Geek Outdoor Hobbies? 163
Embedded Geek asks: "My wife and I, in an effort to get more exercise, have recently begun geocaching, which is basically global scavenger hunt using GPS. We have also been active in the Society for Creative Anachronism and my friends are always trying to draft us into paintball. While we're having a blast with all these, I wanted to see if other slashdotters could suggest more geek style, outdoor hobbies that would appeal to a pair of pasty faced nerds like us."
Not exactly outdoor, but out of the house (Score:2)
Re:Not exactly outdoor, but out of the house (Score:4, Interesting)
Laser Quest isn't as fun - but it's not anywhere near as expensive, either. After charging plenty for entry they hit you with huge bills for the ammunition as well. Ouch.
Re:Not exactly outdoor, but out of the house (Score:3)
LQ (Score:1)
I play... Colorado springs... well i used to, i recently moved and havent played lately.
-Tim
Re:Not exactly outdoor, but out of the house (Score:2)
Sad but true, we're big enough geeks we play laser tag competitively. There are some cool factors to consider:
1: There's centers all over the US and Europe. You can make a decent hobby out of travelling from center to center and beating down on other players.
2: Regional and National tournaments are in different centers each year, kinda like the Olympics. It's a great excuse for a couple trips out of town to drink with a crazy batch of folks.
3: You're shooting lasers at each other. How cool is THAT? The technical discussions about pack tech are interesting. LQ uses activator buttons made by the same company that made the nifty Java Rings that were floating around a few years back (Dallas Semiconductor).
4: It's a real sport. We can sit and shoot the shit about tournaments, team line ups, tactics, strategy, beer, chicks, whatever. Questers are an interesting batch of people.
5: A decent number of us players are geeks in the IT field. There's even a newsgroup, dedicated IRC server and a few team home pages floating around. (Email me if you're bored or interested). I'm a network engineer myself (unemployed, at that, hire me), I know one of the guys in Fullerton works for Blizzard. There's even a center in Silicon Valley, right across the street from an SGI office.
6: It's fairly cheap, compared to paintball. Most centers offer regular events for members (cheaper game play, as well), in addition to special holiday events.
7: If you have kids, you are instantly The Man for taking them. Beats the crap outta Barney themes for birthday parties.
8: Chicks dig guys with fast reflexes and physical coordination. =) If you've never seen someone dodge a beam of light, you will.
Re:Not exactly outdoor, but out of the house (Score:2)
Outdoors? (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Outdoors? (Score:1)
Re:Outdoors? (Score:1)
Outdoors defined. (Score:1)
Re:Outdoors defined. (Score:1)
Re:Outdoors? (Score:1)
oh, there's a big ball of bright light there too...
Re:Outdoors? (Score:1)
Isn't your computer facility equipped with a big room [tuxedo.org]??
Ian
Re:Outdoors? (Score:2)
Re:Outdoors? (Score:2, Funny)
The large doors unlock with a thudding of large electromagnetic bolts and the group huddle in the doorway at the sight of the 'Aht-Darz".
After some moments one of the team surveys the situation with a considered critique... "Its disgusting, doesn't anyone ever clean the floors here?". True to form the floor is covered in what appears to be a complete covering of trampled months old pot noodle dinners.
A second team member points out a rather ragged pillar which has been covered with detritus, "and look at those wireless lan antennae, disgusting!", while with much muttering comes a complaint from one of the more junior team members. "and I wish someone would turn down that awful lighting
With that we leave our group of intrepid junior programmers to the horrors of the camping expedition.
Uh... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Uh... (Score:2)
Well, you can seriously get into the geekier aspects of SCA, like ArtSci, and try to recreate ancient weaving techniques or calculate precisions of mideval navigation devices (a friend of mine wrote 80 pages on period holes. The kind in privys. Not the board, not the ditch - he wrote about the hole in the board. Just the hole). Or you can firewalk and find a campsite full of kindred spirits heartily singing science fiction and fantasy filksongs. Or you can always find a BDSM encampment. Knot theory is geek, last I checked. Ahem. ;) The SCA is a pretty large group, and there are metric tons of subgroups.
