an acronym from the various different objects from where a user can jump:
� Building
� Antenna
� Span
� Earth

Below is a terrific introductory article where you can learn the basics and how to get started. You can help grow our learning community by contributing your knowledge to the article. Just click on the edit tab in the wiki article below.

Use the white subtabs above to navigate the other Base Jumping resources. We have a Base Jumping forum where you can get your questions & doubts answered, a page with Base Jumping how-to videos, a page with the best handpicked links to other sites, and a page with the best Base Jumping books and products.

Good Luck and Have Fun!
Duncan Davis


Introduction


When it comes to the intense and electrifying recreation of parachuting, it isn’t always possible to find a plane, or the money to rent a plane, that will bring you up to the right altitude and let you jump from it. The free-fall from such heights can be described as exhilarating, spiritual, and rejuvenating, but sometimes people want a more immediate thrill, and sometimes something with just a little more risk.



This is where base jumping comes into play. The idea of free-falling from an airplane appears to have, somewhere along the way, lost its appeal to the more die-hard adrenaline junkies, and base jumping came into being.



Base jumping is a recreational activity where a person straps a parachute to his or her back, just as though they were going to skydive, and instead leaps from a tall structure, or cliff, for example. There are practically no limits any longer to what base jumpers will leap from, but the most popular choices remain bridges, buildings, antennae arrays, and cliffs.



Base jumping offers plenty of exhilaration and adrenaline-inducing excitement, and it also comes with risks that are both common to skydiving, and others that are unique to base jumping itself. Whenever a person leaps into the air and falls hundreds or even thousands of feet to the ground below, there are a number of things that can go wrong. Fortunately, parachutes have residual backup chutes in case the primary fails for some reason. In base jumping, there is significantly less time to make corrections in the event of a catastrophic failure.



Also, wind currents that are common around major structures, such as buildings and bridges, can pose some risks to the base jumper, by threatening to push him or her toward the structure, rather than away from it. It is akin to swimming in the ocean near a rocky ledge. The currents can drive even the strongest and most experience swimmer into the rocks, causing serious injury or death.



For base jumpers, part of the thrill is in the risk, but there are many things that experienced base jumpers do before a jump that helps to minimize the risk to themselves and others. For those looking for a thrill and relatively easy access to many base jumping points, base jumping offers a quick thrill and a lifetime of memories that one can share with his or her loved ones and friends.



Beginning to learn how to base jump requires some special instruction from experience skydiving and base jumping professionals. There is a technique to guiding oneself to the ground as well as in the actual landing. Base jumping isn’t for the timid or faint of heart, but is more geared toward those thrill seekers who seem unable to get enough excitement.



Hazards and Dangers


As one can imagine, there are many hazards and dangers that are inherent to base jumping. Wind is a difficult factor to predict, especially when presented around major objects and obstacles, such as buildings, bridges, and around cliffs. Even when wind appears to move in one steady direction from the top of the structure one wishes to jump from, it can be completely different along the path down to the ground.



Several people have died throughout the years from base jumping and many of them have suffered their fate due to a lack of preparation, being in a rush, and basically not taking into full account the factor of the wind direction. When jumping from a tall building, for example, one could find themselves being pushed into and slammed against the building before they have a chance to open their chute. This can also occur after the chute is opened, causing the lines to tangle.



Another common hazard are cable lines or electrical lines. This is especially true of jumping from antennae arrays. Cables that support these tall structures can extend out several hundred feet and while they may not seem to pose much of a threat to the base jumper initially, if the wind drives the base jumper slightly off course, then the cables can become a major factor in their safe landing.




Other Dangers


Of course, the dangers that base jumping pose is not limited to merely physical ones. There are many legal issue to consider when planning or attempting a base jump. Most base jumping activities, at least in major cities, is considered illegal and the result can be arrest, prosecution, possible fines and jail time.



Equipment Needed for Base Jumping


There isn’t a great deal needed for base jumping, but experience is perhaps the most important piece of ‘equipment’ that anyone should possess, long before he or she ever attempts a base jump in the first place. Watching experienced base jumpers makes the sport, or activity, seem simple. It is not.



