Tarheel Trailblazers Message Board - Choosing another sport...

07/18/25 at 2:44pm

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Choosing another sport... (Read 4484 times)

Banjopickin Big Ring Offline Spinnin' knees & Hittin' trees since '85 Posts: 1805 Location: Pisgah National Forest, USA Joined: 08/01/11	Choosing another sport... 07/04/13 at 3:20pm	Print Post
	Hey folks, After mulling it over for a while, ive decided that Id like to pickup another outdoor sport. I already mountain bike, backpack, and trail run so that narrows my choices down to climbing and paddling. I know alot of you do these and some do both so im asking for help in making my decision. Both look like bada$$ fun but im not real familiar with either. My criteria are: 1. Cost: riding already takes most of my spare pocket money so it has to be fairly inexpensive. 2. Beginner friendly: how easy it is to get into it 3. Low(ish) risk death: which one am I more likely to die doing. Mtn. biking is dangerous but youd really have to do something crazy to die doing it. I doubt ill ever paddle class V or climb El Cap but i dont wanna die doing average stuff. Thoughts and opinions? Thanks

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) Advocat wrote on 08/22/13 at 5:16pm: ...packin some Chub in the back of the pick-up. (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)
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twinsdad Ex Member	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #1 - 07/04/13 at 4:00pm	Print Post
	Hey Banjo, My vote is for climbing...If you want to go super budget start out with bouldering...You can get in to it for a couple hundred...You'll just need a crashpad, shoes and chalkbag....Bouldering is a lot of fun and you can get on many "problems" in one session.... Let me know if you want to head up to the Boone area one day and we can hit up Blowing Rock boulders....It's a great place to get introduced to the sport as there are a ton of problems of varying grades....Crowder's has some decent bouldering for the area but not many beginner problems.... Boone has enough rock to last you a lifetime (and the rock quality is really good)...And if Asheville is in your plans you've got Rumbling Bald (classic!) Check out this video it will give you a good idea of what the sport is like it shows a few of the classic Boone boulder problems: (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)

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PROFLEX356 Coaster Bike Offline Work Ride Tarheel Trailblazers Posts: 154 Location: monroe,n.c. Joined: 08/27/09	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #2 - 07/04/13 at 4:10pm	Print Post
	Paddling! We bought a canoe and kayak. I have about 800 in both with paddles, we already had life jackets. I live close to Rocky River and Richardson Creek here in Union county. So far we have had a ball paddling both and going to Lake Twitty. I have a good friend who is into over night trips and extended canoe trips. We are in the first stages of planning a 3 day canoe trip on the New River now..... If you go this route let me know, be glad to take you along on any trips we do.........

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betty Coaster Bike Offline Do or do not. Posts: 80 Joined: 02/08/11	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #3 - 07/04/13 at 6:42pm	Print Post
	While bouldering is fun to start off; climbing will suit your adventurous personality on a more long term basis. Just sayin'

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TwoNeener Small Cog Offline Root Master Posts: 266 Location: Waxhaw, NC Joined: 12/18/11	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #4 - 07/04/13 at 6:52pm	Print Post
	Pick something you can do in the rain because things have been going lately, you MAY get to ride something this fall. So, I vote kayaking.

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phattire Little Ring Offline Work Ride Tarheel Trailblazers Posts: 892 Location: Corncobb Joined: 07/06/11	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #5 - 07/04/13 at 8:22pm	Print Post
	CLIMBING!!! 5 string I'll take you out.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) MY GRASS IS BLUE!
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slayemf Big Ring Offline Work Ride Tarheel Trailblazers Posts: 1133 Location: charlotte Joined: 02/22/12	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #6 - 07/04/13 at 8:44pm	Print Post
	Checkers....

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PainkillerSPE Big Ring Offline Posts: 1491 Joined: 09/18/07	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #7 - 07/05/13 at 11:33am	Print Post
	I live 5 minutes from Mountain Island and Lake Norman, so I just purchased a kayak and some fishing gear. Took it out for the first time last week and had a good time.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) rob wrote on 05/01/12 at 6:01pm: Shearing the shaft member after a hard ride is acceptable in my book.
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49erRider Ex Member	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #8 - 07/05/13 at 12:19pm	Print Post
	Of course I'm going to say paddling. They compliment each other so well. If it rains, well go kayak, if it doesn't well go mountain biking. Also the kayaking season is during the winter so it helps with that also. I'll help let me know!