--
Evan
Re:Uh... (Score:1)
M'lord, if you wish to troll, why not wrap yourself in armour and jump on the field
Re:Uh... (Score:1)
Come See the Endless Hills of AEthelmaerc [cjb.net]
Re:Uh... (Score:1)
You know I once got really bad service and food from a takeaway once
By your post, you didn't 'grok' the whole thing. By your post, it's good you didn't return.
May you find what you're looking for
Biking (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Biking (Score:2)
You could easily walk these trails but you can cover so much more distance with a bike. You end up finding things you wouldn't find walking because you never would have gotten there on foot. I'm talking about everything from the landscape to hidden streams and ponds. You can always progress to the more rugged terrain later on if you want. I do that now but more for exercise than for enjoyment.
A decent GPS will cost you about $200-$300, whereas a decent mountain bike will cost you around $600-800. I would not suggest going to Sports Authority or similar sporting goods stores. Find a bike shop that sells decent bikes ( like Gary Fisher [fisherbikes.com], Specialized [specialized.com], Iron Horse [ironhorsebikes.com] or K2 [k2bikes.com] ). Go in knowing what the bikes cost on-line. I find that the people that work at the little bike shops know what their talking about. Also, if you can afford it, don't buy a cheap bike. Cheap mountain bikes aren't mean for really rugged terrain. It may also cost you more in the long run in maintenance.
I plan on integrating my photography hobby in with the trail riding eventually. You can get photographs of things that most people never see.
Re:Biking (Score:2)
We've had a blast ever since. We setup a website MTBMadness [lottadot.com] (slash-based [slashcode.com]!) to put information online. We take the digital camera with us whenever we go riding, and put the pictures online.
We've since hooked up with local mountain bike groups, as well as state-wide and multi-state, so as to go on group rides.
It's a blast, and it will definitely get you into shape real quick. I still don't like uphill climbs, but the downhill that comes after one makes it all worth it.
Walking! (Score:4, Interesting)
Walking is extremely good for you and difficult to find excuses against. Bad weather? Just makes it more interesting.
Walking forces you to interact on a human level. Which is either good or bad, depending on you point of view.
Re:Walking! (Score:3, Interesting)
Another way to get exercise is to go to a trade show of some field you're interested in, like the auto show or DV expo. You're on your feet a lot. Just watch for the absymal food [amazing.com] served at convention centers; take a break to go to a restaurant instead. (The link is to my own pictures, by the way. Camera is my spiffy Canon EOS D30 which I bought in January, shortly before the D60 came out).
If you live in a neighborhood with comically expensive real estate, you can always check out a few land listings. They're fun to look at because you can generally wander the land at will [amazing.com] (again, my pictures, taken with my Canon XL1 MiniDV). In Los Angeles, TheMLS.com [themls.com] has land listings.
Hope that helps.
D
lost then gps (Score:1)
Re:Walking! (Score:5, Funny)
Day one, January 3rd The inside of my glove.
Day two, January 4th The inside of my glove.
Day three, January 5th The inside of my glove.
Day seventeen, January 19th Still the inside of my glove. Man I can't wait for Spring.
Re:Walking! (Score:1)
you read about pham nuwen? He could read with his palm too
He had some localizers to help of course.
B^)
Re:Walking! (Score:1)
If I can get up early enough, I usually walk to work. Not only do I get some exercise, but I don't have the hassle of searching for a parking space. I found a dried up frog once that my kids think is really cool too. The only downside are the people who defecate on the sidewalk or those who let their pets do the same and don't clean up after them.
Camping... (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Thats called backpacking (Score:1)
eXtreme Croquet (Score:2, Informative)
Rollerblading + Paintball (Score:2)
Personally, I put my laptop into a backpack carrying case, strap on some blades and go. At about the half-way point on my normal path, there's a coffee shop with outdoor tables... buy a coffee/Pepsi/fruit juice/whatever, sit at a table and pull out the laptop. Code for a bit (or whatever computing endeavor tickles your fancy that day). When you're done, pack up the laptop again and go home. Total time is usually a few hours by the time you're done, and you can actually get some work done while you're at it, if you're so inclined.