Aside from the obvious, a parachute especially designed for base jumping (meaning, designed for low altitude jumps), there are many smaller pieces of equipment that could come in handy, especially for evaluation purposes.



Special wind monitoring equipment is one of the most crucial for successful jumps. By carefully gauging the wind, direction, and currents that the wind follows in and around the target jumping platform, an experienced base jumper can determine his or her jump time and path, or whether the jump should even be attempted.



Climbers who seek to successfully summit Mount Everest perform a number of weather readings and tests to gauge whether or not the time is right to make an assault on the summit. No experience climber would ever blindly walk into the unknown when the slightest miscalculation can cost him or her, or one of the people to whom they are charged with safety, is at stake. Base jumping is no different, though far too many inexperienced base jumpers simply climb to the peak of their jump site and take their chances.



Many times, these jumps are successful, but every so often, a base jump ends in tragedy when it didn’t have to.



What Does It Take to Learn to Base Jump?


Unfortunately, for the avid enthusiast who wishes to head out today and learn to base jump, the entire sport or activity requires many years of experience. Most base jumpers have a history of skydiving, having logged in hundreds of successful jumps from airplanes before they take on their first base jump. The reason for this is that in base jumping, there is far less time to make adjustments to changing or unexpected conditions than there is in skydiving.



While skydiving, a person free falls for anywhere from one to three minutes. Some dives begin at an altitude of 15,000 (fifteen thousand) feet. Base jumping can originate from an altitude as low as 300 feet, though this is highly discouraged due to the extreme lack of time to make corrections should something go wrong.



Some base jumpers deploy their chute as soon as their feet leave the solid surface or platform while others prefer to experience the free fall for a few seconds before deploying the chute.



How to Start the Base Jumping Experience


The first thing that anyone should do if he or she is interested in diving into the world of base jumping is to contact a local skydiving professional to begin their lessons. Most skydiving centers do not require the individual to own any necessary equipment of their own as they provide it for their clients.



If you have never jumped from a perfectly safe airplane while cruising along at a high altitude, then you may want to consider a tandem skydive jump first, to gauge whether this is an activity that you truly want to take part in. Tandem jumps require only minimal training in landing, but solo skydiving jumps will require training in pulling the ripcord on the chute, how to manage the backup chute should something go wrong with the primary one, how to maneuver the parachute once open to guide yourself to the proper landing point, and how to successfully land without injury.



Once you perform a solo dive, you will realize just how much there is to learn and how much practice it takes to successfully jump from an airplane. The factors that make skydiving such a wonderful experience and a great way to learn –being in the open with plenty of room to maneuver, for example- is completely the opposite of base jumping.



In skydiving, you have many seconds, even minutes, to absorb the surroundings, a wide open expanse of space in which to make mistakes in the turning of the chute, and usually an open field or waterway in which to land. Even if you’re off the mark by several hundred feet, you are generally safe. Also, in skydiving, under the direction of experienced professional skydivers, you are not placed in any hazardous situation, such as trees or power lines.



In base jumping, there is no room for error and any mistake can be fatal. Most skydiving instructors will discourage the act of base jumping, not only for the issues of safety that have been presented here, but also for the legal aspects. Due to its dangers, most states and countries have laws that prohibit base jumping. But learning to skydive and doing enough dives to master the art from beginning to end is the best way to have success and fun base jumping.



Where to Jump


If you are looking for places to jump, the best way to find the ideal locations is to locate other base jumpers throughout your region, or country. There are usually many forums on which people post their jumps and discuss the sport. You will likely find many base jumpers who are willing to help you take your first steps into this adrenaline rush of a sport, though they will make sure that you have considerable experience skydiving first.



Frequently Asked Questions


Why base jump in the first place?

People who have never performed a base jump and only hear about the dangers, usually after a fatality is reported in the news, wonder what the excitement is all about. For the most part, it’s about the speed and the thrill of leaping from heights and having only moments to safely navigate one’s way to the ground below.

It can be compared to the thrill that some people get when they speed down a narrow road in a sports car. Putting other people at risk, however, should be the last thing anyone should do when base jumping.



I’m afraid of heights. Is base jumping for me?