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Sandman Big Ring Offline Posts: 2233 Location: Not On the Trail - Studying! Joined: 04/07/05	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #9 - 07/05/13 at 1:20pm	Print Post
	I was in the same situation back in 1996. I was already a mountain biker and attended a NOLS semester in Wyoming and Utah. I fell in love with whitewater kayaking and climbing. When I got home, I saved up and bought a kayak and climbing gear. Kayaking has been by far my favorite. Climbing can be cheaper if you stick to top roping since you won’t need a full rack. Its definitely a personal choice though. I say since the USNWC is right here in Charlotte, go do both. Try them out and see for yourself. If you’re still undecided, take whitewater lessons (or find someone to take you) in the mountains and find some sort of climbing course to do around Hendersonville/Ashville/Brevard (maybe an Outward Bound course). The USNWC is great for a convenient fix but far different than the real thing with a view. You’re welcome to borrow my paddling gear if you find someone to take you out. I don’t have much free time these days.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) "I am losing precious days. I am degenerating into a machine for making money. I am learning nothing in this trivial world of men. I must break away and get out into the mountains to learn the news.” -John Muir
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Banjopickin Big Ring Offline Spinnin' knees & Hittin' trees since '85 Posts: 1805 Location: Pisgah National Forest, USA Joined: 08/01/11	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #10 - 07/05/13 at 1:59pm	Print Post
	slayemf wrote on 07/04/13 at 8:44pm: Checkers.... My cousin lost his left leg in a tragic checkers accident back in '76. He went for a triple jump and fell out of his chair. He still has flashbacks to this day... Thanks for the feedback. Ive climbed before on walls but not the real thing. Paddling looks like and adrenaline rush. Im going to try both and see which one sticks. Ill wait to get climbing gear after i do it a few times. Ive been wanting to get a boat for a while. what should i look for in a boat that can do flat and whitewater(class I-III)? Any good used gear sites? Thanks

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) Advocat wrote on 08/22/13 at 5:16pm: ...packin some Chub in the back of the pick-up. (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)
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Specialist Little Ring Offline The rider formerly known as "Trekker1" Posts: 694 Location: Charlotte Joined: 05/11/12	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #11 - 07/05/13 at 2:43pm	Print Post
	With all the rain paddling might be a useful survival skill to have...

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Sandman Big Ring Offline Posts: 2233 Location: Not On the Trail - Studying! Joined: 04/07/05	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #12 - 07/05/13 at 3:00pm	Print Post
	Banjopickin wrote on 07/05/13 at 1:59pm: what should i look for in a boat that can do flat and whitewater(class I-III)? Any good used gear sites? Thanks People are always looking for combo flat and whitewater kayaks and I always discourage that. If you get one that is equally "good" for both disciplines, they will be equally bad at both. I would say get a good river runner (Remix, Diesel, Mamba, etc) that is good and stable on a variety of whitewater conditions and easy to learn in. Then borrow a kayak for flat water days if you still feel the need to do that. (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) is a good resource for used gear. Craigslist also has some but you have to sift through the muck. The USNWC sells off used boats occasionally. Try out a variety of styles if you take lessons out there.

	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) (Attachment deleted) "I am losing precious days. I am degenerating into a machine for making money. I am learning nothing in this trivial world of men. I must break away and get out into the mountains to learn the news.” -John Muir
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spinsir Small Cog Offline Intermediate Almost Posts: 312 Joined: 07/24/05	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #13 - 07/05/13 at 5:25pm	Print Post
	Banjopickin wrote on 07/05/13 at 1:59pm: My cousin lost his left leg in a tragic checkers accident back in '76. He went for a triple jump and fell out of his chair. He still has flashbacks to this day... I found your cousin's leg. Tell him its not lost anymore. If he gives me an arm as well I will give him some used tires.

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TwoNeener Small Cog Offline Root Master Posts: 266 Location: Waxhaw, NC Joined: 12/18/11	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #14 - 07/06/13 at 4:50am	Print Post
	NOC over on the Nantahala River (west of Bryson City) usually has a fairly epic demo boat sale at the end of the season in September. So maybe use the summer to figure out what you like, demo some things, and then swoop in at the end of the season for a steal. Sunrift in Travelers Rest, SC will occasionally have big demo sales as well. Great Outdoor here in CLT sells a lot of kayaks but I'm not sure if and when they have any reasonable deals going on. I'm pretty sure they have demo events every week or two though.

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49erRider Ex Member	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #15 - 07/06/13 at 10:35am	Print Post
	Just keep an eye out on Boatertalk and buy USED. For the first boat it doesn't really matter. But try some stuff out first and see what you like. I have quite a few boats so I bet between me and Sandman we can get you in quite a few different styles. And yes skip that crossover crap.

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isitwinteryet Big Ring Offline in soviet russia, bike steal you! Posts: 1072 Joined: 06/18/09	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #16 - 07/06/13 at 5:48pm	Print Post
	I vote both

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rokka23md Coaster Bike Offline Work Ride Tarheel Trailblazers Posts: 246 Location: Concord, NC Joined: 06/15/12	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #17 - 07/06/13 at 9:36pm	Print Post
	You could also try disc golf. Lower startup price. Easy access with lots of great courses in the Charlotte area.

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Robert C. Big Ring Offline Leaves are the ultimate trail maintenance tool Posts: 1806 Location: Available upon request Joined: 11/22/04	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #18 - 07/07/13 at 4:04pm	Print Post
	Or kite flying, cost of entry is minimal (about $70 - $125) and it can be a he'll of a workout in heavy winds. Prism kites are the schnitzel

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Delete my Profile B4 I curse Small Cog Offline Posts: 254 Joined: 10/19/08	Re: Choosing another sport... Reply #19 - 07/07/13 at 4:13pm	Print Post
	rokka23md wrote on 07/06/13 at 9:36pm: You could also try disc golf. Lower startup price. Easy access with lots of great courses in the Charlotte area. I have heard that is required that you partake in something called a "safety meeting" every time before playing disc golf? I never played but it sounds dangerous!

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