Paintball, naturally, is a blast. This is the time that you get back at people who blasted you in Quake... and it's much more... painful... for them.
- Jester
Re:Rollerblading + Paintball (Score:1)
Rollerblading *and* Paintball? (Score:2)
Autocross (Score:2, Interesting)
Not really exercise, but it gets you out in the sun. And if your heart isn't racing by the end of your run, you're not doing it fast enough or hard enough.
Re:Autocross (Score:1)
Autocross is fun. True car racing. None of this "My car can drive in a straight line faster than your car can" BS. Autocross is about you, the driver. You don't need any special equipment, but if you want to spend time and money on your car, it'll pay off.
Check out the SCCA [scca.org] site.
Geek is all in your head (Score:4, Insightful)
At the same time, when I'm indoors, I'm constantly into gadgets and computers and other electronic stuff. But I would probably be insulted if someone labeled me as a geek.
My point is, don't think of it from a "geek" perspective. I don't consider myself one, and I don't want to be considered as one, but that doesn't prevent me from reading slashdot and tweaking my computer constantly. Don't let being a geek prevent you from playing football or rock climbing or even sunbathing. Be proud to be a geek. But don't be too proud to have fun.
Re:Geek is all in your head (Score:1)
Personally I'm proud and secure with my geekyness. I make no effort to hide the handful of little electronic gadgets I carry around everywhere. I consider being called a geek to be a compliment and would probably be insulted if someone said I wasn't one.
You're thinking of 'geek' as a stereotype (skinny kid with taped glasses and no fashion sense who walks around talking in computerese), not a state of mind (someone who embraces technology in everyday life further than usual). Nowhere does it say that geeks can't participate in non-geeky activities, simply most geeks choose not to. And I've been up for about 30 hours so if this post makes little sense please ignore it.
disc golf (Score:4, Interesting)
Oh, relaxed is the name of the game also. It is not unusual to see beer drinking and pot smoking on the course and in the parking lots, though this obviously varies a lot course to course
Re:disc golf (Score:1)
Keep your courses clean!
Re:disc golf (Score:1)
You must be a riot at parties.
Do yourself a favor and spend the $10 (Score:2)
Word of advice, leave the pot and beer at home, drink water you'll enjoy the game more and avoid the wrath of other players...
don't forget Ultimate Frisbee (Score:2, Informative)
It does involve some running, but it's non-contact and fun as hell. In fact the most important rule in the game is for it to be well-spirited (and fun). Also, many tournaments involve some wicked partying =)
If you're interested in learning more, try:
What is Ultimate? [whatisultimate.com]
The Ultimate Handbook [ultimatehandbook.com]
or find a team near you. [rochester.edu]
Cycling (Score:1)
Cycling is a great way to stay fit. There are some pretty beefy hills near why I live in the UK. There's nothing better than spending a day blasting down slopes. Strangely enough, pulling yourself to the top of the hill is just as exilarating.
Much fun can be had trying to push yourself as hard as possible on a downhill. All you really need is a speedo. And you get the added benefit of being able to boast that you hit 37 mph on a rocky downhill :)
I've taught myself to use a map if/when the hillfog comes in, but a GPS is always added insurance. And it has the added benefit of allowing you to plot the route that you took.
I find that cycling is a great way to boost fitness levels, and get some proper sunlight exposure, instead of the crappy monitor tan ;) I also find that I spend ages tuning my bike, which gets me away from my computer.
Swimming. (Score:1)
I had to take swimming lessons, because I didn't know what I was doing. It took a few days to get used to the breathing, but now it's not very hard. Now I think it's the absolute best and funnest workout that there is.
Before I started swimming, I could run two miles in about 0:17:22. But after swimming all week, just yesterday I ran two miles in 0:16:16, and it was EASY. Swimming is a miracle workout.
Two words (Score:1)
All terrain vehicles. (Score:1)
Both are very cost prohibitive though. You're looking into just under $10,000 (and even above) for a fourwheeler or a snowmobile. And that doesn't even include all the other stuff you need.