The answer to this question is simple. It depends. Some people who are afraid of heights have gone skydiving and loved it, and ultimately led to base jumping. Others simply can never overcome their inherent fears. The only way to know is to try a tandem skydive jump and find out if that’s something for you.



Conclusion


While base jumping is illegal in many locations, it’s important to note that this site does not condone any illegal activities in any way, shape, or form. For locations in which base jumping is legal, it is such an intense and dangerous activity that one should seriously partake in a number of solo skydives before ever attempting a base jump.
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Dancing Hobby

Short Paragraph on My Hobby Dancing !
Dancing is my hobby. These days many people irrespective of their age do dancing. While dancing all you need are comfortable shoes and clothes. For instance, you cannot dance ballet wearing loose shoes.
Similarly all kinds of clothes do not match the dance style. For instance, dancing ballet wearing loose clothes will give you a strange look.
The reason behind my dancing is my parents. They are a great source of inspiration for me. They dance with me so that I can dance and take my hobby forward. I never dance in the same style but I like to mix up everything. I know many types of dancing such as Jaz, tap, modern, hip hop, swing and western.
Each type of dance has its own way of moving and rhythm. One has to feel the rhythm & learn the style of dance. I dance because it is the best way to be healthy and keep myself fit. Dance makes me feel relax & happy.
Dancing will always remain a part of my life. It is a kind of sports that every generation enjoys. On every special occasion I feel like dancing. When I dance in the parties nobody can stop me from moving my feet fast in the rhythm of the music. Even if someone does that it’s like applying efforts to stop a natural-disaster. Since childhood dancing is & has been my passion always. Dancing allows me to express my emotions. No matter where I am if music strikes my ears I feel like dancing.
Dancing involves technique, timing, eye and hand coordination, rhythm, emotion and personality. I am always keen to learn new steps of dancing & practice it whenever I get spare time out of my busy school schedule.
I hope someday I will become a successful professional dancer. But right now I have to focus on my studies as well so I am unable to dedicate enough time to my dancing hobby. I am doing stage shows in dancing for 1 ½ years & I am planning to continue this as far as it is possible for me.
I have my dancing group names Hi-Voltage. There are 8 (4 boys and 4 girls) members in my group. Our group competes in competitions & performs at community events and schools.
Among all the forms of dancing I find hip hop quiet interesting and funny. This is because to learn hip hop neither you do not have to be a really good dancer nor you have to buy special clothes to perform it. You can simply wear loose pants & a Tshirt and dance. Every individual has its own unique style in hip hop. One thing which is important is you have to enjoy your dance. I dance because it makes me confident and I enjoy dancing.
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Running

Running

Running is an easy activity to do and enjoy. You can run almost anywhere, and you only need shoes. Unless, of course, you’re running barefoot. Running is good for your whole body and mind. It is a great time to just think or even talk with a friend, coach, or parent. You can run short distances, middle distances, and build up to long distances.

Why Run?


  • It is relaxing.
  • You can run almost anywhere.
  • It is a great way to get exercise for your whole body and stay fit and in shape.
  • It’s fun!
  • It is easy to get started.
  • You don’t need much equipment.


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Getting Started


  • Ask a parent or friend it they’ll run with you, since it’s not safe to go running alone.
  • Start by running short distances, like 1 block, and add more blocks each day or week, depending on how often you run, and keep building up.
  • Once you are at a distance you are comfortable with or that takes about 20-30 minutes to jog, like 1.5 or 2 miles try to run at least a few times a week.
  • You don’t have to add more distance to still get the benefits of exercise- you’ll stay fit even if you aren’t running farther each time your run.
It is important to find a way to stay motivated to keep on running. Enter a school team, or enter a few races for kids or family races and run with your friends and parents. Sometimes all you need is a running buddy and a scheduled time to run to keep motivated.

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How to Get or Stay Motivated


  • Set a regular time to run with a friend, sibling, or parent.
  • Enter races or join a team.
  • Set a schedule for when you want run and set a goal for how long you want to run.
  • Stick to your schedule! If you miss a day, that’s okay, but try to run the next day.
  • Even missing a few runs is fine, just be sure to get back to your schedule.


