Cricket, Lovely Cricket

All over the globe, there are aspects of life that can make noticeable contributions to the very identity of a particular location, and in England it’s the game of cricket. The sport is popular in various pockets of the world such as Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, the Caribbean and the Indian sub-continent, but in many countries it’s rarely played and sometimes barely even understood. But if you have never really seen what the appeal of it is, perhaps it’s time to try a little harder.

Cricket has been around for centuries, and it’s a huge contrast of a sport. It can be slow-paced and cerebral, yet it can also be wildly exciting and abandoned. On some occasions it rewards patience, yet on others it requires throwing caution to the wind. It has always been thought of as a gentleman’s game, but it produces occasional bouts of ill-temper and gamesmanship that will hit the headlines all over the world.

The rewards in the professional game are plentiful if you get to the top of the tree, but no-one has ever played the game just for the money. Fast bowlers from Pakistan, all-rounders from West Indies and opening batsmen from … Read more at FryingPanSports

Top 5 Travel Destinations for Extreme Sports Enthusiasts

Top 5 Travel Destinations for Extreme Sports Enthusiasts

Whether you are a scuba-diver, sky-diver, mountain climber, bungee-jumper or white water rafter, one thing is certain: these are extreme sports that only a select few are comfortable participating in.  Chances are, you love more than one of these sports and do them every chance you get. Here are some top travel destinations for the extreme sports enthusiast.

1)      Hawaii: This is one of the most beautiful places on earth, with clear-blue beaches and an abundance of marine life. You will find many opportunities such as scuba-diving, snorkelling, sky-diving and bungee-jumping. Whether you want to jump out of a plane to see the beautiful islands and scenery, or dive down 200 feet to see ship wrecks and corals, this spot is heaven on earth.

2)      Ottawa/Quebec: Ottawa provides one of the best white-water rafting experiences in North America; if you’re into sky-diving you can go to the Ottawa/Gatineau airport in Quebec. You will see breathtaking scenery, as well as the St. Lawrence River. This is definitely an extreme sportsman’s dream come true.

3)      Australia and the Great Barrier Reef: This famous reef is a picturesque sight of beauty. Snorkel or scuba dive … Read more at FryingPanSports

Bushcraft experiences in and around the Peak District

For adventure lovers and outdoor types, the Peak District Derbyshire area is a great place to experience bushcraft. With stunning scenery, dense woodlands, miles of trails and pathways, rivers to cross, and hills to climb, there are ample opportunities to hone your survival skills. An organized course is the best (and legal) way to enjoy wildcamping and bushcraft.

Bushcraft courses usually take place over a weekend, so those wanting a true Peak District experience could choose to make a holiday of it, and stay in one of many stunning Peak District cottages in the area.

Bushcraft is essentially survival skills, living in the natural environment, and using your surroundings to thrive. Used for centuries in Australia and South Africa, bushcraft has gained recent popularity in the UK with Ray Mears’ television series. Wildcamping is technically illegal in England, so bushcraft, camping and survival courses are great ways to experience the outdoors without the trappings of a conventional campsite.

There are now plenty of places to enjoy bushcraft experiences in the Peak District area. Organized outdoor adventures, led by qualified guides and instructors can be incredible learning experiences for the whole family. A weekend experience is a great way to begin … Read more at FryingPanSports

What makes the Masters so Unique?

I was in my local watering hole the other day for a pleasant Friday afternoon pub dinner, only to find a golf tournament being shown on the big screen slightly surreal but none the less enjoyable. It seems that every time the PGA or European tour come through, not too much attention is paid to these relatively high stakes competition but when the Masters comes along even the most passive of a Golf enthusiast are truly engrossed in the four day tournament this year held in Augusta.

As I found myself enthralled by the amazing shots and the drama of the game at hand it caught me unaware that an hour had passed and I hadn’t taken my eyes off the screen, watching each and every lusciously carved shot by Schwartzel.

Obviously it is a Major Tournament and the golfer is judged on how many Majors they win over the course of their career, but there always seems to be an extra feeling of urgency when it comes to each player’s shot. On paper it is just another major and the money would pale in significance to what I feel is the major factor that inspires the pressure and … Read more at FryingPanSports