Re:STAY ON THE ROADS!!! (Score:2)
I'm not some mangy hippie, and you just showed your true colors and made all those snowmobiling ATV riding morons look like the clueless assholes they are. If you'd get yer lard ass off yer machine and look at the desert you'd see how amazing and beautiful it is. Sit in the woods/desert/grass/field for 20 minutes and don't move and you'll see how amazing and alive the natural world (especially the desert) is.
My hiking and skiing and other forms of outdoor recreation doesn't impinge on other people's space but yer fucking loud machines do. Thank god we still have wilderness, so there is some peace and quiet.
I'm going to keep putting sugar/sand/karo syrup in gas tanks and cutting spark plug wires till all you fucking obnoxious assholes grow up and learn to respect other people's space.
I'm not a green fascist, I drive a car, I enjoy automobiles, but I don't drive a fucking gas guzzling, road hazardous SUV. I'm pretty happy with the size of my penis and don't feel the need to compensate. I also respect other people's space.
I just wish the ATV'ers and snowmobilers would learn some respect and stay in there confined spaces, they don't understand the effect their machines have.... look up cryptobiotic crust, and see what an ATV can do to the desert environment. Your riding can ruin an eco system for 100 years, and all so you can get your jollies. Fucking rude people piss me off. I respect your right to ride your machine, as long as your respect the place you are riding, but take your ATV off the trail and ruin my forest, and dude its on!
STAY OFF THE ROADS!!! (Score:1)
Moses huh? (Score:2)
Most of you "clueless aassholes" ride too fast, and are inconsiderate of the rest of us that prefer non-motorized activities. Maybe if the participants of your "sport" were less obnoxious and more respectful than those of us that engage in non-motorized activities would be more friendly to your type.
My dog wasn't chasing the snomobile, he was on a groomed cross-country ski trail and popped over the hill and smoked my dog, he was speeding, and intoxicated... I got his license number off his vehicle and sued him and he got fined $50 and didn't even have to pay restitution to pay for my vet bills. Those kind of negative experiences are why some of us who are environmental moderates can get pretty vehemently anti-ORV.
I really doubt I will do more damage to the environment that you will in my lifetime, your argument about me owning 2 or 3 cars is inanane, you'll pbly own as many cars as I will, I don't engage in the use of Off Road Vehicles, I drive a fuel efficient car, not a gas-guzzling SUV like most ATV riders, and I respect the earth.
I've never slashed tires, or done any real damage to anyone's private property, I ust leave nifty little notes on people's windshields.
So please if you feel the need to drive an ATV/ORV stay on the damn trails and respect the laws... whats more American than that.
You are so utterly uninformed (Score:2)
I doubt that the measly license fees that you pay to license your vehicle are close the to extra taxes I pay on my outdoor gear and fishing/hunting licemses. I don't think that ATV's should be banned just that the people that ride them need to gain some respect. I'm not anywhere close to rich or politically connected, you have as much right to use public land as I do, you also have the responsibility to respect that land. My experience shows most motorized recreators lack this respect.
Re:STAY ON THE ROADS!!! (Score:1)
Hmmmmm I have seen plenty of walking trails that used to be beautiful grass turned to mud with just 3 or 4 walkers a day
Re:STAY ON THE ROADS!!! (Score:2)
Overall ATV/Snomobile/Jeep/jetski use is a much more "consumeristic" outdoor pursuit. It is much easier to disrespect someone els's space, and tear up the environment when engaging in one of these outdoor activities than when engaging in the type of non-motorized activities that I prefer. If people just stay on the roads and and trails and respect no-wake zones than we can all peacefully co-exist. Unfortunatly in my experience motorized "outdoorsmen" can't seem to do this. When people disrepect the outdoors, my friends and I sometimes disrespect their machines.
My original post (anonymously to preserve karma)was just to throw out the idea to people discovering the outdoors that respecting the space you occupy is important. Respecting other people and their space is generally not what I have experienced from the motorized outdoor community.
Road Cycling (Score:3, Interesting)
Not Geeky Enough! (Score:2)
Re:Not Geeky Enough! (Score:2, Interesting)
Bike Geeks! (Score:2)
Many bike geeks will spend as much time putting exotic parts on their bikes as computer geeks spend making an clear plastic case with a blacklight or OCing.