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Safety


  • Don’t run alone.
  • Wear reflectors at night.
  • Wear shoes that fit right and that are made for running. Shoes for other sports can hurt your feet if you run a in them a lot.
  • Stretch after you run (and before if you have time.)
It’s also important to have fun while you run! Running can be fun if you feel good, are not pushing it too much, and enjoy what you are doing.

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How to Have Fun


  • Run with someone else.
  • Don’t drink or eat too close to when you run or you’ll get cramps (unless you’re having water- but don’t over do it!)
  • In the winter, run on a treadmill.
  • In the summer, run in mornings or evenings so it’s not too hot.
  • Wear sunscreen so you don’t get sunburned.
You can also try out races or triathlons (swim, bike, run) for fun.You can’t just run to be healthy, you also need to eat healthy. Over exercising is unhealthy and can wear you out and injure you, so run just what is comfortable. If you’re training for an event, a coach can help you build up to the distance and teach you how to pace yourself for that race. Running is a great way to have fun and stay in shape, but it is important to remember to run safely and enjoy it.
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What is autoRacing

Although many people believe that Auto Racing is a very expensive hobby because of the expensive cars and track cost, they are wrong. Because of the large number of driving schools and tracks around the country, a couple hundred bucks already gets you professional instruction and on track driving experience in speed cars. There are many types of racing that you can learn, from Nascar type driving to Formula 1 or even Off road racing.

Below is a terrific introductory article where you can learn the basics and how to get started. You can help grow our learning community by contributing your knowledge to the article. Just click on the edit tab in the wiki article below.

Use the white subtabs above to navigate the other Auto Racing resources. We have a Auto Racing forum where you can get your questions & doubts answered, a page with Auto Racing how-to videos, a page with the best handpicked links to other sites, and a page with the best Auto Racing books and products.

Good Luck and Have Fun!
Duncan Davis


Introduction


If speed is your medicine, then auto racing is the perfect hobby for you. Many think of auto racing as just getting behind the wheel of a fast car and going around laps, racing your opponents until that chequered flag is waved and someone ends up winning. In essence, that would be correct, but it’s far from accurate. Auto racing isn’t the world’s most watched sport because it’s fun or because it’s fast. It’s one of the world’s most watched high profile forms of sports entertainment because there’s just nothing else in the world that can compete with it.



Many people assume that auto racing somehow has to do with ‘street racing’ as that consists of automobiles racing, but little do they know that street racing is not only dangerous, but also usually illegal in every country in the world.



Auto Racing is a prestigious racing sport; it’s one where safety comes first, both for the drivers and the spectators. It’s a sport of reflexes, eye coordination, stamina, skill and also intelligence. It’s a strategic sport more than anything else because at the end of the day, in most auto racing categories, all the cars in a particular race are usually of the same class. So they’re of the same weight, go as fast as all the other cars and usually have nothing special more than their color.



Taking auto racing up as a hobby is not for the faint of heart though, and there’s the cost factor to take into account. To take up auto racing, you need to decide what sector you’re going to race in and this usually means a particular type of car to race in. Most races require the driver to be sponsored so you also need to look into that, which usually just means paying a sponsor to sponsor you if you’re just starting out, or impressing them by winning other lower scale events with rented vehicles or as a fill in driver.



To buy some of the cars for some of the more high end sectors in the auto industry could mean paying anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000 or more! Some of the more affordable racing categories just ask you to pay entry fee and you get to use their cars, so that’s always an option too.



Auto Racing Classified


With Auto racing evolving as much as it did, it was inevitable that different branches of the industry would go their own route and different racing categories would emerge. Different race track terrains, different cars, different rules and regulations, different speeds, etc. that all generally led to one thing: amazing races.



Some of the more popular categories in auto racing include F1 also Formula One, which is a yearly championship held that hosts drivers from all over the world driving some of the popular auto brands as well as a few private cars.



Touring car racing is also popular but is considered a totally different style of racing. It consists of production cars tuned up to be super cars that are raced on the track. BMW, Audi and other brands are among the leading manufacturers that generally dominate this sport. It’s mainly watched n the US and that’s where most of the races are held all year round.



