11. Land a Lunker at Flat Creek
Jackson, Wyoming's Flat Creek is to fly-fishing what Pipeline is to surfing, so you're bound to get skunked your first time out. "It's part of the challenge with any spring creek," says 15-year Flat Creek veteran NED HUTCHINSON, a product manager for Cloudveil fly-fishing gear. Here's how he gets his clients beyond "the one that got away" and into that magical place where Zen, an unhealthy attachment to Izaak Walton's The Compleat Angler, and a fluttering heart collide: When you approach the water to scout, stay away from the edge. Better yet, BELLY-CRAWL. Cutthroat congregate under the cutbanks and will spook at almost any disturbance.
(1) Once you spot a worthy fish—18 inches or larger—watch it for a few minutes to time its RISE PATTERN. Count the seconds between rises. Often, cutthroat stay down for a few minutes and then come up to eat three or four consecutive times. That's when you strike.
(2) When it's time to cast your flies—gray drakes, mahogany duns, PMDs, and sneaky terrestrials—PRESENTATION is all-important. Use a 12-to-15-foot leader and pick a spot where you can make a drag-free drift.
(3) Stack LINE SLACK in S-curves so a dragless fly is the first thing the fish sees. And try not to let the shadow of your casting line cross the fish. "Lining" a cutthroat is a sure way to scare it off. Now: Wait for it ...
12. Hire the Right Trekking Guide
Eric Simonson, co-founder of International Mountain Guides, has led trips and hired help in Africa, South America, and throughout the Himalayas. Simonson says: LOOK AROUND. Google, post queries on forums (thorntree.lonelyplanet.com, boards.bootsnall.com), and call reputable hotels.
(1) You want a guide with GREAT COMMUNICATION; talk to candidates about how often they've done your itinerary, what to expect on the trail, and what they pay staff.
(2) Negotiate all costs UP FRONT, especially in Africa—park fees, in-country flights, tips, etc., can be hidden in the fine print.
(3) TRUST YOUR GUT—if a guide doesn't have his act together or won't answer questions, move on.
(4) HELP PROTECT PORTERS by following the guidelines at portersprogress.org.
—JASON DALEY
13. Shag on a Portaledge
So you've just climbed a 5.12 with a 10.0 and you're all sweaty and hot and ... OK, sometimes there's no avoiding getting it on in that tiny bit of elevated shelter. According to one anonymous (and persuasive) climber and pro photographer (no, not Jimmy Chin), sex on a portaledge is A BEAUTIFUL THING, dammit. "All models are going to be strong enough," says ... well, let's just call him Rico, and Rico thinks Black Diamond's roomy Cliff Cabana double portaledge ($700; bdel.com) scores highest for ethereal amore. But "when you let down the shark fin or middle dividers, you slide into a pit and can't move much." As with sex in a hammock, rolling around isn't an option. Instead, choose one position (harnesses allowed) and commit; otherwise the 'ledge might get a bit tipsy. "Baby wipes also make things nicer," he's proud to share. TMI, Rico. TMI.
—JASON DALEY
14. Survive an All-Night Race
Golden, Colorado–based pro mountain biker Nat Ross has competed solo in at least three dozen twice-around-the-clock events—todays' preeminent endurance sufferfests—most recently winning Utah's 24 Hours of Moab in 2006. Here are his tried and true methods for making those long, hard rides as painless as possible: CHECK RIDE424.COM, pick your race, and give yourself six weeks to prepare. Get your bike properly fitted to your body (see wobblenaught.com), then work in some four-to-six-hour sessions and night rides, and train after meals to get used to going hard after eating.
(1) Start out at a COMFORTABLE PACE—it takes a few laps to get your nerves unjangled—then settle into a groove and stay hydrated.
(2) MUNCH on the go: fruit, burritos, mashed potatoes, ravioli.
(3) Rotate water and sports drinks, using different HYDRATION packs for each, and go for 50 to 70 ounces per lap.
(4) PREVENT BLISTERS: Switch gloves and socks, use chamois cream on your nether regions, and align and tighten your cleats.
(5) LAYER for a balance of warmth and wicking.
(6) Oh, yeah: HAVE FUN.
—MEGAN MICHELSON
15. Master the Flick
Your classic backhand throw is great for less intense sessions that may or may not involve doobie and bare feet. But in the hard-charging realm of ultimate Frisbee, the full-field forehand, or flick, is king. Josh "Zip" Ziperstein has won college ultimate's version of the Heisman, a national championship while at Brown University, and a gold medal at the World Games, so we asked him how he gets 175 grams of plastic to make like a thunderbolt flung off Mount Olympus.
GRIP: Place pointer and middle fingers on inside rim of disc, ring and pinkie along outside rim. Grip topside edge with thumb. Extend middle finger and press firmly against ridgeline between inside rim and flat bottom. Press pointer firmly against middle finger. PIVOT, SET, AND WIND-UP: Step out laterally, with leg on throwing side bent at knee. Bring disc behind stabilized body with arm cocked, poised to release, like an open tennis forehand. THROW: Quickly and fluidly bring disc forward, parallel to ground. Snap wrist upon release, as elbow straightens and disc moves past hip. For extra power and distance, step slightly forward with throwing leg, rotating hips away from throwing arm.
—CHARLES BETHEA