Disclaimer: I am both a bike geek and a computer geek.
Heresy!!! Bicycles are EVIL!!!! (Score:2)
Maybe I'm just bigoted because of all the times I've nearly been run over by bicyclists. Not just in Palo Alto (where they're allowed to ride on the sidewalks!) but in nearby towns as well. Yell "crosswalk!" or "stop sign!" at them and they just give you the finger. Obvious acolytes of Satan the Yuppie!
On the sidewalks? (Score:2)
Re:On the sidewalks? (Score:2)
Re:Heresy!!! Bicycles are EVIL!!!! (Score:2)
Re:Bike Geeks! (Score:2, Informative)
Also have a look at the serious end of Human Powered Vehicles for extreme geekiness. Some of the latest speed machines don't have windows - you use a fibre optic camera to a flat-screen display on the handlebars as that improves the aerodynamics.
At the other end you have the Minnesota groups who race ice bikes on the frozen stuff up there every winter and keep it at the reclaimed scrap end of technology (but with just as much innovation when it comes to finding something that will grip on ice...)
Lots of stuff on the geeky end of bicycling at http://www.ihpva.org
A UK based magazine on the wider aspects of cycling around the world is Velovision
http://www.velovision.co.uk
There's even people who ride unicycles off-road (Muni - mountain unicycle - they call at) and a US company, Haluzak, who have been making off-road recumbents for years.
For interesting extras I've had on my bikes over the years the Air Zound (120 Db+ air horn - pumped up by a bike pump) and the Mountain Drive (extra low gears contained in the bottom bracket - really does let you haul heavy loads up mountains) are my favorites.
biking (Score:1)
I wouldn't try to do more than 2 miles a day if your really out of shape, but if you bike regularly you will be able to do 30+ miles really quickly. It's my favorite type of exercise, and it's quit fun. I normally only have to use my car every 2 or three days, or when I am in a rush.
Rock Climbing (Score:1)
Shooting sports (Score:1)
If you want something a little less politically incorrect, there are always the service rifle [odcmp.com] competitons put on by the Civilian Marksmanship Program and the NRA [nrahq.org].
Lots of things! (Score:3, Insightful)
I camp. I walk a lot. I bike a lot. I go take naps in the woods. I garden. I hike. I program on my iBook or my iPAQ (with Squeak) while sitting in the woods, having had to hike a few miles to get to a nice place to sit.
For the biking and walking, I don't go out of my way to do it. It's just part of the way I live. When there's not snow on the ground, it's my main method of getting around. I suppose that's not possible if you're living in some gigantic post-apocalyptic hell hole, though.
And for the other things, I live in a very green town, with lots of nice big parts and a sanctioned green-belt, so taking naps in the woods isn't extraordinary. Just a way of life.
Now, I suppose some people really strive for their activities to be labeled as something a 'geek' would do, trying to live that 'cool' middle school clique feeling that they may have missed out on the first time around. Can't say I identify with that, but to each her own.
So, I suppose you could make the above activities 'geeky' by bringing a PDA and doing something useful with it. If you're not going to do something useful with it, however, do yourself a favor and leave it at home.
For instance, I'll write a bunch of code on my iPAQ. May not be as practical for others, but the programming environment I use on my desktop is the same one I use on my PDA, so code flows back and forth easily, and I can work on the same problems as if I were at my desk. Some people think it's some disgrace to "Nature" to program in the middle of a forest. Frankly, I find it beautiful and peaceful. Especially after a mind-clearing hike. And it sure beats being stuck inside on a beautiful spring day!
Most importantly- have fun!
Re:Lots of things! (Score:2)
Ticks are very common in grassy areas. Laying down on a bed of pine needles is not really tick territory. You're far more likely to get ticks by walking through prarie-type grasslands. However, in field work in wetlands, I've taken offf 40+ ticks in a day...
Re:Lots of things! (Score:2)
The Confluence Project (Score:4, Interesting)
Check out The Degree Confluence Project [confluence.org]
Since most of the easily accessible locations have been photographed already, getting a 'new' point on the map (one that hasn't been visited or attempted) will require a significant period of interface with a non-virtual world.