Now Sports car racing, unlike F1 is something all hobbyists can enjoy, at a cost of course. These races are similar to F1 and touring cars with the brand automobiles turned into low driving speed demons that truly go where no car has gone before. They’re among the more dangerous types of cars to drive as they have a tendency to life off the ground because of their shape, light weight and the speed they travel at, but that’s not to say any other form of auto racing is safer. These cars have closed cockpits and the wheels don’t protrude like in formula one. They go much faster and were generally built for long races in the Le Mans series which are 24 hour long races. These races consist of multiple drivers for the same car, switching seats every few hours and completing the race. The great thing about Sports car racing is that hobbyists can join in the fun by sponsoring a car, this usually means paying up to around $35,000 to get a leg of a race but it’s an experience worth trying.



In drag racing, the objective is to complete a given straight-line distance, from a standing start, ahead of a vehicle in a parallel lane. This distance is traditionally ¼ mile (400 m), though ⅛ mile (200 m) has become popular since the 1990s. The vehicles may or may not be given the signal to start at the same time, depending on the class of racing. Vehicles range from the everyday car to the purpose-built dragster. Speeds and elapsed time differ from class to class. Average street cars cover the ¼ mile in 12 to 16 seconds, whereas a top fuel dragster takes 4.5 seconds or less, reaching speeds of up to 530 km/h (329 mph). Drag racing was organized as a sport by Wally Parks in the early 1950s through the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association). The NHRA was formed to discourage street racing.



When launching, a top fuel dragster will accelerate at 3.4 g (33 m/s²), and when braking parachutes are deployed the deceleration is 4 g (39 m/s²), more than the Space Shuttle experiences. A top fuel car can be heard over 8 miles (13 km) away and can generate a reading from 1.5 to 3.9 on the Richter scale.



Drag racing is two cars head-to-head, the winner proceeding to the next round. Professional classes are all first to the finish line wins. Sportsman racing is handicapped (slower car getting a head start) using an index (a lowest e.t. allowed), and cars running under (quicker than) their index "break out" and lose. The slowest cars, bracket racers, are also handicapped, but rather than an index, they use a "dial-in". Bracket racing has been viewed as the main cause of the loss of public interest in drag racing. People do not understand why the slower car wins or why somebody needs to hit the brakes to avoid going too fast. Many local tracks have also complained that bracket racers will also go out of their way to spend as little as possible while at the track by bringing their own food, beverages, fuel, and supplies; thus, making it more difficult for tracks to make money on these events. This causes gate prices to rise and tracks losing interest in having such events.



In the USA, and now many parts of the world, another form of auto racing that has become popular is stock car racing. These are light weight closed cars that drive at incredibly high speeds in an over circuit competing with each other. Unlike the other auto racing styles mentioned above, stock car racing is one of the few racing sports where contact is allowed. This means, at unbelievably fast speeds, cars can touch each other. Not to intentionally veer another off course, but to get passed and be done strategically.



A less popular form of stock car racing made popular in the early 1990’s was crash derby. This was an event where anyone with a car could enter. You get a number painted on your car, a helmet and you drive into a ring and start your engine. When the lights go green, instead of racing each other, you step on the gas and head straight for each other; crashing into each other in an attempt to render the other driver’s car useless. The last car moving was declared the winner. Of course, your car would have to be modified and approved by the crash derby association, but that’s not to say it won’t still be fun.



One-make, or single marque, championships often employ production-based cars from a single manufacturer or even a single model from a manufacturer`s range. There are numerous notable one-make formulae from various countries and regions, some of which – such as the Porsche Supercup and, previously, IROC – have fostered many distinct national championships. Single marque series are often found at club level, to which the production-based cars, limited modifications, and close parity in performance are very well suited. Some of the better-known single-make series are the Radical European Masters, John Cooper Mini Challenge, and Clio Cup, and at a more modest budget, Ginettas, Caterhams, BMWs, and MX5s. There are also single-chassis single seater formulae, such as Formula Ford, Formula Renault, Formula BMW, and Formula Vee, usually as "feeder" series for "senior" race formula



Targa is a tarmac-based road rally which is run all around the world. This began with the Targa Florio. There are many races including Targa Tasmania held on the Australian island state of Tasmania run annually since 1992. The event takes its name from the Targa Florio, a former motoring event held on the island of Sicily. The competition concept is drawn directly from the best features of the Mille Miglia, the Coupe des Alpes and the Tour de Corse. Other events around the world include the Targa Newfoundland based in Canada, Targa West based in Western Australia, Targa New Zealand and other smaller events.



How to start


Before you jump into a fast car and go auto racing, be it off-road, on the track or in a F3 or F2 or even F1 race car, try to work your way up the ladder. Start with Kart Racing for example. It’s one of the safest forms of auto racing while still dangerous and very fast. Some of today’s greatest drivers started out with kart racing back when they were younger, some even still Kart Race to this day.



Many cities around the world have kart racing tracks and while not all are professional, most have standard karts than can reach speeds of up to 80kph. Now that’s a lot considering these karts are extremely small in size, can be lifted by one person so are very light, and the tracks are small. Karting is a heavy contact sport as it’s rare to be able to take over or race past an opponent without bashing into them. It’s rather safe and in terms of equipment, all you really need is a helmet. You can drive in whatever you’re wearing at the time, that’s usually not a problem at all. People of all ages can enjoy karting, even the seasoned professionals, you simply go as fast as you want and as slow as you like.



Racing and playing it safe


While Auto Racing is dangerous, there are things that can be done to ensure the drivers safety. Some of the main things to pay attention to include:



Always wear a seatbelt, even in professional races.



A helmet is the only thing standing in between you and a windshield traveling towards you at over 200kph.



Always study the track you plan to race on. Taking the car out for a spin on the track you intend to race on is the surest way of minimizing any surprises. Most raceways allow you to take a few test laps beforehand, sometimes accompanied by other drivers doing the same thing. This gives you a feel for the corners and the track itself.



Don’t take risks. Most of the major accidents in auto racing history were not a result of malfunctions, but rather a result from human error. This was in the form of poor judgement, bad decision making and risk taking. A driver sees an opportunity to overtake even though they know the risk factor is way too high and still take it, putting their life in danger and the lives of everyone in the race too.



Understand your car. It’s common sense to know your car before you race in it. It’s the same way with riding horses for example, you can’t just mount a horse you’ve never ridden and expect it to behave how you want it to. Open the hood of your car and learn about it, learn about the noises it makes, what it sounds like when you’re running low on something or when a part of the engine is overheating. These things will help you become a better race driver; the cars always give you signs before breaking down or acting unpredictably, thereby rending them predictable, given you know what they’re trying to tell you.



Where to race


Not the streets, that’s one place you should never consider racing, even if other options are not easily made available for you. Racing as a hobby is a wonderful sport when done with care and safety first and foremost. Usually, every state and city in your area has either a race track or kart track. Most auto companies have test driving tracks that they actually allow regular hobbyist racers to use.



Find drag strips run by the authorities, that way, you know what you’re doing is legal. There are drag strips made readily available by one of many racing organizations around the world. Some of the best spots are France, Italy, USA and Russia where you’ll find dozens if not hundreds of private held racetracks offering you the chance to get in behind the wheel of a car of your choice and race.



In Germany, the NurgBurg ring allows individuals to drive onto it in their own car, whether it’s race ready or an ordinary one, and go around the track. They pay per lap but it’s affordable, and you can even race with other willing drivers given you don’t make contact. Other tracks like this around the world mean you’re safe, you’re not breaking any laws and you have help and security around you while you participate in what can be a fatal sport.



There are several other tracks around the world like in Tokyo, where the speed limit on all cars is removed, as by law in most countries. Even on tracks, cars are manufactured not to go above a certain speed limit. In Tokyo however, this rule is scratched and you’re allowed to race a car to its fullest performance. Even on the streets of Tokyo, as law, it states that if a car is traveling over the speed at which police cars travel, then they’re not to be chased, that’s why illegal street racing remains a big sport in Asia today.
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Bike Riding Tips