It'll even exercise your diplomatic interpersonal skills, as some of the 'attempted' sites are on reservations -- since they're a sovereign nation, they can require permits for a visit. Heck, even getting onto private land can be interesting.
( Personally, I'd love to do some of the sites in Montana [confluence.org]. )
Geek + outdoors? (Score:1)
He: Lovely! Our CD & stereo system, portable television, cell phone and portable fax, personal stock ticker and thou. What more could one want?
She: A power failure.
Aislin (Score:2)
Leave your Toys at home (Score:3, Insightful)
If you feel the need to bring a radio or something have the decency to keep it turned down and stay the F*ck away from other people.
I recently went on a 70 mile river flaot trip and the experience was lessened by some damn collge kids with a radio and the audacity to camp like 100 feet from us. We had a hell of a good time sneaking up to their camp site at laughing as they made dinner... what a riot
Please leave your toys at home or figure out how to keep them from being noisy, I go to the wwods to get away not listen to your damn electronics... and I am a serious geek during the week.
Re:Leave your Toys at home (Score:2)
I can understand wanting to have it packed away in your gear for emergencies, people just need to turn the ringer off or turn the phone off while they're out.
Not geeky, or american but Cricket is fun (Score:2)
It's not always a lot of excersise but standing in in a field waiting for a ball to come your way is very relaxing and strangly peaceful.
For fitness there is always indoor cricket but that's a different story...
A couple of options I enjoy... (Score:3, Informative)
My wife and I also took up kite flying together. Before you envision some sedate, lazy, K-Mart delta kite flying (though that can be fun as well), we're flying stunt kites, such as these [prismkites.com] or these [revkites.com]. Some of these are made of fairly exotic materials for extremely light weights, while others pull like trucks. It's even possible to go for a ride with them - three-wheel trikes and hard-pulling kites make for some fast trips across beaches and dry lakebeds [sbbb.net].
Hope this piques your interest!
Re:A couple of options I enjoy... (Score:1)
I fly R/C Sailplanes, and this is great not only for getting outdoors, but also involves (If you so choose) a fair bit of theoretical work (Aerodynamics, structures, etc), _and_ getting your hands dirty with building (Either wood, or for the fancy stuff, carbon fiber, kevlar, etc.). Also some electronics and software (if you use one of the neat computerized radios). And can fulfil the _need_for_speed_.
(The world speed record for R/C sailplanes is around 390 Km/h -- 243 mph).
Check Here [gliderking.com] for some info.
R/C Gliders... yeah! (Score:1)
And then there is Dynamic Soaring, where you can reach ungodly speeds (100 mph is routine). And don't forget slope combat, for you Quake playing folks... intentional mid-air collisions: yee haw!
Went for variety (Score:2, Informative)
Beware of the Day-Star!! (Score:1)
-iie1195
SCUBA opens a whole new realm of toys (Score:2, Informative)
Hiking (or "taking the digital camera and GPS for a stroll" if you prefer) is another favorite. Four-wheeling and boating are other favorites that allow us to get before-during-after geekiness in (generating custom maps, GPS, digital camera). We also enjoy gardening (geek toys: self-installed programmable automatic watering system, digital camera again, and we're working on "bird feeder cams").
Of course, some of what we get out of all this is that there are perfectly interesting non-geeks to meet (I have the digital photos to prove there really are non-geeks in the world!).
Don't go outdoors (Score:4, Funny)
And if these aren't enough to convinve you. Think about all the things you can do with your computer instead of wasting time "outdoors".
Figures. (Score:5, Funny)
What about sex? It can be done indoors or out in a variety of locations and positions, in private or in public (depends on how bold you are I suppose), and is very good for your health. You'd get your daily heart-rate boost, in addition to improving your married life (your relationship with your wife).
And you'll make virtually the entire
The Geek Replies... (Score:2)
Look, I'll get back to you later when we're not, er, busy. (*GRINS SHEEPISHLY*) Thanks for the comment, though.