Follow these words of wisdom and you'll feel like a pro in no time.
Group Riding
Before you join a group ride you should know how to change a flat tire and how to drink while riding. Always arrive 15 minutes early—the posted time is the time they usually leave the meet area. If it is your first ride with a group tell the leader and talk to the people on the ride if you're having trouble.
Know that the posted speed is the average speed, you may go faster and slower than that speed. During the ride be aware of people and obstacles around you. Always tell the ride leader or at least someone when leaving the group. If you ride in front of the ride leader, the leader is no longer responsible for you. If you are in a pace line, keep it smooth: Don't brake, don't speed up when taking your turn at the front, be careful when standing up so not to cause your bike to kick back, point out obstacles, don't stare at the person's wheel in front of you, and please don't hit it. 
Do not try a ride longer than 50 percent more miles than you have previously ridden. If a you want to ride a century, you should build up to it by doing successively longer rides each weekend in the six weeks leading up to the big event.  
Cotton
Don't wear it unless absolutely necessary, that includes underwear. Bike shorts are designed to be in direct contact with your skin. The padded chamois usually has anti-microbial fabric. Cotton soaks up moisture and can cause chafing or blisters.
Tire Pressure
Check tire pressure before every ride. Riders often overlook pressurizing tires and ride on under inflated tires. This can increase the chances of pinch-flats. Inflating to the maximum pressure, however, is often too much. Tires that have too much pressure are more susceptible to punctures and wear faster. Also be careful about keeping your bike in the car in the summer, the tube may burst or go flat.
Chains
The chain is a critical part of the bike's performance and safety. Clean and lube it often. Most chains should be changed after about 2,000 miles but there are tools available to check for chain stretch. When purchasing a new chain, know if you need an 8, 9 or 10 speed chain. You will need a special chain tool to remove and replace the chain, unless you have a master link. Measure the new chain again the old chain once it is removed. If you are unsure how to do this, visit a local bike shop and they will replace the chain for you for a small fee.
Seat Height
Correct seat position allows for a slight bend, about 30 percent, in the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke. You're not supposed to reach the ground while sitting on the seat. A low saddle stresses the tendon that connects your kneecap to your tibia. A high position forces you to reach for the pedals, which can strain the tendons in the back of the knee, so if your knee hurts in the back, lower your seat. If it hurts in the front, raise your seat, but only move it in small increments until you reach the best height for you. All this assumes your bike is the correct size for you.
A professional bike fitting is well worth the money. Ask the bike shop where you purchased the bike if they do a professional bike fit.
Fuel

Drink before you're thirsty and eat before you're hungry. Some believe you should drink every 15 minutes and eat every 15 miles. Hunger and thirst signals mean that your body is already lacking something. You don't want to bonk it can be ugly. Handy fast snacks include; gels, Fig Newton's, food bars, honey, trail mix and PB&J. This is especially important when riding more than 50 miles.
You really need to pay attention to eating nutritious foods and stay well hydrated in the days prior to a long ride. In addition, make sure you bring more water and food than you think you'll need on the ride. On rides longer than an hour, a recovery drink should be consumed within 20 minutes after getting off the bike.
Pedals
Ditch the flat pedals and toe clips, you will become more efficient when pedaling with clipless pedals. With clipless pedals you can learn to pedal more efficiently. Imagine tracing a circle with your heel: concentrate on pulling up, pushing the pedal across the top, and pulling backward at the bottom as if you're trying to scrape mud off the sole of your shoe.
Gears
Shift your gears. When you slowly push hard gears your leg muscles do most of the work. Spinning smaller gears and pedaling faster transfers the workload to your aerobic system. You'll find a sweet spot where no part of your body feels like it's working too hard. So if you're tired in the legs, shift to an easier gear. If you're tired in the lungs, shift to a harder gear.
Also, remember to clean your cassette at least monthly. If shifting is rough, makes a lot of noise or the chain skips, the cables may have stretched and you will need an adjustment. If you are unsure of how to do this, visit a local bike shop and they will do it for you for a small fee or possibly no fee if you purchased the bike at the shop.
Road Rules
Hold your line, don't cross the center line, ride no more than two abreast, don't ride on the shoulder, obey the traffic signs and signals, ride and act like you are driving a car. Check your state's Department of Transportation for more information about cycling safety.
Active logoIncrease your confidence at a cycling event.
Lehigh Valley Cycling Examiner Sallie Urffer is a master competitive cyclist, bicycle race official, bike shop sales associate, cycling advocate and volunteer.
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