Hashing!!! (Score:1)
Around here, a hash run is a 4 mile (give-or-take) hounds-and-hare run, that can go through woods, neighborhoods, office parks, fields, etc., usually w/ just enough time to rest if you're not one of the strong running front-runner types. There are usually a couple of beer breaks (with non-beer too, if that's your thing). It's a pretty geeky, very fun crowd. So go find a local chapter [gthhh.com] and go for a run.
On-on!!
-Bill
Sailing! (Score:2, Informative)
Should you need exercise, sail on a Hobiecat. On a windy day, it feels like you're going fast, and trust me, when you're leaning out over the water hanging from your trapiese you're getting tons of exercise.
While Hobie's are cool, they're not designed for beginners. A sunfish is great fun learning. Should you want exercise, flip it intentionally. Sunfishes are near trivial to right, and pretty fun boats to sail. (For those who don't know, a sunfish is a tiny sailboat which can reasonably accomodate one or two people for an afternoon.)
Re:Sailing! (Score:1)
Just like sailing there are a lot of different forces to balance, so an understanding of vectors, moments and aerodynamics really helps.
One word of advice though - get professional lessons!
if ya can. (Score:1)
Float for a day then find a place to camp. Play with your gps, laptop, palm, digital camera.... (gonna need a dry bag or pellican case.) sleep. Repeat until you are at destintaion...
What about Airsoft? (Score:3, Interesting)
The basic nature of airsoft is quite similar to that of paintball - one team must, using a gun shooting non-lethal ammunition, either eliminate the opposing team or accomplish a pre-defined objective. The main differences of airsoft are the facts that airsoft guns shoot 6mm plastic BBs that do not leave paint marks and that the guns are extremely accurate replicas of actual firearms. Because the plastic BB is not as volatile as a paintball, airsoft guns are capable of fully-automatic fire - some at a rate of over 1200rd/min! Also, because the plastic BB is relatively light (usually 0.2g) and the muzzle velocity is usually at around 100m/sec (~300fps), they are quite safe to use in close quarters combat - paintballs tend to make very ugly welts when shot from close distance.
From a geek's point of view, the above facts introduce some very interesting elements. The realistic appearance of airsoft guns gives incredible opportunities to simulate situations in computer games and movies! Have you ever wanted to pull two H&K MP5Ks underneath a long black jacket and blast away? Or jumpdodge over a sofa, firing with two Berettas and grinning like a maniac? How about some live-action Rainbow Six? The possibilities are endless!
At least here in Turku, Finland, the local players get together every week to play short games with simple objectives, such as defending a building/hill/other location, planting/defusing a bomb or just plain capture the flag. Every summer there are some bigger games with a more complicated scenario and up to 200 players in some cases. Some games even introduce some light role-playing elements to the game for additional realism and atmosphere.
There is plenty of information about airsoft on the net, but here are a few pointers to get you started;
Ilendil's airsoft page [saunalahti.fi]
Arnie's Airsoft [arniesairsoft.co.uk]
AirsoftZone [airsoftzone.com]
Re:What about Airsoft? (Score:1)
Orienteering! (Score:1)
Nothing makes a hobby fun like the risk of death.
Urban Scavenging (Score:3, Funny)
It's low impact, and you can smoke while you're doing it (so maybe it's not really too good for me after all...)
Just last night I brought home a new coffee table.
My hobbies (Score:1)
Urban Exploration (Score:3, Interesting)
Check out Infiltration Magazine [infiltration.org] for more ideas
I find, lacking all that, even office parks late at night can be fun, or pool hoping. There's a lot of exercise to be had if you're curious
Also of course check out Google's results [google.com] for Urban explorations, have fun and be safe tho!
Something about extreme sports and geeks... (Score:2)
Not outdoors but... (Score:2)
The Degree Confluence Project (Score:2)
Try Yoga (Score:2)
Not necessarily an outdoor activity and not ostensibly geeky, cultivating a yoga practice is one of the smartest things you can do.
By practicing yoga you will:I like to practice outdoors but it's sometimes difficult to find a peaceful outdoor space without bugs, sand, etc... Good luck.
Junkyard Wars (Score:2)
Re:Fly Fishing (Score:2)